Leo New Moon – 2020

By Tracy Cook

Where should my focus be during this next 29-day cycle? 

When we draft a chart for the new moon, we can get a sense of the energy that will be up for processing for the next 29 days.  

Okay what is this cycle about?     When everything feels like it is going to hell in a handbasket, you are your hero.  Put on your sloppy cape. 

Please note all times in Pacific.   

Leo New Moon 

26 Leo 35

August 18, 2020 

7:41pm PDT

Welcome to Leo New Moon.   The Leo New moon launches the twenty-nine-day lunar cycle of the second fire sign of the zodiac.   Earlier in spring we had the first fire sign, Aries new moon cycle, with all its robust energy and fieriness that can spread like a grassfire.   Now at Leo the fire is strong and big, but it is contained like a bonfire.   Leo energy is eye catching and it is focused.   The fire is harnessed, and it is productive.   Leo reminds us it is important to find the fire in our belly and use the strength to be our own hero.   

The chart for the Leo New Moon has the Sun and Moon right next to Mercury (conjunct) and it is in a very supportive aspect with Mars (trine).    This new moon chart has built in optimism that inspires action during this twenty-nine-day cycle.    There is joy in the chart and power in life affirming actions. 

In a normal year where we aren’t confined or have limitations, the Leo New Moon and cycle would support parties, gatherings, having fun, being with others.   Leo with all its drama is associated with theater and playing.   It is a cycle of falling in love.  For those of us who live in the northern hemisphere it is of course the sign and cycle where we are swept up in ‘summer romance’.     

In a strange twist of Covid circumstances, all of us above the equator are in many ways connecting to the Leo cycle like our friends in the southern hemisphere.  Those who live in the southern hemisphere are in the final months of winter.  Cold, windy, there is no going to the beach for all of them.   A lot of their energy is spent in their homes but still they know how to feel the Leo optimism.  The joy that can be found in the heart and hearth.   Those of us who aren’t able to socialize will be utilizing the energy in similar ways.  While maybe this Leo cycle we are not as ‘out there’ as in other summers it is still impactful.  

Leo is the lion.  Not a small, insignificant animal.  The roar alone can be heard up to five miles away.  Part of the strength of a lion is its roar.   It sends the message to all, “I am here.”   Those who are prey know to run, those who can tackle are put on notice, a fight might be coming.  The roar tells the story.     The lion’s muscular built is strong and he is, of course a cat, which makes him a gifted and strong pouncer. Leo is connected to the heart and the solar plexus.  We will hear something, and it will vibrate in us.  It could be subtle.  Perhaps it is ‘something’ in a friend’s voice.  It could be bold, perhaps it is a wrong that needs a superhero moment.   Leo is brave, strong and will jump in when it sees something that needs help.  Or it will jump when it sees an opportunity.   Given the new moon chart has both Mercury and Mars highlighted there is a lot of energy on the roar which is communication (Mercury) and the pouncing (Mars). Watch what comes up for the next twenty-nine days.  Will it need you to come to the rescue?  Or will it be a juicy opportunity you cannot let pass you by?  Will it be something in your heart that demands action?  Will you be called to do something that gets your blood rushing?   When is the last time you felt such a rush?    When is the last time you heard your own roar? 

A Note on Creativity

There is a component to Leo that I do not think gets enough attention and that is creativity.   Leo is gifted with skills and ability to go deep into creativity.   Yes, the Leo energy can paint, draw, design and for heaven sakes perform.   But I caution those of you who have already decided, “I can’t do that stuff” to not make the mistake and identify yourself as ‘not creative’.   Every human on earth is creative.  They can think therefore they can create.  Maybe you can’t design or sew or paint but maybe you can hear someone that no one else can hear.  Or maybe you can see something that no one else can see.  Maybe you can drill deep down on a topic that others cannot.  This is all creative.  I can research like a whirling dervish; I mean I can seriously look like a crazy person when I get a bee in my bonnet.  But later, that information will serve me or others, even if at the time of my creative jag I am not sure of its ultimate purpose.  My heart trusts the process.   Finding our skills and celebrating them is critical in the Leo cycle.  Do NOT marginalize any of your gifts or abilities.  Creativity can be bold and it can be sloppy.  Can you be sloppy?  If you can, then you will find a path to your creativity.   We are going to need your creativity going forward.  Some of you are scared because you have decided some creatives seem like they have runamuck egos.  They might.  But so what?  It’s not about ego anyway, it is about being self-esteem which is not the same as ego.  Your self-esteem can be found in a little creative messiness.   Go for it. We’ve been waiting a long time for you to show up.  

Mars, Mars, Mars

This Leo New Moon and twenty-day cycle creates a bubble of support which is excellent given the other planets continue to toss and turn.  As we have discussed we are in the middle of a lot of drama with Mars.    The dates for Mars are: 

July 25     Mars enters Shadow 

Aug 4        Mars square Jupiter

Aug 13      Mars square Pluto

Aug 24      Mars square Saturn

Sep 9         Mars stations retrograde 28 Aries 09

Sep 29       Mars square Saturn

0ct 9          Mars square Pluto

Oct 18       Mars square Jupiter

Nov 13      Mars stations direct 15 Aries 14

Dec 23       Mars square Pluto

Jan 2         Mars exits shadow 

Jan 6         Mars enters Taurus 

During the Leo lunar cycle Mars squares Saturn on August 24 and Mars stations retrograde on September 9.   We probably should get down on our knees and thank everything that is holy that these two Martian energies are happening within an optimistic Leo lunar cycle.   We will need it to support us.  

We are arguably in a very stressful planetary period and it will intensify in the days heading to August 24^th and throughout the period up to September 9^th.   There may be some relief after the 9^th, accent on ‘some’.    To understand the pressure, we need to remember Mars is a warrior.  Mars pushes to get stuff done.  In its home sign of Aries, it pushes for a new way, a new independence, it has a confidence but a fire that is hard to contain (as in the above grassfire analogy.)   Where we have Aries in our chart is where we feel like a lone wolf.   Either we want to do something our way, using our personal will power or circumstances have put us in a lone position.   Mars is in Aries until January emphasizing our need to assert ourselves.  Our voice, our action, our energy.   Unfortunately, the square with Saturn has, at first blush, a feeling of impotence.  We feel as if we are lacking tools, structure, support to do what we want to do.  We may sense we have to go back to the drawing board and rethink our action.  When Mars turns retrograde it will be similar to a road trip when we realize, “Oh, no I left my camera in that giftshop—we gotta go back”.  Instead of a camera we are going back to find our smarter, sharper inner warrior.  We are finding the support, the tools, the action plan that makes the most sense.   But along the way, we may get into some dust ups with others who also are looking for their warrior tools.   We need to take care that we don’t get caught up in the firestorm of some event and then later it turns out to not be what it appears.  Perhaps in our haste we moved too quickly.   Sorting through the noise in a bumpy period will be challenging.   Breathe.   Watch that gut next to your solar plexus, it will guide you to the right fight.  Also, play a lot of soundtracks from Sergio Leone.   It will get you in the mood.

The Tangle Ups

As we discussed there are a lot of tangle ups this year between Mars in Aries and the three big guys in Capricorn:  Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn.    Each one of these Mars aspects will get our attention, either personally or globally or both.  They will be hard to miss.   

Along the way some of our faster moving planets such as the Moon will also get snared into the battle zone and Mercury and Venus upon occasion.    Just so no one is caught off guard by any bumps and hurdles or strum and drang, I am listing the dates of the moon when it is in the cardinals and when the other planets are tangling up with the big megillahs. 

Moon Tangles 

The moon will get into tangles with Mars, Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn when it is in these signs.   We can feel ourselves pulled into the energy. Try to use it to accomplish stuff versus scuffles.  Unless someone needs to see you bare teeth.  Then show your fangs.  

8/21 Moon enters Libra 2:15am PDT 

8/23 Moon exits 3:15am PDT 

8/27 Moon enters Capricorn 10:36 am PDT

8/29 Moon exits 5:37pm 

9/3   Moon enters Aries 1:21 pm PDT

9/6   Moon exits 1:43pm PDT

9/11 Moon enters Cancer 1:22 am PDT

9/13 Moon exits 8:32am PDT 

Venus Tangle Ups

During this Leo lunar twenty-nine-day cycle, we will also have some Venus Tangle ups.   Note these dates and some short write ups. I have also included some of the soothing aspects for Venus because it is not all thorns.

8/25:  Venus oppose Jupiter:  Money feels big and stretched at the same time.  Values are informed by big ideas and things that are ‘foreign”.   Big Values and Big Government connect with family/home. 

8/30:  Venus oppose Pluto Values get either black and white, all or nothing.  Or they go through an evolution.  It will be felt both emotionally and practically.   Money/love get some tough love. 

8/27:  Venus trine Neptune.  Love of loved ones and humanity is highlighted.  Values, love and money speak to the spiritual side.  Faith finds values and visa versa. Family and humanity are joined. 

8/25:  

Venus oppose Jupiter:  Money feels big and stretched at the same time.  Values are informed by big ideas and things that are ‘foreign”.   Big Values and Big Government connect with family/home and money. 

9/2:  Venus oppose Saturn: Values feel restricted and values need practical application.  Love and money feel trapped.  What evolution do they need?  Where do love and money need to be applied to and from power?  Who needs to step up?  

9/4: Venus square Mars.  Love and action feel at odds.  Family and personal endeavors feel at odds.  Where can one’s emotions about independence be helpful for family and home?  Where can they not be helpful?  What actions are we taking that speak to our internal feels that seem disconnected from family or independence? 

Jupiter Station Direct  

Feb 18 Jupiter enters shadow 

May 14 Jupiter stations retrograde 17 Cap 24

Sept 12 Jupiter stations direct  27 Cap 14

Dec 6 Jupiter leaves shadow 

Jupiter has and continues to be a big player in 2020.  Jupiter and Pluto have had two rounds of a strong aspect (conjunction) one in April and June and their final hook up happens November 12.   The weirdness that is our 2020 is due in part to several astrological issues including the tension of Jupiter and Pluto.  Pluto in Capricorn is showing the world the cracks in our government, business and big systems.  Jupiter in Capricorn wants big, practical solutions that can help the common good.  Of course, with a conjunction –there is a rub and super focus.   Finding the solution works when the majority agree on the problem.  That is the rub and focus. 

Jupiter stationed retrograde on May 14.   Since May we have been assessing our ideas and philosophies either by things that have come up in our lives in a real way or by observations we have seen in the mundane world.   We are getting more and more informed on the problems. The gravitational pull of Jupiter is enormous and some of us may have been pulled into situations that were NOT on our ‘To-Do” list.  Ah, such is Jupiter when he has a lesson he wants to impart.   Jupiter is the bridge planet between the personal planets (Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars) and the outer planets that speak more to society (Jupiter and Saturn) and the generational transpersonal planets (Uranus, Neptune, Pluto).   

We discussed in previous reports that the last time Jupiter was in Capricorn was 2008, the year of the economic crash.   In December of 2019 Jupiter went into Capricorn and we saw the air go out of the economy.   Jupiter is part of the Covid-19 story.   By the time Jupiter retrograded in May we saw the cracks and fissures of a slowed down economy.   At the same time case numbers and deaths by Covid continue to be high.   When Jupiter stations direct on September 12 it will be exactly where it was in Feb 18.    If we could go back to Feb and tell ourselves something, what would it be?   What knowledge have we learned that we can’t unlearn now?   How have our opinions been shaped since Feb?    What have we been taught by the Universe?  

Once Jupiter stations direct, he will move at a clipped pace and head towards Aquarius.   Jupiter will enter Aquarius December 19^th and it will bring out a new lesson planner involving society and the groups of people that we share like mindedness.  Until that time, we process all that we have learned about practical solutions and practical applications that we can use in our life on personal level and on societal level.  

In conclusion, 

For all its roar and bigness, Leo is kind.   Yes, a distorted Leo is not kind at all and is lost in lies and bragging and whatever it does to suck up the oxygen in the room.  But this Leo New Moon is a pretty nice chart and even if some lame people suck up the news, remember your kindness.  Reach out to those who need your insights, your creativity, be like a big lion licking its cub.   And don’t be afraid to be a little big yourself. 

See you in Virgo in a month.  

During the month check out my blog 

http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com

Please note all times Pacific 

The 8 phases

Leo New Moon 

26 Leo 35

August 18, 2020 

7:41pm PDT

New moon: Plant seeds, make calls, activate, start projects.   Activate something that will ideally lead you to more.  This is the phase where INTENT is critical.  Even if the results are not immediate, the intent is there.  You may not have all the answers or road map, but you should put out your Intent.

This focus:   We are focused on our creativity.  We are focused on what moves our heart.  We are focused on being a hero to ourselves and to others.  We are not moved by ego we step up because our self-esteem pushes us to do the right thing.   It’s okay to be sloppy and big. Where do we need some bigness?  It is time to get big.  

Special note:

8/19: Mercury enters Virgo.  The brain and thinking a bit more discerning.  Critical tongue.   Brain can be overwhelmed but also aware of loose ends that need tying up for the next few weeks. 

Crescent Moon Phase

August 22, 2020

2:12am PDT

Crescent:  We will receive information, we will research a bit more, perhaps get feedback on stuff that we planted on new.  Perhaps get some information that will help down the road on a seed we planted a while ago.  We can collect some data now.  Even if you think you are not getting information, stop, and re-look at everything.  Who called you?  Even the silliest things, when they come up during Crescent are note worthy.  A parking ticket?  An argument with a spouse?  A refund check from the phone company?  All of it needs to be considered a message from the universe.  How can this information help you?

Focus on: What information are you learning about your relationships.  What are you learning about partnerships?  What are you learning joy and play and relationships?  What are you learning about strength?   What are you learning about creativity and the importance of it your relationships?  How is creativity, joy, strength informing your need for balance? 

Special Focus

8/22:  Sun enters Virgo.   Happy Birthday dear Virgos.  

8/24:  11:19am PDT Mars square Saturn.  (see above)

8/25: Mercury trine Uranus.  Practical solutions and dynamic ideas are pronounced.  Thinking of ‘weird’ thoughts could later be helpful in building something up from the ground. 

8/25: Venus oppose Jupiter:  Money feels big and stretched at the same time.  Values are informed by big ideas and things that are ‘foreign”.   Big Values and Big Government connect with family/home.

First Quarter Moon 

August 25, 2020

10:57am PDT

First quarter: We do more actions based on the information that we just received. Or we feel our instincts guide us on something.  We pursue again.  We make another call, or we see someone. We mail something.  We stir the pot again.  This can be a time when we realize that the goals, we planted on New need more action from us, perhaps actions that involve breaking away.   Are there people who say they have our best interest in heart but fear us growing away from them?  Maybe we need to get help from others not the usual suspects.  Some independence may need to be exerted. 

Focus on:  What actions are you taking that speak to bridging with things that are ‘foreign’?  What actions are you taking that speak knowledge and education?  What actions are you taking that speak to your beliefs?  How is all of this informed by creativity and joy and play?   How is theatrics pushing you to act on something? 

8/27:  Venus trine Neptune.  Love of loved ones and humanity is highlighted.  Values, love and money speak to the spiritual side.  Faith finds values and visa versa. Family and humanity are joined. 

Gibbous Moon

August 29, 2020 

1:46am PDT 

Gibbous:

We refine our information.  We pick and choose, we discriminate, and we organize to be ‘Virgo’ like.  We sort through details.  Have we missed something?  How are we sifting through the information?  Go back and make sure something hasn’t been neglected.  Refine our actions.  

Focus on:  How are you refining your leadership skills?  How are you speaking with authority and to authority?  How does your business acumen need refinement?   What government agency would be helpful?  How are you refining understanding of perfect timing? 

Special focus

8/29:  Mercury trine Jupiter.  Communication and thinking expand in new ways that could provide opportunities.  

8/30:  Venus oppose Pluto * Values get either black and white, all or nothing.  Or they go through an evolution.  It will be felt both emotionally and practically.   Money/love get some tough love. 

8/30:  Merc oppose Neptune. What does it mean to have your thinking blown away?  What if logic is suspended?  How is your thinking informed by mystical, humanitarian and spirituality?  What spiritual thoughts beg for practical application? 

9/1: Mercury trine Pluto.  Deep thoughts.  Evolutionary thinking. Transformative communication.  

Full Moon Phase – Lunar Eclipse

September 1    

10:21pm PDT 

10 Pisces 12 

Full Moon:  We make the needed adjustments on the things we planted. Usually emotions are up and running and for those people who perhaps did not utilize the new moon and the rest of the waxing moon, this is when emotions can get the better of us.  There can often be a big emotional break, for no other reason than to get back on track.   Some partnership will offer up some balance.  The moon is bright and full and there is no room for shadows, what is reflecting on you?  

Focus on:  

Pisces, the last water sign laps on our shores by our humanitarian sensitivities.  Intuition will be high.  Spirituality can be found in very simple and daily if not hourly actions.   There is a bit of unworldliness to this full moon.  

Go to blog for full moon report. 

http://tracyastrosalon.blogspot.com/

Special focus 

9/2:  Venus oppose Saturn values feel restricted and values need practical application.  Love and money feel trapped.  What evolution do they need?  Where do love and money need to be applied to and from power?  Who needs to step up?  

9/2: Sun trine Uranus.  Creativity and unique opportunities that come out of nowhere.  

9/3: Mercury trine Saturn.  Great logical and practical thinking brings some real movement towards goals. 

9/4: Venus square Mars, love and action feel at odds.  Family and personal endeavors feel at odds.  Where can one’s emotions about independence be helpful for family and home?  Where can they not be helpful?  What actions are we taking that speak to our internal feels that seem disconnected from family or independence? 

Disseminating

September 5, 2020  

11:59am PDT  

Disseminating: Share information; find a teacher or someone who has more knowledge. Perhaps there was a big ol’ blow out on the full and one feels in need of support and help, this is the phase to reach out to one who knows more. This is when we find a rabbi or a minister or therapist who gives us more insight.   And of course, you too may be ready to teach and share your own information.  

Focus on:  How are you sharing your singular personality?  How are you sharing YOU?   We are not all the same no matter how many groups we belong (racial, religion, locale) how are you connecting to your identity and sharing it?   How does it impact your strength and creativity?  

Special focus:

9/5:  Mercury enters Libra.  Relationships and partnerships take a pronounced place in our thinking.  Mentally we seek to find balance during the next few weeks. 

9/6:   Venus enter Leo

9/9: Sun trine Jupiter.  Big ideas, Big thoughts. Big beliefs.  Big journeys.  All of them get practical application.  

9/9:  3:22pm PDT Mars station retrograde. 28 Aries 08.  (see above)

Last Quarter Moon Phase

September 10, 2020 

2:25am  

Last Quarter moon:  Now we do the final adjustments to the seeds we planted on new. The final call, the final letters to send, we follow all the trails that came up that still make sense.  And we let the other parts lay fallow. It is a time of action but wise action.  It is a time for living “The serenity prayer” 

God, grant me the Serenity
to accept the things
I cannot change Courage to change the
things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.

Focus on:

What actions are you taking enhance your communication skills?  What actions are you taking speak to your siblings and your neighbors?  What actions are you taking that improve your research abilities?  

Special focus

9/11:  Sun oppose Neptune.  Matters of faith and spirituality, humanitarian love needs practical application.  Cynical voice is challenged by the need for faith. 

9/12:  5:40pm PDT Jupiter station direct 17 Capricorn 24 (see above)

Balsamic Moon Phase

September 13, 2020

8:24pm PDT   

Balsamic:   We let go.  By releasing we can prepare for the new.  

Focus on How are you releasing your emotions?  Read that twice.  

9/14:  Power speaks to you in ways that make sense and there is a practical application of that power.  Evolution within brings great change.

9/15:  Venus square Uranus.  Chaos around money, love and values.  Is it disruptive or is it needed change? 

9/17:  Mercury square Jupiter.  In the last hour of this Leo lunar cycle our thinking is challenged by our ‘big ideas’.  Are our beliefs in alignment with our ideas?   

Virgo New Moon September 17, 2020 4:00am 25 Virgo 00