New Moon in Leo - Saturday, July 26th, 2014 at 3:42 PM PST

The New Moon in Leo will herald a shift in energies. The Sun will also be in the regal sign of the lion and in conjunct with the moon. The result is a congruency between who you are and what you feel. You will have a clearer idea of what you want and how to best go about your goals. Jupiter will also be providing a little bit of luck in your ventures, and Mercury and Venus are encouraging eloquent and effective communication.

With a New Moon, you have an opportunity to plant seeds only after you have cleared away the last harvest. If you are having trouble letting go or allowing necessary endings to occur, the moon can help you facilitate release. A New Moon is about preparation, rest, and planting whereas the Full Moon is about action, energy, and completion.

Pluto is putting pressure on Venus and Mercury during the time of the New Moon. You might find yourself experiencing conflicts with people in your life because of unspoken words. Pluto does not like keeping psychological wounds hidden for very long, so if you have been avoiding confrontations or vocalizing your true feelings, you might notice words erupting from your mouth without your full consent. The only answer is to speak before Pluto pushes you, so that you can articulate your thoughts and feelings in the most effective and helpful manner possible.

Lammas/Lughnasadh

On August 2nd, many people will be celebrating Lammas--also known as the first harvest festival. During this time, wheat was harvested in many European countries, and there were festivities to reflect the abundance reaped. There is also a tradition of making and blessing bread, which could then be used later in magic or prayer. As you enjoy the energies of the New Moon, you can also set aside time to be grateful for the abundance you have received and decide how you would like to best use the gifts you currently have. Because this is the first harvest, symbolically you can also review the progress you have made so far to determine if other changes are in order. You might want to review contracts or agreements--possibly changing or modifying the course you have set for the rest of the year. 

Concise Considerations

1. Intentions focused on improving communication within relationships are strengthened. 
2. Intentions focused on identity and place in world are strengthened. 
3. Intentions focused on removing elements of the self or old energies are strengthened. 
4. Intentions focused on improving nutrition are strengthened. 
5. Intentions focused on helping others are strengthened. 
6. Intentions focused on releasing unwanted energies related to money, sex, or death are strengthened.
7. Intentions focused on learning or growing from past experiences involving money, sex, or death are strengthened. 
8. Blessing food (especially bread) on Lammas can help with magic or other intentions.