The moon is on her way to being new this Sunday August 4 in the fiery sign of Leo at 6:13am CST. New moons occur every month when the sun and moon are in the same sign at the exact same degree, this is known as a conjunction in astrology. For this particular new moon both the sun and moon are at 12 degrees of Leo. New moons are linked to new beginnings so this is the perfect time each month to set new intentions and make new wishes. The day before the new moon is known as the dark moon. Our psychic vibe is on high during a dark moon so this is a good time to get some quiet time alone, meditate and reflect.
Keywords and the New Moon in Leo: confidence, drama, theater, self-expression, royalty, majesty, charisma, playfulness, creativity, bossy, pride, enthusiasm and head-strong. Leo also belongs to the fire element meaning passion, courage and enthusiasm take center stage. There is definitely a restless energy to the fire signs and a flair for the dramatic. At its most simplistic level we can say a new moon in Leo connects us or in some cases reconnects us with a passion for living. If we’ve been feeling down or a bit depressed a new moon in Leo can reinvigorate us, get us excited for life again.
Taking the keyword, self-expression, we can say that a new moon in Leo will help us speak up and express ourselves. This new moon chart is especially fiery with Venus joining the sun and moon in Leo and both Chiron and the North Node in the fire sign Aries. With the fire element so strong we are more apt to be self-motivated and more spontaneous. The water element is the weakest element during this lunation so our emotions could feel a little unbalanced. Jupiter the planet of good luck and expansion will be making an aspect called a sextile to this new moon meaning some of us will be feeling extra generous to others.
The 5th House and the New Moon in Leo: Each of the twelve astrological signs rules one of the twelve houses and Leo is the natural ruler of the astrological 5th House. This angle of the astrological wheel rules creativity, self-expression, children, romance, pleasure, fun and play. Since we have not only the sun and moon in Leo but also lovely Venus in the sign of the Lion, 5th House energy is strong during this new moon. Considering the 5th House and it’s keywords helps us expand what some of us might experience during this full moon. For some children could be a focal point, for others a need for play and fun and for still others romance could take center stage.
Mercury Retrograde in Virgo
Mercury will go retrograde from Monday August 5 to Wednesday August 28. This phenomenon happens three and sometimes four times a year. During a Mercury retrograde we can have all kinds of communication mishaps like misunderstandings or we may say something we’ll later regret. The best rule to follow during Mercury retrograde is; does this need to be said? does this need to be said now? and does this need to be said by me? I was given that advice years ago and it’s saved me from making an ass of myself more than once.
Mercury will retrograde in the sign of Virgo for the first ten days so we may rethink our diet or consider exercising. I always advise people to avoid, if possible, signing important papers if possible like the lease for a car or a mortgage for a house. If you must and sometimes we can’t postpone these types of situation; just be sure you really look over everything in the contract. We also need to really proofread anything we send out to avoid miscommunication; this includes texts and emails. On August 16 Mercury will retrograde in the sign of Leo meaning we need to keep our egos in check so we don’t stir up any unnecessary drama.
Kevin Casey is an astrologer and card reader who first encountered metaphysics in 1991 through the spiritual text A Course in Miracles. He began his reading practice in 2003 and joined Body Mind & Soul as a reader in 2007. His blend of astrology, numerology, and Tarot make for fascinating and insightful readings and his undying passion for pop music allows him to look at popular culture through astrological and metaphysical eyes.
He is available for both 30-minute and 1-hour personal readings at Body Mind & Soul. Bookings can be reserved at bmshouston.com/pages/kevin-casey.
Leo art courtesy Jills from Pixabay