A Leo new moon ritual for loving yourself, expressing your gifts, and allowing your light to shine brightly in the world.
Once a year, we’re blessed with the Leo New Moon. A powerful cosmic moment when both the sun and moon align in the radiant, heart-centered sign of Leo. Every new moon marks the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle, but when it happens in Leo, its magic is all about confidence, creativity, and self-love.
In 2026, the Leo New Moon falls on Tuesday, August 12th. It is also a Solar Eclipse.
Because the sun is Leo’s ruling planet, a Leo New Moon amplifies the sun’s bold, generous energy even more. It’s the perfect time for setting intentions related to loving yourself, expressing your gifts, and allowing your light to shine brightly in the world.
Why Leo Energy Matters—and Why It’s Not Selfish
Leo can get a bad rap for being self-centered or attention-seeking. But, like every zodiac sign, Leo’s qualities have both empowered and shadow expressions. Healthy Leo energy reminds us that we are each the center of our own universe. The sun is literally the center of the solar system, just like we’re each the radiant center of our own life experience.
Leo also rules the heart. Physically, we need our heart to live. Energetically, the heart radiates love, courage, and our unique personal essence. True Leo magic is about loving yourself in a way that empowers you to give generously, live boldly, and inspire others by simply being who you are.
Whether or not you have Leo featured prominently in your birth chart, when the sun, moon—or both—are in Leo, you have a special opportunity to work with this bold, heart-opening energy.
This New Moon ritual will help you soak in all the magic of this powerful time.
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Leo New Moon Ritual
You can perform this ritual anytime on the day of the Leo New Moon.
You’ll Need:
Step 1: Cleanse and Prepare
Take a shower or bath. If you have a bathtub, dissolve the sea salt into the water and place the candle nearby.
Afterward, dress in something clean, comfortable, and light-colored—white or another light color is ideal. Or go without clothing if that feels better.
Step 2: Set the Space
On your altar (or another special space, indoors or out), safely light the candle and incense (or diffuse the oil – be especially careful with oil if you have pets or children). Sit comfortably, take deep breaths, and ground yourself in the present moment.
When you feel centered, say aloud:
Great Goddess, Great God, Great Holy Mystery, All That Is, I call on you.
I open my heart to love—for myself and others.
I choose to shine my light generously and beautifully, like the sun.
I give thanks for the divine support that is already here for me.
Thank you.
Step 3: Visualize Your Radiance
Close your eyes. Imagine your heart becoming radiant sunlight, expanding outward to fill your body and aura with golden light. Feel yourself shining brightly and joyously.
Step 4: Write Your Intentions
On your paper, write your self-love and confidence intentions in the present tense, as if they are already true.
Examples:
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I love and approve of myself unconditionally.
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I radiate beauty, joy, and confidence.
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I offer my gifts to the world with love, and I know they are deeply appreciated.
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I bravely express my creativity and my light.
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I receive love fearlessly and generously.
Craft your list based on what’s true for you.
Step 5: Seal It with Gratitude
When your list feels complete, place your hands over your heart and say:
Thank you, Great Goddess.
Thank you, Great God.
Thank you, Great Holy Mystery, All That Is.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Blessed be. And so it is.
Step 6: Anchor Your Intentions
Fold your paper toward you with each fold, and place it on your altar with the crystal on top.
You can extinguish your candle and incense now or let them burn a little longer (safely). Feel free to relight them throughout the moon cycle whenever you want to reconnect with your intentions.
Leave your intentions on your altar until the next new moon. After that, you can safely burn or recycle the paper and cleanse the crystal for future use.
Embrace Your Inner Sun
Over the coming days and weeks, notice how you feel. You’ll likely feel more expansive, more joyful, more ready to share your gifts far and wide.
Remember, shining your light is not selfish. It’s a service to the world.
Are you planning to try this Leo New Moon Ritual? Do you have questions about working with Leo energy? Please share your thoughts in the comments below. I do my best to respond to every comment.
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