New Moon in Leo

A new moon arrives on the afternoon of July 28, bringing good feelings and festive energy.

The sun and moon are in Leo, a sign that likes to have fun and live large. There’s a huge amount of heart energy under this dark sky.

“There can be some drama,” cautions Miraval Austin Astrologer Lynn Carroll-Rivera, “because when Leo energy is at the center—celebrating, contributing, or being recognized—then everyone is having a grand time. But when Leo is left or criticized or ignored, that’s when drama happens, and the lion roars.”

The one aspect to this lunation is a trine, which is a harmonious aspect, to Jupiter.

“Jupiter,” explains Lynn, “is a planet of growth, opportunity, and good fortune.” This aspect amplifies all that good cheer and places us closer to Leo’s big-hearted, generous energy and farther away from the drama.

This is a fiery and fun new moon energy, with an emphasis on celebration, being seen, and participation. “This new moon cycle,” says Lynn, “is not one for sitting quietly at home. It’s a much more engaging and extroverted new moon that will extend into August.”

So, take your summer styles out for a twirl around town while you catch up with friends and loved ones. Enjoy it now, Lynn says, because beginning on August 1, an intense aspect appears.

Read our August Insider Tips for Miraval Celestial Summer

“On August 1, Mars and Uranus conjunct Taurus on the north node, which is that karmic node of the axis of fate,” Lynn explains.

It’s important to know that Mars in Taurus is very much about security.

“It’s also stubborn,” Lynn maintains. “It’s ease-oriented and knows exactly what brings comfort, which resources are dependable, and doesn’t like to be swayed.”

In other words, we have lots of don’t-move-my-cheese energy going on here.

But, Lynn adds, “Here it is coming into conjunction with Uranus, that trickster planet that often brings awakenings, unexpected changes, and innovation.” When it’s in Taurus, however, and joined by Mars, there are dueling purposes at work: people want solid, dependable things, and this sky is not bringing that.

This north node on Taurus is about learning to use our resources and be respectful of our earth and the things that we take for granted. We might want to start thinking on a bigger scale about finances, security, and how we pair them.

“Taurus is a common-sense sign,” Lynn points out. “It’s not about pretending or wishing. It’s basic common sense about what we need to survive, how we keep going, and what— or who—we can count on.”

Taurus is very motivated by physical security and comfort—and we are facing an uncomfortable aspect. Around the world, heat waves are making us sweat; droughts are parching our crops.

“The north node implies long-term impacts and tends to wake us up to inconvenient truths,” Lynn says. “This aspect compels us to face the tangible reality of what is happening to our earth and rethink how to maintain comfort and confidence in our physical space.”

Three of Cups

This good-feeling card shows people coming together with others in enjoyment. The three of cups classically refers to things we collectively celebrate as joyful moments in life, like weddings, graduations, or having a baby. “Enjoy the present moment,” says Lynn. “It’s a pleasant new moon before late summer’s lunar intensity. When this card comes up in my tarot class, people always say, it looks like being at Miraval!” The suit of cups represents emotions, and the three of cups embodies good feelings and pure expression.

*Source material provided by Miraval Austin Astrologer Lynn Carroll-Rivera