New Moon in Leo | 24 July 2025

Today, we have a New Moon in the sign of Leo. There has been a lot of focus on Leo lately. We have mercury retrograde happening in Leo, the Sun has entered Leo, and now, a new moon in Leo. A new moon happens when the moon and sun sit together in the sky, and in astrology, we call this a conjunction. Personally, I call a "new moon" a "dark moon", because this is when the sky goes dark. This New Moon sits at 2° Leo, a degree classified as a Taurus degree. So even though Leo is fiery, expressive, and showy, this particular lunation carries an undertone of ownership, grounding, and self worth. So it's not just about being seen (Leo) it's about being valued (Taurus). Not just admired, but secured. This can bring up issues around personal image, how you hold your creative power, and what you actually possess - whether that's talent, beauty, influence, or status.

But the darker side of this lunation is its opposition to Pluto retrograde in Aquarius. This is a psychological confrontation. Pluto rules control, exposure, secrets, and compulsion. Leo rules pride, visibility, and personal expression. This opposition will test how authentic you are... and how tightly you cling to a mask. If there’s something you're faking to maintain an image, Pluto might rip it down. This can show up as emotional breakdowns, dramatic endings, or feeling “outed” in some way - not necessarily by others, but by life itself.

Adding weight, the Sun and Moon trine Saturn and Neptune, both retrograde in Aries. This is "spiritual surgery." Things will feel stripped down, and rebuilding may feel slow, but what survives will be stronger, clearer, and more aligned with your actual self. There’s an undertone here of letting go of fantasy and becoming accountable to what you say you want.

And then there’s Venus at 22° Gemini squaring Mars in Virgo. This creates tension between what we want to say versus what needs doing. Desire may clash with reality. In relationships, someone may want freedom, the other wants order. In money, you may say you're manifesting, but Mars asks, are you actually executing?

What to Set with This New Moon:

-Intentions for authentic creative expression (not what looks good — what feels true)

-Commitment to rebuild confidence from within, not based on how people respond

-Reclaiming authority over your own narrative

-Letting go of approval addiction

-Grounding your worth in what you offer, not just how you appear

How to Use This Energy:

-Keep your social circle small this week. Ego flares are likely.

-Reflect on where you perform or lead from insecurity.

-If criticism stings, ask yourself what part of your identity it’s hitting.

-Don't rush to launch or announce anything. Mercury retrograde is messing with messaging.

-Use fire rituals to burn old identities or false self images.

-Get clear on what makes you feel strong and build from there.

This is a karmic new beginning, but it’s not effortless.

You’re not just stepping into the spotlight. You’re being asked: Who are you when no one claps?

If the answer is still powerful, you’re ready. All the love, Zuli