Leo Solar Eclipse: View the World Through a Child's Eyes
August 21, 2017: Leo Solar Eclipse (New Moon)
This month’s New Moon is also a Solar Eclipse. Even if we can’t see an Eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives. Oftentimes, life-changing events or reflections occur around the time of an Eclipse. Yet, remember that reflective of the word itself, things are often “eclipsed” around the time of these lunations. As such, you may find yourself feeling like there is a sea change in your life, that seeds are being planted, yet not clear what it will be that will bear fruit. That clarity may become greater as weeks and months pass; and so, if you’re not yet clear what it is that is being given form, that may be just as it should be.
A Solar Eclipse signifies a time for beginnings. When this celestial event occurs in Leo we can initiate new pathways in our lives that allow us to live from a more heart-centered place. Focusing on giving yourself permission to be a beautiful/radiant/unique individual is good medicine during this time.
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.
Leo inspires self-expression and creativity. With this Eclipse, reflect upon how doing more art or experiencing more art can add lustre to your life. Additionally, using art as a metaphor can be beneficial: Consider how your life is an art, ask yourself how to invoke more color in your life, think of your life as a canvas you are painting, consciously determine what you want to feature in the gallery or your life (and what you don’t)….these and other ways of framing your life artistically may infuse it with more awareness, radiance, and joy.
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.
This is the second Leo New Moon this year, with the first one occurring July 23. Think back to then to see what may have heralded in your life related to ways to live from a more heart-centered space, how to weave more color and creativity in your life, and insights on how your pride gets in the way of having more ease. Tracing this leading up to the 21st may give you insights that can help you more consciously seed your Solar Eclipse intentions, the new possibilities that you'd like to usher in.
As we approach the Solar Eclipse, and as you consider the new chapter that you want to usher in, reflect upon the things in your life now that may impinge upon that happening in the most effective and efficient way. Are there any beliefs, perspectives, habits, stories, relationships, things, etc. that need to be cleared so that new growth can really blossom forth? I think about a Solar Eclipse from the perspective of Release and Renewal. We Release and clear the field so that we can experience a more integral Renewal, unencumbered by those things that no longer serve us.
This month’s Solar Eclipse New Moon falls at 29 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, Nadir/Midheaven, or Lunar Nodes) 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 lustre-inspiring properties.
* The New Moon is exact at 11:30 am