There are some really ancient rituals that have been done for 1000s of years. A lot of different astrologers and healers use these types of things to help people with the difficulties of life. You can do a ritual for all kinds of different things but some popular times to commit to doing a ritual is during new moons, full moons and during the equinoxes and solstices. If you really enjoy doing them then you can start to do a ritual for other things you need in life. It can be very therapeutic. The power of manifestation is a crazy thing and that’s why these rituals are important.

The new Moon moves into Leo on July 31st at 10:12pm. We have what is referred to as a New Black Moon which basically is the second new Moon of this month, and is something a bit more rare than your typical new Moon which we usually get once a month. It is also the culmination of both Mercury Retrograde and eclipse season which has deeply been affecting those of y’all with Cardinal signs (Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, Aries). Things may have seemed heavy for awhile now but from this point on we should be moving forward and feeling a sense of relief and renewal. We set intentions for the month on the new Moon to be clear and concise about what we like to achieve. The new Moon in Leo asks us to focus on self care, ourselves, our creativity, our wants and desires, self confidence and the pleasures in life that make YOU truly happy. Not anyone else but yourself. The focus should always be on yourself during Leo season. There is also a somewhat childlike quality to Leos and this is also a really good time to get in touch with your inner child and do something fun. Leos are the fire, fixed sign of the zodiac. They are outgoing, courageous, confident, playful, creative, passionate, cheerful and just overall positive. They make incredibly loyal friends and partners. Step out of your comfort zone, do something that will benefit you and overall have fun! July has been one helluva ride, especially for those of y’all with Cardinal signs. The next month ahead is going to be soooo much better I promise. Life can be very hard at times, and astrology, though it might not be able to take away the pain you go through, at least it can give you a heads up. Being better prepared can help with how you react to your pain. It was a tough month for me, even knowing how tough it was going to be. But this new Moon is exactly what I, and I think a lot of people, need. August is going to be great.

You have 3 days before and 3 days after the new Moon to perform this ritual. I am really happy to have some back to normal energy for awhile because I didn't really do any manifesting last month considering all the craziness of the eclipses. It is good to get back into my magickal work.

1) Gather any and all supplies that you will need for the ritual. You can use sage to smudge beforehand, crystals you will need (amethyst, carnelian, citrine, howlite, labradorite and onyx), a journal to write, a bowl to smudge in or burn intentions, and a candle. I will be using the plants from my garden to sage this time just because it seems like a good fit for the last of the summer. I would recommend using a yellow or orange candle because yellow and orange are associated with Leo. If not a white candle will work.

2) Create yourself a special alter space for all the items that you have gathered. It doesn’t matter where your alter space is, it can be any table in the house or on the floor, wherever you feel most comfortable. Decorate with items such as crystals, plants, candles, things you find outside in nature like leaves or feathers, decorative table runners, anything you can really think of that seems appropriate. I will be using plants from my garden as this seems very appropriate for the time of year. I will also be using heart clearing mist because I really am needing it bad.

3) Start by smudging your alter space and say a little prayer. It can be along the lines of “I respect mother moon and all she does for us. I take this time to set honest intentions. I manifest all that is good and bright and light. I have the power to change my future. I will let go all that no longer serves me. I am totally and completely alined spiritually. I am in tune with my higher powers. “ Write down your intentions or wishes. focus on them, meditate on them. What do you wish for your life? Can you actually picture these things happening to and for you in your life? The manifestation WILL NOT work if you truly don’t believe it. It’s important to be clear on what you want. You can doodle and make your intentions “pretty” or you can just be as simple as writing a list. Some new Moon in Leo intensions would be: I will focus on my wants, desires and needs, I will focus on self care, my creative endeavours will flourish, I will strengthen myself mentally, physically and spiritually, I will take time to get in touch with my inner child and do something fun, I will find something playful and humorous in the mundane day-to-day. Use the word WILL, over and over, reiterate it. As I said before it won’t work unless you truly believe. There are of course the typical ones for manifestation as well; make lots of money, lose weight, be a better person, better mother, better friend, etc. You can manifest whatever your heart desires truly.

4) Light your candle. For this ritual I definitely recommend using fire as Leo is a very fiery sign. You will write your intentions down into your journal. You will start off by writing down the goals and desires you have for this new month ahead of you. You will ask for the guidance in doing this. Don’t let fear or ego hold you back any longer. Next you will write about your wishes for the next month. What do you desire above all else. This is the perfect month to focus on yourself and your true desires. Now is the time to be realistic and focus on the things you truly need to accomplish in order for your dreams to manifest entirely. You will light the paper on fire and watch how the fire burns your intentions. Maybe it burns fast or maybe it fizzles out fast or maybe it burns slow and smouldering. This seals your desires and puts them out into the universe.

5) At this time you can take some time for yourself however you wish, further meditation, possibly a tarot reading if you are into that, you can even enjoy a glass of wine. Tell the moon you love her, clean up your space and take the crystals to bed with you. You have just completed your new Moon ritual.

I hope you guys enjoy doing this ritual and can find some peace or healing that you may be needing in life. I also hope that you manifest your deepest desires and this Moon month goes exactly how you wish it to. Now is the time for action and to put forth effort into achieving your goals. Use this positive energy towards achieving so much more than you even think is possible. It was a really tough month for a lot of us but August is brand new and we have a whole opportunity to go forward and start fresh. Happy new Moon! The Full Moon will be August 15th in Aquarius and I will be posting an astrology update later on today as well talking about the end of Mercury Retrograde and eclipse season. Stay tuned for all!