Leo’s root verb is ‘I will’, so this New Moon in Leo is about setting intentions ready for the September reset at the Autumn Equinox.  As we celebrated the full moon and the first harvest at Lammas, preparing to rest and reset, what insights are arising from this opportunity to pause and take stock?  With the clarity you are gaining from slowing down for the summer to recognise your successes and re-evaluate your direction, now is the time to set clear intentions for your next steps.  Consider what will best serve you – and others – as we move through into autumn in preparation for the coming winter in the northern hemisphere. 

The lion-hearted energy of this Leo New Moon guides your willpower from the heart.  Speaking your truth in heart-centred sharing will align you with your authenticity and give you the courage you need be bold.  Courage to let go of what no longer serves; boldness to be all that you have the potential to be.  Honouring your inner lion can help to connect you with the fearlessness it takes to be ruthless on your path, to renew your dedication to living with integrity.  Leo invites you to walk with pride, cultivating self-respect, self-worth and self-love.  

A heart-centred practice that’s aligned with this new moon is the practice of forgiveness.  Forgiveness keeps the heart open, reconnecting you with self-love and deepening your love for others.  Whatever you are holding on to, if it’s something you feel ready to release, this New Moon is a good time to do some forgiveness work.  Let go with every exhalation, opening your heart to forgive.  Knowing that you are ready to let go of anything that no longer serves, take this opportunity to bring yourself into alignment with a deeper love.

As the autumn chill begins to creep into the misty mornings and cool evenings – though the days may still be warm and sunny – it’s a good time to refresh your regular self-care routine.  Pamper yourself with salt-crystal baths, aromatic essential oils, warm oil massage and good food.  And while the sun is still shining, give yourself permission to have fun, relax and play.  Leo brings a sense of adventure and an opportunity for joyful connection.  Dance, swim, laugh; meet friends for a socially-distanced picnic… Do something daily that makes you feel great. 

How Luna Rhythms Yoga can support you during this Leo New Moon:

At Luna Rhythms, our unique system of yoga integrated with the lunar cycles and solar seasons teaches techniques from the ancient yogic practices of asana, pranayama, mudra, bandha and mantra in alignment with the energies of the day, season and cycle.  This New Moon in Leo is the perfect time to speak your truth, set clear intentions and have fun.

One asana that’s essential at this time is Simhasana, the Lion’s Pose, or Lion Breath.  From a kneeling position, place your hands flat on the floor in front of you.  Take a full deep breath into your belly.  When you are ready to exhale, shift your weight forward, open your eyes and look up towards the eyebrow centre while sticking out your tongue.  Release the exhale through your mouth, roaring like a lion (or making an ‘aaaaah’ sound) as you do.  This practice will help you to speak your truth and align with your authenticity.  Repeat this up to three times, taking care not to strain.

Having warmed up your throat and connected to your truth, try using the Leo New Moon root verb, ‘I will’ to speak some positive affirmations to support your intentions.  You can make your own affirmations, according to your own insights and intentions.  But if you need a little help, try these to align you with the energy of this time: 

‘I will be bold and courageous’

‘I will have fun, play and adventure’

‘I will open my heart and forgive’

This heart-throat connection can prepare you for the heart-centred mantra ‘Ahum Prema’, which means ‘I am love’.  Chanting this mantra brings you into the elevated vibration of radiant love, realigning your heart to openness and joy. Please enjoy the 108 Ahum Prema chants by clicking on the video link below.

Finally, abhaya hridaya mudra can be practiced by bringing your hands together back-to-back in front of your heart, interlacing your index, middle and little fingers, then touching your ring fingers to your thumbs.  This is the ‘Fearless Heart’ hand gesture – perfect for cultivating lion-hearted courage at this New Moon in Leo! 

At this new moon, speak your truth, find your courage and commit to live from your heart. 

Namaste

Diana

For more free practices, tips and videos, visit the Luna Rhythms Facebook Page.

To deepen your practice with Luna Rhythms Yoga, you are invited to join my online membership group, Luna Rhythms Wisdom, where we meet together and practice with the five phases of the moon each month: New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, Waning Moon and Dark Moon.  Membership of the group is £29.99 per month for all your Luna Rhythms Yoga practices.