Cupid reloads his quiver on August 12 as the Leo new moon delivers its annual romantic reset. This proactive lunar lift—a total solar eclipse—brings surprising developments in matters of love and self-expression. Expect the unexpected. Here’s your Leo new moon horoscope.

2026 Leo new moon: August 12 (1:37PM EDT; total solar eclipse)

New moon in Leo meaning

Lights, camera, eclipse! August 12’s Leo new moon is no ordinary lunation. It’s a total solar eclipse, the first in this sign since 2019. New moons are our monthly resets and this one could bring a megawatt passion reboot.

If you’ve been downplaying your talents or censoring your voice, here’s your cue to take the stage. That “little idea” you’ve been toying with? Under this lunation, it could swell into a full-blown production worthy of a standing ovation.

The catch? Leo loves the spotlight, but this eclipse won’t tolerate smoke and mirrors. If you embellish too much or cut corners, the cracks will show. Instead, showcase what you’re genuinely proud of and let your natural brilliance do the heavy lifting. If you sense it’s too soon for your debut, don’t rush it. Remember, this is just the starting block of a six month cycle that completes with the January 22 Leo full moon.

2026’s Leo new moon is a total solar eclipse

A dramatic reset roars in with the 2026 new moon in Leo, a breathtaking total solar eclipse. As the Sun is completely veiled, you’re called to rediscover the true source of your light—your spiritual self. This eclipse echoes the seismic August 21, 2017 “Great American Eclipse” and marks the first Leo eclipse since January 2019. Get ready for a powerful continuation of themes around courage, creativity and self-expression.

What to do during the new moon in Leo?

Have you stopped articulating your desires or sharing your feelings? That may come to an abrupt end August 12 with the new moon in Leo. Here’s what else you can expect:

A potent springboard for your creativity. How will you nurture your talents over the next six months? Block time to hone your gifts and seek the support you need, whether that’s a mentor, coach, collaborator or fresh supplies to fuel your vision. Do (at least) one thing to put your talents on display or draw attention to your work. Does an unfinished project still have life in it? Dust it off and get back to work. Since eclipses reveal things that are hidden in the shadows, dig deep in your crates, search old folders and timelines for half-started ideas you may have forgotten.

Renewed commitment to joy. Joyful, playful Leo wants you unwind with friends, and savor summer’s fleeting pleasures. Stop stressing over productivity. You’ll get those tasks done twice as fast after you’ve had your recess moment. Under this eclipse, however, make sure you know the rules of any game you engage in. It’s okay to bow out of certain activities—this isn’t the time to go against your intuition or take major risks.

Love blooms in unexpected ways. Let the Leo new moon’s wave of proactive energy wash over your romantic and creative pursuits this August 12. Instead of scrolling through the same apps or showing up at venues where you’ve already met all the regulars, branch out.

Confidence is an attractive trait, but don’t confuse that with peacocking. While the Leo new moon is a great time to reveal your superpowers, the eclipse favors a little bit of mystery, too. You don’t have to make a scene to draw an audience. Ready to start (or expand) your fam? These fertile moonbeams could set the stage for babymaking, adoption or IVF.

Leo new moon horoscopes

The Leo new moon wants you to focus on expressing yourself through art and style, to enjoy romance and playtime, to take a leadership role, or host and attend glamorous parties. Find your place to shine!

Below are horoscopes for every zodiac sign for the Leo new moon and total solar eclipse on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (1:37PM EDT; 20°02’) You may read for your Sun sign or rising sign.

Aries (Mar 20-Apr 19) Leo new moon horoscope

Romance, rebooted, Aries! On August 12, the new moon in Leo—a potent total solar eclipse—lights the fires of passion in your fifth house of love. A slumbering attraction could reawaken or you may discover new love elsewhere. Eclipses can bring surprises, so feelings could flare up unexpectedly. This day marks the beginning of a six-month cycle, so do something to ignite the spirit of amour, even if it’s merely making room in your closet for a future partner, cooking a prospective lover an incredible meal, or trying out a different dating app. Aries horoscopes, read more!

Taurus (Apr 19-May 20) Leo new moon horoscope

On August 12, the groundbreaking total solar (new moon) eclipse in Leo ignites a bold new chapter in your domestic fourth house. You could buy or sell a home, expand your family or turn over a new leaf with your nearest and dearest. Compassion is restored and you’re able to approach them diplomatically once again. There could be some long-overdue changes at Chateau Taurus, but you’ll finally have the drive to get them underway. From renovating to relocating, this turbo-charged new moon opens a providential six-month window to refresh your personal life. Taurus horoscopes, read more!

Gemini (May 20-Jun 21) Leo new moon horoscope

Searching for a new crew, Gemini? On August 12, the game-changing total solar (new moon) eclipse in your third house of kindred spirits ignites your desire to find your people. Quirky, mercurial Gemini, there ARE others like you out there. If you have yet to discover them, get out and network. This new moon activates the local yokel in you too. Peruse the listings and scout out hometown happenings. You could feel a sense of proud, peaceful belonging in your zip code by the corresponding full moon on January 22. Some Geminis may even open the doors to your own business by then! Gemini horoscopes, read more!

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) Leo new moon horoscope

Does money burn a hole in your pocket…or get stuck in the grip of your Crab claws? On August 12, the eye-opening total solar (new moon) eclipse in Leo ignites your second house of finances. Prepare for a bold surge of motivation to increase your earnings and get back on the budgeting bandwagon. If money management eludes you, now’s the time to read every personal finance book you can get your hands on, download tracking apps, or work with a financial coach. News of a job offer could arrive out of the blue. This is a great day to circulate your resume if you’re on the hunt for more gainful employment. But since eclipses bring surprises, a lucrative opportunity could strike when you least expect it! Cancer horoscopes, read more!

Leo (Jul 22-Aug 22) Leo new moon horoscope

Buckle up, Leo: your reinvention tour begins—effective immediately! August 12 marks the annual new moon in Leo, a day when the planets hit the refresh button on life as you know it. But the major twist? It’s also a total solar eclipse, which will catapult you onto a potent new path. You could radically change your appearance or finally roll the dice on a solo venture, investing in your dreams. The spotlight is on you and your desires, Leo. Extract yourself from weighty obligations, toxic relationships and activities that no longer mirror who you are today. By the time the corresponding full moon in Leo arrives on January 22, you could be in a VERY different space. Leo horoscopes, read more!

Virgo (Aug 22-Sep 22) Leo new moon horoscope

What are you holding onto that’s past its prime, Virgo? Let go—or prepare to have it ripped from your clutches. On August 12, the Leo new moon, also a potent total solar eclipse, illuminates your twelfth house of surrender. Ready or not, you must release something that is no longer serving you. This could be a toxic relationship, a harmful habit, even a belief or fear that limits you. Fortunately, this is a new moon, meaning it’s merely the beginning of a six-month cycle that culminates with the Leo full moon on January 22, 2027. It might take until then to mourn the loss, forgive people or fully release the emotions accompanying this situation. Be gentle with your feelings but firm in your resolve to break the pattern. Virgo horoscopes, read more!

Libra (Sep 22-Oct 23) Leo new moon horoscope

New you, new crew, Libra? On August 12, the Leo new moon—also a game-changing total solar eclipse—lands in your eleventh house of teamwork and technology. While you adore your entourage, you’re hungry for friends who share your newly developing interests too. From social media feeds to social networking events, la luna turns on your searchlight. You’re on the hunt for trailblazing kindred spirits, collaborators who share your mission to make the world a better, more interesting place. Since eclipses bring surprises, talk to intriguing strangers today. You never know: a new contact could turn into a key player in the coming six months. Libra horoscopes, read more!

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 22) Leo new moon horoscope

Who’s the boss? Six months from now, you could be the one rocking that title, Scorpio. On August 12, the new moon in Leo—also a groundbreaking total solar eclipse—electrifies your tenth house of career, igniting your drive and ambition. Whether you’re training your eye on the executive offices or developing your own venture, surprising events could rocket you forward on your path. This new moon also sparks a fresh chapter in your relationship with an important man or male figure. Deepen your connection by asking questions (and dropping assumptions) and really getting to know what makes him tick. Scorpio horoscopes, read more!

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) Leo new moon horoscope

Global expansion, Sagittarius? On August 12, the new moon in Leo and your worldly ninth house sets your GPS for a brand-new zip code…or country code! Since this lunation is also a total solar eclipse, this new moon has a “jackpot” vibe to it—your already lucky sign could score big! Risk yields reward, Sag, so roll the dice. Get plans underway for a fabulous vacation, relocation to a new city or a job opportunity that involves travel. Expand your search radius, whether for romance or finance. A long-distance connection could really heat up over the coming six months. This is a stellar launch date for any entrepreneurial ventures. Sagittarius horoscopes, read more!

Capricorn (Dec 21-Jan 20) Leo new moon horoscope

On August 12, the new moon in Leo—also a sizzling solar eclipse—lands in your seductive eighth house, calling forth the slumbering siren in you. Chemistry could heat up fast and a relationship could swiftly rocket to permanent status, Capricorn. The eighth house also rules big money and joint ventures. This lunation could usher in a surprising windfall or an opportunity to earn major passive income in the coming six months. A person whose energy complements yours perfectly could show up out of the blue. While you’re tempted to rush in, perform your due diligence to make certain this special someone is really soulmate material. Capricorn horoscopes, read more!

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) Leo new moon horoscope

Paso doble, Aquarius? On August 12, the epic total solar (new moon) eclipse in Leo could usher in a kindred spirit when you least expect it. Committed relationships will also undergo a radical revamp in the coming six months. This could be the day when some Water Bearers meet a prospect with soulmate potential! If you’re already in a relationship, prepare for a reboot. Stop holding the past against your partner and focus on the things that you’re grateful for, leaving bygones firmly in the rearview. Discuss the long-term: can you co-create the future and get your lives in sync? Groundbreaking business partnerships also ignite. You could join forces with someone whose skills complement yours to a tee! Aquarius horoscopes, read more!

Pisces (Feb 18-Mar 20) Leo new moon horoscope

Drop and give ’em twenty, Pisces. On August 12, the new moon in Leo—also a game-changing solar eclipse—acts as a celebrity fitness trainer, blowing the whistle on your bad habits and inspiring you to take better care of your body. Think: less frozen ginger margaritas, more kale-apple-ginger smoothies. Your work life also gets a reboot from this eclipse. You could become obsessed with revamping your systems, hiring new service providers, or moving into a better position within your existing company. Keep your ears perked for unexpected job opportunities, as eclipses can bring changes out of the blue. You could also adopt a pet, ready or not! Pisces horoscopes, read more!

When is the next new moon?

The next new moon is on September 10, 2026 in Virgo.

When is the next new moon and full moon in Leo?

• The next full moon in Leo is on January 22, 2027
• The next new moon in Leo on August 2, 2027 (also a solar eclipse)

Even more about the moon: Full moons mark the halfway point of monthlong lunar cycles. These are harvest times, when we reap the results of the seeds we planted six months earlier under a corresponding new moon. Learn more about full moons in astrology and about all the 2026 Full Moons, the 2026 New Moons, the 2026 Supermoons and 2026 Eclipses.

Try one of our Leo New Moon Rituals to spark confidence and creativity.

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