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Ready to rock and roll? You’re feeling the “let’s go!” rumbling of the 11/12 August New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse in Leo.

Let’s see what astrologers around the Web have to say about this dramatic event.

Leo New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse

Once a month, the Moon returns to the Sun, the source of light and life. At these “New Moons” we are recharged and renewed for our next round of growth and harvest.

Each year when the New Moon falls in Leo, our sunny side gets a boost. As the Moon meets Leo’s ruler, the Sun, the sign’s warm-hearted, generous and courageous takes center stage. For those who like the spotlight, it’s time to bask in the glow. For those who don’t, grab some sunblock so you don’t get burned.

Third Time’s A Charm

This Leo New Moon is also a partial solar eclipse. Solar eclipses are, in effect, extra-precise New Moons. As the Moon passes directly between the Sun and the Earth, the Moon’s shadow swipes across the surface of the Earth.

Those in the path – this time in northeast Asia, northern Europe, Greenland and high north parts of Canada – will see the Moon take a little “bite” out of the Sun’s disk.

Eclipses symbolize centuries-long evolutionary cycles. The Aug. 11 eclipse is the 6th(of 71) in the Saros Series 138, which Bernadette Brady suggests signifies “a sudden collapse of plans or lifestyles. Confusion may reign, but the long-term effects are those of rebuilding and transformation.”

This Leo New Moon is also the last of the summer’s three eclipses. Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology, charts their progression.

“The first eclipse challenged our sense of security (Solar Eclipse in Cancer) and made us aware of power plays and pressures at home or in relationships.

“The second eclipse…resulted in unpredictable collective drama (Mars retrograde square Uranus and conjunct the South Node in Aquarius)….On a personal level, for many of us this second eclipse was realizations made and most possibly emotional outbursts that we were not able to control.

“Now with this third eclipse…we will be pushed to make a re-start.”

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Besides the reboot quality, the Leo solar eclipse has quite a different personality and impact from its predecessors. My forecast compares them:

“The Leo New Moon is operating as a cosmic clean-up batter, coming into a game in progress to knock all the runners on base home.

“It lacks the gutting Plutonian edge of the July’s Cancer solar eclipse. And unlike the Aquarius lunar eclipse, disruptiveness is not at its core – although it is still an undercurrent.

“Instead, the Leo solar eclipse has a decided conscious, intellectual, strategizing streak.”

This eclipse is also the next-to-last in the Leo/Aquarius cycle we’ve been in since February 2017. With the North Node in Leo, the cycle has encouraged expressing yourself more fully. My forecast puts the current eclipse in context:

“The cycle began with revelations and chapter closings under a lunar eclipse at 22 Leo, just a few degrees away from this month’s eclipse. You may find a connection between developments from that time (February 2017) and this month’s moving-on vibe.”

I Think, Therefore I Am

This Leo lunation adds a mental tinge to its natural flair, thanks to the New Moon’s conjunction with retrograde Mercury.

Helpful messages are possible, says Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology:

“The Sun conjoins Mercury Rx on August 8, which is the midpoint of the Mercury Rx cycle and (hopefully) the ray of illumination that lets you know why everything has been happening. … Mercury Rx can be a person from your past or a messenger who drops some dramatic info.”

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An array of Mercury retrograde characteristics permeates the New Moon. My forecast elaborates:

“[His presence] pulls in revisiting and rethinking the past, the old friends and old parts of ourselves that have resurfaced, as well as reflections on how we’ve been dealing with discoveries, old business and, of course, snafus in communication, technology and getting around….

“The line-up has us looking over our shoulder, or at least being aware of what’s behind. (Feeling older and wiser may be a theme as well.) The stellium helps us consciously discard old thinking and radiate our true natures more courageously and naturally. And it may deliver the mental wherewithal to boldly go where we’ve not gone before.”

Of course, the rational and non-rational do not always meld comfortably, notes Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology:

“The Moon with Mercury makes for quite an odd fit since the Moon can be quite clingy and nostalgic while Mercury is flighty and ever youthful. What they both share, though, is the tendency to meander through life and change with the tides. The archetype has the feel of the magician about it. Thoughts are things and at this solar eclipse we could conjure ourselves up a beautiful domestic arrangement if we can focus on our dreams for long enough. A mercurial-flavored Solar Eclipse gives a great sense of humor, charm and instinctive timing to any project birthed at this time.”

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, recommends taking breathers:

“This eclipse will make you think and question, discuss and deliberate. Mercury retrograde complicates all negotiations and decision. It can play havoc with your thoughts, communications, travels and electronics. Take extra care with your words and try not to react too quickly in any arguments or if provoked.

“Take some time out if you start to feel overwhelmed by the hectic pace. You may find yourself dwelling on things, reminiscing about the past, or unexpectedly meeting up with people from your past. Negotiations and business matters will be in a state of flux. Some important details will not yet be available, or other people won’t be reliable or honest.”

The Future’s So Bright, I Gotta Wear Shades

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The New Moon and Mercury both form a challenging square to Jupiter, which may be felt at buoyant optimism or over-extension. Either way, finding a middle path is recommended.

“The new beginning will feel grand. You’ll want to put it all out there and show the world.”

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology

“Moon square Jupiter is generally a lovely, warm, all-embracing energy that wants to nurture everyone and everything. The only danger with the square is overdoing things. This aspect knows no restraint and can over-react, overreach and promise the world when it has no idea if it can deliver.”

Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, also warns that Jupiter’s expansiveness can lead to excess:

“The manner in which you express your exuberance is critical in determining the result, which can range from good fortune and success, to loss and embarrassment. The best way to handle this solar eclipse is to show respect, moderation and discipline. Don’t take on too many projects as this would end up wasting your energy and getting you nowhere in a hurry.

“Be conservative with your finances because of a tendency to accumulate things you don’t really need. There is also a tendency to over eat or overindulge in drugs and alcohol or other addictive demons like gambling…. This solar eclipse may spark your generous side but even then, make sure you do not leave yourself short. Have fun but don’t party too hard.”

As Retrograde Mercury also squares Jupiter, and the results are anything but quiet.

“This is an aspect that may express with exaggerations in communication, misjudgments and information overload.

“On a personal level we have to be aware not to be obsessed or over passionate in debates and talks, to stay focused and to avoid misunderstandings.”

Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology

“This aspect gives an optimistic and broad outlook but a tendency to exaggerate and overestimate. Remember to focus on the smaller details. A lack of concentration, or inability to focus, may lead to some errors of judgement or mistakes…. Overconfidence could make you seem arrogant, opinionated or even bigoted. Don’t promise too much or overestimate your abilities when making plans.”

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King

Stairway to Heaven

The eclipse leads up to the final trine between expansive Jupiter in Scorpio and transcendent Neptune in Pisces. They have been linking cooperatively all year and make their final direct link Aug. 19.

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Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology, sees this aspect as the way forward from the eclipse.

“There’s your hint: the spiritual or transcendent side of things will be expanded. Yes, you can take this further, [or at least you can] if you’re going in the right direction.”

To Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology, the trine is a benevolent gift of hope and compassion:

“It is an aspect that can work as a Deus ex Machina, saving us at the last moment, granting hope, bringing gifts, spiritual awareness and increased Faith.”

Or, it may be too good to be true, cautions Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology:

“Jupiter trine Neptune is extremely idealistic and esoteric. It is the archetypical guru, mystic, healer or spiritual teacher. It can herald someone coming into your life who serves as a great teacher or mentor, but there can be a tendency to idolize that person too. This is a supremely glamourous connection, almost fairytale. The temptation to go full-on fantasy mode with this trine is easy and it will prove hard to keep your feet on the ground.”

Manifesting the New

The eclipse is the precursor to another trine that’s been building all summer, between the lords of order and disruption, Saturn in Capricorn and Uranus in Taurus. They have been approaching the aspect since mid-May and complete it Aug. 25.

Their growing cooperation midwives new structures and grounds the eclipse’s potentials. Explains Andrew Ifandis, Cosmos of Astrology:

“It allows us to manage the changes and the sudden events that resulted from the eclipses, in a responsible manner.”

The process will be slow-building, though, and not merely because Saturn takes his time. Andrew pinpoints Uranus as the cause. The cosmic awakener is the last planet to go retrograde this summer. (He stations retrograde on Aug. 7, just four days before the eclipse.) His T-square to Mars and the Nodes has been central to all three eclipses.

Andrew explains the relevance:

“[Uranus’] liberating energy will not be felt until it is direct again…. Jan. 6, 2019, the very same day that the next eclipse occurs! … It is then that this cycle of understanding will come to fruition with ideas, insights, liberating energy and manifestation of truth.

“It is NOT ONLY that Uranus becomes direct again the same day with the next eclipse but it will once more tightly square the Nodal Axis of both of the winter eclipses.”

Other considerations

The sky is vast, and so are the number of ways astrologers have found meaning in the heavens above. Let’s look at how some of these add meaning, nuance and depth to the Leo New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse.

Fixed Stars

The New Moon/Mercury conjunction align with two fixed stars in the Great Bear, otherwise known as Ursa Major. Marina Marcario, Darkstar Astrology, describes them:

“Dubhe and Merak are famous for being the Alpha and Beta stars in the Great Bear, Ursa Major. They are easily seen in the sky as the front two stars of the Big Dipper … that are contained within the body of the Bear. Robson sees Dubhe as ‘destructive’ and says Merak can love ‘command and domination.’ First-century Astrologer Manilius shows how these qualities in a positive light and I don’t believe the energy is always destructive. Rather it tames those that could be destructive.”

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Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, also sees positivity in Merak:

“Fixed star Merak on the Side of the Great Bear gives a love of command and domination. With a solar eclipse it especially increases your power to get on in life.”

Lunar Nodes

The eclipse has a disruptive, volatile edge.  Uranus continues to be the focus of a dynamic, challenging T-square from warrior god Mars and the Nodes of the Moon. My forecast explains:

“Mars sits near the Moon’s South Node, kicking up dust from the past. Opposite him, the North Node in Leo points the way to the future (which involves letting more and more of yourself come out and play). Both ends bear down on Uranus, who plays monkey in the middle, pressured and triggered from both directions. … A lot is breaking. It has to. Right now, any lingering hold is ripe for shattering.”

But before you fret, this breakage may make room for more pleasing developments. The love goddess Venus harmonizes with retrograde Mars and the Nodes. I explore the potential:

“A palpable – but not oppressive – air of fate hangs over this eclipse. It’s lovely and inviting, actually, and makes the journey all the more appealing. [Venus and the North Node of destiny are] open the doorway to the future. Something you value, or someone you desire, may beckon you through it.”

Asteroids & Minor Planets

Several of the asteroid goddesses also make appearances at this eclipse.

The asteroid Pallas joined the North Node and the Sun at the Aquarius Lunar Eclipse; now she meets the New Moon and Mercury. The contact, my forecast says, “fuses them with a woman warrior’s touch: wisdom, the ability (and bent) to plan, and battling using intellect instead of a sword.”

Her presence tempers Leonine bravado. Jamie Partridge, Astrology King, explains: “Asteroid Pallas gives courage and fighting spirit, but also the creative intelligence and wisdom to deliberate to find the truth before passing judgement and taking action.”

The asteroid June also squares the Leo New Moon/Partial Solar eclipse, opposing Jupiter as well. Sometimes called Queen of the Gods, Juno seeks to strengthen unions through loyalty and commitment. But the challenging square is just as likely to see ones loyalty and commitments tested, especially by betrayal or infidelity.

Minor Aspects

The outer planets Neptune and Pluto, have travelled along in a sextile – sometimes closer, sometimes looser – for the past 150 years. Together, the bring the transformational waves of spiritual energy which have foreshadowed the new-age movements over the same time period.

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This Leo New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse sits at a midpoint for the pair, suggesting a time of deep adjustments in our collective psyche.  Spiritualizing Neptune in Pisces and structure-transforming Pluto in Capricorn each make an inconjunct with the New Moon, forming an aspect pattern known as a yod, or a “finger of God.”

My forecast dive’s into the Moon’s inconjunct with Pluto.:

“Some adjustment is still in order in the wake of recent changes and deaths that have cut away at our roots. We’re making choices about where we place and how we interact with power, with the cosmic suggestion we claim our own.”

The link ties to the summer’s first solar eclipse, says Jamie Partridge, Astrology King:

“This makes this solar eclipse a turning point in life that may be felt as a mini crisis or threat. However, it is not as intense as the previous solar eclipse on July 12 which was opposite Pluto. This means you can make adjustments and compromises to relieve the pressure and intensity of that earlier solar eclipse. It links the two solar eclipses and suggests and ongoing theme related to power and control issues or obsessive and destructive behavior.

“An event or person may trigger this tipping point by taking away your personal power. In relationships you could react by trying to control and manipulate the other person which would result in conflict and bruised egos. Any crisis, turning point or serious decision is best viewed as self-improvement exercise.”

The Moon is also inconjunct Neptune, lord of transcendence and higher love, in watery Pisces.

To Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology, this means “challenges… suggesting power (Pluto) with transcendent (Neptune) abilities.” She continues:

“The mystic, the universal transformation, the magnetic dream. But when these energies are focused (via the inconjunct) onto Leo, there is the potential to lose track of the higher vibrations and attempt to dominate others or exercise power just because. It can easily go off the rails.”

Decans

Each astrological sign can be divided into three sections, known as decans (10-degree divisions of the Zodiac). This Moon is in Leo decan 2, which is ruled by Jupiter. 

Maria Macario, Darkstar Astrology, describes this decan:

“Moon Leo 2 does not sugar-coat for the sake of popularity. In a sign that seems so ego-driven, the maternal energy of the bear is actually more about helping others than themselves. How you handle this eclipse depends on how evolved your soul is, for it can trigger a ruthless drive with tyrannical tendencies. At this time we might have to face traits caused by a difficult childhood, one where we had to fight to be ourselves.”

Sabian Symbols

Over the years, astrologers have devised systems to assign meaning to each degree of the Zodiac. The most popular of the past century has been the Sabian Symbols, proposed by Marc Edmund Jones.

The Sabian Symbol for the 19th degree of Leo is: “A Houseboat Party.”

In his commentary on the Symbol, astrologer Dane Rudhyar explained, “The houseboat may be anchored, yet it floats on the river which – symbolically at least – extends far beyond the narrow social setup…. In such a gathering, men and women seek to at least get the feel of the free flow of energies, as an escape from the routine activities of their business or student lives.”

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Lunar Mansion

The Moon falls in Lunar Mansion 11, which the Arab astrologers called Al Zubrah (the Mane). Donna Woodwell of Donna Philosophica nicknamed it “The Bracelet.”

The mansion’s purpose is for cultivate respect, prestige and charm.

Donna counsels: “Do build your foundations. Speak up for yourself. Make investments, seek a raise or promotion or schedule important meetings which can raise your profile.But avoid petty disputes or rumor-mongering, they are beneath you.”

Summing It Up

A new beginning laced with intellect, disruptions and expansion – my forecast sums up the exciting prospect of living more fully.

“We’ve been getting our act together and now we’re taking it on the road. August’s Leo New Moon/Partial Solar Eclipse moves us from all we’ve learned recently into a dramatically upgraded experience of life and expression of ourselves.”

Lunaria Datebook

Last Moon Phase: July Full Moon in Aquarius
Next Moon Phase: August Full Moon in Pisces

August New Moon Times and Dates:

San Francisco: Saturday, August 11, 2:57 a.m. PDT
New York: Saturday, August 11, 5:57 a.m. EDT
São Paulo: Saturday, August 11, 6:57 a.m. BRST
London: Saturday, August 11, 10:57 p.m. BST
Istanbul: Saturday, August 11, 12:57 p.m. TRT
Mumbai: Saturday, August 11, 3:27 p.m. IST
Tokyo: Saturday, August 11, 6:57 p.m. JST
Sydney: Saturday, August 11, 7:57 p.m. AEST

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