The new moon is a time of increased darkness. When the sun and moon occupy the same space in the sky, the light of the sun does not reflect upon the face of the moon. With more darkness, our instincts turn internal. New moon days and nights are often times when we have a bit more interest in, and capacity for, self-reflection. August 11th’s new moon in Leo is also a solar eclipse. Eclipses occur during the full or new moon, when the alignment of Earth, Moon and Sun come together at the ecliptic. The ecliptic is the plane of Earth's yearly rotation around the sun. During tomorrow's partial solar eclipse, the moon will pass in front of the sun, and temporarily obscure its visibility, light, and heat from reaching some parts of the Earth. (Click here to learn where the eclipse will be visible.)

Eclipses are strange times. If you were able to view last year’s total solar eclipse, or have had the opportunity to view others, you will probably easily remember their oddness. The light changes and shadows shift direction. Birds, insects, and animals get still. The wind picks up then dies down. Gravity feels different. In our modern lives on Planet Earth, it’s easy to forget that we are at the mercy of these great lights. During an eclipse we feel their power.

Viewed through the astrological perspective, when the moon eclipses the sun (a solar eclipse), the light of supreme consciousness (Sun) infuses the light of subjective awareness (Moon.) These are times that often bring distinct and long-lasting changes. Eclipses act to align and realign ego with soul. They are times when we remember our priorities and when we see our failings. They are often times of endings, which can also be understood as beginnings. Eclipses are represented as the Ouroboros, the serpent who eats its own tail. This ancient symbol is one of introspection. It recalls the spiral of time and evolution, the eternal return of materials to their source. It represents the infinite cycle of nature’s creation and destruction, which are one and the same.

August’s new moon and solar eclipse conjoin in Leo with Mercury (in its retrograde) and the asteroid Pallas Athene. Mercury Rx and Pallas both point to our intellectual capacity and mental strategies. They ask us to place our minds in service to our hearts. They show us how to bring awareness into our energetic expression, and how to cultivate the wisdom of authenticity and love.

We are nearing the end of an eclipse cycle that began in August 2016. The last eclipse in this cycle will occur next January, but we have already, also, moved into the next cycle of eclipses in Cancer/Capricorn. Over the course of the next few weeks and months, we’ll linger in an in-between space. As the inner and outer planets slowly turn direct, our consciousness and perspectives will also begin to shift towards more decision, action, and outer projection.

During the next few weeks, surrounding this new moon and eclipse, there’s a lot of energy for personal research. We are in a moment that is ripe for growth, and ready for change. Take this time to review and reflect. Even if your life energy is go-go-go, now is a better time to pause and take stock of what you already have. There is a good chance that the ways you are creating and expressing are needing/wanting to change, and that the people you love, and the ways that you love them, are also ready for the next stages of intimacy and evolution.

Learn more about this new moon and eclipse in my podcast. I’ll talk about Leo, eclipses, Mercury Rx, Pallas, and a couple of the aspects in the new moon chart.

Leo is the sign that rules children and childlike energy. In the meditation for this new moon I guide awareness towards your innate essence and inner child. This practice helps heal insecurities and brings support for joy. Listen here.

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Your audio horoscopes are below. These horoscopes are for the new moon phase, August 11 - 26, 2018. Listen for your sun to understand something about your inherent nature and ego, listen for your rising sign to understand more about what's going on in your life right now, listen to your moon sign to understand more about your relationships and emotional landscape. Horoscopes are poetic pieces of mystical suggestion. Take what works and leave the rest. Use the affirmations throughout the new moon cycle as questions, metaphors, and reminders. 

ARIES
Ideas and formulas are currently useless. I open to the non-idea, the mystery, the becoming. I will express what I am here to express. I will do it with bravery, with love, with passion. I don’t need to know how or why. I just need to know, how to find my purest joy and contedness. I will lead from that place.

TAURUS
I am at home in world. I create home wherever I am, with who is there, and with respect and a nod to who is not there. I invite the world to welcome me, and I trust that I will be welcomed. I soften and heal the deepest layers of my own isolation and mistrust. I recognize and celebrate my place in the family of all things.

GEMINI
I courageously express myself. I let myself be seen – in my questions and answers, in my strength and fragility, in my love and in my fear. I am honest with myself, and therefore must be honest with others. I speak what needs to be spoken. I commit to staying centered, and true to my heart, as I travel my life’s path.

CANCER

Any significant investment I make–of my time, energy, or money–brings me happiness, fulfillment, and a sense of greater purpose. I enjoy the clarity that comes when my own healthy self-esteem is mirrored by healthy, transparent, and empowered relationships.

LEO

I place myself in the center. I feel all of existence radiating through, in, and around me. I expand my love to include all that ever was, is, or will be. I feel responsibility and freedom in recognition, that everything I perceive, also exists in me. I give generously, with my best intent and most complete joy.

VIRGO
I recognize and own, my desires for validation and love. I allow myself to feel selfish sometimes, and in this allowing, I remember how healing it is to be celebrated and attended to. I appreciate appreciation. I give it, and I receive it.

LIBRA
My intentions manifest in my actions. I live, breathe, eat, speak, think in alignment with my ideals. I hold myself accountable to humanity as a whole, and the communities and networks most dear to me.

SCORPIO
Adult-ness, professionalism, and responsibility are fun, satisfying, creative experiences. I examine my ideas about who I am–I nurture those that bring me joy, I release those that keep me separate. I am liberated from the need to prove anything to anyone, including myself. I invest in my curiosities and passions, simply, because I am curious and passionate.

SAGITTARIUS
My heart speaks the language of pure wisdom. I listen for my own joy and contentment. I hear how life harmonizes around me in return. I release obligations that tear me from my own wisdom. I face fears, insecurities, and dependencies, so that I can say YES to my own inner knowing.

CAPRICORN
Pride can be defensive or attractive, depending on where it comes from. Am I proud of myself and my heart? Do I feel that I give truly and courageously? Do I trust my own intent? Do I believe I am worthy of love? I release egoistic pride that bars me from intimacy and honesty. I cultivate generous pride, that, in its relaxation and forgiveness, allows me to give and receive the love I want and deserve.

AQUARIUS
My relationships evolve with me. I surround myself with authentic, loving, courageous people who are creatively committing to their purpose and passion. I am inspired to be my best, boldest self. I give what I have to give. I trust that what I give is good. I celebrate the goodness that is given to me.

PISCES
My daily practice is taking care of my heart and attending to my center. I organize my chores, tasks, jobs, and schedule to (r)evolve around my authentic expression and passions. I find ways to insert creativity into the most mundane. My heart and its rhythms respond to my presence. I am present with them.