August 2, 2016 — Today, the New Moon in Leo heralds a new era of cheerfulness. The regal lion reminds us to enjoy ourselves, take pleasure in the five senses, and relax in the beauty of the present moment. What a welcome change after delving into the Plutonian underworld in recent times, and undergoing much inner-work. Luckily, the challenges are paying off. They have purified our vessels to make room for more light.

Providing even more levity, Mars is finally ending his long journey through the Scorpionic underworld, and will now enter Sagittarius—our most cheerful sign. How auspicious that this occurs within hours of the New Moon. Together, Leo and Sagittarius usher in a passionate new phase of action and expression. After a long period of examining our own navels and transmuting personal darkness, we can now expand our sights to see how we can benefit humanity.

To make best use of today's energies, we might nod respectfully to the challenging times we've just undergone and remember our true intention: that we are working together for the benefit of our planet. From this pure ground, we can leap guiltlessly into the pleasures of the world around us, with the warm Leo Sun beaming from our hearts. 

If, instead, we exhibit the neurotic side of Leo—self-centeredness, boastfulness, ego-mania—we may find the end of the month more challenging, when the Aquarius Moon eclipses the Leo Sun. These confused, aggressive energies will continue to crumble as the world moves into a higher frequency. If we resist acting compassionately, the lessons will increase with intensity until we finally get it.

Thus is the path of transitioning from a patriarchal Age of Materialism to a more enlightened society—where the feminine in empowered, kindness is the ground, and we are all on gracious terms with each other's basic goodness. For many of us, this will feel like a natural relief.

May we continue to open to the bright paths unfolding before us—with grace, fearlessness, and unflinching love.

To read more about the Astrology of August, click here.

To book a reading with Juliana, write: juliana@etherealculture.com.