Leo's New Moon Is a Beacon of Self-Expression and Self-Love

At 8:11 p.m. PST on July 31, 2019, the new moon will be in Leo.

It’s time to rise and shine!

This new moon invites each of us to seek out new avenues of self-expression through which we can radiate our inner light out into the world. But first, we’ll need to release the old fears and conditioning that have kept us undercover.

Leo represents the part of us that feels a burning desire to be seen, heard, and recognized—ideally for what we know ourselves to be at the deepest, most essential level. But when we’re afraid of being rejected for our authentic selves, it’s tempting to settle for the next best thing: the approval and validation we get for performing a watered-down or false version of ourselves.

What Does This New Moon in Leo Mean?

But with this lunation conjunct Venus, nothing less than our true heart’s desire will do. And our own sense of self-love, self-esteem, and self-worth are infinitely more valuable than whatever positive feedback we might receive from external sources. Knowing this, we can generously share our gifts with others and trust that eventually, the right people will take notice.

Leo is the sign of royalty and children alike and, just like its ruler, the sun, both of these Leo archetypes tend to act as if the world revolves around them. This new moon reminds us that we all need to feel that we’re the star in our own life’s story. But it’s important to carry that distinction with dignity, humility, and grace—there’s a line to be drawn between healthy self-respect and toxic narcissism.

What do the stars have in store for you this year?

Nowhere is this more apparent at this new moon than in our personal relationships. With Mars conjunct Juno in Leo and square Vesta in Taurus, our own ego needs and desires could clash with a loved one’s, putting our devotion to the test. We can either let pride get in the way, or let it motivate us to hang in there and fight for whom and what we love.

The moon, sun, and Venus also square Uranus in Taurus. As we begin to express ourselves more authentically and value ourselves more, it can come as quite a shock to the people in our lives, throwing comfortable relationships into disarray. Understandably, this brings up some fears and anxieties. Fortunately, the new moon also makes two fire trines (to retrograde Chiron in Aries and retrograde Jupiter in Sagittarius), giving our inner cowardly lion the courage to roar.

Mercury stations direct in Cancer less than an hour after this lunation, emphasizing that it’s time to venture out of our shells and start sharing our truths. Before we reveal what’s in our hearts, we’ll want to make sure it’s safe—but unfortunately, that’s never a guarantee. Mercury opposes retrograde Pluto in Capricorn, and both square Pallas Athena in Libra. As vulnerable and exposed as we feel right now, we know we can’t hide forever. The truth will be revealed eventually, so it’s wise to work with this confessional energy instead of against it. Trust that you’ll have the wisdom to know the right people, times, and places in which to open your heart.

Read on for your sun sign and rising sign to learn more about the energies of this new moon:

Horoscopes for the July 2019 New Moon in Leo

Leo

Don’t second-guess yourself, Leo. The lifestyle changes you’re contemplating right now may not make sense to anyone but you. But what matters most is how you feel about it, not how it looks from the outside. Keep following your heart—it’s leading you where you need to go.

Virgo

What’s your motivation, Virgo? You deserve to take pride in the way you multitask and make yourself useful. But these efforts should be for a worthier cause than simply keeping up appearances. Consider redirecting that time and energy into plans and projects that are real labors of love.

Libra

Being all things to all people: it’s an impossible feat, Libra, but that’s never kept you from trying. Still, for sanity’s sake, you may want to start focusing more on the quality, not the quantity, of the connections you’re making. Who are you, really —and who really “gets” you?

Scorpio

Wearing your heart on your sleeve? It may not come naturally, Scorpio, but it’s what you’re being challenged to do right now. Whether you’ve found your calling or found true love, it’s time to start showing up for whatever you value most. Name it and claim it!

Sagittarius

Got a plan for that, Sag? Even if you haven’t got all the details worked out yet, you probably know the first steps to take. Take them now, and trust that you’ll be guided to the right people, resources, and opportunities to get you where you want to go.

Capricorn

Fellow Capricorn Sade once sang, “Love is stronger than pride.” And at this new moon, you’d do well to take her words to heart. After all, when it comes to relationships, we get what we give—so don’t let foolish pride prevent you from giving your all.

Aquarius

You’re moving on up, Aquarius. And wherever the journey takes you, you know loved ones will be cheering you on from afar. Just be careful not to let the physical distance between you grow into an emotional one. It’s worth a little extra effort to keep the home fires burning.

Pisces

You don’t take yourself too seriously, Pisces. But the devotion you’ve shown to practicing your craft proves to us that you’re the real deal. Material rewards may be slow in coming, but don’t let that discourage you—keep doing the work you love, and the rest will fall into place.

Aries

Parents or not, Aries, most of us have at least one child that we care about—even if it’s our own inner child. And right now, that child (or those children) need some attention from you. Provide them with the stability and structure they need and the playful creativity they crave.

Taurus

Calm, cool, and collected—you may appear that way, Taurus, but a tense family situation has resentments simmering just below the surface. Being aloof or uncommunicative about it will only get you into hot water. Before things boil over, why not get together and get it out in the open?

Gemini

The spiritual path is serious business, Gemini, but it doesn’t have to be boring! There are plenty of playful practices out there to help you reconnect with your inner wisdom, and this new moon invites you to try them all. Bring some kindred spirits along to amplify the good vibes.

Cancer

Multifaceted, multitalented Cancer, you’ve got so much to offer this world. But the gifts that are most in demand with your audience may not be the ones you most enjoy sharing. Give yourself permission to focus less on crowd-pleasing, and more on doing what lights you up.