Monthly Astro-Forecast; New Moon in Leo
Falling on the same day as Lammas here in the northern hemisphere, the new moon in Leo brings the potential for a powerful creative shift. The Leo tendency towards the dramatic and the intense may be reinforced by Mercury turning direct in Cancer on the same day as the new moon. Whatever we experience is likely to go deep and may not be fully conscious yet. Excitement and inspiration are sparking but there is an underlying emotional shift which is only just beginning to surface. This is a new moon which may bring the realisation that we are more driven by our emotions, and our deeply rooted emotional patterns, than we are consciously aware of as we move through our day to day lives. For the first few days after the new moon, we are still processing the effects of Mercury retrograde and are likely to be adjusting to whatever new knowledge we have acquired. Combined with the new moon in creative Leo, there is a well of inspiration here. By the time Mercury moves back into Leo on August 11th, we are bringing this inspiration up to the surface of our conscious minds and are able to articulate our new awareness. On August 15th Mercury moves out of the shadow phase, passing the point where it first went retrograde, so that we are finally able to move forward into a new reality, armed with the wisdom of the last three weeks. The day before, on August 14th, the Venus and the Sun meet in Leo, bringing a burst of optimism and deep joy. We are able to shine, to love ourselves for who we are and to inspire others to do the same.
Uranus is also influencing us during this lunation, awakening us to our "higher mind". Often seen as a higher vibration of Mercury, both of these planets are concerned with clarity, perspective and the right use of intellect. On August 12th Uranus turns retrograde in Taurus, seeming to move in reverse for the rest of this year. As with all retrograde planets, Uranus' energy is turned inward. The journey of breaking away from the past which began with this Mercury retrograde may continue. Uranus squares Venus on August 2nd and Mercury on August 16th and these are likely to be trigger dates for this process, opportunities to break out of our social conditioning and habitual patterns of being. Affecting those with planets in the fixed signs most strongly, there is a great deal of energy available here if we are willing to do the work.
On August 18th, Mars moves into Virgo, followed on the 21st by Venus and on the 23rd by the Sun. Virgo season shifts us out of Leo's focus on the individual journey and asks us to consider where and how we are giving service. Aligning perfectly with the back to school vibes of this time of year, Virgo brings an urge to put our ideas to work, maybe even to make a practical difference in the world. Virgo judges on what we do, not what we say or how loud we say it (which can be a risk with Leo). Actually, Virgo can judge a little too much, and this precise and detail-oriented sign often has very specific ideas about how things should be done, becoming critical if these expectations are not met. This is just as likely to be directed inwardly as outwardly and our inner critic may become stronger than usual during Virgo season. Although I can't help noticing that there are some in power who are full of Leo pride and even hubris, who would benefit from a conscientious inner critic, some attention to detail and the ability to actually manifest something useful once in a while.
Our drive to grow and seek meaning in life is also emphasised during this lunation, with Jupiter turning direct on August 11th in its own sign, Sagittarius. Journeys, inner or outer, which have been delayed, are finally able to get moving. Inner shifts of perspective or changes in our belief systems begin to affect our actions in the world and the way we live our lives. On August 19th, Jupiter makes a helpful aspect with Saturn, helping us to balance ambition with reality, growth with restriction and expansion with structure. We are able to use what is established and solid to help us grow and may be reaping the rewards of our hard work. Gains based on our past efforts are likely to be manifesting around 27th August too when Jupiter makes the same aspect to the South Node. We might need to watch out for a tendency to rest on our laurels around that time. New opportunities are coming but may feel challenging, calling us to break out of our comfort zone.
On August 18th, Mars moves into Virgo, followed on the 21st by Venus and on the 23rd by the Sun. Virgo season shifts us out of Leo's focus on the individual journey and asks us to consider where and how we are giving service. Aligning perfectly with the back to school vibes of this time of year, Virgo brings an urge to put our ideas to work, maybe even to make a practical difference in the world. Virgo judges on what we do, not what we say or how loud we say it (which can be a risk with Leo). Actually, Virgo can judge a little too much, and this precise and detail-oriented sign often has very specific ideas about how things should be done, becoming critical if these expectations are not met. This is just as likely to be directed inwardly as outwardly and our inner critic may become stronger than usual during Virgo season. Although I can't help noticing that there are some in power who are full of Leo pride and even hubris, who would benefit from a conscientious inner critic, some attention to detail and the ability to actually manifest something useful once in a while.
Our drive to grow and seek meaning in life is also emphasised during this lunation, with Jupiter turning direct on August 11th in its own sign, Sagittarius. Journeys, inner or outer, which have been delayed, are finally able to get moving. Inner shifts of perspective or changes in our belief systems begin to affect our actions in the world and the way we live our lives. On August 19th, Jupiter makes a helpful aspect with Saturn, helping us to balance ambition with reality, growth with restriction and expansion with structure. We are able to use what is established and solid to help us grow and may be reaping the rewards of our hard work. Gains based on our past efforts are likely to be manifesting around 27th August too when Jupiter makes the same aspect to the South Node. We might need to watch out for a tendency to rest on our laurels around that time. New opportunities are coming but may feel challenging, calling us to break out of our comfort zone.