Sunday’s 13 degree Leo new moon (4:13 a.m. pacific) has all the elements of a good movie: adventure, romance, fun and, of course, conflict.
We’re already in the season of the Leo sun, which brings a fair amount of drama just by being Leonine. However, on the same day as the new moon, we’ve got a Mercury retro happening.
And if you’ve been around for any length of time, you know that I always say to watch out for the day Mercury goes retro, as well as a day or so on either side of the direction change.
Yep, Mercury is the trickster, and when it goes retro, we can expect even more trickery than usual. This one had a longer shadow than most, or at least that’s how I felt it. This retro begins at 4 degrees Virgo. What do you have around that degree, either in earth signs other than Virgo (creative, positive) or mutable signs including Virgo (challenging)?
And while a new moon is mostly harmonious, there is usually an energy shift on the day of the lunation. Something will ask for your attention. Every time. Expecting this, and heeding it, will make your life experience better in the long run.
I do tend to romanticize about the new moon, as it is generally more harmonious and positive than a full moon. But last new moon sent me for a loop–we’re talking within minutes of the lunation. And then there was that one a few years back when my car was stolen, probably because it was a new moon, no moonlight.
So if you have anything that you know you need to let go of, I would plan on taking steps in that direction before Sunday, as this one may have a few things to say to many of us, largely depending, of course, on where it falls in our individual charts. But it will bring a shift of energy, which is mainly positive, as well as a sense of respite and renewal.
However, as most new moons are favorable for new beginnings, this one is somewhat hampered due to the Mercury retro. So, be aware that there may be challenges. I’m not saying not to start new projects, but make sure the angels are trumpeting, and that you have done your research, strategizing and other means of due diligence.
In fact, these are things that are favored under a Mercury retro. The rule of thumb, I’m sure that you know by now being: do those things that start with re- (revision, research, repairs, re-purposing, etc.)
And, of course, my standard guidelines apply: be flexible, look for opportunity in inconveniences and changes-of-plans, have a sense of humor, and add a buffer of time to your activities, as things will take longer, and unexpected delays are to be expected.
The retro goes until August 28, but remains in the storm (proceed with a bit of caution) until August 3.
OK, back to the new moon chart. The only real trouble I can see other than Mercurial hi-jinks with a little Martian aggression thrown into the communications game just for added drama, is a Venus/Uranus square which, factoring in those communication hiccups, could lead to major relationship upheaval. And with Mercury and Venus so close together, please watch what you say, and particularly how you respond to your nearest and dearest. Be mindful and take deep breaths and long pauses. Ask for clarification if you think it might help.
And while we do have another square, it involves Jupiter, and even though the planet it squares is Saturn, any Jupiter aspect is a good thing, unless of course, it involves too much of a good thing in a bad way. Yep, many who overindulge (Jupiter) over the next two weeks will suffer the consequences (Saturn). But on the other side of the coin, if you’ve done good work in the past (Saturn), you may receive benefits (Jupiter) for it now. Also, one of the Mercury retro positives are that those who you’ve done a good turn may return the favor now.
But while we’re on the subject of blasts from the past: please don’t get back together with your crappy ex- just because it’s Mercury retro. This Mercury will slide back into Leo, giving the ex- a charisma that will likely fade by the time the retro ends. In the words of my astrology mentor Victoria Bearden, If it really is meant to be it will keep until after the retro.
Intuition and creativity are high, as is the possibility of brilliance and transformational ideas. But I have made this point before: Mercury retro is a bit like being drunk. You may think it’s a great idea at the time, but in the light of day (sober, after the retro) it may not be. But write down all ideas anyway, because they will be fleeting, and one or two may turn out to be really good.
One last thing. Jupiter and Mars conjunct means work deliberately in service of your grand vision. Where you put your effort now is where you will receive your rewards later. So do big-dream work, but do it quietly and attentively. Yes, you may have to go back and revise, but you really can achieve a lot when you factor out distractions now.
Overall, this looks like another good new moon, especially for those who can let go of the need to control, and allow that something even better may come of this very interesting time.
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The next full moon circle is coming up on Monday, August 19 for Patreon subscribers only. The link is pinned to the top of the page. Here’s what one of my peeps said about being a patron: It’s a great value and it’s really helped me not to do something stupid several times. I look forward to the posts and go back to re-read them–S.N., California
New Moon Blessings,
Jackleen
(619) 275-1731
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