New Moon in Leo as Mercury Stations Retrograde

As a new lunar cycle begins with the New Moon at 15° Leo, we’re half way between the Solstice and the Equinox and the exact midway point of the Chinese Year of the Wood Dragon. This is a good checking in point New Moon, great for setting intentions boosted by dynamic -and reflective- energy in the planetary picture.

Mars and Jupiter in Gemini are currently coming together in a highly supportive conversation with the Sun and Moon, expanding the potential for greater self-confidence, optimism and upbeat energy. Mercury- Gemini’s ruler- is simultaneously stationing Retrograde today- so with Mercury Retrograde asking us to review and reflect, it’s the perfect moment to balance outward ambitions with thoughtful consideration.

We live on a planet of duality and with much political debate or divisiveness commonplace in many corners of the globe, the lower octave expression of Leo and Gemini could express as hype or needless drama. This tendency could be amplified over the coming weeks as expansive Jupiter begins to engage in a frictional square dynamic with Saturn in Pisces. Saturn guides us all toward being responsible with time and energy ( even in the oceanic sign of Pisces) while Jupiter, especially with Mars along for the ride in Mutable Air sign Gemini, could get carried away with multiple options or the desire to over extend.

Mercury will be moving backwards into Leo over the coming two weeks too to form a second square or tense aspect with Uranus on the 17th  August- the first having happened already around the last Full Moon on the 21st July. As these two meet again unpredictable technological glitches or misinformation could be widespread so this is an opportune time for relaxing the mind or soothing the nervous system and stepping away from digital overload when possible.

Normally the annual New Moon in Leo is a great time for getting in touch with personal identity and what lights us up or inspires a sense of joy. But this year the planetary picture urges us to balance outward expression with introspection.

At this New Moon Venus is at 29° Leo preparing to enter Virgo and conjunct the Fixed star Regulus -the Lion's heart in the Leo constellation. Venus is now reemerging from hiding behind the Sun to become the evening star once again in her cyclical journey. Being at this completion degree and back into visibility she may well be revealing something to us around what has altered in our value systems, relationships or what we enjoy, as she transitions into Virgo where she’ll be until the end of the month. Venus in this sign prompts taking practical steps for fulfillment or wellbeing, tending to routines, people, pets or pastimes that count.

As we build up to an intense Full Moon around the 19th August, it's a good idea to stay unattached to any unfolding drama and to practice being objective. Temper impulsive reactivity. To tune out from discordant frequencies, anchor into a place of stillness within. This can be done by placing attention on your breath or the rhythmic beating of your heart or by counting inhalations in and out, pausing for a breath or two in between- your heart will thank you for this attention!

How we choose to respond to outer world events and in our personal lives can have a tremendous impact on the world we’re creating for tomorrow. The ripple we create individually is way more impactful than we realise- we, like the Sun which rules fiery Leo, are at the centre of our own little cosmos which is a reflection or fractyl of the greater cosmos. So maintaining the ability to respond from the centre of the wheel ( the heart in the physical body) is the place of power from which everything radiates and that is what Leo essentially teaches us.

Questions you may want to ponder:

1. How can you balance the need for creative expression and interaction with stillness and solitude?
2. What areas of your life need a reality check?
3. What practical steps can you take to enhance your physical wellbeing and align with what brings you joy?