Be the Star You're Born to Be

Molly Hall About.com
New Moon Leo:
Be the Star You're Born to Be
Sunday August 8, 2010


Just when we could all use some Leo magic and self-love, comes the New Moon on Monday (Tuesday UT). The Sun and Moon glow apart from the Cardinal T-Square, and it's a SuperMoon -- a word used by Richard Nolle for when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth.

The darkened, but close New Moon in Leo envelopes us in our own desire to actualize our dreams. These might be dreams we've kept under wraps or conditioned to believe are not practical. "Yeah, I know the world is falling apart, but what about Me?" Leo wonders aloud to the universe?

We can hear that insistent inner voice loudly now, even with the cacophony of crisis/chaos in the background. Its demands can be a focal point, through which to engage the greater tensions of our time. By hearing that call, we get clues to being the hero/heroine of our own lives. To earn our own self-respect, because we know we've done our absolute best.

The New Moon is a quiet, inward time and in Leo, we simmer in the void with our personal magnificence. Use this highly psychic time to collect all those bright moments in your memory, that had a special charge. They pulled on your heart, and went beyond words to a deeper knowing about who you are. And the New Moon is a journey into the heart of the creative darkness -- the realm of dark matter making up 96% of the universe. It's a time for a miraculous change of heart, an inspired message about your destiny, and/or the reinvigoration of your creative powers.

It's a powerful time for New Moon Rituals or for making a Make a New Moon Collage. But I love the Dark Moon, as a moment to just be with the mystery, and receive wisdom from the heart of creation. It's a great time to do nothing. Breathe into the heart, and be changed by the wonderful new energies coming our way.

This New Moon falls exactly between my Venus and Jupiter in Leo (6th House). I'll be opening my heart to risking more creatively, daring to be more visible -- all with the idea of being a healing force in the world. Where does 17 degrees Leo fall in your Birth Chart?

Link for Chart:
http://astrology.about.com/library/bl_freeAstrochart.htm

New Moon Magic
Molly Hall, About.com


New Moon Magic:

When the Moon is new, the Sun and Moon are aligned in the same sign, and a powerful energy portal is opened. New Moons are a great time to set intentions for things you'd like to create, develop, cultivate, make manifest. There are many ways to initiate this communion with the Universe from lighting a candle to elaborate rituals. What matters is that you're committing yourself to your vision, and open to receiving guidance, healing, support from Spirit.


Why Follow the Moon?:

When you tune into the Moon's phases, it's reassuring to know that there are many chances during the year to tap into lunar energy. Like the tides, the Moon ebbs and flows, a rhythm that women understand intimately. New Moons are a blank page on which to speak your dreams out loud, and Full Moons are for taking action and celebrating the fruit of your efforts.

In the chaotic and temporal world, looking to something larger that is also part of yourself can fill you with awe and make you feel connected. For whatever path you're on, opening to working with planetary energies links you to the power of the divine.

Preparing for the New Moon:

It's a good idea to spend some time reflecting in the days leading up to the new Moon. Knowing exactly what you want to draw into your life is not always easy. Part of preparing for the new Moon is making sure you are clear about your intentions. Sometimes it's a quality you'd like to cultivate like forgiveness, courage -- other times it's a more specific request like a promotion at work or new place to live.


What is a new Moon Ritual?:

This depends on your personal tastes, the pace of your life and the time you have to devote to it. Some simply light a candle, while others gather objects and pictures for their altar. Lately, I've been writing my intentions on a 7-day candle and leaving it in a prominent (and safe) place. With a candle, you can return to it and relight it while meditating on your intentions.

Ritual helps focus your entire being on the quest at hand. In the days leading up to the new Moon, you might gather pictures and totems that symbolize your goal. Creating a collage gives you a visual reminder of your dreams.


What does it mean in each different sign?:

Every new Moon is different, and this gives you the chance to claim the energies of each different sign. Even if you don't have planets in the sign for a given month, it falls somewhere in your birth chart. We each have elements of the entire Zodiac in our make-up, with some more emphasized than others. Find out where the new Moon falls in your chart for clues as to what to "call in" that month.



How is it different from the Full Moon:

The new Moon has a more inward feel, has a void or empty quality, and therefore can be frightening to those not comfortable with uncertainty. Can you learn to trust the dark? It's the moment when the old passes away and the new is not yet here. That's why it's a powerful time for sending out your prayer, wishes, desires to the Universe