Releasing Old Energies from the Heart and Deepening into Divine Love

The New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo on August 12th, at 1:36 PM EST, marks a dramatic and energetically potent moment in time. This is the first eclipse in an intense eclipse portal that will last until September 4th.

Eclipses mark great beginnings and endings. They are soulful, karmic, mystical, disruptive, and chaotic. They instigate world-changing events and powerful spiritual awakenings. This is a South Node eclipse in Leo; all the ways we put ourselves and others on a pedestal may come toppling down.

In this guide, you’ll learn more about what this Solar Eclipse in Leo is about and what it may bring up in your personal life. I’ll also cover the other major transits happening at this time, including some dynamic aspect configurations involving the inner and outer planets.

New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo Overview

New Moons are the start of a new lunar cycle and symbolically represent new beginnings and the start of a new chapter. They are a time for coming into stillness, release, and setting intentions for the lunar month ahead.

The Sun and Moon are 20° of Leo on this New Moon, conjunct the South Node (29°). The Moon’s nodal points, the North and South Nodes, are not objects, but points in space. They mark where the Moon crosses the ecliptic, or the path of the Sun. Whenever the Sun and Moon align with these points at the same time, an eclipse occurs.

Symbolically, eclipses represent death and rebirth; endings and beginnings. The South Node signifies that which is meant to be released and integrated, while the North Node is what we are meant to grow and evolve into. We don’t abandon the South Node; we release the shadow dynamics and integrate its lessons while evolving into the wisdom of the North Node.

Eclipses are highly karmic and soulful. Individually and collectively, the South Node is our karmic past, including our childhood in this lifetime, past lives, and ancestral inheritance. The North Node is what our Soul desires to learn and experience in this lifetime on its evolutionary path.

When we enter an eclipse portal, the veil between dimensions thins. Past, present, and future merge. It can feel like an emotionally charged and fated time in one’s life and in the world. They instigate great times of change as karmic energy is cleared and a new path forward emerges.

Because the veil is thin, they are also spiritually rich times. They can support us in moving into deeper alignment with our soul, our higher selves, and our purpose. Eclipses are energetically intense. We may experience a spectrum of emotions ranging from spiritual bliss to chaotic overwhelm. It stirs things up and brings them to the light.

With the South Node in Leo, the focus of this Solar Eclipse is on releasing Leo’s shadow. It is more karmic and underworldly. It is about releasing the past and letting things come to an end.

On the world stage, we will likely see this impact leaders and celebrities. Not only do eclipses consistently influence public leaders — often in dramatic ways — but this dynamic is also emphasized because Leo represents leaders, celebrities, royalty, and anyone in the public eye.

This Solar Eclipse marks the start of a turning point, the seed point of an 18-month cycle that will help purge out unhealthy and toxic leadership dynamics and hierarchical governmental structures. It will hopefully begin an era of more equality, collaboration, and a horizontally based societal structure where diversity and freedom of expression are celebrated. There will likely be more exposure of corruption, while the people demand more accountability, truth, authenticity, and heart-based action from their leaders. These dynamics are also supported under the much longer Pluto in Aquarius transit.

On a personal level, this is a time for reflecting on how Leo’s shadow shows up within us. This includes the ways in which we’re ego-centric, self-serving, prideful, or arrogant. In other words, in what ways do we think we’re better than others, for some reason? The illusion of self-grandiosity may be popped on this Solar Eclipse in some fashion.

One of Leo’s shadow traits I especially want to highlight is the need for external validation and attention to feel worthy, loved, and valuable. I believe this is something we all experience, to some degree.

There’s no denying the pain of not being seen or valued by those around you, especially when it comes to how you uniquely shine your light and express yourself. I believe this is a moment in time to notice where in our lives we seek external validation. With the North Node in Aquarius, we are being called to focus on our authenticity and honoring our innate worth as individuals — whether or not anyone else approves or acknowledges it.

Our inner Leo, or inner Sun, wants to shine, and it naturally wants others to shine on and for them to acknowledge our light. The Aquarius North Node is asking us, “Will you continue to shine even when no one sees it?  Will you act and move from a place of inner worth and authentic confidence? Will you create, express yourself, or do the thing because it lights you up, not because you think it’s what others want or will like?”

The wisdom of Leo that we want to integrate is heart-centered radiance and authentic creative expression. Owning, celebrating, and shining our inner light with confidence and courage. It is about understanding, on a deep and embodied level, your innate worthiness and love. Your worth can never be given or taken away from anything outside of you. Can you love yourself so fully that you no longer seek it from anyone outside of yourself?

We all want to be loved, fully and deeply. This Leo New Moon Solar Eclipse is reminding us that the love we seek is already within us. When we are disconnected from this, we will constantly be seeking external validation, attention, status, and success to feel like we mean something.

In this, we are being called to acknowledge, love, and see the parts of ourselves that are asking to be seen. Notice where you are asking to be seen by another, and see if you are meeting yourself in that way.

This nodal axis and this Solar Eclipse are about honoring our authentic selves and our natural gifts/passions, and how our role as individuals fits into the greater community. Anything that is not aligned or is sitting “in the way” of our authenticity, inner light, integrity, and natural gifts may be brought to the forefront of our awareness for us to process and release.

Furthermore, Leo rules the heart. This South Node Solar Eclipse may stir and bring up any dormant energetics in the heart space that are ready for release. This could be emotions, pain, old memories, beliefs about the heart, or feelings of density or stuckness. One of the best things you can do during this New Moon is simply be with your heart. Sit in the sensations arising in your heart space. Soften. Give them room to breathe. Ask your higher self to help release any energy or emotions your heart is ready to release.

This is not an “easy” Solar Eclipse to navigate. Many of us will feel challenged by it. If you’re feeling disoriented, exhausted, emotionally overwhelmed, or just not yourself, that’s okay and is part of how eclipse season can feel.

Because of how intense the energetics are that we are experiencing, it can be hard for our system, especially the nervous system, to process it all. Give yourself lots of grace and time to rest. Take it easy, and don’t push yourself too hard. Spend time in nature, ground yourself, meditate, take care of your nervous system, and don’t feel like “you’re missing out” if you simply need to lie low the next few days.

Sometimes, digging into the shadow or having powerful spiritual experiences isn’t what’s necessary. Sometimes the best and most healing thing you can do for yourself is simply being in whatever you’re experiencing and taking care of yourself the best you can while going through it. Trust your intuition, your body, and your higher self in what spiritual practices and shadow work (and the extent of them) are best for you during this time.

Venus under Pressure: Evolving the Divine Feminine and Relationship Dynamics

Under the darkness of this New Moon, Venus in Libra (5°)  — our feminine lover and an aspect of the Divine Feminine — is under the pressure of Neptune in Aries (4° retrograde) and Mars in Cancer (0°). She’s in a tense T-square where she is opposing Neptune and square to Mars, who is also square to Neptune.

If you’re feeling disoriented, confused, or foggy, this could be why. Whenever Neptune is in a hard aspect, such as an opposition or square, he can bring about feelings of disorientation and make you feel like you’re walking through fog. This confusion could be highlighted in your relationships (romantic partnerships, friendships, family members, business partners, etc.). Certain things about the relationship may not feel clear, or you may be challenged with confusion about the relationship as a whole.

This isn’t necessarily the best time to make any major decisions regarding the relationship, because there could be distortions in your perception thanks to Neptune. However, this is also happening under an eclipse, which can instigate great change. Plus, squares require action in some way.

Hard conversations, boundary setting, vulnerable sharing, or reclarification of expectations may be necessary. Try to be as clear, centered, and direct as you can be, though — Neptune and Mars in Cancer can drive passive-aggressive and indirect behavior. If something is bothering you, get clear on what it is, and don’t beat around the bush about it. And before you start a conversation, reflect on whether it actually has to do with the other person, or if it's a reflection of yourself that needs to be seen and acknowledged.

If you are having a hard time reaching clarity or understanding, it may be best to wait before having a conversation or making any decisions regarding the relationship. With Neptune in the mix, we want to be careful, as we could be clouded by illusory stories that don’t fully reflect the reality of the situation. As always, trust your higher self and intuition above all else.

On a deeper or more spiritual level, Neptune opposing Venus is calling for the sacred feminine within to rise. It’s about awakening to deeper levels of love: cosmic, divine, unconditional love.

We may be called to revisit or expand on what we believe love is. This aspect is also asking us to reflect on the ways we withhold our love from ourselves, others, or challenging situations. Again, this comes back to the heart — healing, opening, expanding, and deepening into the divine love that radiates from the sacred heart.

Amongst this energy with Neptune and Mars, Venus is also in a supportive Grand Air Trine with Uranus in Gemini (5°) and Pluto in Aquarius (3°). Within this Grand Trine is a double kite formation: Venus and Uranus are also sextile to Mercury (5°) and Jupiter (9°) in Leo, who are opposing Pluto; and Neptune is sextile to both Pluto and Uranus. All of these planets are connected, and there is a flow of energy between them.

Venus and Uranus sextile to Jupiter and Mercury, will support us in having honest conversations in our relationships. With both of them in Leo, they are reminding us to center ourselves in our hearts, rather than our egos, during these conversations. Uranus could bring about surprising, possibly disruptive, communication with others.

With Venus in her home sign of Libra, she desires peace, harmony, justice, balance, and beauty. With her trine Uranus, this could bring about creative inspiration as well as finding, making, or seeing beauty in odd, unexpected, or surprising ways.

Additionally, Venus trine Pluto and Uranus are supporting the evolution of our divine feminine. Because Uranus is a Kundalini awakener, this could support our sexuality and inner feminine to awaken to another degree. Pluto (plus Neptune) is calling for the sacred feminine mysteries to rise from the depths of the underworld. The gifts of the sacred feminine — those that have been hidden away — are now ready to be consciously embodied to the next degree.

What are the gifts of the feminine? Intuition, sacred sexuality, the innate understanding of cycles, of death and rebirth, of release, renewal, and growth. It is the wisdom of the dark goddess, the release of dense, stagnant energies, the cutting away of the old. It is the perception of the heart that can see through all performances and facades to the truth beneath. It is the great mother, rising as a serpent from the core of the earth, to shake away the old paradigm that is clinging to its last vestiges of power. It is the cry of thousands of mothers over the death and abuse of the innocent. It is the rage sweeping through the collective feminine over thousands of years of suppression and misuse of power. It is the sacred feminine and her mysteries that have been swept aside and demonized. It is the Mary Magdalenes, the Liliths, the great goddesses, and the ancient priestesses who practiced embodied divinity. It is heart wisdom, body wisdom, womb wisdom. It is attunement with the Earth and all living things. It is a state of being, sovereign power, moving with the flow of nature, in reciprocity. It is Her moving through you. Attune to her, invite her to rise, and see what unfolds.

Reflective Questions:

• When I sink into my heart space, what intentions do I feel called to set for this lunar phase? 

• What am I now ready to release on a deep, soul level? 

• What is it that I’m called to work through — what are my unique “puzzle pieces” I am meant to solve — in this lifetime to support my soul’s growth? 

• In what ways do I seek external validation, attention, or acceptance to feel worthy and loved? 

• What part of me is calling to be seen, acknowledged, and loved? 

• Where and how do I naturally shine in my life? What activities, roles, or experiences light me up? 

• What does heart-centered radiance mean to me? 

• When I sink into my heart space, what do I feel? Is there anything my heart is ready for me to feel and release? 

• How can I best take care of myself when I’m feeling low, confused, or just really going through it? What does my body need? What does my nervous system need? 

• What is coming up for me in my relationships? Is there any confusion, doubt, or challenge I’m facing? What is my Higher Self guiding me to do (or not do)? 

• If I were to invite the Divine Feminine to rise within me, how would she move me? What do I feel? What do I see? 

Practice Ideas

During this entire eclipse portal, I encourage you to have a daily practice of tuning into your heart space. Spend time in nature and practice perceiving the natural world through your heart. See what sensations and vibrations you feel. This is truly a solar eclipse of the heart, so tend to it lovingly and gently.

For a meditation practice, I’m going to include the sacred heart, higher mind meditation I wrote for the last Full Moon in Aquarius. That practice is still highly applicable for this New Moon in Leo, and is aligned with the ongoing wisdom of the Nodes in Aquarius and Leo. I’ll also include a sacred feminine activation meditation that is aligned with the energetics of Venus trine Uranus and Pluto.

Bridging the Sacred Heart and Higher Mind Meditation

Begin by focusing on your breath, then bring your awareness to your heart space. Maybe you put your hand on your heart or hum and feel the vibrations reverberating through your chest. Relax. Allow yourself to soften. With each inhale, feel your heart softening, opening, and expanding. Be here in this space for as long as you need, breathing into your heart. What do you feel? What can you sense?

Start to envision a small spark of light, like a star, at the center of your heart. With each inhale, invite this light to grow and expand. Stay with this light. Let it fill and awaken your heart to love and joy. What does the light feel like? Feel free to use sound, movement, and visualization, in addition to your breath, to deepen into the experience.

This is your radiance. This is your soul light. Allow it to expand as far and as deep as feels right. Maybe it stays within your heart space. Maybe it fills your whole body. Maybe you are completely absorbed into the light until you yourself are a star — you are the light. 

If you became one with the light, stay in that experience for as long as you need, and perhaps that is where it feels right to finish your meditation. Or, start to come back into your body, and see the light focused in your heart space. Your heart is now activated.

Now imagine that light reaching from your heart up into your mind. It goes to the center of your brain, filling your whole mind with light. Using your breath, intention, movement, visualization, and sound, allow the light to penetrate deeply into your mind. Where does it want to go? What does it want to do? What does it feel like? What do you see?

When you’re ready, envision the light of your mind travelling back down to your heart. Now there is a flowing stream of light between your heart and mind. Allow both of them to fill with light and come into union. You are bridging heart consciousness with your higher mind. Allow the energy and light to flow freely between them. What do you feel? What does your body want to do? Let whatever wants to happen, happen.

Be in this experience for as long as it feels right. Let it come to an organic close. Take some deep breaths and slowly start to come back to the room around you. Put your feet on the ground (if they’re not already) and feel the bottom of your foot pressing against the ground. Relax and enjoy how your body feels. Take time to digest and reflect on your experience, journaling anything that stood out to you or feels important to remember.

Sacred Feminine Activation Meditation

Either sitting or standing, begin by breathing into your heart, allowing your whole body to relax and soften. Take your time, settling deeply into your body and the present moment.

Once you feel settled in your heart space, move your consciousness down to your 1st and 2nd chakra, or pelvic region. Start to circle your hips and lower abdomen. Invite the energy to swirl and awaken. Notice where you feel any density or stagnation in this area and start to move the energy there. Movement is highly encouraged in addition to breath, sound, and visualization.

Once the energy feels alive and awake, imagine growing roots from your pelvic region down into the Earth. Let them grow down, down, down until you reach a cave, or a womb, in the center of the Earth. Allow your consciousness to fully land in this space.

There is a great serpent in this cave; go and find her. This is the Great Mother. Where is she? Once you find her, notice if she is awake or sleeping. What does she look like? What color is she? If she is sleeping, ask her to awaken. Watch as she slowly raises her head and makes direct eye contact with you. Ask if she has anything to say to you.

If it feels right, ask her to rise into your being. If that doesn’t feel right, that’s okay. Bring your consciousness back to your body slowly and gently, and end the meditation there.

If you continue at this step, invite her to rise, rise, rise up through your roots. Take your time and start to feel the energetics of her rising through your roots. Eventually, she reaches your pelvic floor and enters your being in her great serpent form. How does she feel? What does your body want to do? What sound does your body want to make? Give yourself full freedom to move and sound in whatever way your body wants. Feel her in your pelvic area, moving the energy, awakening and energizing it to another degree.

Perhaps she goes to your tailbone. Feel her activate this area. Allow her to slither up your spine all the way to your heart and mind. Allow her energy to awaken your whole body. Envision your whole spine lighting up, from the tailbone to your head. Feel her in your heart, awakening and opening it to the next degree. You are the Sacred Feminine. You are embodied Divinity. You are full of sacred light, full of the spirit, full of Divine Love.

Give yourself full freedom to dance in this energy for as long as feels right. Allow Her to move through every part of you. Notice the places that feel dark and dense and invite Her to move and release the energy there.

Once your dance with the Divine Feminine feels complete, envision the great serpent moving back down into the Earth through your roots. Though her serpent form is leaving, what she activated in you is not. You are still illuminated by the grace and love of the Divine Feminine within, for you are the Divine Feminine.

Allow the meditation to come to a natural close. Slowly and fully come back into the present moment, your body, and the room around you. Relax and notice how your body feels. Take time to digest and reflect on your experience, journaling anything that stood out to you or feels important to remember. 

May this New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo support you in releasing anything in the way of your soul’s evolutionary path. May you deepen into your heart perception and radiate the light of your unique, Divine essence. Move slowly and gently, being kind to your shadows as they inevitably emerge. Invite them into the warm radiance of your loving, sacred heart. 

With love,

Rhianna Quanstrom
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