New Moon in Leo

A new moon is the first phase of the lunar cycle. A delicious new beginning that holds the promise of what is yet to come. Although invisible to the eye, the energy of a new moon is extremely potent. It is the ideal time to plant seeds and set intentions for what we want to bring into our lives. This is because during a new moon, both sun and moon inhabit the same zodiac sign, bringing our inner (moon) and outer (sun) worlds into alignment.

“The sun at the heart of our solar system is a yellow dwarf star, a hot ball of glowing gases. Its gravity holds the solar system together.” Leo is ruled by the sun, and, in turn, it rules the heart. It is creator and sustainer (our hearts beat around 100,000 times a day to sustain our lives).

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the creator deity Atum was often associated with the sun. In one version of the creation story, Atum emerged from the primordial waters and stood on the mound of creation. He then began to create the world by speaking its names and forms into existence. Atum's act of self-creation was likened to the sun's daily renewal, and its journey across the sky was seen as a reflection of Atum's ongoing act of creation; symbolising the emergence of order from chaos.

This new moon in Leo is very simple and very powerful. It is a roar of creativity. An opportunity to connect fully and deeply to our hearts and our hearts’ desires. Happening just a few days after the sun and Venus meet in Leo for a new one and half year cycle, this conjunction (during a conjunction the energy of planets/celestial bodies merge) amplifies the energy of beginnings, rebirth and renewal and supports us in connecting to deep intimacy, creativity and desire. Leo rules the fifth house of romance, self-expression and pleasure. Venus – currently in retrograde – wants us to look at our relationships through this lens. Think back to July and August 2015 – the last time Venus stationed retrograde in Leo. What was happening in your most intimate relationships? Did anything shift? Is anything stopping me from initiating a connection? Whatever lessons you encountered during the last Venus in Leo retrograde may deepen during this cycle.

Another important aspect of this new moon is its conjunction with Lillith. Lillith represents our raw, wild selves; the dark feminine. This conjunction (merging) allows us to tap into our inner rebel, particularly in the sense of how we break away from anything that cages us. What is holding you /holding you back? The new moon in Leo is also square Uranus (rebellion) in Taurus, further augmenting the themes of creativity and sustentation; breaking free and writing our own story. Planetarily, everything is lining up to support us in unparalleled, radical acts of self-creation.

How to work with the energy of this full moon in Leo? This is a hugely powerful moment to speak things into existence from your heart. Visualisation, writing down your goals and talking to yourself are all great ways to do this, as they are all ways of communicating your desires and intentions to the universe. Now is the time to connect to your heart and manifest with not a whisper, but a roar.

The following poem by John O’Donohue so very much speaks to the energy of potential, promise and heart-led new beginnings of this new moon in Leo.

For a New Beginning

In out-of-the-way places of the heart,
Where your thoughts never think to wander,
This beginning has been quietly forming,
Waiting until you were ready to emerge.

For a long time it has watched your desire,
Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,
Noticing how you willed yourself on,
Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.

It watched you play with the seduction of safety
And the gray promises that sameness whispered,
Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,
Wondered would you always live like this.

Then the delight, when your courage kindled,
And out you stepped onto new ground,
Your eyes young again with energy and dream,
A path of plenitude opening before you.

Though your destination is not yet clear
You can trust the promise of this opening;
Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginning
That is at one with your life's desire.

Awaken your spirit to adventure;
Hold nothing back, learn to find ease in risk;
Soon you will be home in a new rhythm,
For your soul senses the world that awaits you.

Image credit: Geranimo on UnSplash

Lynsey Allett15 August 2023