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Leo New Moon: A Time for Heroism

By Simone Butler

It was July 21, 1944, a blustery day at Mitchell Field, Long Island. As gale-force winds buffeted the plane he was in, Dad’s heart raced. He knew it was not safe to jump. But his commanding officer was determined to impress a visiting general. So the signal was given. The paratroopers summoned their courage and leapt into the wind. Many were thrown together and became entangled in each other’s chutes, with tragic results.

Dad was blown onto an aerial line, severely injuring his back. He spent months recuperating on the beach, cursing his bad luck. A fiery Leo with an Aries Moon, Dad had been determined to do his duty and defend his country. Yet that seemingly ill-fated jump turned out to be a stroke of luck for him. If he’d been sent overseas with his buddies, all of whom died in action, he would likely have met the same fate. His heroism in jumping out of that plane had saved his life.

Dad, who died in 2011, would have turned 96 at the upcoming New Moon (Tuesday, August 18, 7:41 p.m. PDT). So naturally I see his story reflected in this lunation. The Sun, Moon and Mercury are in fiery, heartfelt Leo – that’s Dad, primed for action, ready to do his part. The Leo planets are trining dynamic Mars in courageous Aries – that’s the heroic spirit that drove him onward despite the risk. But they’re also frustratingly square to retrograde Jupiter, Pluto and Saturn in Capricorn – that’s the short-sighted decision made by the powers that be. Things would have turned out differently had that colonel protected his men instead of being so concerned with his image. Yet who’s to say which outcome was best? Most likely, I would not be alive and writing these words to you if Dad had not made that fateful jump.

Heroism takes many forms. Many people are being heroic these days in ways both large and small. You don’t have to fight for your country or save someone’s life to do so. Those who stand up and speak out about injustice are heroes. Getting the vote out is a heroic act. So is wearing a mask. As the pandemic rages on, there are days when just getting out of bed is heroic.

Nineteenth Century philosopher and psychologist William James believed that a passion for war was inborn in human nature. But he also said that it was possible to create a measure of peace by learning to channel our fighting instincts in different ways.  As he put it, “We must invent new outlets for heroic energy.” Sporting events and other Mars-fueled activities have fulfilled that role to some extent. Mars, an energy which lives in all of us, finds it stimulating to fight against evil and injustice. Mars knows that working to conquer a problem or right a wrong is vivifying.

We will have many opportunities to be heroic the next few months, with Mars in Aries turning retrograde (Sept. 9 – Nov. 13) while squaring those business-as-usual Capricorn planets. And Mars is already in his shadow phase, itching for action, at this spirited New Moon. It’s a good time to think about creative ways to channel your innate heroic nature. You could champion a cause. Or, you might begin a creative venture like a book or an art project. Why not start lifting weights or commit to a walking regimen? Visualize a stronger, more inspiring version of yourself – then take small, steady steps to manifest it. Rather than sitting around watching the news or scrolling through social media, growing more and more incensed at what you see (or what ‘authorities’ want you to see), take some kind of inspired action. If you meet resistance from those recalcitrant Capricorn planets, remember that it’s a process, not a slam dunk, and be patient.

As for me, I’ve just embarked on a month-long body-mind cleanse that’s long overdue. It may take every bit of heroism I’ve got to see it through. But I owe it to myself to be healthy and strong for all that lies ahead. I’ve asked Dad to channel me some of his fire from the other side. Good luck to you with whatever you pursue. May it catch fire, and bless and inspire us all!

Filed under: Home New Moon Featured Article

About Simone Butler

Simone Butler is the author of Moon Power: Lunar Rituals for Connecting with your Inner Goddess. She's been a professional astrologer for 30 years. In addition to a worldwide consulting practice on astrology and Astro Feng Shui, Simone offers New Moon collage classes, and writes for The Mountain Astrologer. She also wrote for and edited the Starscroll for many years. Simone’s book Astro Feng Shui: Making Magic in Your Home and Life fuses Western astrology and Western feng shui into one unique, transformative system. Sign up to receive her entertaining, informative bi-monthly blogs and learn about her monthly rituals and tips.

Comments

  1. Emma says

    Aug 21, 2020 at 7:11 am

    Simone Butler – I and many others will benefit from your practical and encouraging words … thanks! Despite the fact that I am fond of astrology from https://horo.io/, I constantly remind myself that the planets continue their cycles, and that we all, I hope, will develop thanks to this experience.

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Aug 21, 2020 at 8:25 am

      That is a great perspective to hold, Emma, that we grow and evolve with the planetary cycles. Glad you enjoyed the essay! I wrote forecasts for many years, and it looks like the site you like is doing a good job of it. Many blessings to you…

      Reply
  2. Debby Coates says

    Aug 19, 2020 at 12:30 pm

    Thank you for this inspiring article about the Leo New Moon today, Simone! And for the story about your dad’s accident, and how this turned out to be good….it reminded me on the Chinese story about the farmer and his horse and his son, and how the neighbors would say, oh that’s good or that’s bad, but it all worked out for the highest good for all.
    Do you teach your New Moon collage class online? That really feels like a fun creative project!
    Happy New Moon and blessings on your cleanse. 🙂

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Aug 19, 2020 at 1:24 pm

      You are so welcome, Debby! And yes I love that “good luck, bad luck” story. You just never know! I hadn’t thought about teaching New Moon collage online; it’s a great idea. Could be tricky though, as people would have to print or collect images ahead of time. I miss being able to do ritual and collage events in my home – I have three huge boxes of images to choose from!

      Happy New Moon to you as well. 🙂

      Reply
  3. Terry says

    Aug 18, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    Appreciate your timely words and thoughts Simone… They and this time certainly touches a chord… My Dad too would be 96 this year… Yesterday was the 10th anniversary of his death~spiritual re-birth… Your thoughts on the many creative possibilities of heroism really resonate during this pivotal time.

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Aug 18, 2020 at 7:06 pm

      I am so glad you resonated with the essay, Terry! How interesting that your dad was born the same year as mine…blessings to you at the anniversary of his death. I truly do believe they are watching over us. Happy New Moon!

      Reply
  4. Majie says

    Aug 17, 2020 at 7:21 pm

    I really loved this article, it just hit the spot to bolster my desire to not get caught up in the ongoing negativity but somehow to stay engaged with my community, this has given me so great ideas and also reinforced that what each of us does for ourselves is done for all, that every thought, word and deed matters and right now I think we need to be reminded of that. Thank you so much!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Aug 18, 2020 at 9:31 am

      You are so welcome! I’m always thrilled to hear when my words fall on receptive ears. 🙂 Happy New Moon!

      Reply
  5. Kathleen Botsford says

    Aug 17, 2020 at 7:35 am

    Great article Simone and great idea!!!

    Reply
    • Simone Butler says

      Aug 17, 2020 at 8:24 am

      Thanks so much Kathleen – and happy New Moon to you!

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
New Phase

in the
Sign of Leo


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Venus, 9:59pm  Jul 1 2022
  • Moon square Uranus, 12:22pm  Jul 2 2022

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Gemini


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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.