Leo New Moon -- August 20

The forthcoming New Moon takes places at 3 degrees of Leo in the nakshatra of Magha just before sunrise in Washington, DC. Overall, it is quite a busy chart in that it contains many close aspects. Generally speaking, it features a number of tense aspects that point to an array of significant problems that could emerge over duration of this lunation cycle (Aug 20 - Sep 18). Magha is sometimes associated with leaders and given its fairly close opposition to the dissolute effects of Neptune, we may see troubles ahead for Obama (see also section below on US politics). Neptune indicates weakening or illness, illusion or deception, perhaps a loss of identity (attention "birthers"!), and a lack of focus.

Given Obama's sagging popularity and growing unease about his health reforms, it would not be unreasonable to expect that he may not be able to make significant progress during the period of this lunation. Of course, the New Moon is a global phenomenon, so this planetary geometry will also pertain to other countries where leaders may be weakening or ill (or is that Il? -- the August 20 New Moon sets over Pyongyang) or give rise to situations of deception and corruption. The Neptune factor in this New Moon may also be an indicator of growing concern over the H1N1 virus or swine flu. While it has been put on the back burner somewhat since its original outbreak and identification back in April and May, health authorities have expressed concern that it could spread more quickly once the fall flu season begins. It will be something to watch for to be sure.

This New Moon also occurs at a time when there is a powerful t-square between Mercury (0 Virgo), Mars (2 Gemini), and Uranus (1 Pisces). Mercury represents trade, commerce and communcation, while the combination of Mars and Uranus symbolizes sudden bursts of energy which can create conflict and suffering. And if we include nearby Saturn (27 Leo) in this mix, we have the recipe for a disruptive event that could have major political and economic consequences. With Saturn, the planet of loss and limitation, sitting in the 2nd house of the economy, we might wonder if the economy could once again be in the limelight for the wrong reasons.

Given the large number of aspects here, it is even harder than usual to offer a specific prediction. The possibilities are very large indeed ranging from a failure of the economic recovery, new geopolitical concerns, to a significant natural disaster somewhere in the world. Whatever the eventual outcome of this Leo New Moon, it will very likely be noteworthy. I note that Pluto rises and Mars sets over Pakistan and Western India so that is one area that may be affected by some notable outbreak of violence or suffering during this time. The Mercury-Saturn conjunction sits atop the Midheaven over Iran which would tend to create stress and frustration for Iran's leaders since the Midheaven (i.e.10th house cusp) symbolizes leaders and government. On a more peripheral note, Venus is placed on the 12th house cusp of this chart which is often a difficult place for Venus. This placement could conceivably correspond with public revelations of a compromising sexual affair or the death of a prominent woman or artist.