August- New Moon
New Moon and Solar Eclipse.
The new moon will occur on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:36 a.m. PDT.
The new moon will occur on Wednesday, August 12, at 10:36 a.m. PDT, coinciding with a partial solar eclipse. The eclipse will not be visible in British-Columbia but we will still feel its effect. the eclipse will occur between 9:50 a.m. and 11:39 a.m.
During an eclipse, it is advisable to fast, stay indoors, and engage in spiritual activities. There will also be a lunar eclipse on August 28, and it is said that one should avoid undertaking anything significant between two eclipses (such as launching a project, getting married, or making a major financial transaction).
The new moon will occur in the constellation of Cancer, along with Mercury and Jupiter. Emotions are therefore likely to be amplified, especially on the evening of the new moon when it crosses the “gandantha” zone (the karmic node to be untied), at the junction of Cancer and Leo, and joins Ketu, the south node. We may feel hypersensitive and irrational, experience mood swings, navigate uncomfortable emotional territory, and be more attuned to energies.
This water sign invites us to connect with our intuition and emotions. Linked to maternal energy, Cancer encourages us to be more attentive to others and to prioritize connection and human bonds. It’s a good time to heal our relationship with our mother, thanks to the benevolent presence of Jupiter, the Great Benefactor, who offers a soothing balm.
This new moon will take place specifically in the constellation of Hydra, the water serpent, known as Aslesha in Vedic astrology. It is the serpent-shaped constellation ruled by the Nagas, the serpent gods.
The serpent is associated with wisdom, kundalini energy, and healing. This is a good new moon for practicing yoga and pranayama to raise this energy. Like a shedding serpent, it’s time to let go of our old skins and unnecessary layers, and to renew ourselves.
Ashlesha also grants power over speech. Just as venom can destroy or heal, we must be mindful of our words, which may carry greater weight during this lunar cycle. Ashlesha is called the star that clings or sticks, like snakes that coil around objects or creatures to suffocate them. It is therefore linked to possessiveness and the difficulty of letting go, especially in relationships and emotions. This is the time to reconnect with our deeply buried emotions and release any unhealthy emotional attachments—whether to people, situations, or habits. At the time of the new moon, the moon will be located at a “mrityu bhaga” degree, which means “point of death.” This new moon could mark the end of something in your life.
Since the serpent is associated with cunning, Ashlesha can bring up themes related to deception, lies, manipulation, and betrayal. So we must exercise great discernment during this new moon!
In the Vedic calendar, this new moon celebrates the victory of Shiva, who accepted to drink the poison during the churning of the ocean so that the gods and demons could gain access to the nectar of immortality. It symbolizes our ability to transform all of life’s poisons and the ultimate victory of the Divine within us.
Venus is in the constellation Virgo throughout the month of August. The planet of love does not feel very comfortable in this rational and logical sign. Be careful not to close your heart over minor details. We may experience frustrations and unfulfilled desires. Women should ensure they are honored and respected. Happy new moon to all!
Author: Marie-Josée Veilleux, Jyotish (Vedic Astrologer)
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