July 18th ~ July 25th

You, your art, is astounding because it is a window to your inner fire. A fire that burns brighter than the stars…That is why I noticed you then… Why I was enraptured. You stood out among artisans. Among mortals. And I have known many. (Star Father) ~ Charlie N. Holmberg

On July 24th we have a New Moon at 2º Leo 08’, at 3:11 pm EDT (12:11 pm Pacific time; 8:11 pm British Time). The reason why this is such a significant Moon has to do with all of the outer planets being in the first few degrees of the signs they are in. All of them. This means the New Moon on Thursday is opposite Pluto at 2º Aquarius 35’, trine Saturn at 1º Aries 50’, trine Neptune at 2º Aries 04’ and sextile Uranus at 0º Gemini 38’. The New Moon is insinuating itself into this cradle that is forming and re-forming over the year ahead… a cradle that balances all of the outer planets in these early degrees of the fire and air signs Gemini, Aries and Aquarius. 

Before we get to the New Moon next week, we are first needing to navigate our way into the retrogrades of first Saturn and Neptune, and then Mercury newly stationed for its retrograde phase, also in Leo. And as Mercury enters its retrograde phase, it turns its attention inwards, towards the very core of our being, and asks us: What do you want in your heart of hearts? What would make you happy? And what might be standing in the way of that happiness? Is it Fear? Is it avoidance? Confusion? Despair? Just not knowing what that is or could be? 

And then the sunny New Moon in Leo comes along next Thursday, allowing us to touch base with our own heart center. Interestingly, Mercury will make its direct station on August 11th at 4º of Leo, just a few degrees from the New Moon, and well in range of the Air/Fire cradle. There seems to be a process here spanning over the next several weeks. 

New Moons are times for sowing the sorts of seeds that we would like to see come to fruition in the not so distant future. Mercury will station direct just a few days after the Aquarius Full Moon which can also be a time of fruition. 

The reason why we are cautioned not to make major commitments or decisions during the retrograde phases of Mercury, is that we are being asked to ‘reconsider’ our lives from many perspectives, which can lead to us changing our minds, perhaps more than once. And although something may seem like a really good idea while Mercury is in its retrograde phase, this could be a very different case when Mercury returns to its direct phase in August. We are processing, reevaluating, reconsidering, and adjusting. And it would not be surprising if one of those adjustments occurs on or around the New Moon. 

The New Moon in Leo opposite Pluto could feel as if we are being required to make some radical changes due to what feels like dire and oppressive circumstances. Pluto oppositions feel so all or nothing! However, the other planets are trying to facilitate that process, even in the face of what look like powerful forces over which we have no control. Whenever Uranus is involved, as it also is with the New Moon, we are asked to step outside of our comfort zone in some way. To perhaps consider alternatives, or to look at our circumstances from another perspective. Sudden flashes of insight can reveal solutions, where previously we saw none. Or illuminate a new path that we had not even considered! And then with the trines to Saturn and Neptune we are asked to make a commitment to any new or creative ideas that are being kindled in the fires of the Leo Moon. 

As a result, this New Moon in Leo is a Moon filled with potential. Leo is a sign of Joy, Love and Confidence. The sort of Joy that a child feels when they are playing. The sort of Joy that an artist feels at the completion of a project. The Joy that comes with uninhibited laughter and self-expression. The Joy that comes when we awaken our hearts. And because of this Leo New Moon can give us a charge of energy. And a reboot in confidence that can restore our hope to overcome whatever obstacles may be lying in our path.

The New Moon in Leo is a good time to: 

• Laugh out loud. Reclaim your joy. Connect with that heart center, and let it roar. 
• Be proud. Show the world what you can do. This is not a time to be shy. Conjure up your confidence from the depths of your heart and soul, and give it full rein. This is your time to shine!
• Dress the way that makes you happy, dance in your own style, speak your own truth. 
• Begin a new creative endeavor. Take an art class. Redecorate your home. Express yourself in whichever way feels right for you.
• Take part in creative events, going to the theater, attending a show, or going to a nightclub. 
• This is a time to play, and who knows better how to play, than children. Make time for the children in your life (young and old), including your own inner child. 

If you wish to make intentions or affirmations, the best time to do so will be after the New Moon on July 24th thru the Crescent Moon on the 28th. 

Some possible affirmations or intentions for the New Moon in Leo might be: 

• May I allow the vital force of the Solar God fill me with its energy and life sustaining power.
• When I believe in myself, I walk with radiance and confidence.
• May any resistance to joy and happiness be lifted from me. 
• May I speak from the heart, and with the courage of a lion.
• May I be a conduit for the creative intelligence of the Universe.
• I lead by example, channeling love and dignity in all that I do. 
• I am the Sun around which all else revolves, therefore like the Sun, may I bring inspiration and light to all.

Joy is not in things. It is in us. ~ Charles Wagner

For the New Moon for your sign (or natal house placement for the New Moon at 2º Leo) check out this week’s horoscopes:

HOROSCOPES

Image: CrystalWind.ca