Leo New Moon

The New Moon in Leo homes in on our creative process and demands a fresh injection of energy — inspiration may come from within or from what surrounds us. The lights (Sun and Moon) are conjunct Mercury, and it’s the ideal time for spoken words to become more meaningful. Everyday conversations take on new significance and add to the pool of creativity we can tap into. This may be especially useful for anyone involved in writing, even of a technical kind — which benefits from creative inspiration and insight to support presentation and comprehension. Writers interested in shaping a new piece of fiction or other significant storytelling may benefit the greatest.

Mercury is within 8° of the Sun, and in traditional astrology it is said to be combust and burnt up by the Sun’s rays — i.e., overpowered by the intensity of its heat. Here, it struggles to be heard. In everyday life experiences, this could manifest in the form of one person talking down another’s arguments or offerings. The phrase “unable to get a word in edgeways” comes to mind! Being unheard could feel frustrating, yet it can be comforting to realize there is a time to be heard — or perhaps when others can hear us more readily. The universe might be sending someone to drown us out for a reason! Such alternative potentials are worth reflecting upon to help us see the bigger picture — and that the answers and results we need may be available elsewhere, or at another moment.

The Moon in Leo often emphasizes the need to feel comforted and important — like a very special cat! Cats can, of course, get scratchy when they don’t get what they need. So, where kindness, patience, or acknowledgement may be unavailable, we can look for substitutes to calm and nurture us — or find our own internal fire building within and seek an outlet for it. Warmth can be wonderfully soothing for cats, so if someone around you needs nurturing, consider a way to extend support to them — a kindly smile or a little, light hospitality.

The New Moon is also opposed by Saturn in Aquarius — traditionally considered strong in its home sign. Does this represent some sort of contradiction? Possibly! It reminds me of a dream I had near the end of 2020, in which I was in a place with high walls that seemed to be protective — yet, when I pushed on one of them, it crumbled to dust. This dream left a strong impression on my waking thoughts, and the famous story from the Bible describing how Lot’s wife became a pillar of salt came to mind. I don’t claim to have a strong biblical training, but while researching the story of Lot’s wife, I reached the conclusion that this dream might stand for letting go of old ways — perhaps to do with moving home — but also in relation to the theme of hospitality, which seems important in that story.

I reflected on my struggles to be hospitable to others at times and how those were probably based on a fear of being drawn into offering something more than I was able to. This is very clearly a boundary issue, which I associate with Saturn. There is also something alchemical in this lunation with the Moon linked to sodium, the Sun connected with sulfur, and Saturn to lead — saddling us with melancholy and dark visions. Additionally, asteroid Vesta in Libra trine Saturn suggests the need for balance as we kindle the vestal fire, whilst trying to navigate our path in the outer world.

The strongest showing of volatility held in place in this lunation is the Sun–Moon opposition with Saturn in a t-square to Uranus in Taurus — putting sharp focus on all three fixed signs. Uranus speaks of the unconventional, rebel, and rule-breaker who seeks freedom at any cost. Reflecting on whether it was me or another person who was the “weird” one in a situation where I felt unable to be my most hospitable, I was reminded of Sun Taurus–Moon Libra singer Lily Allen and her 2009 song, “It’s Not Me, It’s You,” and realized it might have been both of us — my ways might’ve seemed odd to that person, and vice versa. I just hope that no one is planning to turn me into a pillar of salt for failing to offer a cup of tea or coffee!

This article is from the Mountain Astrologer, written by Diana Collis.