New Moon in Leo 2023 — Forecast
This astrology forecast will discuss the New Moon in Leo and important astrological events up to the Full Moon in Pisces at the end of August. The first section reviews the general astrology, followed by sign-specific horoscopes. These horoscopes are written for your rising sign, but please feel free to read your Sun sign and/or Moon sign. Learn how to pull up your chart here.
A fiery and fresh New Moon in Leo arrives on August 16th, 2023 at 5:38am EDT. The sign of Leo is ruled by the Sun, which represents our spirit, mind, and self-expression as well as visibility. Leo loves applause, recognition, and spotlight because there’s a uniqueness and excitement to when you find that ONE thing that makes you inspired to exist and shine. In a way, this New Moon is asking us to step out onto the stage and take on that new role, identity, or vision we have for our soul and future. With Venus retrograde occurring in the same sign and is positioned close to this New Moon, she also highlights our desires and wants in life, and how we see ourselves going out and attracting them.
There is always a catch, however, and this New Moon sits in a close square to Uranus in Taurus. This is the first full expression of Uranus and Jupiter together in Taurus. Jupiter has been expanding this area of the sky since May, providing growth, abundance, and affirming directions. However, with Uranus co-present in the sign, this means we find our growth, expansion, and direction through chaos, by disrupting our old patterns, discovering ourselves through unconventional methods, and breaking free from old traditions.
Therefore, this New Moon is going to emphasize instability, excitement, expansion, and uncertainty. We are stepping into a new era of personal growth and enrollment that’s partly due to where we’re also expanding, growing, and disrupting. Because it’s a square aspect, it’s also a challenge. This is not something that comes naturally or with ease. We have two areas growing quickly and we have to be available and open to handling both sides. We must be willing to step into the discomfort for great reward. And of course, this process can bring fear. The call to action is high, and the stakes are higher because it’s our personal identity and sense of self on the line.
Mars in Virgo will also make a trine to Uranus on the same day. This reinforces the underlying themes of change, transformation, disruption, and taking action that can be explosive, loud, and visible but necessary to disrupt our material world that’s already experiencing chaos. This lunation is not the time to step inside a box or fixed position – trying to hold down the bars when the wind is blowing will not get you anywhere. But leaning into the change and letting go of what’s no longer fitting is how we make the most of this new seed of growth and expansion.
The New Moon energies continue when Venus retrograde in Leo completes the square to Jupiter in Taurus on August 22nd. This is the second aspect Venus has made to Jupiter, the first one occurring on June 11th. Now retrograde, there’s a review and revisiting of what we wish to attract and bring into our lives, what we truly want, what we are desiring more of, and how that is shifting. Throughout this Venus retrograde we may uncover what we ultimately want is something different, and the square to Jupiter is reopening the potential for affirmation and expansion to bring it into our lives. It just may take more time and space than we thought it would back in June.
Then on August 23rd, the Sun enters into Virgo and Mercury also stations retrograde in Virgo, signaling a major shift in the skies and within our lives. On one hand, the Sun in Virgo is great for motivating us to create a practical and actionable plan for the desires and passions we have uncovered during the New Moon in Leo. The Sun here will help dig out the details and show us what works and what doesn’t, and what effort we need to put in to make our desires and dreams manifest into reality.
On the other hand, Mercury stationing retrograde implies that this process may take longer than we have anticipated. Our ideas and process may have to be revisited, things may get lost in the shuffle, and everything takes much longer to move forward. There’s always the potential to be colder and more self-critical, so be mindful that just because something went wrong doesn’t mean the whole process or dream is wrong. You just need to find another way and route forward.
Mars will connect with Pluto on August 24th, which may be helpful during Mercury’s slowness, to feel more motivated and encouraged to take action no matter what happens. This is a good day for feeling more into your power and having enough energy and effort to put in place your goals and desires. Pluto may uncover a hidden challenge, but Mars will be willing to step up to the battle. Take this moment of inspiration to keep moving forward.
The most difficult day of this lunation cycle occurs on August 27th when the Sun in Virgo makes the opposition to Saturn in Pisces. This can be a limiting day where we feel like we are not presented with all the solutions or opportunities forward, and are experiencing some sort of blockage with our mind, ideas, and overall spirit. Remember that this is a temporary feeling, and with Mercury moving extra slow as well, it’s okay to step back and slow down as necessary. We are not at the end – we are still in the midst of the journey. Turning points and reevaluations are needed, as consistency is how we overcome our Saturnian demands.
Mars also enters Libra on August 27th, which adds another element to the slowness experienced during this time. Mars does not do well in Libra, because he is not encouraged to take bold, rash action and instead may act with more passive energy, and be asked to keep everyone else in mind. The way we move forward with our desires may additionally feel more limited, and we may have to get creative with our efforts. Or at least give ourselves time to pause and slow down.
Let’s look at where this New Moon astrology is happening for you specifically.
LEO & LEO RISING
The New Moon occurs in your sign, setting a fresh intentional growth on how you wish to show up in the world, be seen and recognized, and your overarching self-expression. Venus retrograde has been heavily reviewing the relationship with yourself, what you like about yourself, what you don’t like, and how you wish to adorn and decorate your body and overall sense of style. With this new information from Venus, use this lunation to set an intention for how you want to continue your growth, what your values are, and what is most important for your identity and sense of well-being. Challenges and disruptions may occur around your career and work in the world, especially as you start to dive deeper into who you are and your values. Be mindful if you start to feel a split between your career and your true sense of self. While it’s okay to have some differences, you have to be sure you aren’t also shoving yourself down to fit into another’s expectations. A healthy balance and boundary between the two areas of your life may be needed.
Mercury stationing retrograde in Virgo on August 23rd will review your money, income, finances, and overall confidence you have to support yourself. This is a good time to analyze your income flows and find what is working here and what isn’t. How are the streams of money changing or being reevaluated? Where do you need to adjust your spending? What areas of work or income are you feeling more or less confident in?
VIRGO & VIRGO RISING
Your inner world, mental health, spirituality, relationship with yourself, and belief of personal success is the focus of this New Moon in Leo. Venus retrograde has been reviewing the external pieces of your life – work, money, and your long-term plans – but a big significant part of this Venus transit has been around your inner world and within your mind, the parts of yourself that you don’t share with other people. Through spending time alone, away from the external busyness, and within your mind, you are learning more about your history with loss and how you deal with internal conflicts and/or get in your way when it comes to success. The New Moon asks you to reflect on what you intentionally want this space to grow into moving forward. Challenges or disruptions may arise with your future goals, potential travel plans, higher education, or teaching roles. Your life and public visibility may be under increased attention, but you still need to carve out time for yourself and your mental health, so that there’s a balance to help mitigate any overwhelm.
Mercury stationing retrograde in your sign of Virgo on August 23rd will review how you present yourself externally, stemming from what you’ve learned during this New Moon and Venus retrograde. This is a good time to review your sense of self, your values, and what matters the most to you. How do you want to show up in the world? How do you wish others perceive you? What core values about yourself are you revisiting and learning more about now?
LIBRA & LIBRA RISING
Community, friendships, and the ways you have fun are in for a fresh cycle of growth under this New Moon in Leo. Venus retrograde occurring in this sign has brought a significant review of the relationships and friendships you keep in your life, who you stay connected to, and who is there to support you through it all. There’s also a big review on the ways you have fun and enjoy life, as well as not take yourself so seriously during times of stress. The lunation in this sign reinforces those themes and asks you how you wish to see your community and friendships grow, as well as have more fun, following this uncovered information. The challenges come in the form of potential or lack of income and shared resources, including any collaborations, and/or your partner’s income and stability. Attention around finances and contracts may cloud over the (necessary) need to have more joy and let go of attachments. Part of this New Moon is learning how to balance both sides of life and take the days as they come, staying focused on only what you can control. Resolution may find itself when you least expect it.
Mercury retrograde on August 23rd will review your inner dialogue, conversations behind the scenes, spirituality, and mental well-being. Be mindful of critical self-talk and overanalyzing your emotions and feelings. Mercury may want to pick apart everything, which can be helpful and also exhausting. What new ideas and/or projects are you starting to develop? How are you evaluating your relationships with yourself and your mental health?
SCORPIO & SCORPIO RISING
Career, public roles, and your work in the world is the focus for new growth and attraction under this New Moon in Leo. Venus retrograde has been reviewing your relationship with work, how you show up for your public roles, and how you shine at what you do. This lunation encourages you to set a new intention for how you wish to see your work grow while understanding what also needs to be changed. It’s important for you to feel seen and appreciated for your work, and ensure you’re getting the recognition and love you deserve. Whether it be changing your public-facing appearance or adjusting your career to better suit your personal expression, this New Moon encourages a fresh start. Some of the challenges and disruptions coming against your career and work may stem from your relationships and one-on-one partnerships also needing attention. You may feel busy and pulled between work responsibilities and relationship needs. Sometimes you have to be truly honest about what is demanding your attention because showing up more authentically for our work can help us grow and receive the support we need.
Mercury stationing retrograde in Virgo on August 23rd will review your communities and friendships. You may evaluate who continues to support you, who you have fun with, and who you are starting to outgrow and move on from. What about your friendships and communities seem to be demanding attention or changing? What is important for you to have in a friend? How can you have a little more fun in your life?
SAGITTARIUS & SAGITTARIUS RISING
A fresh rebirth is occurring around your vision for life under this New Moon in Leo. Venus retrograde has been reviewing your overall direction, five-year plan, and how you see your long-term life unfolding. This transit may also revisit your beliefs, philosophies, and underlying current of why you live life the way you do. Under this lunation, you may feel the seed of inspiration to solidify a new direction that feels more in alignment with who you are and what you wish to attract in your life. The challenge will be working through this vision against your daily work life, work routines, and responsibilities. Some unexpected disruption may arise around your work life or with coworkers, and this can draw your attention and energy away from the actual concrete planning and dreaming. Yet there’s a way for this to be reconciled, you just may have to get creative and remain unattached to people or events that you don’t truly value.
Mercury will station retrograde in Virgo on August 23rd, asking you to review your overarching career and how you’re seen in the public’s eye for what you do. This isn’t the best time to change careers or jump from a position, but it is a good time to evaluate what you really want out of work and whether it's supporting your long-term dreams, or not. What about career is coming up for review? What structures or pieces of your work need a change or need to be let go of so something can grow that aligns with your vision?
CAPRICORN & CAPRICORN RISING
The New Moon in Leo plants a seed of fresh growth and change within your shared resources, partner’s income, financing, and any collaborations that involve money or sharing assets and income. Venus retrograde has been reviewing this area of your life, and your relationship with collaborations, or other people in your life who are bringing in resources or working with your money. This may involve loans and financing, but also attachments we have with past relationships or other current partnerships. You’re asked to evaluate your role with other people, and how you feel supported within these arrangements or not. This can also be a great time to begin a new collaboration or project with another person, as long as you’re clear about what works for you and what doesn’t. Challenges or disruptions may arise with your need to honor your creative and fun life. You may feel busier or have trouble focusing on responsibilities at times. It’s okay to take a break when needed, and to make sure you’re still respecting any need to step back from work to enjoy life and self-expression through art and play.
Mercury stationing retrograde in Virgo on August 23rd will review and revisit your long-term plans, higher education goals, philosophies, beliefs, and any teaching projects if applicable. This is a good time to review and evaluate what you truly want for the future regarding your work and overarching goals. What previous plans or dreams are now coming under review? What new ideas or changes are you making regarding your long-term plans and direction?
AQUARIUS & AQUARIUS RISING
Relationships, one-on-one partnerships both personal and romantic, and the commitments you are making to others in your life are the focus of this New Moon in Leo. Venus retrograde has been more heavily tied to your relationships than other signs, reviewing the quality of these connections with the important people in your life, what they are going through and experiencing, and how you play a role in these dynamics. You may’ve learned new things about what it means for you to step into the role of a partner, and how parts of your life may become harmonized with another, including your home and long-term direction. This lunation promotes fresh growth and love, and a new perspective on what relationships mean to you, how they are needed in your life, and what structures need to be established for them to grow. The challenge may come from the enmeshment of your home life. Something may be changing and also be disruptive in your shared living environment, or with your family, and you’ll be asked to juggle those demands against the needs of your partner. Listening to everyone involved is the first step to making sure they are heard.
Mercury retrograde on August 23rd will review your shared resources, money, and interconnected finances including collaborations and loans. What about money have you been zeroing in on and analyzing more deeply? What conversations are arising around collaborations and work with other people? This is a good time to review your work commitments and how they are supporting you financially, or not.
PISCES & PISCES RISING
Daily work life, work routines, responsibilities, relationships with coworkers, and your body health is the focus of this New Moon in Leo. Venus retrograde occurring in this sign has been reviewing your attachment (or lack thereof) to your daily routine, and whether or not it’s bringing joy to your life as well as providing enough time and space to nourish your body and health. During this New Moon you’re asked to cultivate and intentionally set in place a new routine and structure around your responsibilities, so that you feel supported by your work and life. When we spend so much of our time each day doing something, it’s important to enjoy some aspect of it. Of course, maintaining a healthy schedule can be difficult, especially with current disruptions and expansions in your day-to-day life and rituals. Your life may be busier around this lunation, making it challenging to prioritize your needs. But the more you can make space for yourself, the easier you will find it to be to get your tasks done. Periods of hard work aren’t necessarily bad, but when they become overwhelming is when you need a reminder to step back.
Mercury stationing retrograde in Virgo on August 23rd will put the spotlight and focus on your one-on-one relationships and partnerships, both personal and romantic. What is coming up around relationships at this time? What challenges are your partner(s) personally experiencing, and how is that impacting your life? Where do you need to reevaluate the structure of your partnerships?
ARIES & ARIES RISING
Creative projects and the ways you find pleasure and fun in your everyday life are the focus for intentional growth and refresh under this New Moon in Leo. The Venus retrograde has been reviewing your relationship with pleasure, art, and self-expression in the form of creating and sharing joy with others. Under this transit, you may have rediscovered activities that bring you love and excitement, and learned to let go of old ones that don’t provide the same fascination anymore. This New Moon wants you to solidify fun and creativity in your life, potentially by adding a structure or necessary routine for you to keep it in your day-to-day existence. This may also be a celebration of the art and work you have created. The challenge against this stems from work and income needs, where you may feel extremely busy with work projects (that are equally financially rewarding!) but may struggle to find balance with your responsibilities against creative play and joy. Life may get busy, but learning to set aside time for your own expression is the lesson to be learned in this space.
Continuing on that theme, Mercury stationing retrograde in Virgo on August 23rd will review your daily work responsibilities, work routines, and relationships with coworkers. You may feel the need to start to restructure your day-to-day routine and pick apart the different elements of your daily life that are an unnecessary burden. What about your daily work life do you like? What do you need to review that is not helpful for your overall health, life, and creative pursuits?
TAURUS & TAURUS RISING
There’s a new beginning being illuminated around your home life, living environment, and relationship with your family under this New Moon in Leo. Venus retrograde has been reviewing this sector of your private life, what it means for you to be at home, and how you define security and belonging in your life. Under this lunation, a seed of new growth and change is being planted – perhaps a new home, a new perspective on what home is, or a shift with your familial relationships. This can be a time to cultivate a living space that reflects who you are. Especially as the potential disruption and challenge to this New Moon comes from Jupiter and Uranus in Taurus, the area of your chart representing you. Deeper understandings about who you are, how you wish to present yourself, and how you’re disrupting your old patterns are unfolding. This increasing awareness of your needs may conflict with the needs of your home and family. While the two do not have to mirror each other, they do need to feel cohesive so you don’t feel like an outsider in your own house.
Mercury stationing retrograde in Virgo on August 23rd will review your creative life, relationship with children, and how you have more fun or share pleasure with others. What about your creative projects are you revisiting and analyzing? How are you changing the way you express your art and new ideas to others? Does it feel like a time to have a little more fun in your life?
GEMINI & GEMINI RISING
Your rituals, daily routines, siblings, close friends, conversations, and how you interact with your local community and neighbors have been the focus of review under this Venus retrograde. This New Moon in Leo illuminates this space, and asks you to think about the past month, and what it means for you to feel loved and supported by sweet daily activities and connections with others close by. This lunation is a good moment to slow down and reflect on what has been fulfilling in your day-to-day, and how you can make that a necessary structure for your life moving forward. Also be on the lookout for new relationships that help you feel sustained and loved. The challenge sits within your mental health and internal dialogue. Notice if you feel pulled to isolate or spend more time tending to your spiritual and inner needs. There’s a necessary balance between giving yourself time to be alone and spending too much time away from actual living. All the same, notice if you are avoiding yourself or undoing any ways you may experience enjoyment. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy.
Mercury retrograde on August 23rd will review and revisit your home life, living environment, and family relationships. Open up the conversations around what home means to you and what you need from your family or others in this space. How is home nourishing you? How is it not, and what do you need to change for it to feel more in alignment? What conversations are coming up with your family and their needs?
CANCER & CANCER RISING
Your money, income, resources, and finances are the area of new growth and intention under this New Moon in Leo. Venus retrograde has been reviewing your relationship to generating wealth and security for yourself, and how this process is impacting your self-esteem and confidence. The New Moon asks you to take what you’ve learned and apply it to a new direction, goal, or way forward in terms of bringing financial and emotional stability to your life. This can be an exciting time of aligning yourself with what feels abundant and plentiful. At the same moment, challenges and disruptions may stem from your community and friendships. They may start to ask more of your time, and your life may get busier as you balance between work and play. The important thing to keep in mind is that a balance between the two is necessary, and you feeling more confident in your life and overall sense of self will filter and impact your relationships and community as well.
Mercury stationing retrograde in Virgo on August 23rd will review your daily rituals, conversations, and relationships with siblings and/or close friends. You may feel the need to restructure your routine, share more information about what you are building, or get out in the world more. Treat this as a learning process and try not to be too self-critical of yourself during this exploration. Becoming too fixed on a certain outcome or idea will only limit your true expansion and growth.
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