New Moon in Leo: A major solar reboot.

The new lunar cycle is less about the Moon and more about the Sun. Why is that? The Sun is most powerful in the sign of fiery Leo and Mercury happens to be 'cazimi' just one day before the new moon (yesterday). Cazimi is an ancient astrological term for when a planet is briefly 'conjunct' to the same degree as the sun. Mercury is receiving special status at the seat of the solar throne today, and this allows us to find extreme clarity and a fresh start of some kind. I often think of 'cazimi' as a fire cleansing ritual, and this creates an extreme reboot for the affected planet. All the past residue and baggage is burned away so that we may move forward with clearer intentions. As we move into this next cycle, the sun grants us a renewed sense of purpose and a fresh start.

Today at 7:41PM PT, the new moon occurs in Leo. As the light of the moon grows dark, the sun remains powerful this time of year. A renewed Mercury leads the way for the moon and the mighty Leo sun. This planetary blend is invigorating and will beckon us to try something bold. If you have been feeling in a rut over these past few months, this new moon will likely trigger some inspiration and a stronger sense of purpose. Leo is the fixed fire sign and holds a particular steady nature. Like the hot coals at the bottom of a fire, Leo energy burns steadily through the night. What we begin now has the potential to 'warm us' for a long time to come. 

With a trine from Mars, the flames of Leo are further stoked. Despite any present challenges, we are likely to feel extra vigor and enthusiasm around what could be. In fact, the challenges or restrictions may be what finally inspire us to pursue a goal. It could be time to finally break through a barrier or two that has been holding you back. 

As with any dark new moon, however, we must pause to digest and ponder before taking any bold action.  In order to truly tap into this positive Leo energy, we should consider where our passion lies. What lights you up all day long and most allows you to feel at your 'core self'? This inner light provides strength to overcome difficulties and the ups and downs of life. To truly hold onto this light, we must also hold true humility. Leo rules the heart, and we are called to pursue honorable endeavors that are pure of heart (not our ego). If we pursue our ego, we will be missing an opportunity.

On Wednesday, Mercury comes home to task master Virgo. Mercury has a first class ride in Virgo until September 4th, where it is able to accomplish so many tasks. This will be a great period for editing or improving your work, schedule, health or any area that could use refinement. For a personal example, I will be using this time to update Chariot's retail hours and website. If you are a writer, this will be an especially good time for working on projects or making revisions. August 19th presents a good time to begin a 'Mercury' task or project, as the star Regulus will be amplifying the planet's power to its greatest heights. 




A LEO FIRE RITUAL
Just now I pulled a single card to give an extra message about this new moon. I was surprised at first to see The Hanged Man appear, as I don't associate him with an auspicious new beginning. But quickly I realized the Hanged Man is referencing the fire ritual nature of the Leo Mercury cazimi. In any fire ritual, a person is asked to make an offering or sacrifice to the fire in order to be reborn. The flames quickly eat up the offering, only leaving the ashes and smoke on the wind. As we initiate this Leo 'reboot' we are asked to release and let go of what is holding us back. We must first let go of the past before welcoming our future. This may be a difficult task for some folks, as letting go can be a painful process at first. If you are planning a new moon ritual tomorrow, you may want to literally burn an offering. This could simply be writing some words on a piece of paper of what you want to release or deeply renew. (Make sure to do this in a safe non-flammable environment! I've had my array of fire ritual mishaps in the past.) 

Happy new moon!

Suzy

Cancer New Moon 2020

Shell photo by Alice B. Gardens.

Tomorrow we welcome the second lunar cycle in Cancer in a row; a rare but not unusual occurrence. At 10:32AM PT on July 20th, the moon and sun will join in the late degrees of the sign of the crab. One month ago, we experienced the summer solstice and major solar eclipse in the very early degrees of Cancer. Eclipses tend to rock our world and bring all sorts of turbulence. As we move into this next lunar cycle, we will actively be responding to the turbulence and looking to create new ways of living in order to survive or thrive in our current environment.

I’m so relieved to leave the eclipse season and the recent Mercury/Venus retrograde cycles, though we have learned so much from these experiences. We have been through a lot; I cannot emphasize this enough! At the start of this lunar cycle, we stand in a place of sober reality. Each of us have peeled away various layers of illusions, and hopefully we have a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

The new moon is receiving a direct opposition from Saturn, who has newly returned to the sign of Capricorn. We may feel more restrictions and stricter boundaries surrounding us, but we are likely to feel prepared to work with these challenges in realistic ways. All new moons are new beginnings which welcome growth, regardless of any stark realities we are facing. With our illusions stripped away, we are empowered to move forward with strength and sensitivity.

Saturn’s opposition can also be a sign we are finally ready to let go of a particular chapter of our lives. If you have been putting a lot of energy and resources into something (or someone) you no longer feel passionate about it, you may be feeling ready to finally make a shift towards a more authentic path. Pay attention to when you feel emotionally drained or depressed.

We might not readily perceive the sign of Cancer as creative, but as a ‘cardinal’ water sign she is the ultimate creator. Cancer is the sign of the fertile mother who is a constant resource of love and care. She births new life from her divine womb and promises new beginnings. With her hard shell exterior, she protects what is vital and most vulnerable.

When I picture this lunar cycle playing out over the following weeks, I see a devout mother coming up with creative solutions in tough situations. True creativity comes from having great boundaries. Creative solutions are birthed through restriction. We all entered this crazy beautiful world through great pressure and a woman in labor.

The card I pulled for this new moon is the 10 of Pentacles, and I’m reminded of the importance of family and tradition to the sign of Cancer. This tarot card represents a supportive family or family-like unit that carries long-standing traditions and a firm structure. As we move through the next few weeks, we are promised the opportunity to create new ways to connect with family and ancestors, gain support or create stable prosperity. This would be a great time to start a new family or group tradition.

Here are a few ways to further your connection with this Cancer new moon:

• Identify a part of your life that may no longer be supporting you and perhaps feels like it’s holding you back. Feeling ‘emotionally drained’ is a key sign at this time.

• Identify any road-blocks in your life. How can you shift away from what is not working and prioritize other opportunities? Let your creativity blossom.

• Cancer is the sign of the nurturer. Seek opportunities to nurture or heal others, as well as yourself.

• If you need extra support of some kind, consider reaching out to your family or family like structures.

• The most sensitive sign of the zodiac is Cancer. If you identify with this, how can you treat your sensitivity like a strength (rather than a weakness)?

• Allow yourself to truly feel your emotions and process them fully. This may be a period of ‘waking up’ on an emotional level.

• Begin a new ‘family’ tradition of some kind that creates joy and connection.

Happy new moon!