New Moon in Leo Weekly Horoscopes for August 14 to August 20

Leo Season | July 22  to August 23

“The primary distinction of the artist is that he must actively cultivate that state which most men, necessarily, must avoid; the state of being alone.” ― James Baldwin

“Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly. Let it cut you more deep. Let it ferment and season you as few humans and even divine ingredients can. Something missing in my heart tonight has made my eyes so soft, my voice so tender, my need for God absolutely clear.”―Hafiz

“Nothing I accept about myself can be used against me to diminish me. I am who I am, doing what I came to do, acting upon you like a drug or a chisel to remind you of your me-ness, as I discover you in myself.”― Audre Lorde

A bad season is not a bad life. A lonely season is not a lonely life. 

I’ve written about love and creativity this Leo season, and perhaps not enough about the other end of the spectrum: loneliness. Whether or not you’ve decided to answer the call of your art, the voice of your destiny, or honor your creative inheritance, there will come a time when you need to bridge the gap of your potential with your deep inner knowing. The mental energy we use to spin stories about what might happen if we fail is still the fruit of our creative gifts. The questions about our identity and purpose: Am I loveable? What if I never find a love that lasts? What if love is not enough to tame my loneliness? Too often, it's when we are wallowing about who we’ll have to become or leave behind that the creativity of our own mind is most focused. 

With Venus in Leo Rx making a glorious trine to Chiron in Aries Rx, we can almost feel this transit as it illuminates our loneliness. Whatever Chiron (Chi·ron | ˈkīrən) touches, it heals by exposing our tenderness and gifting us with battle-tested and earned wisdom and philosophy about life. Chiron, the asteroid, is named after the Greek mythological figure known as the “Wounded Healer,” part human and part horse, the immortal centaur was a prolific teacher and healer. The late and great astrologer, Dawn Bodrogi of  THE INNER WHEEL, writes brilliantly about Chiron: 

“Chiron sends us out into the world missing a layer of skin, and ensures that others will not rest until they touch it.  It is only by working through the pain that we reach the limitless realm of the divine. Like Chiron, we must sacrifice our mortal, material bound selves in order to become immortal.”

Where Aries is in our charts, Chiron is teaching us that just because we are afraid doesn’t mean we should not act. In the words of the talented Kiera Walker, “Do it afraid,” and alone. We are learning discernment; not every war is worth fighting, and winning some battles isn’t worth the high price we end up paying. We are learning the uses of our anger, rage, and life force and how to use it in service of something greater than ourselves.

As Chiron makes its retrograde pilgrimage through Aries, I want to remind you that being lonely isn't a punishment. Remember the words of the Persian poet Hafiz, “Don't surrender your loneliness so quickly.” You don’t need to rush to get rid of the loneliness; let it change you, mold you, and make you more of yourself. 

“Stay with it. The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”—Rumi

Important Transits and Dates:

14 - Venus in Leo Rx trine Chiron in Aries Rx

15 - Sun in Leo square Uranus in Taurus

16 - Mars in Virgo Trine Uranus in Taurus

16 - NEW MOON in Leo

Planets currently stationed Retrograde (Rx) 

Venus in Leo Rx (July 22 to Sep 3 for 42 days)

Saturn in Pisces Rx (June 17 to Nov 4 for 139 days)

Neptune in Pisces Rx (June 30 to Dec 6 for 159 days)

Pluto in Capricorn Rx (May 1 to Oct 10 for 162 days)

Chiron in Aries Rx (July 23 to Dec 26 for 156 days)

READ ME: From my heart to yours, “Horoscopes with Heart” is an offering of cosmically aligned inspiration. I hope these words act as light as you make your way through the week. May you always remember: you are the author of your life, and astrology is not a prescription for what you can and will do but a guidepost that supports you in activating your living creativity. I read my weekly horoscopes for my rising sign, but feel free to read for your sun or rising sign. I welcome you to share these words with friends and credit me. Thank you :)

ARIES & ARIES RISING

You’ve been fighting for the right to be yourself and express yourself. This week notice where and when you feel most free to be yourself. Not a performance of strength, but being your true nature. This is authenticity: flow. Reworking your values is not a crisis to your deepest and higher self. What appears as a crisis might lead to a more authentic expression of self. The new moon finds you coaxing your heart open.

TAURUS & TAURUS RISING

Taurus, this week I offer James Baldwin’s words, “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.” This is not to invalidate your wounds or survival but rather to say there is a world waiting for your to make medicine out of your pain. The way you can mine wisdom from your deepest insecurities is not something to take lightly, it is an art form.

GEMINI & GEMINI RISING

The new moon might find you reflecting on the homeland and heritage of your ancestors. Refresh your ancestral altar or spend some time researching your family tree. Whether you’re using an ancestry archive from your local library or seeking intuitive guidance, let the wisdom of your elevated and benevolent ancestors empower you and lead you to true liberation in the reality of your current life. Ask for help and be prepared to get it.

CANCER & CANCER RISING

My dear child of the moon, this new moon wants you to believe in yourself like it’s a religion. Believing in yourself won't undo the hard blows of workplace trauma, abuse, and burnout, but it will allow you to draw new insights and tell yourself new stories. Storytelling is a medium of healing. Invest in new self-vison by telling yourself new stories about your mission and destiny. It won’t be easy, but it is worthwhile.

LEO & LEO RISING

Leo, when I think of your week ahead, all I hear is "Express Yourself" by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band. Being who you are is your destiny, not what you do, but who you are. On this new moon, do what reminds you that you are THE ONE. Feed yourself the rituals, poetry, or sacred text that keep you clear. You are nourishing your creative charisma. You got this; you are your destiny.

VIRGO & VIRGO RISING

My beloved Virgo, this week, India Arie’s song “Private Party” comes to mind as the new moon has you enjoying some necessary solitude and acknowledging all of the milestones you’ve reached, big or small. Make the time to celebrate how far you’ve come. You are constantly perfecting yourself, but look in the mirror and witness your progression. You are your best thing, here and now, even if no one notices, you are worth celebrating.

LIBRA & LIBRA RISING

This week the new moon is daring you to dream your dreams. This Leo season, you tapped deep into the collective and the ever-shifting beauty standards that have conditioned you. In a world where self-love and self-care have been co-opted by capitalism, you’re after the true essence of beauty. Trust your evolution, and validate yourself. Your dreams are valid because they are yours. Notice what dynamics no longer resonate as you remember your most authentic self.

SCORPIO & SCORPIO RISING

I know your soul work is calling you, and the anxieties of greatness seem louder than usual. For you, it’s difficult to unlink your professional strides from the fear and trauma you overcame to get there. Very rarely do people see the road we took to show up, only the that we’ve arrived. You must know for yourself what price you are willing to pay for your aspirations. Is it worth who you might lose?

SAGITTARIUS & SAGITTARIUS RISING

The new moon finds you ready to already embarking on a creative pilgrimage. You are a student of life, mastering the art of resilience. Use this time to record your insights through journaling and create space to investigate your own philosophies about life and creativity. As you take on new adventures, remember that you are a truth seeker and wayfinder. Your failures are lessons. They gift you with valuable knowledge to support those around you.

CAPRICORN & CAPRICORN RISING

Rumi says, “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” This week’s new moon shines a light on your evolution and reminds you that you’re allowed to grow out of old emotional habits that keep you dysregulated. You can heal childhood wounds through creativity and self-expression and release messages you received as a child about secrets, shame, and guilt.  They do not have to cast a shadow over the rest of your life.

AQUARIUS & AQUARIUS RISING

As Leo season comes to a close, perhaps you’ve been able to admit that you want to be seen for who you are, not just what you are against. Maybe you are ready to explore how your early childhood experiences have shaped your ideas of how two people can come together and build a life, for better or worse. Let the new moon be a signal to update the unspoken agreements of your closest relationships. 

PISCES & PISCES RISING

Being an artist is a way of life, not a product or content. This new moon focuses on your craft and how you can practice daily to prove your capacity to be a clear channel. Creativity is a muscle worth strengthening, so when the flow of inspiration comes, you have the stamina and vitality to hold the ideas long enough for them to become a body of work and long enough to shine consistently.