The August Leo New Moon Kicks Off a Complex Romantic Era: Brace Yourself!

Smack dab in the middle of Venus retrograde, the Leo new moon arrives on Wednesday, August 16, 2023 (at 5:38 AM Eastern) This lunar lift sends a wave of proactive energy to your romantic and creative pursuits. Reshape relationship rules and say goodbye to rigid thinking about what it means to love and be loved.

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6 Ways to roar and soar during the Leo new moon

1. Do what lights your fire. Did your mouth utter, “yes,” but your soul say, “meh?” Gracefully bow out of ho-hum obligations. Most of us don’t have enough hours in the day for the things we do love, much less activities that drain our spirits. Black moon Lilith, the cosmic “bad bitch” of the asteroid world, is riding shotgun with the new moon doubling down on this reminder: Conserve your energy for your passions!

2. Give your heart a fresh start. Each year, the Leo new moon arrives to tune up our tickers. (This is the zodiac sign that actually rules el corazon!) Park your inner cynic in the timeout chair. Leo energy is all about naked honesty, childlike glee and unmasked excitement. Curiosity—and a willingness to play—can reignite your belief in the power of love and move the conversation in a new direction!

3. Dial down the theatrics. Love can imitate art during a new moon in effusive Leo. But with Venus also retrograde in Leo from July 22 to September 3, affairs of the heart feel more like an immersive theater performance than a “midsummer night’s dream.” Our advice? Enjoy the dopamine rush of attraction but wait until Venus corrects course (on September 3) before making any major relationship decisions.

4. Strengthen your backbone: As the zodiac’s royal, Leo models leadership with heart and nobility. During this new moon, your brave stance can pave the way for people who don’t have the courage to advocate for themselves. Head’s up: Pride can be the shadow side of Leo’s expression. We’re not suggesting you let swagger balloon into an ego trip. But frankly, most people (with the exception of a few notable narcissists) are bigger than we really imagine ourselves to be.

5. Share your story. Showy Leo loves attention, and hey, there’s no shame in that. You never know when your lived experience could open another person’s eyes or give them life-changing validation. Whether you post on social or deliver a captivating business presentation, fill in the details with a personal narrative and drive your point home in a relatable way. Also: Get vocal about your recent victories, big or small, and let friends celebrate alongside you!

6. Enjoy art for art’s sake. It doesn’t matter if you’re “rhythm challenged” or haven’t drawn anything more intricate than a stick figure for years. The creative energy of this new moon invites us to play. Treat yourself to an online course on watercolor techniques or lessons with a dance instructor. Leo has the confidence to spare—so if you make a fool of yourself, who cares? Laughter can be the best medicine for any hiccups under a Leo new moon.

Leo new moon ritual to manifest romantic desires

A Leo new moon helps us imagine, dream, desire and think like a royal. If the universe’s wish was your command, what would you really ask for? Try our Leo new moon ritual to find out!

Your Leo new moon horoscope by zodiac sign

We’ve got horoscopes for every zodiac sign for the Leo new moon on Wednesday, August 16, at 5:38 AM Eastern. Read for your Sun sign or your rising sign (ascendant). Don’t know your rising sign? Calculate it here by entering your birthdate details.

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Romantic reboot anyone? August 16 marks the year’s only new moon in Leo and your passionate fifth house. New moons bring things (and people) out of the woodwork, so if someone’s been getting larger on your radarscope, it may be time for one of you to make a move. With Leo’s passionate energy surging through your blood, this is no time to be shy. Unleash that contagious Aries confidence—that will also show whether this person can “handle the truth” of who you are. Actions you take now will resonate over the coming six months, and if this has the potential you’re vibing, you might be uncorking some bubbly to celebrate by the corresponding Leo full moon on January 25.

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

The new moon in Leo on August 16 sets the stage for those changes to your domicile that you’ve been pining (and Pinning) for. In flamboyant Leo, this lunation may inspire you to go a little bolder with some of your choices, whether that means a scarlet accent wall or inviting your sweetie to move in on a more permanent basis. Whatever the vision, open up energy by clearing out the clutter, smudging the rooms with sage and adding some mood-enhancing touches, like better lighting, houseplants or scented candles. You can add the bolder changes when Venus turns direct on September 3. If you’ve been mulling a move, make a commitment to spending X number of hours scouring listings and maybe going to open houses. If nothing else, it’ll be grist for the inspiration mill! 

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

The first symptom of the August 16 new moon in Leo and your expressive third house could be feelings of restlessness. But that’s actually a GOOD thing, Gemini! You may have been so busy or stuck in your groove that you didn’t realize how fidgety you’ve gotten. Over the next few days, do something to break out of the mold and get your synapses firing. Check out a different, artsy part of town; pop into a gallery opening or happy hour-turned-fundraiser planning sesh. It almost doesn’t matter WHAT you do. The point of this exercise is to mix things up and get your curious, creative blood pumping again.

Cancer (June 21-July 22)

If your bottom line is reeling from recent indulgences, the new moon in your second house of finances can help you stabilize that balance sheet beginning August 16. First: Take stock of the “damage.” Are you happy with all your purchases, or do any still have the tags on for a possible return? Second, walk over to your credit cards and put them somewhere safe and out of your sight line. And then resolve to scale back on your spending for at least one (if not several) credit card cycles. Think in even broader terms by sitting down with your investment adviser or an HR person at work to make sure you’re doing all the right things, like socking away money every paycheck and contributing to your 401(k). 

Leo (July 23-August 22)

Ready to have your world rocked in a major way? Well, ready or not, August 16 brings the year’s only new moon in Leo. Prepare to feel its effects as it shakes up your first house of identity, appearance and first impressions. Some Lions may feel ready for a radical switcheroo, like chopping your hair, dying it or turning your closet upside-down, but easy does it! Beauty planet Venus is still retrograde in your sign until September 3, a time better spent for sourcing than making drastic changes. This new moon will reverberate for the coming six months, so set some ambitious intentions and put “deadlines” next to each one to help you manifest them. 

Virgo (August 23-September 22)

If it’s time to let go, the August 16 new moon in Leo could help you surrender to a higher power (which may simply be your wiser self). This is one of the best days of the year for being really honest with yourself, Virgo, and identifying those things that are holding you back. That could be anything from a codependent relationship dynamic to a mind-numbing job to a limiting belief. Once you figure out WHAT it is, the next step is committing to doing something about it. And the really big challenge is actually sticking to that promise, no matter how painful it gets at times. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends. One in particular may have the insight you need to stay strong. 

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Walking your talk is the only way forward as the year’s only new moon in Leo electrifies your eleventh house of teamwork, technology and social activism, on August 16. You adore your friends, Libra, but under the high-minded energy of this lunar lift, you could find yourself seeking out collaborators or friends (online or IRL) who aren’t afraid to take a stand for humanity. Has a coworker or new acquaintance been inviting you to world-bettering events? Stop making excuses—or just reschedule with that other person and show up. This is food for your soul. 

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

Exciting professional news could arrive as the year’s only new moon in Leo powers up your tenth house of career goals and public image on August 16. If you’ve been hustling away on a complex project, you could finally get the kudos you deserve. Or a team you’ve been trying to assemble might finally come together. Mainly, though, new moons are about fresh starts. So take your victory lap, sing your collaborators’ praises… then throw yourself into the major project of figuring out what your next step is. Looking for a new gig or career path? Momentum will build in the coming weeks and months, so keep at it, even when you feel like doors are closing in your face. Soon, the perfect one will blow wide open!

Sagittarius (November 22-December 21)

Spin that globe, Archer! The new moon in Leo on August 16 switches on your wanderlust, which is always there, though sometimes it’s in Power Save mode. Under this cosmic energy surge, you might finally walk your big talk about visiting another country or taking a round-the-world gap year. For Sags who can actually pull this off, do a little research…but not TOO much. That could leave you spinning your wheels instead of being wheels-up next week for a surfing retreat in Central America. If you can’t get away, you can widen your horizons metaphorically with an inspiring education program or by launching that dream solo venture. 

Capricorn (December 22-January 19)

Solitary, cautious and conservative you can be…but NOT on August 16 as the year’s only new moon in fiery Leo blows the hinges off the doors in your eighth house of seduction, intimacy and shared resources. Whether you’re actively looking for a partner or not, one may find you. This might be the perfect person to help take your business plan to the next level, make savvier investments—or maybe take YOU to the next level, in a summer lovin’ kind of way. Since Venus is retrograde, also in Leo, reconnecting to someone from your past could reignite chemistry for a sultry sequel.

Aquarius (January 20-February 18)

Not to be melodramatic, Aquarius, but August 16 could be the beginning of a whole era for you—a highly romantic one! Despite the slowdown of Venus retrograde, the year’s only new moon in Leo could totally shake things up in your seventh house of partnerships. Single Water Bearers could meet “the one” when you least expect it: doing laundry or grabbing a smoothie at the health food store. With Lady Luck as your escort, love might be a right swipe away. Couples should make an effort to do more FUN things together, something playful Leo energy can help with. Hey, who’s performing at the comedy club this weekend?

Pisces (February 19-March 20)

When you really get into something, you can lose track of time—and sometimes the toll it’s taking on your body. As the year’s only new moon in Leo lands in your sixth house of health and self-care on August 16, you may not be able to ignore your tech-induced aches and pains any longer. Yes, there are times that you simply have to be glued to your computer, but the toughest boss in the world won’t fault you for taking mini-breaks to stretch or get some fresh air. (Unless YOU’RE that boss. In which case, have a word with her stat!) This lunar lift brings new ideas about how to stay healthy and limber—and a fresh wave of commitment to do the things you already know you should do. 

When is the next new moon?

The remaining new moons of 2023 are in:
– Virgo on September 14
– Libra on October 14 (also an annual solar eclipse)
– Scorpio on November 13
– Sagittarius on December 12

When is the next new moon or full moon in Leo?
• The next full moon in Leo is on January 25, 2024
• The next new moon in Leo is on August 4, 2024

Read even more about new moons

New moons reset the monthly lunar cycle. Astrologers treat these occurrences as ultra-powerful moments to set intentions, start fresh and begin projects anew. Learn more about new moons in astrology here and moon signs here.

Check out your entire August 2023 horoscope, too!

What zodiac sign is your relationship?

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What zodiac sign is your relationship?

Learn the secrets of the composite (blended) chart in SuperCouple, a cosmic care and feeding manual for any relationship. Written by The AstroTwins, astrologers and matchmakers for Amazon Prime Video's Cosmic Love.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The AstroTwins

Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut, known as The AstroTwins, are the founders of Astrostyle.com and the authors of multiple bestselling astrology books. Their horoscopes reach millions here and through their resident astrologer column at ELLE Magazine.