New Moon in Leo

Unless you were brought up underground or have never been outdoors before, you will be aware of the Sun: big, bright, cheerful (on a good day) and an inducer of good will and intentions. We all want to play in the sun, not in a cold rain storm. And yet, in spite of the many benefits of the Sun, there are quite serious drawbacks: sunburn, heatstroke and the harm to human eyes if it is looked at directly for prolonged periods. It is lucky for us we get a break from the Sun during the night (unless we live in polar regions). To understand the sun is to understand the sign of Leo. Many cultures have versions of solar gods whose strength intensifies or weakens as myths for summer and winter or sunrise and sunset. Harnessing the sun’s power is amongst our greatest challenges and achievements for agriculture and, with any luck, as a sustainable source of energy. The Sun therefore represents our ability to shine, to expose (or be exposed) and to sustain life. It’s also giving and generosity whilst understanding limitations. The lessons of a month beginning with the new moon in Leo can be understood by understanding the opposite sign of Aquarius: working as a team, dealing with technology, being ‘cool’ and detached and avoiding the spotlight.

The new moon in Leo therefore invokes a time of exploring how you want to be seen by others, your search for glory and recognition and your need to sustain and even create life.

Next new moon in Pisces on 29 August 2015

New Moon in Cancer

Astronomically, the constellation of Cancer is the most difficult to find. And to a certain extent, this describes the astrological nature of the Crab: elusive, crafty and shy. Being a sea creature, the crab is governed by the Moon and as such is subjects to phases and changes simply because the Moon, from our point of view, is the nearest, fastest and most changeable of the celestial objects. Many cultures equate the Moon to mother figures, perhaps because it appears to regulate the menstrual cycle and the tides on which food from the sea is dependent. The Moon represents home, the mother and the past we come from. The lessons of a month beginning with the new moon in Cancer can be understood by understanding the opposite sign of Capricorn: the external reputation, the harshness of reality and the unchanging and unbending.

The new moon in Cancer therefore invokes a time of exploring inner emotions, our histories, the way we care for things other than ourselves and our need to hide away from the world every now and again.

Next Full Moon in Aquarius on 31 August.