Sunday morning we have a New Moon at 12 degrees of Leo. Leo is the fixed fire sign. Fire signs are idealistic and optimistic. They are "big picture" signs, not especially concerned with details. That is why every fire sign is followed by an earth sign. The fire sign conceives the idea or project and generates enthusiasm, then the earth sign steps in to bring it into reality. It's a pretty elegant set up.
When we are in Leo season, the theme is personal power and how we demonstrate it within our social group. Aries is the "me", concerned with the self as an individual. Taurus investigates how that "me" creates and explores its environment. Gemini then interacts with other "me's" bringing thoughts and information that influences the expression of "me". Cancer explores how the "me" establishes a secure home base and takes care of itself.
When Leo's turn rolls around, it's time to leave our secure home base and share ourselves with others. Leo is guided by a moral code; its fiery ideals expand to include others and it recognizes the importance of expressing personal power responsibly. Realized Leo energy accepts its inherent power and is comfortable with it. There is a charisma that Leo has that is warm and inviting. People like to be around this energy. It draws in and includes. Realized Leo energy doesn't feel the need to compete or establish dominance. Instead, it honors its leadership capacity while respecting the power and leadership of the others in its sphere. Leo is a generous and playful sign. When tasked with responsibility for a group, Leo usually knows how to have fun while also getting the job done.
Of course, the lower expression of Leo energy is not comfortable with personal power and so needs constant reassurance. It often expresses as the easily offended control freak who is defensive and views everyone as a threat. This Leo expression is narcissistic and refuses to assume responsibility for their actions.
Under this New Moon, consider how you experience your personal power. Are you collaborative or competitive? What are the ethics that guide how you move in your groups? Leo energy honors its moral code and does not violate it. It will decisively cut off anyone who does not respect that code. How committed are you to the ideals you say are important? How do you feel when your actions don't reflect them? This New Moon will bring chances to begin to take your power seriously and the Mercury retrograde cycle that starts on Monday August 5 will offer ample opportunities to explore revisions to your approach to leadership, personal power and fun.
A challenge here is that Venus at 29 degrees of Leo is squaring Uranus at 26 degrees of Taurus. Venus is how we relate to important others, as well as what we value. In Leo, Venus wears her heart on her sleeve. She expects to be noticed and engage with important others in an open and fun way. Uranus in Taurus has been asking each of us to free ourselves from old values and instead develop those that reflect our authentic selves. From that we can direct our resources to supporting this independent and unique self. As Venus in Leo is shining her light on your relationships, be honest about what matters to you and the mutual values that connect you to your important others. And be honest about any deal breakers in relationships that you may have been ignoring. 29 degrees of any sign is a powerful completion energy. If you have to dim your light to maintain a relationship, it's time to chose yourself.
"The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don't have any." Alice Walker