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Overview of Leo energy:

On August 18, 2020 we have the new moon in Leo. A strong, courageous, charismatic energy, ruler of the fifth house in astrology. This is the house of romance, love affairs, creativity, self-expression, play, joy, admiration, drama, fun, spirit. What drives us, what makes our heart soar, as well as how we creatively express ourselves falls under the Leo fifth house.

A few examples that embody this bold, beautiful, flamboyant energy are actors, models, public speakers, leaders, royalty, artists, happy children, passionate sexy love affairs (which includes extramarital affairs), amusement parks, games, laughter, spontaneous decisions and/or actions. The courage to present a talent, project or idea to others. An individual who is not afraid to stand out from the rest and/or to begin something new.

When someone kicks off their shoes and wades through a fountain in a town square in front of everyone, this is Leo. When someone has too much to drink and puts on a show in front of everyone at the company Christmas party, this is also Leo. (laugh)

Leo, the lion, let’s not forget is a protective energy as well. Strong and fierce, Leo reminds us to have the courage to stand up for what is important to us. And to not let others expectations of us override our own path. The moon relates to our emotions and inner self. So the new moon in Leo is asking us to look inside and examine what this is. What embraces the innocence of who you truly are, that when you are doing that, you are able to express yourself in the purest vibration of love and joy. If you know what this is, you are very lucky indeed. Many spend their lives searching for it. Once you find it, it must be protected at all times. For it is a treasure. Guard your light.

As I mentioned before, this energy has a shadow side. It can get out of hand if we over indulge or lose our awareness of our surroundings in the spirit of the moment. Leo fifth house energy when it’s having it’s moment in the spotlight, is not necessarily concerned with order and responsibility. That is the job of Virgo, the sixth house. Remember the movie Mary Poppins? This is Virgo coming in to get things back in order when Leo gets out of hand.

Leo energy has a healthy dose of ego attached to it. In it’s highest aspect this is a great leader, someone who is honest and true with their intentions, one who inspires others, one who we admire, that individual who has that “it” factor that makes them stand out from the rest. Leo’s shadow aspects can show up as one who exerts dominance over others, an entitled attitude, manipulation of someone or a situation to achieve a desired goal, an entitled “you owe me” attitude, and an unhealthy need to be the center of attention.

Leo in it’s highest aspect, is an inspirational leader, or someone who is charismatic, positive, fun and colorful. The life of the party. People feel good when they are around them. In it’s lower aspects it is a tyrant, moody, forceful, intimidating, sneaky and a drama queen.

The Cards:

These are the cards I intuitively pulled for the New Moon in Leo. We have Strength (this represents the new moon’s sign of Leo in the Major Arcana), The Seven of Wands which is the deacon associated with this moon. The planet associated with the Seven of Wands is Mars. I thought this was interesting. So I looked up Mars’ position on the date of the new moon, and pulled the Four of Wands, which is the deacon associated with Mars on that date. The zodiac sign associated with Mars is Aries, which corresponds to The Emperor in The Major Arcana.

And here is our 8/18/20 new moon spread:

The Message:

So as I look at these cards, we see Strength moving toward the seven of wands with a confident determination. And who would not be confident with a lion by their side! A feminine energy, this card has the four of wands at it’s back, inspired and energized by this wonderful archetype. Perhaps protecting it as well. The four of wands indicates new beginnings, energies that are in their early stages of manifestation. A good sign of an exciting new future full of possibilities.

As I look at the seven of wands, this character is defiantly holding his ground in front of six wands that are raised in front of him. This is a card about boundaries and/or defensiveness. I’m not surprised at seeing this energy in this reading. The sun in Leo at this time has a powerful, bold energy to it. To put it in horse terms, people are “feeling their oats” so to speak. Combine this with the Four of Wands, of which the structure is quite open, and there is plenty of room for a potential misunderstanding. Or for someone to blur the boundary lines a little bit to take advantage of a situation. Another interpretation I see here is one of an obstacle in one’s path. And this is not a negative thing. Sometimes in our pursuit of our goals, we need to be “checked”. Perhaps the timing is not right at this time, perhaps there are some soul lessons to be learned before one can move forward, or a shadow aspect that needs to be cleared. For example, you may want to ask yourself what are your true motivations here? Are your intentions true or is it about your ego? Or it simply may be that the right opportunity has not presented itself yet.

Remember when I said the Four of Wands is the energy of something in the process of manifestation? This could be a message that the energy is still “undercooked” at this time. It’s simply not ready yet.

The Emperor as the underlying energy of the reading, below Strength, is a message that there is a right way and a wrong way to do things. See how he is facing the Seven of Wands? It looks as if The Emperor is Sending Strength as an energetic reinforcement to come to the aid of the Seven of Wands. Or perhaps as a reminder to someone that they need to “check” themselves in some way.

Strength and the Seven of Wands are cards that denote inner strength and perserverance. Our path is our own. This may be a personal message that we alone are responsible for what we want to achieve. We must not rely on others to give us strength. It comes from within us.

The Emperor reminds us that structure, and a code of conduct is necessary within the collective and within groups. Without it, there is a breakdown of communication and this is when we begin to see breaches of boundaries occur. This can take the form of bullying, theft, people feeling that they are being taken advantage of, a gradual increase in manipulative behaviors, a “mob rule” energy, etc. Unchecked Leo energy is not necessarily a good thing!

But as we take another look at the image of the seven of wands in this particular deck, nothing has really happened yet. There is no “action” here. But there is certainly an air of tension. Strength, tells us to trust our instincts. We know when something is not “right”. This is a message to be vigilant. As a collective reading, this tells us to be prepared. Pay attention. With everything that has been going on this year, anything could happen! If this reading resonates with you on a personal level, this is a message for you to put your guard up and pay attention to your surroundings. As well, pay attention to your own actions. Are you pushing a person or situation too far? Are you missing the signs that they are uncomfortable? Perhaps what you think is okay, is being perceived as a boundary breach to the other person.

The seven of wands is also a card of perception. Are you perhaps being too defensive? Maybe too guarded? Unresolved subconcious emotional challenges that we have not quite worked through, can cause us to feel triggered when there may be no reason to be. This where discernment comes in. The Seven of Wands advice is to be ready, but wait. See what happens. Only time will tell what action you need to take, if any. Know that you have the Strength to handle anything that comes across your path, when you have faith in yourself.

Collectively, we are all very suspicious at this time. There is a lot of misinformation out there, and we are having a difficult time discerning truth from agendas. Tensions are high. Strength and The Emperor reminds us to take a breath when we feel tension building up. Take a break from social media and definitely mainstream news! The constant anger and chaos that is spouted on those outlets only adds anger and more tension to an already strained situation. Spend some time with that Four of Wands energy to continue to manifest your dreams into reality. Concentrate on what you actually have control over. Leo loves to win!

The Emperor as the base energy of this spread, and an excellent example of the high vibrational leadership qualities of the archetype of Leo, is impartial and wise. So this may be a message to seek counsel or a higher authority if there is something in your environment or work space that is making you feel uneasy. If someone in your personal life is pushing you beyond your comfort zone, clear communication is needed. Stand your ground.

On a spiritual level, The Emperor tells us that the illusion of lack is just that. The Universe is abundant. However, we must place our trust in the process of divine timing. Do the work of course. But understand, that things will happen at the right time, when you are spiritually, physically and emotionally ready for it, and not a moment before. If we push too hard, or attempt to manipulate the wheel of fortune, the universe will push back. Usually in the form of a lesson to remind us to keep our ego in check and to have faith.

The new moon in Leo is a wonderful energy to bring in abundance, joy, strength, beauty, and to embody qualities that you admire in others. Stand up and stand your ground. Get your hair done, buy some new clothes. Have some fun. Be beautiful! Raise your frequency to attract more of what you love into your life. Use this time to shine!

“Stay in the center of the circle, and let all things take their course” ~ Lao Tzu

The three cards I pulled for this full moon reading are Strength (which represents the sun in Leo), The Star (the moon in Aquarius) and the six of swords which is the decan associated with this moon.

The full moon illuminates that which has been hidden. The Strength card and The Star card are both very authentic energies to me intuitively. The moon is in Aquarius, which is the ruler of the 11^th house which represents, groups, friends, social awareness, hopes, wishes, the future. Leo rules the fifth house, which is about self-expression, fun, play, love, drama, a zest for life. The Sun in Leo and the Moon in Aquarius together are asking you. Have you found your tribe? Does your environment and the people in it support you in a healthy, nurturing way? This can be online as well. Are you appreciated for your unique talents and how you contribute to the group dynamic in your social circles? Are you taking the lead in making your dreams come true? What talents do you possess that could benefit yourself and others at the same time?

As I look at these cards, I get the message of time to shine. But not in a show-off, big, bold, way. Just in an authentic way (there’s that word again). The six of swords is an indication that if your current social environment is not supporting you, it may be time to consider moving on. I find it interesting that all these cards are “quiet” images. Are you considering a new path? Something that is just for you? Or perhaps you have done some soul searching and you realize you have changed.  Aquarius energy is an “out of the box” vibe. Maybe there is something you enjoy doing that your current social circles may not “get” or accept. That’s okay. As long as you love doing it, that is what matters. And if this is what brings you joy, so be it. But to have the time to pursue what this is for you, you may need to distance yourself from social obligations or groups that are not in alignment with your goals.

Our current circumstances provide the perfect opportunity to do this. To quietly retrieve the bits and pieces of your energy that you have given to others. Bring it back to nourish yourself. To give you the strength to use that pole in the six of swords, to propel your boat to calmer waters. To pursue the vision of the future that you have in mind for yourself.

Strength and The Star tells us to be gracious and kind to others, especially when parting ways. Many people mistakenly believe that endings need to be big and dramatic. But this is the worst way one can end any type of relationship. Look at the images of Strength and The Star. There is not much activity going on. They are not raucous, loud, rude or angry. These are “classy” ladies! The energy of these cards is one of self-control and a higher awareness.

Notice all the water in these cards. This amplifies the message of staying calm and cool. No need to burn bridges. Just quietly paddle to put some distance between yourself and the past. The Star is a reminder of hope. Of looking forward to the potential that awaits you as you propel yourself in the direction of this new destination. And as your boat goes further and further out, until you are just a spot on the horizon to those you left behind, your boat will become larger and larger as you get closer to your new destination, where your new soul tribe is waiting to celebrate your arrival on the shore.

There is a lot of energy surrounding the new moon on June 21, 2020. The moon is in it’s element here, as it is in the sign of Cancer for which it is the ruling planet. There is a solar eclipse to go along with it, and to top it off, it coincides with the summer solstice!

The sign of Cancer in the tarot is represented by The Chariot. This card has been coming out a lot lately! The deacon associated with this moon is represented by the two of cups. I also decided to pull the two numbers that make up the Chariot. These cards are number five, The Hierophant, and number 2 The High Priestess.

Take a look at these cards for a moment.

One of the aspects about this new moon on June 21st is it occurs on the Gemini and Cancer cusp. That means, this is right on the transition between the two signs. So to me, there is an influence of Gemini energies on this New Moon. This is indicated by the image on the two of cups card. This is a matter of my own intuitive perception, let me explain.

Now, the two of cups, is not “officially” associated with Gemini. But to me, the image is so similar to The Lovers card, which IS the card that represents Gemini in the major arcana. Both The Lovers and Two of Cups images portray the message of balance, healing, pure intentions, and the union of two energies or people. This card can apply to any situation, business, relationships, etc. The Lovers, since it is a major arcana card, is the higher, more amplified representation of this interpretation.

So in this reading, I intuitively see the two of cups as the “less intense” energy of Gemini which is present, but not predominant, as an influence as the energies shift, into Cancer.

The two of cups can also indicate two energies or people who are a mirror image of each other (i.e., twins – there’s that Gemini energy popping up again). Each balancing out the other as a mirror image imprint. They are literally seeing their soul’s reflection looking back at them when they are in front of each other. We see this energy in soul contract relationships for example, when two people are together to help each other grow and learn lessons. This is where the coined phrase “opposites attract” comes from. These two people, or energies complement one another, by balancing out each other. Yin and Yang.

Now let’s look at the second row. We are looking at exactly the same imagery. We have the number 5 from The Major Arcana, The Hierophant. He is the outward, masculine expression of spirituality, tradition, social order. The “socially accepted” form of spirituality. He is in the public eye. A teacher, a counselor, a mentor. He conveys the teachings. See the keys at his feet? He gives the “keys” of knowledge to his followers through his teachings. Through his interpretations, he tells you the teachings which shapes your conscious mind.

And next to him, we see The High Priestess. She is the feminine aspect of spirituality. She is the hidden, occult version. Most people are afraid of what she knows. She hides the teachings. She keeps secrets. One must be worthy of the “true knowledge” that she holds. She sits in between two pillars, which represent the two pillars in front of Solomon’s temple. Her teachings are not for the layperson. These are the advanced teachings of the ancient mystery schools. This knowledge is only for the truly dedicated. One must do the work before they are ready to comprehend what lies beyond the veil that she sits in front of. The High Priestess is the “mirror image” of The Hierophant. You will notice she has no followers at her feet. She is your subconscious, your intuition. She does not give you the information, she encourages you to look within. She asks you “what do YOU think?”

So I see these energies subtly reflected in the Zodiac Oracle cards as well. Look at Cancer on the left. He is deep down in the ocean of his emotions, pondering, thinking about how he “feels”. Cancer’s motto is “I feel”. Notice the character in this card is looking towards the left. The subconscious, feminine side.

The Moon card on the right is a feminine energy, but the image is that of balance. This is reflected not only in her stance, but also the “fire” that she holds in each hand. There is just enough masculine energy here to keep things in a balanced perspective. The image to me, has the same energetic feeling to it as The High Priestess card. It’s just the way she is projecting herself. Confident, centered, there is a sparkle in her eye. She definitely is privy to hidden knowledge that she is not willing to share with us yet.

So although the New Moon is in the sign of Cancer, which as a water energy, is of the emotions, this new moon is not a pushover! Let’s not forget the crab has a strong shell and powerful pincers to protect it’s vulnerabilities. We need to put on our armor as well. To not allow ourselves to be vulnerable to the intangible influence of outside sources. To be balanced, one must situate themselves BETWEEN the pillars.

The Charioteer must be centered in all aspects. Heart, head, mind, spirit, emotions. Focus, will and determination are what steers the sphinxes, for there are no reins. I jokingly refer to this card as the “get your stuff together” card. As the seventh card in The Major Arcana, The Chariot is a significant signpost in the soul’s journey. The Charioteer must internalize what he has learned thus far, and discern what is HIS truth. And through this perspective, he makes his own way in the world. The Charioteer, if you look closely is ONE with the Chariot. To maintain his momentum, The Charioteer, focuses on what is REAL to him, what is within his control. Everything else is just a distraction.

So getting back to the New Moon, I am seeing the message here as one of learning lessons, discernment, balance, focus and perceptions. Pay attention to your emotional energy. Gemini’s influence (the mind), is still here, reminding us to think before we act. Be careful of what you take in from media and embrace as your personal truth. Sensationalism is everywhere, as they are all competing for your attention (aka ratings). Extreme views are polarizing which triggers emotions. When we are emotional, we are out of balance. When we are out of balance, we act in irrational ways. We do things in the spur of the moment that we regret later. We waste our time being frustrated about things that are beyond our control, all the while ignoring the reality of own lives, which is where we DO have control!

I think many of us are waking up to the realization that what we see on our screens is not necessarily, what it appears to be. On a social consciousness level, it is so important for all of us to treat others kindly right now. Be polite. Wear your armor, don’t let the “small stuff” get to you. Tensions are high, and if we are to steer The Chariot in the direction where we want it to go, it is imperative that we remained balanced. Look at The High Priestess and The Hierophant. See how calm and balanced they are in between the pillars?

To bring things down to earth a bit, here are some insights on a more personal note for this New Moon for relationships, career & personal:

For relationships, Perhaps you are not seeing things as they truly are. Many of us have been very restricted as of late. This has resulted in pent up energy. Be careful, your emotions may get the better of you. If you are feeling a little crazy, it’s best to work out that extra emotional energy at the gym, or concentrate on a work project, etc. I see that people are hypersensitive right now. Be aware of triggers. A simple offhanded comment or sideways look, can ignite an argument.

You may find that you could end up in an emotionally charged situation, from which it will be difficult to recover from, if your energies are not balanced. You don’t want to be the character in the Cancer card, at the bottom of the ocean by yourself. Wondering what happened! A sincere apology may be all it takes to get your relationship back on track. Cancer loves relationships and home. Think about your significant other while meditating on the image on the two of cups card.

For new relationships, if you are a water sign and they are an earth sign (or vice versa), this may be a potential match. This person may be one who can bring some balance into the relationship. A word of advice. Don’t be intimate too soon. You need some time to find out more about the other person to be sure, your perceptions about them are on point. Get to know them.

If you are an earth, air or fire sign, understand that water signs must have time alone to recharge. Water signs can become energetically overloaded easily. Give them space. Understanding this is the key to a harmonious relationship. Many people do not understand this, and as such, water signs can be reluctant to get too close as this may have been a source of conflict in other relationships in the past. If you are able to give them the space they need without getting your feelings hurt about it, you will unlock the key to their heart.

For work and career: You may be excited to accept that new job or enter into a partnership. The Hierophant and The High Priestess are saying proceed with caution. It may or may not be a good fit. First impressions are favorable for sure, but do you really know who this person is? Research the company or potential business partner carefully. You may believe that you are ready to move forward, but there may be something here that you do not know about, or that you are not acknowledging. Pay attention to your intuition. If you have a suspicion that something is not right, there’s a reason. Trust yourself.

Personal: You may be experiencing some mood swings lately. I am hearing this a lot from people right now. Work on stabilizing your energies. Meditating on the image of The High Priestess may help quiet your mind. Exercise is beneficial to release stored up energy that may be contributing to disruptive sleep patterns. Take notice of what you react negatively to on social media. Clean up your social media news feed so that it is more positive for you. If you have friends that are posting negative content, you can “snooze” them for 30 days to give yourself a break. Remember, you are responsible for your well being!