“Breaking Point”: The NEW MOON at 23°17′ LEO, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 09:39 UTC

August 16, 2023 Lunation articles Comments Off on “Breaking Point”: The NEW MOON at 23°17′ LEO, Wednesday, August 16, 2023, 09:39 UTC

[art: John Brosio]

The Dark Moon

However tumultuous the period before may be, there is always a lull in the days leading up to a New Moon. During her dark moon phase, that two-day period of the month before the Moon vanishes completely into the Sun, what astrologers call the “Balsamic” phase, the germination of seeds begins.

The dark moon phase represents the incubation period for the intentions that will sprout at the next New Moon. Just as all seeds germinate in the dark before they grow above ground, this is commonly our most prophetic or visionary time. Both our conscious (Sun) and unconscious (Moon) processes are focused on the future, yet they are still somehow rooted in our past. For those whose charts are most affected by the lunation, we may feel possessed by an intention to put something out into the world, heed the call for a social destiny, or be led by a superior power.

When the dark moon is in Cancer, it’s a time to stop nurturing others at the expense of our own essential needs. From feelings of deprivation and depletion comes a resolve to cease babying others, allowing them to grow independently. This then germinates into an intention to prioritise self-care and be good to oneself.

The Leo Lunation

The Sun-ruled Leo New Moon is a powerful reset point, a celestial sign that we must wholeheartedly embody the essence of self-nurturing and love. This moment in the Sun’s annual cycle marks when we make a renewed effort, mind and body, to better nurture ourselves, be the centre of our own universe, and treat ourselves with special care and affection. We realise that maintaining a facade that we’re strong and don’t need others can deprive us of the authentic love and support we crave, and we come up with ways to earnestly garner attention and compassion from those around us. This tender balance between self-love and communal care forms the cornerstone of the Leo spirit that engenders all intention right now.

Stepping into the renowned Leo spirit has its windfalls and pitfalls. Emulating a sense of pride and strength may empower us to be the hero of our own story; to lead, and to assume a central role in our circle of influence. Yet, this pride can also hinder us from asking for help and may lead us to overdo things. The old adage that pride precedes a fall rings true here; assuming high-performance demands for high-praise may not suit everyone. Too much output without understanding the force of our conviction can lead to stress, and even heart issues if not tempered with self-nurturing and balanced give-and-take. The Leo spirit is also known for its abundant generosity, sometimes to the point of intemperance, so financial caution is advised to avoid lavish spending that impresses but strains the budget.

Central to Leo is the Sun, symbolising our universal craving for warmth, rejuvenation, and vitality. Our special need for sunshine, whether literal or the metaphorical glow of love and glory, is the vital component to feeling good about ourselves and the core nucleus of our creative spirit. It is hard, if not impossible, to feel alive and proud of oneself when the affairs ruled by the Leo area of our chart cannot perform one’s complex and intertwined expressive needs with authenticity, flair and magnanimity. Stepping into Leo’s lessons with wisdom and grace can guide us toward a vibrant and fulfilling existence, one where we are mindful of our strengths and weaknesses and strive to live in harmony with both.

Other Influences

A combination of other stellar influences play a vital part in determining the ease or complexity of transforming our intentions into tangible reality.

Direct aspects to the New Moon include:

  • Conjunct Venus Retrograde: This potent heart-mind-body alignment calls for a profound reflection on aspects of dignity and self-worth, our ability to both give and receive love, and the capacity to express our exceptional talents in relationships without compromising our integrity.
  • Semisextile Mars: The Mars-led stellium in Virgo, comprising Mercury and Pallas Athena, equips us with essential resources, tools, skills, and stamina. This celestial alignment fosters a well-coordinated body and diligent nature that not only aids success but also promotes the fulfilment of duties and chores.
  • Square to Uranus: Uranus in Taurus shakes the core foundations of our lives, compelling us to move away from habits of over-indulgence and extravagant behaviour. We are challenged to remain grounded through sudden environmental shifts, socio-economic disruptions, or our own lascivious excesses and obstinate egotism in relationships and within ourselves. This isn’t about resisting change but finding stability and grounding oneself within it.
  • Trines and Other Aspects: Collective healing and leading with empathy and courage as the Leo Sun/Moon/Venus dynamic forms a trine to the Chiron/Eris/Node in Aries.

**For a complete, in-depth analysis of the above lunation and its cumulative effect, both personally and collectively, watch the latest episode of our compelling Cosmic Bus lunation series.

Drawing on the luminescence of the Sun and Moon and their relationship to current planetary transits, I’ve once again crafted empowering horoscope messages and guided intentions to illuminate your path ahead, instilling the courage and conviction needed to walk it. I encourage you to read both your Sun and Rising sign readings for a comprehensive understanding of how the combined energies play out in your life. If you wish more personalised guidance, I welcome you to book a private session with me to assess your chart for enhanced clarity. Thank you for your ongoing appreciation and support for my work. Sending you each many blessings on this New Moon. xx

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