This New Moon brings the Sun and the Moon to the same point in Leo. It is a new beginning. The start of a new lunar cycle, filled with the midsummer (in the northern hemisphere) energy of Leo.
When the Sun and Moon meet in Leo, we experience the full radiance of this regal sign. An inner confidence cannot be hidden even under the dark Moon. Leo is bursting with life force energy—ruled by the Sun, it is a wild and blazing lion, one that demands to be seen and validated.
At its best Leo is its own source of validation; shining from the inside out and drawing others in with that commanding and secure energy. Leo has a tendency to outsource this power though and search for external validation. Wherever Leo falls in your chart is a place where you need to look within yourself and draw from the well of confidence within you.
The lions gate portal or 88 portal happens on 8/8, which this year matches the date of our New Moon! This is an incredibly lucky moment in the year. It happens during Leo season, close to the fixed star Sirius, the dog star which is the brightest star in the sky. Sirius represents fame honour and wealth. It points to creative talents and is in Leo, the sign of royalty, confidence, and bravery. In numerology 8 is also a lucky number. The symbol of infinity, it represents abundance, expansion, success, infinite possibilities, and infinite connections.
During this time people often experience intense connection to the spiritual world. It can bring access to spiritual healing, guidance and revelation and can be a super potent time to clear blockages for receiving and charging our energy.
As we approach this New Moon, we will have a Mercury kazimi on 1st August, this happens when Mercury crosses paths with the Sun and we see for a moment that Mercury is in “the heart of the Sun” it can bring increased clarity and new perspective as Mercury move ahead of the Sun again.
Uranus represents the higher octave of Mercury, and the Sun and Moon will both be aspecting him today. Uranus can bring us surprises but this feels like it may again be bringing us challenging new ideas. With Uranus and Neptune both talking to our Leo Sun this week I think we will be asked to consider how we relate to our identity and how that relates to our possessions. Are we seeking external validation with our nice clothes or fancy car? Do you really need to keep buying more?
Venus and Neptune provide us with an alternative. Art! They speak of beauty and expression through song and dance and art and cinema. What can you create? What longs to be birthed from your soul? How can you express your inner sun through creativity?
We also have a supporting aspect between Saturn and our north node, calling us to build for the future, if you have been working hard you may be reaping the benefits through this lunar cycle.
This energy will be felt most strongly by people with planets in Leo, Aquarius, Taurus, and Scorpio.
One of my favourite Leos, Carrie Hagan, Shared this ritual with me. Spend some time listening to lions! This is a Lion roaring compilation 10 Hours of Lion Sounds – YouTube allow their majesty to strengthen your heart and bring out your inner roar!