Typically when we talk about moon phases and rituals related to them, they can be treated as separate: you release on the Full Moon, cut cords during the Waning Moon, and set new intentions on the New Moon.
So before you set your intentions related to all of the fiery and expressive attributes of the sign of Leo, why not release what keeps you from making those intentions become a reality?
Each New Moon is a chance for a new beginning, and the sign of each New Moon is the same as the astrological season it’s in. For example, Leo season started July 22, and the New Moon in Leo takes place August 1.
In the days leading up to the New Moon in Leo, we’re in the Waning Moon phase, which is a time to cut cords with anything we don’t want to hold on to and release anything we no longer want.
About the Sign of Leo
The fifth sign of the zodiac, Leo is represented by the lion and is the element of fire. Its planet is the Sun. Leo is many things: bossy, loving, playful, a performer, loyal, goofy, proud, expressive, regal, confident, and likes attention.
Leos are often natural leaders, and many of them can be ego-driven. However, Leos also want praise, affection, and attention just as much as they want to be in charge. Therefore, they have the capacity to make sure their tribe is happy and cared for because whatever they do, they don’t really want to do it alone. This is a behavior we see with lions: they live in a pride, a communal family where everyone is fed, taken care of, and protected.
It’s not much of a surprise that in the Northern Hemisphere, this sign reigns during the height of summer. This is when the Sun is most pronounced, and humans are at their most extroverted point, spending time outdoors with their families and loved ones, enjoying the warm weather and long days. This is a great time to feel good, love the people close to you, perform outside, play, and enjoy life.
Releasing Before the New Moon
The New Moon in Leo takes place on August 1 this year. It’s a great time to manifest and plant seeds relating to family, leadership, loyalty, being in charge, performing, self-expression, and confidence. With each New Moon, those seeds are planted, with the idea that you can harvest those goals by the corresponding Full Moon six months later. In this case, look toward to the Full Moon in Leo, which occurs each year during Aquarius season, typically in January or February.
While the moon is in its waning phase, you can release anything that could be standing in your way of achieving those goals. There are a couple ways you can go about this. I suggest writing them down side by side, as pictured below, to give you a clear sense of what you want to accomplish and what you wish to release.
You can start with the things you want to release from your life, especially when it comes to fears, patterns, and negative or unhelpful thoughts. Another method is to start with the goals you want to achieve, and then analyze and write down anything you want to release that could be blocking those goals. Sometimes it’s not always easy knowing what we want to let go, so knowing where you want to go can help with that.
Here are some suggestions and ideas for things you can release before the New Moon in Leo:
You can explore some of these ideas, and if the description of Leo brings up any specific thoughts, obstacles, or fears you have, explore those as well. You can always journal on the topic, then go back and underline anything that stands out as a fear and something you want to release. You can also circle the points about what you do want, and use those as the things you want to manifest for yourself.
Once you have your complete list of things you want to release, cut the paper in half so you have the Release section on its own. If you prefer, you can also write it on a separate piece of paper.
You can call in your spirit team: your spirit guides, ancestors, gods, goddesses, lwa, saints, ascended masters, higher self, and higher power. Ask them to help you release everything written down on the paper, so long as it is for your highest good and greatest benefit, and to let it happen in such a way that you can handle. Thank them for helping you to release any and all obstacles, fears, and patterns that are no longer useful to you, and for helping you to move forward in your life.
In a fireplace, fire pit, or above a bowl that can handle the heat, burn the piece of paper (carefully! don’t burn yourself in the process) until it’s all ashes. If in the bowl, you can toss the ashes in the trash or flush them down the toilet. Once you’re done, ask your spirit team to bring in loving and healing light into your body to fill in the areas you just released from.
The New Moon in Leo
Between the time you release and the New Moon in Leo, feel free to add to the list of goals and things you want to manifest. On the New Moon in Leo, you can do a few different things with your list.
Similar to the way you burned your releases, you can also burn your manifestations as a way of sending your desires up into the Universe. You can call in your spirit team and read the list aloud, telling them what you would like to accomplish. Imagine them standing around you, listening to what you’re saying.
If you want a regular reminder of your goals so you can give them energy and keep them in mind, keep the list on your desk or somewhere in your home where you can see it on a regular basis. You can read the list aloud, make a mental note, or thank the Universe or your spirit team for continue to help make these goals a reality.
If it’s in your practice, you can make or dress a candle on the New Moon with your intentions, create a mojo bag, or sleep with your manifestations under your pillow.
What’s important is doing what feels right for you, and what feels the most powerful to you.
Happy Releasing!
Learn more about tarot card reader and energy healer Kajora Lovely! To schedule a card reading or healing, email kajoralovely@gmail.com.
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