Leo New Moon

 

August 2, 2016: Leo New Moon (exact at 1:44 pm PDT)

During the Leo New Moon, we have the opportunity to shine. There’s an ebullient child-like energy that draws forth the playful and creative self that resides within. Yet, while there’s great encouragement to express oneself, it’s not always done so in a no-holds-barred way; care and thoughtfulness is important since, after all, Leo is the sign of dignity and self-respect.

Leo aligns us with a feeling of wanting to be recognized and embraced for the special being we are. If others’ interactions with and attitudes towards us do not meet with these expectations, issues around wounded pride may arise.

Events may manifest that allow us to see how important it is to be generous in spirit and to radiate our inner light to those around. If we do not let our generous spirit and radiant energy flow, stress and tension may be experienced in our hearts, bodies, and minds. The Leo New Moon reminds us that we should proudly express our essential self, a being that has great gifts to offer those with whom it orbits.

Today, warrior Mars returns to Sagittarius after spending nine-plus weeks in Scorpio (it was retrograde in this undercover sign from May 27 through June 29, and in direct motion since then). And with that, we may find ourselves wanting to take flight, propelled by a desire to journey, explore and further seek meaning. For more about Mars in Sagittarius and what it may inspire during this time and the upcoming many weeks, see here .

This month’s New Moon falls at 11 degrees of Leo (Sun and Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of the New Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Leo or the other fixed signs—Taurus, Scorpio, Aquarius—it may impact you more intensely.

LEO NEW MOON APOTHECARY SUGGESTIONS

Leo rules the heart, spine, and hair. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body around the time of this New Moon.

Borage flower essence: Leo energy inspires us to live through our heart, expressing warmth and love to those around us. Yet, sometimes being openhearted is challenging, notably when sadness and grief rest heavy in our heart. If you are feeling a bit disheartened or discouraged, consider trying Borage flower essence, an uplifting elixir that inspires a sense of buoyant courage and flowing heart energy. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)

Lemon essential oil: Like Leo, the smell of lemon is bright and cheery. Its uplifting fragrance lightens the heart and it’s thought to be among the great “blood movers”–enhancing slugging circulation and supporting capillary structure. Add to a few drops to almond oil for an uplifting massage or to shampoo to benefit form its scalp-cleansing and hair luster-inspiring properties.

{Artwork by Nathan Brown via Flickr}