Leo New Moon Newsletter🌒
Happy New Moon!
It’s August here in the Adirondacks! The sun is strong, summer produce is ready to be harvested, and we’re receiving the energetic fruits of our exhaustive springtime labors. It’s a beautiful time of the year and we’re starting things off properly with an auspicious New Moon in Leo! Here’s your astrology insight for the next few weeks — there is quite a lot to going on, so take your time and feel free to return to this newsletter throughout the month as different invitations arise.
Sunday, August 4th. Happy New Moon in Leo! Harmonizing with Mars and Jupiter in Gemini, this one is extra elating and supports an aesthetic re-brand, a creative resurgence, a playful romantic renaissance or a bold declaration. It’s a powerful New Moon to re-define or reinvigorate your personal style, to create space for more fun, play and leisure (despite the evil pressures of capitalism), to conduct a love-spell or to make something -- whether it be a playlist, a relationship, a piece of art, an outfit or a flower arrangement, this passionate New Moon is innately bold, flirty, creative and performative, helping us birth, express or announce something that is truly an authentic offering (and with the moon in sync to Mars, we can multi-task more effectively; our instincts reliably direct us toward worthwhile investments of our energy and effort.) It’s a supportive New Moon to initiate a flamboyant, generous or heart-centered gesture (especially with Jupiter’s amplifying influence), to boost the ego by performing well at something you’re innately gifted at and – perhaps most especially – it’s a natural time for new beginnings within relationships, style, romance, art, design and appearances. As with any lunar transit through this sign, don’t underestimate the power of a well-curated playlist, good lighting and the right hair product throughout the New Moon window, during which looking good – and feeling good – is a confidence spell. Other spell ideas for the moment: Picking sunflowers and placing them in vases all over your home, sunbathing surrounded by citrine crystals (pointed toward you), starting the day by saluting the sun or wearing yellow (if the color compliments your skin tone – otherwise, wearing solar talismans has the same emboldening effect.) Venus’s ingress into Virgo coincides with today’s New Moon – the Goddess of Love remains in the sign of the Virgin until the 29th which favors nuanced, intentional self-care and deliberate, intuitive moves involving nutrition, bodywork and/or wellness. In relationships, small gestures or acts of service -- and recalling important micro-details at precisely the right moment – will carry more weight than usual. Regardless of the other astrology in play, this transit sets us up to make wise, discerning decisions in our relationships, as we’re less susceptible to the flattery, charm or steamy pheromonal interplay which can find us rationalizing incompatibility.
Monday, August 5th. Mercury turns retrograde at 4 degrees of Virgo. The Messenger God stations direct on August 29th at 21 degrees of Leo but will remain in the “shadow zone” – i.e., moving en route to returning to 4 degrees of Virgo – until September 12th. To whatever extent possible, I’d recommend following your go-to retrograde protocol for the next five weeks*. I’m emphasizing the Shadow Zone as relevant because – to be frank -- this retrograde is likely to be a doozy, particularly for those with any planets between 21 degrees of a fixed sign (Aquarius, Taurus, Scorpio, Leo) and 4 degrees of a mutable sign (Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini.) Virgo is one of the signs of co-rulership for Mercury (the other being Gemini), so the Trickster Magician’s power and influence are emphasized in this zone (leading to enhanced critical thinking skills, heightened analytical abilities and improved eloquence but – unfortunately – exaggerated trickery.) Helpfully, the majority of the retrograde occurs in Leo where the Messenger God returns on August 14th (retrogrades involving two signs allow for more flexibility and if they do wreak havoc on technology/communication, the impact is less long-lasting and tends to be more workable.) Broadly, here’s my abbreviated take on this five-week period (and how to make the most of it): A.) If at all possible, do not purchase new technologies until after September 12th – this applies less if you’ve thoroughly done your research and/or can verify a flexible return policy. Mercury retrograde through Virgo brings strong potential for tech/communication glitches and this one especially so, as it forms three squares to Uranus. It will be rampant with role reversals, last-minute opinion switches and details changing at the last minute – put anything off until after the 12th which you hope will go exactly as planned, or which doesn’t benefit from periodic surges of random Uranian weirdness. B.) Implement back-up plans for utility failures and/or tech glitches where possible. Obviously, technology failing to work as expected is never not inconvenient (and Uranus transits are by definition unpredictable) but try to avoid a situation where you’re totally screwed should something malfunction. Think back-up batteries, lighters, having a flashlight handy, a generator, money in your savings account to hire the appropriate repair person, having printed copies of important documents, good insurance, etc. And if you’re trying to repair something involving electricity or the power grid, be super careful (and ideally, don’t do this unless you’re a licensed professional – good advice generally but especially so during this retrograde.) C.) At the macro level, Mercury Retrograde square any outer planet (especially Uranus) is culturally significant – anticipate breakthroughs, revelations and sudden social/political change coinciding with each of the three aspects (the dates are July 21-23, August 17-19 and September 6-8 – the first Mercury/Uranus square brought Biden’s announcement that he was dropping out of the race and endorsing his VP.) D.) Mercury Retrograde through Virgo until the 14th is excellent for editing, troubleshooting, analyzing, and circling back to complete outstanding tasks but can incline us toward self-guilting, self-criticism or analysis-paralysis. But these are just low-vibe expressions of the gifts which come with Mercury in Virgo – i.e., heightened mental faculties. Ideally, channel your accentuated Mercurial acumen into a project you’d like to finish, a skill you’d like to learn or a “problem” you’d like to understand to avoid obsessing compulsively over real or perceived flaws. E.) Mercury Retrograde through Leo from the 15th to the 29th can instigate power/control dramas in relationships and intensifies theatrical people/personalities (for better or worse.) Inflated egos can cause catty turf wars or petty squabbles, but this is a distraction from the cool potential of this transit – it’s creatively restorative (we can draw unlikely inspiration from old lovers and existing works of art) and it’s probably rich with bold stylistic genius (your aesthetic Muse? The way younger versions of you dressed, but updated.) We can also develop cool realizations by listening to music – or watching movies/plays/shows – we used to love but haven’t had exposure to in a while.
*For some of you – Leos, Virgos, Geminis, and Mercurial people -- the weirdness already began around July 17th when Mercury entered the Shadow Zone. The Full Moon on the 21st might have also provided clues or introduced something still in play but for the best sense of how this retrograde is likely to affect your microcosm, look to the house(s) falling between 21 degrees of Leo and 4 degrees of Virgo – that’s where your chart will be stimulated (and if you have planets there, they’re also being activated!)
Wednesday, August 7th. Mercury meets up with Venus in Virgo just days after stationing retrograde, and this coincides with the sun sextile Jupiter. When Mercury Retro conjuncts Venus, it inspires animated passion, verbal intimacy, and connections made through unexpected intel or circumstances – and this magick is active for the 48 hours of the exact transit (and, more literally, attending a book-signing, a lecture or a public library can bring profound realizations or set the stage for romantic meetings.) While the sun is already more potent in Leo, an angle to Jupiter augments its vibrant influence – the result is a mood-boosting (if not elating) 48-hour transit which supports personal empowerment, enhanced confidence, stimulating rapport, joyous connections, inspired creativity, play, romance and clarity. To conjure the lucky potential of this astrology, wear solar talismans, the color yellow or carry a sunstone and/or citrine in the left pocket.
Wednesday, August 14th. Mars and Jupiter conjunct in Gemini. The 48 hours around the exact transit are fabulous for energizing rhetoric, innovative dialogue and solutions, stimulating rapport, heightened eloquence, networking, building connections and multi-tasking. Adaptability, flexibility and spaciousness bring fast results, and we can easily assess a project or a relationship’s viability with instant accuracy. If there’s a downside, it’s that for better or worse, words have more power throughout this transit -- it’s ideal for an impassioned speech, energizing affirmations or a reinvigorating pep-talk, but impulsive declarations, exaggerated statements or hastily-made promises are more likely to follow us or leave us feeling trapped, especially with Mercury Retrograde (it’s also a catalyst for gossip – all information circulates more rapidly during this transit, whether it’s accurate/helpful data or just noise.) Broadly, impulsive moves around this date are ill-advised – ideally, wait a few days before taking risks or moving forward with new projects (regardless of how good an idea may seem.) It is good for movement and expansion (especially within business/commerce) but it’s still favorable to allow the buzzy high of this transit to subside before decisively moving forward or beginning new ventures. This transit also coincides with Mercury re-entering Leo, which changes the tone of the retrograde (see the astro rapport for Monday, August 5th for a brief take on this.)
Thursday, August 15th. The sun trines Chiron which cues enhanced artistry and healing via self-expression, especially for fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.) Regardless of your chart, we feel more understood during this transit – it’s easier for us to own and reveal our vulnerabilities without dimming our confidence, supporting tough conversations and helping us traverse insecurity-inducing situations with more ease and self-composure. Other possibility: Clarity or positive changes unfold regarding whatever challenging thing compromised your confidence or dimmed your radiance around July 15th.
Friday, August 16th. Mars squares Saturn today, potentially introducing irritating pragmatic factors, snarky confrontations or – frustratingly – physical inflammation or joint pain (if you’re already prone – this especially applies to mutable signs, for whom this transit is particularly strong.) The sun trine Chiron will mitigate the oppressive nature of this influence somewhat, but we begin to feel it around Wednesday the 14th and it persists throughout the weekend, dulling our confidence, introducing nagging insecurity or creating a sense of having to work longer or harder for what we want (or we may realize that in order to achieve success, we’ll need to face-off with certain individuals or obstacles we’ve sworn off in the past.) Today’s almost Full Moon in Capricorn makes this transit even more weighty and irksome -- depressive thoughts and status angst can very quickly dull our shine -- but it’s an excellent transit for pulling things back into order. Capricorn Moons are productive, fortifying and stabilizing, emphasizing the re-structuring potential of any Saturn transits they coincide with. It’s an ideal weekend for grounding, centering and restoring a sense of organization and order where needed (but ideally, don’t schedule a getaway or try to block this weekend out for idle relaxation – it won’t work and likely, a pressing matter will interrupt, demanding your attention.)
Sunday, August 18th. Mercury squares Uranus for the second time, re-introducing something originally in play on the Full Moon on July 21st (or reversing/testing agreements, dialogue or alliances established around that date.) This is the point in the retrograde where technology is most likely to malfunction, communication becomes crossed and even our focus is erratic and our attention spans shortened – disruptive factors might be introduced around this date which complicate deadlines, schedules, appointments and generally lead to mixed messages, unexpected twists and turns and/or chaotic outcomes. The best protocol? Project a vibe of Uranian detachment and coolness about whatever’s unfolding – especially with today’s Aquarius Moon, we generate the best results when we give others space to change their minds, remaining objectively unattached to fluctuating or unpredictable circumstances, missed appointments or mini upheavals in our schedule. Even if things seem to be playing out unfavorably for you, look for the breakthroughs and/or neat revelations within what appear to be setbacks and/or disruptions (when Uranus aspects Mercury, there are always cool flashes of insight where we least expect them.) And know that whatever’s occurring now isn’t final: closure isn’t reached until September 7th when Mercury squares Uranus for the last time after moving direct (at which time, we realize or benefit from the helpful, even if chaotic breakthroughs which are occurring now.) The supportiveness of this Uranian influence – i.e. Eureka moments and sudden, offbeat innovative solutions, ideas or dialogue – are enhanced by Mercury conjunct the sun today, something which occurs throughout every retrograde and brings cool revelations and ideas.
Monday, August 19th. Today is the Full Moon in Aquarius square Uranus coinciding with a T-square formed by Venus in Virgo opposing Saturn in Pisces (with both planets square Jupiter in Gemini.) The Full Moon in Aquarius is good for innovation, detachment, insight and space, allowing us to calmly notice where we’ve been hyper-attached or overly emotionally invested (in a project, relationship or outcome.) When square Uranus (and during a Uranian Mercury Retrograde), the likelihood of tech glitches and/or power grid malfunctions or battery failures is enhanced – thankfully, the Full Moon in Aquarius allows us to remain objective and not place too much emotional stock in such inconveniences, miscommunications or setbacks outside of our control. Nourishment and efforts toward stability and regularity are important throughout this Full Moon, helping us channel the ingenuity and revelatory insight sans the jumpiness or erratic, eruptive nature of a Uranian Full Moon. Others are likely to behave in an impulsive or turbulent way, seeking stimulation and self-liberation (and becoming aggressive if they can’t immediately act on these urges because of stifling outside factors.) Especially with Mercury Retrograde in Leo, expect bold declarations of independence, whether verbal or demonstrative, along with weird reversals, personality flips and plot twists. Again, being chill about what’s unfolding now is the moment’s best protocol: channel your inner Aquarius, giving others space to proclaim and profess their independence while allowing yourself to notice what you’ve outgrown, nonchalantly implementing space between yourself and whatever you feel constricted by (without feeling the need to draw attention to it.) The benefits of this Full Moon include unexpected flashes of insight, innovative solutions to old problems, fresh, unencumbered perspectives and lucid objectivity. The T-square of Venus, Jupiter and Saturn asks us to reassess our boundaries, values and ethics (with Pisceans, Geminis, Virgos and Sagittarians especially benefiting from self-inquiry and reflection.) The Jupiter/Saturn square has been brewing since late July, and we’ll continue to feel it into September (and because of Saturn’s retrograde, the aspect forms again on Christmas Eve – we won’t feel it as strongly into the Fall, but this influence is here to stay throughout the rest of 2024.) Socio-politically and microcosmically, it’s a potential climax to whatever was unfolding in late December of 2020, re-introducing factors and themes which were first conceived during the Jupiter and Saturn Conjunction. The way this transit influences your private sphere will depend heavily on where it’s impacting your birth chart (look to your Gemini and Pisces houses, taking note of any planets hovering around 17 degrees) but broadly, it’s an invitation to negotiate the inherent paradox of our hubris (Jupiter) and nemesis (Saturn) and to re-examine the systems, structures, ethics and belief systems established in the winter of 2020 (which will likely be tested.) Saturn and Jupiter are antithetical planetary archetypes already – Saturn governing structure, limitations and boundaries, while Jupiter encourages us to seek freedom, expansion, luxury and growth. If you’ve been erring more aggressively on one end of this spectrum – i.e. all work and no play, structuring everything excessively and implementing hyper-strict boundaries or, conversely, seeking freedom, pleasure, adventure and luxury in lieu of accepting responsibility or maturity – this transit initiates a gradual course-correction, or something occurs to change your thinking or illuminate a path to more balance. The benefits of Jupiter square Saturn are personal growth and heightened resilience, but the rewards aren’t instant – if we’re willing to implement a course-correction and re-examine our belief systems, major gains coincide with the second alignment at the end of the year (but it is a long-term transit.) Venus’s influence on this aspect is less significant but generally, it’s not a good time for impulsive moves within dating, finances, relationships or style. When the Goddess of Love sits opposite restrictive Saturn and squares Jupiter, we can act out in reckless ways or seek excess and fabulosity, but it’s probably more fueled by insecurity or restlessness than healthy desire and self-awareness.
Thursday, August 22nd. Venus and Mars square, coinciding with the sun’s entrance into Virgo. The sun in Virgo favors organization, power-cleaning, analysis, eloquence, movement, and efforts taken toward physical health and wellness (nutrition, exercise, meditation, etc.) – it’s an excellent solar season to scrub the dustiest corners of your home, to organize your unruly closets, cupboards and “junk” drawers, to sort those ghastly piles of unread mail and to ensure that you’re up-to-date on all the appointments and check-ups which keep life flowing smoothly (from car maintenance to teeth cleanings and annual wellness screenings.) Practical inspiration breezes in, helping us elevate our daily routines and tailor them to better fit our changing needs, and it’s generally a time where we can be more efficient, productive and discerning than usual. Venus in Virgo square Mars in Gemini is sparky, passionate and creative – a strong romantic, artistic and style catalyst, it’s excellent for restoring a sense of vibrancy, momentum and/or lust, reviving stagnating scenarios and connections (and because Venus is in rational Virgo, we’re more easily able to navigate pheromonal interplay with a refreshingly level-head – and it’s a damn good thing. This transit strongly accentuates sexual tension and steamy polarity which we can easily confuse for compatibility.) It’s excellent for flirting and physical intimacy but if there’s a downside, it’s that if a connection has fizzled out, it’s glaringly and inconveiently obvious (but it also has the potential to revive excitement and reinvigorate dormant sexual compatibility.) Independent from the sexual prowess this transit bestows, it’s a catalyst for breakthroughs within creativity/artistry, bold style genius and imbuing excitement into the areas of life we’ve started to feel bored with.
Friday, August 23rd. Mercury Retrograde trines Chiron, possibly developing something cool which started around July 18th (or maybe it seems unrelated but to you, there’s a connection.) This transit stimulates ingenuity and productive dialogue so while Mercury is retrograde, the weekend is a good time to address any chaos or miscommunication with more eloquence (and to even start channeling the weirdness into a creative breakthrough.)
Saturday, August 24th. Mars harmonizes with Mercury and Chiron which – especially with the Cosmic Warrior in Gemini – favors energizing rhetoric, bold declarations, passionate pep-talks and courageous proclamations. Words hold more power than usual -- this is a powerful transit to affirm a new personal mantra and to employ intentional, uplifting speech -- and productivity/success comes more quickly via eloquent, articulate communication and wordy acumen (don’t underestimate the verbal delivery of an idea or concept throughout this transit.) It’s energizing for writers and speakers and if you’re due to give a presentation, time it to today if possible. Mars in sync with Mercury is also energizing for friendship and business connections, building rapport, networking and generally noticing who you seem to vibe with – in harmony with Chiron, Mars enhances resolve and allows us to channel regret into fortitude.
Tuesday, August 27th. Venus forms an Earth Trine with Uranus which is sensual and stabilizing. Like Venus square Uranus, it obliterates ruts but not in a disruptive way – this transit emboldens and empowers us to implement space from anything which encroaches on our individuality and compromises our values. It’s excellent for bold style genius, building abundance, busting out of relationship habits and obliterating stale or outdated routines. If you’re wanting to try something new and experimental with your aesthetic and/or relating style, this astro supports it (especially if you’re an earth sign.) Pro Tip: It’s a good time to appraise our relationships, finances, health and/or nutritional needs objectively.
Wednesday, August 28th. Venus Opposes Neptune, a yearly occurrence which happens every time the Love Goddess transits Virgo (since 2011.) Especially since this transit coincides with Mercury stationing direct (more on that in a moment), this transit can incline us to behave in an overly fond way toward others, or employ magickal thinking regarding worldly matters (like relationships, money, etc.) While Venus in Virgo is wise and discerning, her annual opposition to Neptune is a time to have firm boundaries in place, particularly with those who seem to be actively trying to elicit our sympathy, compassion or favoritism. This transit can find us overlooking red flags or stumbling into dynamics we later regret forming, so it’s a good time to employ pragmatic, critical thinking (and brilliantly, the artistic genius of this transit is awesome for established romances, intimacy, creativity and spirituality.) Otherwise, Mercury stations direct today which is essentially “good” news (remember, though, that the 24-hours wherein Mercury changes direction are often the most pivotal or active points of the retrograde and especially coinciding with Venus Opposite Neptune, anticipate some last-minute trickery – i.e. vibe vamps popping up, or glamorous-seeming offers with seriously problematic fine print.) From now until September 12th, Mercury traverses the Shadow Zone and while I still recommend employing your go-to retrograde protocol throughout this period, we’ll begin to tap into the creative breakthroughs and innovation as the energy moves direct.
Thursday, August 29th. Venus enters Libra until the end of September and instantly trines Pluto at the critical degree of Aquarius, emphasizing the renewal and “new beginnings” aspect of this essentially harmonious transit. It’s a fabulous time to begin a new relationship (or to initiate deeper intimacy in an existing bond), while Venus trine Pluto is also creatively regenerative, aesthetically inspiring and often financially prosperous (although with Venus and Pluto in air signs, this might not refer to tangible abundance as much as ideas, solutions, friendships and connections.) Venus is at home in her co-ruling sign of Libra, so The Goddess of Love is accentuated here. Over the next three weeks, we can more easily sense what we need and desire to achieve balance and equilibrium – spiritually, nutritionally, romantically and even mentally, we’re more attuned to the homeostasis of our inner and outer ecosystems. In the life areas ruled by whatever house you have Libra in, you’ve now got enhanced charm, sociability, artistry and diplomacy skills (which you can employ throughout this transit – to your benefit, and the benefit of others.) Generally, though, the vibe is more chill and cooperate – others are quicker to relate and more eager to reach for compromise, but for those with heavy Libra in the chart, people-pleasing instincts can wreak havoc.
Sunday, September 1st. Pluto officially moves back into Capricorn until November 19th, after which point, the Lord of the Underworld returns to Aquarius where he’ll remain until 2043. Pluto has been hanging out within the first degree of Aquarius since January 20th, marking a period of intensity (and it will remain supercharged for as long as Pluto occupies that critical degree, which is well into the new year.) Anytime Pluto changes signs (regardless of the signs involved), widespread fanaticism is enhanced at the cultural level –with election season imminent in the U.S. and sociopolitical tensions running high, this might not seem like good news and probably isn’t (and many predictive astrologers are considering Pluto’s brief return to Capricorn an outright bad sign for the American election, since many interpretations associate the sign of the sea-goat with authoritarianism, bureaucracy, governmental structures and systemic conservatism.) As you probably could have guessed, my perspective isn’t so bleak or simplistic – but none of us knows exactly how this brief transit is going to play out. Pluto’s back-and-forth between Capricorn and Aquarius is truly uncharted territory – but certainly, it’s going to be intense. The 24 hours around the exact moment during which Pluto enters Capricorn are particularly eruptive and existentially angsty, both on the collective and individual levels (especially for those with a planet in the last degrees of Capricorn or first degrees of Aquarius.) Paying attention to the news headlines around this date – along with self-care, and the knowledge that everyone’s survival mechanisms are slightly more activated, triggering snark and a general sense of unease -- can possibly hint at the tone of the next month-and-a-half. Uranus also stations retrograde today which isn’t necessarily a significant transit but the 48 hours on either side of this date are Uranian – i.e., destabilizing, edgy and possibly turbulent (but on the other side of the coin, they’re fab for genius breakthroughs and offbeat innovation.)
Things I Love:
Love notes from my man left thoughtfully by the coffee machine 💜 Opening all the windows of my house, letting it fill with the sounds of a late summer night in the North Country (i.e., silence — except for the crickets, and the occasional whistle of wind chimes or raindrops bouncing off leaves.) ⭐ Waking up to a clean and empty sink 💧 Long phone conversations with my man ☎ Sweet texts from my mom 💕 Making jalapeno poppers using the abundance of peppers from our thriving plant 🌿 Staying up-to-date on twice yearly dental cleanings (and no cavities!) 🦷 Splurging on a new candle (it is Leo Season!) 🔥 Not having children RN (seriously — I don’t apologize!) 🍸 A good storm on a hot, humid summer day ⚡ Taking walks around the neighborhood with my man on a warm August evening 🌒 Time alone to myself (and the fact that I really enjoy my own company) 🙏🏻 Fresh seafood from New York City 🎣 Our healthy, joyful kittens (and the fact that they’re getting along better all the time) 🐾 Coming home to find a beautiful hydrangea bouquet by my door, thoughtfully left by one of my neighbors 💐 Long, light pink nails 💅🏻 A cool shower with clean, running water 🚿 My “Picture This” App — it IDs plants, birds and insects! So cool! 🐛 Summer parties at my mom’s house! ☀ Savory bruschetta made with tomatoes from our backyard 🍅 Giving myself permission not to obsess over the next goal, but to be present with (and celebrate) everything I have accomplished ✨ Adding pepperoncini brine to bloody mary mix 🌶 Cool, soft sheets and pillow cases 💤
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