The New Moon in Leo: Authenticity Required

This week is holding an incredible amount of energy as we move through a powerful Venus/Mars alignment that also pushes the sensitive lunar nodes. If you’re feeling this tension, don’t be surprised…especially if you have dominant mutable sign placements (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces)! Adding an extra shot of intensity to the week, the New Moon in Leo arrives on Thursday, making an almost exact opposition to transformative Pluto.

Traditionally, this Moon sparks fresh creative beginnings, however, with Mercury still retrograde (also in Leo), this year we don’t get much support in this area. However, we can focus on another key trait of mighty Leo—pure authenticity.

To be authentic means to not be a copy or imitation of anyone else. It means owning all of your identity and celebrating it, even the parts you wish you could swap out…but think of this, if you swapped them out, then you wouldn’t be you! Having Pluto’s influence this round, we won’t be able to hide from who we really are and that’s a good thing! Pluto will help us take down the mask of who we “think” we should be. Or it might remove the masks of people around us, showing us who they really are.

This is also a Moon that demands confidence. Think of what you most deeply want to attract during the next four weeks, declare your intentions with confidence under this New Moon and it’s very likely you will see results.

This New Moon occurs at 02° Leo at 12:11 pm PST/3:11 pm EST on July 24th. It will be most impactful for those with planets and major angles between 00° —04 ° of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, Aries, and Sagittarius.

To check-in on your own relationship to your authentic self, take the quiz below!

Authentic Self-Alignment Checklist
Rate each statement from 1 (Rarely) to 5 (Always) in the space provided.

1. Self-Awareness

  • I know my core values and prioritize them in decisions. _____

  • I regularly check in with my emotions and needs. _____

  • I recognize when I’m people-pleasing or seeking external validation. _____

2. Expression

  • I speak my truth honestly, even if it’s uncomfortable. _____

  • My style, hobbies, and interests reflect my preferences (not trends/expectations). _____

  • I share my imperfections and struggles, not just curated successes. _____

3. Boundaries & Choices

  • I say "no" without guilt when something doesn’t align with me. _____

  • My daily habits (work, relationships, self-care) match my values. _____

  • I avoid comparing myself to others as a measure of worth. _____

4. Environment

  • I surround myself with people who encourage my authenticity. _____

  • I feel safe being vulnerable in my closest relationships. _____

  • My social media/online presence feels true to who I am. _____

5. Courage & Growth

  • I take small risks to express my true self (e.g., trying something new, sharing an unpopular opinion). _____

  • I forgive myself when I act inauthentically and learn from it. _____

  • I prioritize self-discovery (journaling, therapy, reflection). _____

Scoring Guide:

  • 15–35: Your authenticity needs strengthening — time for intentional change.

  • 35–55: Your authenticity is overall in good alignment, but there is room for growth — explore low-scoring areas.

  • 55–75: Your authenticity is in great shape — keep nurturing your expression.

Reflection Questions:

  • Which low-score item stands out to me? Why?

  • What’s one action I can take this week to improve alignment?

Tara Redfield