July’s New Moon in Leo Will Show Each Zodiac Sign Their Shadow Self

Amidst so much turbulence, a chance for a fresh start awaits. However, you might be feeling more preoccupied with the past than with the future right now. The new moon in Leo might come with its own challenges, but it’s important to remember that the brighter the light, the longer the shadow. A new timeline of potential and possibility is soon to take hold of your life, but not before you face some of the truths you’ve been avoiding.

Leo season has been doozy so far—and it’s only just begun. Several major planetary energies are competing for the spotlight. Mercury retrograde in Leo is currently dialing up the drama, which makes navigating our first experience with Neptune and Saturn retrograde in Aries so much harder to handle. Aside from these retrogrades, the collective is also adjusting to the unpredictable ebb and flow of Uranus in Gemini. It’s no wonder you might feel mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted this summer. Luckily, the new moon in Leo can renew your confidence to get through the remainder of crazy Leo season as you head into a new chapter.

Rising at 2 degrees, the new moon in Leo takes the center stage on July 24 at 3:11 p.m. ET. This new moon will be uncharacteristically confident, as the moon answers to the sun, Leo’s planetary ruler. Thankfully, the sun will be in Leo, making it domicile. A domicile sun ruling the moon provides ample support at the beginning of your lunar cycle. Both luminaries work together to amplify your certainty and assurance going into the next six months. You may feel relatively excited for a fresh start despite maneuvering retrograde season’s trials and tribulations. 

Is there something you aspire to have or accomplish in the next six months? The new moon in Leo invites you to dream big by manifesting your heart’s desires. Wishing upon the new moon in Leo may feel childish, but you won’t feel silly when all of your dreams come true. Plus, this is one of the last times to set intentions and cast manifestations without becoming potentially distorted. After all, eclipse season will take over in September, so make the most of this new moon in Leo’s magical powers before fate and destiny intervene.

As you prepare yourself for the new lunar cycle, think about what you identify with. Leo’s solar personality asks you to focus on the goals, wishes, and more that align with your personality. You should see yourself in this lunar cycle and all that it may bring you. If not, reconsider what and who you’re aligning your life with. The six-month lunar cycle can help you tap into parts of your personality that you may have forgotten or left unexplored. New delights, interests, and more may present themselves when you unabashedly accept who you are and what you want. 

As the Leo sun joins forces with the new moon in Leo, you are encouraged to stop apologizing for yourself. Let go of your insecurity and self-doubt. You should be proud of the person you’ve become, even if you’re not meant for everyone. Let this be your reminder to be unapologetically yourself as you navigate each opportunity, possibility, and more during the lunar cycle. You will feel more fulfilled embracing who you are instead of trying to hide it.

Let your guard down, because Saturn and Neptune retrograde are providing support to this new moon in Leo. The lunar cycle invites you to be open-minded, hopeful, and cautiously optimistic. It might be a little hard if you feel like you’ve lost your grip on where your life should be going, but these feelings won’t last forever. Look on the bright side of things, since this will help you remain open to what this lunar cycle could bring you. 

You should also give yourself permission to let your freak flag fly, because Uranus in Gemini is radicalizing this new moon in Leo. You don’t necessarily have to lose control, but Uranus does encourage you to be a bit wackier than usual and to set your pride aside in favor of being silly and goofy. You might feel a bit cringey at times, but to be cringey is to be free. The more you lean into the zany, individualistic Uranus energy, the more you will get out of this lunar cycle. Cut loose and don’t overthink it.

The new moon in Leo takes place on July 24 at 3:11 p.m. ET.

This new moon carries a heavy weight to it, which will be evident as it opposes Pluto retrograde in Aquarius and reveals the reality of what’s to come. Starting over can be incredibly scary, especially when Pluto—planet of death and rebirth—is involved. You may feel unsure of where you stand, which could cause you to feel uncertain about the future. Instead of going into this next lunar cycle with fear and trepidation, Pluto is here to remind you of the power and control you have over the situation. However, your confidence will come from leaning into the introspective and corrective energy of all these retrogrades over the next six months. Don’t be afraid to reassess, reconsider, and redo as you navigate your new chapter. Being open to backtracking or starting over will reinforce your authority. If you need to face your shadow self in order to get to the light, so be it.

How the new moon in Leo will affect each zodiac sign

Here’s what you can expect from the upcoming new moon in Leo, according to your sun sign, moon sign, or rising sign (and seriously, you’re missing out if you don’t read these horoscopes for your rising sign):