The New Moon appears on August 8 at 9:50 am. It marks the Lion’s Gate, a time of receiving solar energy and fire. Typically, the New Moon is a quiet time for inner reflection. This month, the New Moon exerts pressure, encourages change, and asks for a clear look at our present and future.

It’s a challenging chart with a wide range of energies. There are creative, fiery energies and opportunities to succeed in outer life. Limitations in relationships and self-esteem also present themselves as well as healing energies. It’s up to us to read and respond to the energy as best we can. (Many planets aspect Uranus, which can cause disruption with electronics.)

Sun, Moon, and Mercury are in Leo, which brings beautiful and intensely creative energy. Leo rules the heart; it is symbolized by the lion. It enhances confidence and power. It aids with acting on our deeper desires and activates self-expression.

A strong T-square appears in the chart, causing tension and pressure. T-squares cause pressure to create change. When we feel tension, metaphysics tells us to go within, observe our environment and life habits and sense what needs changing.

On another level, the earth and our outer world are changing. The universe speaks to us through dreams and intuition to urge us to take part in the shifting of the ages. When we listen through our heart and take actions based on this information, we alter our lives and become part of a positive shift.

Sun/Moon conjunct Mercury (thought) enhances our ability to express our deeper thoughts and longings. Our moods and desires in life can find new expression, and creativity is heighted. All three signs are placed in fire, which heightens creativity and the desire for new outlets of expression.

Sun (life) and Moon (mood/emotion) oppose Saturn in Aquarius.  It’s a bit like a cloudy, dark day. Wait a few hours or days, and the sun will return illuminating the beauty of the world. The two aspects can cause life to feel heavy or oppressive, particularly as a result of the past. We may feel moody with the impression that our efforts are not creating results. (It’s not true. See it as if the sun is behind a cloud, when it

Sun and Moon square Uranus (sudden change, quantum field) can cause nervousness and tension. We can feel and anticipate changes on the horizon, but we can’t identify them (yet). It’s important to focus on desirable changes. Meditation and inner work can also help with the odd energies.

Mercury in Leo & New Perspectives

Mercury (thought, communication) in Leo confers confidence, bold thinking, and big goals. It encourages self-expression and heightens persuasive skills.

Mercury opposes Jupiter, which can bring big ideas, desires, and optimism. It’s a good time to examine old beliefs, thoughts, and patters while dreaming up a better future. Dreams and desires are likely in alignment with a more desirable future.

Mercury squares Uranus (sudden change/quantum field) encourages a new perspective and outlook on life. It’s important to curb impulsiveness and look at the details, but it definitely encourages growth and a wider view of life. (The aspect may negatively impact electronics.)

Venus & Relationships

Venus (love, art, feminine) in Virgo trines Uranus (sudden change, quantum field), enlarges our desire for expansion, the unusual, and a break from the mundane. There’s a strong desire for adventure and creativity. It’s important to express ourselves in a new way.

Venus in opposition to Neptune (mysticism, idealism) heightens sensitivity and makes love relationships more difficult. People tend to take advantage of our caring, giving qualities. It’s best to focus on self-improvement and self-love.

Venus trine Pluto (underworld, transformation) intensifies energy, drive, and passion. Venus also influences and improves finances. It enhances the power and concentration needed for manifestation.  

Opportunities to Pursue

Mars in Virgo brings a sense of practicality and attention to detail. It likes focus on goals and improvement in life. It also increases health and vitality. (Avoid over-analyzing and focus on positive changes that include a healthier lifestyle.) Mars (energy, male) opposes Jupiter, which can bring a desire for success along with increased self-confidence

Mars trine Uranus sharpens intuition and inner knowledge. It gives boldness and confidence, particularly with new projects and endeavors. The aspect confers a new method of self-expression and a desire for creativity. In general, instincts and intuition are strengthened by the aspect. Listen to your inner self and take a new step into success. Fulfill your inner longings.

Saturn square Uranus

Saturn (karma, limitation) in Aquarius squares Uranus (quantum field, sudden change) in Taurus. This aspect extends throughout the year. It’s a play of energies, which may partially represent the cost of an electronic world on our physical being. (The moon voyages and space age brought frozen or dried meals with preservatives and poor nutrition.) It’s not great to sit at a computer all day or experience exposure to 5G waves or satellites. The earth is not keen to have more electrical lines, cables, oil drilling, or devastation of species.  It’s up to us to learn from the aspect and create a world that is more in harmony with nature. (Visualizing helps.)

A Good Time for Healing

In Greek mythology, Chiron was depicted as a centaur, often with a child on his back. The symbolism refers to the wounding and subsequent healing of the inner child, and his/her newly found ability to travel through the world and take in the sights with wonder and joy.  Part of the inner work with Chiron revolves around freeing our inner child—and creating a new perspective of life.

The following aspects with Chiron offer a positive time for healing the inner child and outer self. Sun/Moon trine Chiron, the wounded healer, helps with moving beyond old wounding, disillusionment, and bitterness to find the brighter path of our destiny. It activates wisdom, compassion, and understanding of deeper patterns. The aspect enlarges our will and our desire to live a good and meaningful life.

Saturn sextile Chiron increases our awareness of how the victim or wounded one inflicts their hurt on others., This aspect heightens our ability to see the pattern and free ourselves from these types of outcomes.

Planet Retrograde

Jupiter (expansion, good luck), Saturn (limitation), Neptune (mysticism, illusion) and Pluto (subconscious, transformation) and Chiron (wounded healer) are in retrograde. Retrograde is a more passive motion as the planets do not touch us directly with their energy. It can make efforts feel difficult, and it can take more energy to move in a new direction.

These retrogrades occur every year, and, perhaps, they indicate the initial struggle that all new plans and improvements involve. We are usually sore when we exercise, lack knowledge with new studies, and create adjustments and changes in schedule when we alter our living arrangements. It’s a motion with which we become familiar as we move through life.

Julia Griffin, intuitive healer and owner of One True Self, began her work under the tutelage of real wolves. Following their direction, Julia sees and reads energy, including animals, plants and people. She works with people in session to find their resonance with the soul, clearing patterns and alignment with their inner path.