12 Leo – 4 August at 9.13 pm Brisbane, 12.13pm London, 7.13am Eastern and 4.13am Pacific
This Leo New Moon offers an inspiring boost to new projects, relationships or endeavours started under its bright, shiny beams. With Jupiter in Gemini’s encouraging words from the sidelines, it’s like having your personal cheer squad behind you, uplifting and encouraging you forward. The usual Leo themes of creativity, generosity and leadership are offered, and to truly tap into the bright seeds of Leo’s fire here are some ways to work more deeply:
Self-esteem and Authenticity
With its connections to our core and heart, Leo encourages us to build a strong self-esteem, beyond the trite “just love yourself” statements. Try using this New Moon to delve into what your strengths are, what skills and talents you have, what you give to others and the difference you make in the world.
Make a list of them all to see it clearly. Ask yourself “What would my friends say they like about me?” or even ask them straight out.
You have been given the gift of life for a reason, so try honouring your unique self the same way that something higher surely does.
Strong self-esteem also helps with authenticity, as you’re less likely to abandon yourself to fit in with others when you know your true worth. Your standards will be higher, so you’re less likely to stand for cruel behaviour or thoughtless treatment.
Will and motivation
I’ve been mulling so much on the word ‘WILL’ this Leo season, what it means and how it plays out. We talk about willpower, or the will of the people, even the will of God, but what does it truly mean? According to the Oxford Dictionary, WILL is “the ability to control your thoughts and actions to achieve what you want to do; a strong and determined desire to do something that you want to do”.
Leo is about self-expression, and WILL is an inherent part of this but if there have been blocks to developing WILL in your childhood, then guilt (I did something wrong) or shame (I am wrong) will be its replacement. Use this New Moon to shine a light on where blocks to WILL lie, and use the power of the Sun to burn and purify.
How to build WILL? You’ve got to know who you are and trust that you can do what you want, and deserve to. I’m not talking about “anything goes” here (though certainly out of control will is the territory of narcissism) but I am talking about WILL that comes from knowing, valuing and trusting yourself.
Constancy, fidelity and allegiance
Remember the knights of old who would pledge their allegiance to a noble or leader? Who or what have you pledged allegiance to in the past? Or committed your fidelity towards? Are your loyalties pulling you in different directions?
I’m reminded of the Chariot Card in the Tarot, with the chariot as purpose and motivation and the white and black steeds your YES and NO lives. Over the next few days, in this Balsamic phase, ask yourself – do your Yes and No lives align? If not, then your chariot will be pulled apart. If you say no to cruelty but spend time with cruel people? Are you in allegiance with love but connect often to fear? This can lead to loss of motivation or confusion in purpose. The unseen knows when you lose your fidelity to it, and withdraws its support.
This New Moon can get you back on track, and I always suggest starting with the fundamentals of values, principles and qualities (not people) to power your chariot forward. Mull on this question in the coming days so you can be clear on just what you are committing yourself to constancy with.
If you’d like more tips on or insights, join my coming Leo New Moon Gathering.