Welcome to the Leo New Moon, the time in the lunar calendar when the page turns and we turn our attention to the energies of creativity and joy, identity and self expression, play and fun. Leo is the sign of the Sun and invites us all to shine. The new moon was exact on August 4, 2024 at 7:13 am ET, 12 degrees Leo. That’s 4:13 am Los Angeles, 12:13 pm London, 1:13 pm Johannesburg, 4:43 pm New Delhi, 9:13 pm Sydney, and 11:13 pm Auckland.
New moons are new beginnings. They set the stage for the coming four weeks, acting as a lens for our experiences, both internal and external. Leo is a fire sign, the element of life and illumination, of new beginnings and the desire to create them.
To step into the energies of Leo is to invite the Sun to shine, whether literally or metaphorically. It’s not uncommon, at least in the northern hemisphere, to seek sunny shores, to play with friends and loved ones, to bring in more color. We may think that Leo doesn’t have much to do with us, especially if we are not a Leo, but don’t forget that we all have a Sun, even if it’s in another sign.
This Leo New Moon brings us into a lunar month that is quite different from the previous four weeks, what with the Cancer lunar month and its energies of the eclipses. Instead, the next four weeks play off the energies of Mars and Jupiter in Gemini. It’s a month to explore, travel, visit friends, and spend time connecting with our communities.
We do have the energies of Uranus present with us over the coming days, a planet that inspires new points of view, sometimes like a spark or even a thunderbolt, and a planet that can shake things up. It’s a month to grow and evolve our sense of self, breaking free from anything holding us back from expressing who we are. Keep an eye on the August 19 Aquarius Full Moon. Something may come to light or confront us in some way.
In short, new moons give us a chance to redirect our energies and reprioritize. Play and fun are an essential ingredient to life, and vital if we are feeling burned out. Leo also helps us to reconnect to who we are, finding that spark within that lights us up and illuminates our spirit.