It takes place at the junction of Cancer and Leo (sidereal astrology) with Venus retrograde.
The junction points between a water and fire sign (there are 3) are called "gandantha", meaning "karmic knot to be untied". It's a place that can be quite confronting, but also transformative, especially on an emotional and affective level, as Venus retrograde has just passed through it. With its square to Uranus, this New Moon can make us hypersensitive, febrile, hyperemotional and emotionally unpredictable. Life could put us in situations where we'll have to untie the knots of the heart and encounter those deeply ignored and neglected parts.
Venus represents the heart chakra, and when it's retrograde (until September 4), we may realize that some of our relationships are toxic or unhealthy, and don't honor us. It's time to rectify our dynamics, set limits in our relationships and assert our deepest needs. Venus retrograde allows us to go within and contact these deep needs of the heart.
The New Moon with Venus is at the head of the long snake-shaped constellation Hydra, called Ashlesha. This constellation is ruled by the Nagas, the serpent gods, and is linked to wisdom, healing, tantra and kundalini. It can make us see invisible things, feel deep intuitions and currents of energy flowing through our subtle bodies.
Like a snake coiling its victim, this constellation can also lead us to cling to people, to certain relationships, and this new moon at the end of Ashlesha invites us to let go of all forms of unhealthy possessiveness, desire and attachment. The Hydra head can help us see the origin and source of all those attachments, self-sabotage, resentment and inner venom that poison our lives and relationships.
Cancer and Leo are ruled respectively by the Moon and the Sun, our inner couple, Ida and Pingala, the 2 main nadis that run up each side of our spine. This New Moon, at the junction of these two constellations, unites our two principles, harmonizes our inner couple and makes us realize that we are complete.
From August 17 to September 17, the Sun enters the constellation Leo, signifying royalty, and reminding us of our noble and divine origins. Energy and confidence will be boosted, and this sign is excellent for the arts and creativity.
From August 23 to September 15, we have another period of Mercury retrograde. If you have projects to launch, contracts to sign or electronic devices to buy, it's best to do so before or after this period. Happy New Moon to all!
