Here's how to work with this EXCITING Leo New Moon

Get ready for an exciting cosmic rendezvous as the Leo New Moon takes center stage with its dynamic, majestic, and passionate flair. That’s right, on Aug. 16 at 3:39 am MST, we have our eighth new moon of 2023, and this lunar soirée urges you to embrace your inner lioness, channeling your creative roar and fearless heart. But don’t get too cozy – a square dance with electrifying Uranus in Taurus is adding a dash of unpredictability, restlessness, and desire to break free from any constraints on your creativity, finances, and/or relationships. Think of this cosmic clash as the universe handing you a wild card, inviting you to shake things up in the most fabulous way possible. 

     And guess who else is joining this starry party? Venus Retrograde herself, shimmering in Leo's radiant embrace, bringing all sorts of enthusiasm, creativity, and warmth with her. This enchanting alignment of Venus conjunct the New Moon amplifies the themes of self-expression, passion, and romance, infusing your relationships with a touch of drama and flair, whilst encouraging you to express your affections boldly and authentically. It's a time when your heart takes the stage, and you're ready to serenade the world with your desires. Embrace your inner artist, pamper yourself with the finer things in life, and let your heart's desires shine like a beacon of light.

2023 Leo New Moon Themes

     But hold onto your cosmic hat—Venus Rx is also square dancing with Uranus. This celestial rumba suggests some delightful surprises in the realm of love, beauty, creativity, finances, and your heart’s desires. With Uranus in Taurus squaring both the Sun, there might be unexpected twists and turns in matters of the heart, or in matters related to your creativity. The key is to approach love and creativity with an open heart, an open mind, and a sprinkle of adventure. (Because, let’s be real, neither Leo nor Taurus are known for their flexibility, preferring to stubbornly stand their ground.) This is the day to let your inner fire guide you, and remember that this celestial rendezvous is an invitation to ignite your passions and illuminate your world with your unique spark. 

     Interestingly, just a day before the Leo New Moon, the Bull and the Lion are once again butting heads, this time the cosmic clash is between Uranus and the Sun. This transit amps up the energy of individuality, pushing you to break free from the ordinary and embrace your unique creativity. Imagine a dramatic stage performance where unexpected plot twists and electrifying moments steal the show. This is your chance to infuse your creative endeavors with a daring edge and stand out from the crowd. Embrace the mantra "out with the old, in with the bold," as Uranus encourages you to shed limitations and express yourself authentically. While this transit might stir up some initial discomfort, it's a call to embrace change and honor your inner eccentricities. Which is a great thing to do before the New Moon. 

Uranus’ Exciting Role in the Leo New Moon

     Now, Uranus is…a complicated planet. Typically associated with rebellion, revolution, and disruption, the outer planet usually gets a wide-eyed gasp from those within the astrology community whenever it butts heads with other planets. That’s because the planet’s multifaceted energy is misunderstood. As ruler of Aquarius and the 11th House, Uranus is all about breaking away from convention, shaking up the status quo, ushering in progress, and shocking us with insights and unexpected change. This planet brings us Ah-Ha moments and unexpected windfalls, and has a blatant irreverence for not just authority, but also tradition and defunct ideologies. We need Uranus’ erratic energy to shake us awake so that we can liberate ourselves from situations or ideas that have gone stale. However much Uranus remains astrology’s rebel with a cause, there are a few traits this planet surprisingly shares with Leo: the need for freedom, and the desire to be seen as a creative, special, unique and authentic capital-I Individual. 

     And that is precisely what this Leo New Moon is about: your desire and willingness to liberate yourself from the current state of staleness, so that you can authentically shine as the special, creative Individual you really are. Of course, this theme is a lot easier to write about than it is to embody or actualize. Which is why the conjunction (and square!) from Venus Retrograde, and the Sun-Uranus square is so compellingly fruitful. Now that we’ve stepped through the Venus Cazimi portal, where the goddess of love embraced the heart of the Sun, and are on the other side of the retrograde cycle. (this cazimi occurred on Aug. 13, btw), we are moving out of Venus Retrograde’s darkest days, and moving into the light, as it were.  

The following quote from St. Clare illustrates the mindset we need to embrace going into this Leo New Moon:

With swift pace, light step, unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, may you go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness, not believing anything that would dissuade you from this resolution or that would place a stumbling block for you on the way, so that you may offer your vows to the Most High in the pursuit of that perfection to which the Spirit…has called you.

     Hopefully you harnessed the potent energy of the Venus Cazimi by setting intentions that align with Leo's vivacious energy – creative self-expression, boldness, bravery, and confidence in your pursuits. If not, fear not! There’s still time to tap into Venus’ indulgent, charismatic and loving energy, and use it to boost your self-worth, finances, creativity, and relationships. That’s because just days after the Leo New Moon, Venus will enter her Morning Star phase, further assisting the shift out of the dark, dramatic, and discouraging shadows cast by Venus Retrograde. (Read more about the Morning Star cycle of Venus, here.) Just a side note: I would not be the least bit surprised if someone FINALLY won the Mega Millions jackpot on or around this new moon!

     So, as you bask in the Leo New Moon's celestial glow, remember that intention-setting is your magical wand. Choose an area of life that could use an infusion of Leo's daring energy, and craft your intentions like precious jewels. Let them sparkle with passion, authenticity, and the belief that you deserve the spotlight. This New Moon is your cosmic launchpad; set your intentions, take a leap, and let your inner fire light up the universe! Of course, if you don’t know how to do that, don’t worry. I’ve got you covered with a list of journal prompts, rituals, and practical activities that YOU can use to help you tap into your creative energy and authenticity for this potent Leo New Moon with its dynamic aspects!

Intentions for the Leo New Moon: