8 Tips To Make The Most Of The New Moon In Leo

Can we get a roar? The new moon in passionate, expressive Leo helps us find our authentic voices — and actually use them. Leo is a fire sign, which is about action and adventure — a time to take bold risks. Leo is also the ruler of the heart and spine. At a time when the world is filled with political unrest and bravado, it's time for some true heroes to emerge — with some backbone and a whole lot of love.

This year's Leo full moon is conjunct (together with) harmonizer Venus. And while that's ordinarily cause for celebration, Venus is in backward-facing retrograde motion (read about Venus retrograde here). In order to move forward, we have to clean up or confront the past — particularly in the Venus-ruled areas of interpersonal relationships, love and peace-keeping. Set that Leonine pride aside and extend an olive branch. Or, do the hard work of letting go of something toxic and painful.

Since new moons give us fresh starts, it's well worth the effort of removing these obstacles.

Here are eight tips for making the most of this year’s Leo new moon:

1. Self-promote.

The term itself gets a bad rap, but let’s face it, in this overcrowded marketplace, the squeaky wheel often gets the oil. There are a lot of people hyping themselves up who don’t have the goods, true. But there are also a lot of wonderful, worthy products and services that never see the light of an audience, simply because they’re not properly marketed.

Showy Leo loves attention and hey, there’s no shame in that. If what you’re offering adds value and pleasure to someone’s life, then why not sing it from the rooftops?

2. Wear your heart on your sleeve.

Hiding your feelings is hip these days, supposedly a sign of being self-possessed and above it all. But Leo energy is all about naked honesty, childlike glee and unmasked excitement. It’s the anti-James Dean — anything but remote and unruffled. So let out a giant, celestial “squee."

Why hold back your true feelings about someone you admire? Or pretend you don’t love something that’s not considered “cool” by the self-appointed tastemakers of the world? What’s really cool is to be unapologetically yourself. In other words: Leo.

3. Take a passion inventory.

Is there anything in your life you’ve said “yes” to, but your soul is just “meh” about … or even a resounding “no?” Cut. It. Out. There are not enough hours in the day to give your precious creative energy to something that drains your soul. At the Leo new moon, seek fresh avenues of inspiration that are aligned with your deepest desires.

For help with this, we recommend Danielle LaPorte’s Desire Map, an amazing primer on creating goals with soul.

4. Fight for something.

Drag your inner wuss out and put her on the mat. You’ve been hiding your light under a bushel, making excuses, backing down, wimping out. Good old-fashioned fear has disguised itself as a perfectly reasonable excuse not to do something that might just be your life purpose. And now, you’re being challenged — should you walk the plank or back down?

The Leo moon says, if you want it, roar for it! Sometimes, that passion and fire is what turns skeptics into true believers. Your willingness to fight for your desires is all you have, so do it!

5. Compromise ... but only to a point.

Compromise is a lovely thing, but there comes a time when you need to take a stand, declare your truth and, as Leo Madonna would say, “express yourself.” Leo energy is unapologetic and bold, not afraid to look foolish or make a brash statement. It’s about color, celebration, creativity and flair. Chin up, smile on, focusing on the fact that life always goes on and always has an occasion for gratitude.

Of course, we don't suggest you dig in your heels or cling stubbornly to righteousness. But if you've been giving in way too often, now is the time to hold the line.

6. Rise to your own greatness.

We’re not suggesting you blow a bunch of hot air or talk yourself up to be bigger than you are. But frankly, most of us are already bigger than we really imagine ourselves to be. We tend to underestimate ourselves, especially as women. So the Leo new moon is about finding courage, pride and a challenge that’s worthy of our time and talents.

Sometimes, it really is about the old “fake it ‘til you make it” routine. Either way, find at least one thing to celebrate yourself for — in as grand a way as you can!

7. Give ‘em the old “song and dance.”

Leo energy is all about revelry. It doesn’t matter if you have no rhythm and can’t carry a tune in a bucket. The point is to be part of the fun. Shake your booty. Belt out a show tune. Make karaoke plans for tonight — what better way to celebrate the Leo vibes than by singing some bad ‘80s tunes over drinks and laughter?

Leo has confidence to spare, so if you make a fool of yourself, who cares?

8. Release your inner child from captivity.

Playful Leo is all about awe and childlike wonder. Dedicate this weekend to good old fashioned fun. Skip down the street, build a sand castle, do an art project with your kids, make homemade popsicles. Adults get so jaded, thinking we know it all, have been there, done that.