New Moon to Full Moon

by Kelsey Bednar

July 24 - August 8, 2025

On Thursday, July 24th, we will experience a New Moon at 2 degrees of the sign of Leo. New Moons represent the definitive end to the previous lunar cycle and the early beginnings of another. As the Moon is not visible in the sky on this day, we can think of this time like a seed that’s been planted beneath the soil. It’s ripe with potential, but not yet showing outward signs of growth and change.  

The New Moon is a wonderful time to go within, both mentally and emotionally. You can reflect on what the last lunar cycle brought to your attention and you can consider what you’d like to call in. It’s wonderful to dedicate time for this, so consider attending July 23rd’s Witch class, July 24th’s New Moon Magick, or just setting aside some time at home. 

When you think about what you intend for this next month, consider some of Leo’s most noble qualities. Leo season is about letting your light shine because it feels good, but also because you never know who else you will encourage or inspire when you do. It’s definitely a time to put your creative talents center stage. Leo energy is about living authentically from your heart and embracing the need for play and laughter. It’s about finding joy in your daily life, whether it be big or small. It’s also a great time to focus on what kind of leader you are, and where you want to be more courageous in your life. If you know what house of your birth chart 2 degrees of Leo falls in, you can set additional intentions for that area of life. 

This New Moon receives supportive energy from both Saturn and Neptune, meaning that you are able to “plant seeds” that are both divinely inspired and also realistic. The challenge will come from Pluto’s energy, which has a more difficult position relative to this Moon. Pluto’s energy can correlate with things like feeling overwhelmed by the force of your emotions, or power struggles. It is entirely possible that you will have to stand up for yourself around this time, but it is equally possible that you can lean into Pluto’s gift of regeneration. As I mentioned before, New Moons signal that a previous cycle has ended, and there’s no better planet than Pluto to help you metaphorically sweep away the debris that doesn’t need to come with you into the next cycle. 

The two weeks between the New and Full Moon is a time when energy is building. It’s natural to feel more action-oriented and initiatory, and it’s a time to be proactive relative to your intentions. The interesting caveat is that Mercury is retrograde through the entirety of this 2-week period. So you may find that your energy has to go toward clearing up issues from the past before your attention can be pulled forward. Or, you might realize that some of your desires have been on your mind for a while, and only now are you able to revisit and recommit to them. While many folks know that Mercury retrogrades can include minor mishaps or miscommunications, it is also a time when people can get shit done! 

Additionally, on July 31st, Venus departs the sign of Gemini and rolls into Cancer for a 3.5 week stay. When you combine the energies of the waxing Moon with that of the signs of Leo and Cancer, it can equal a very loving and amorous time. Allow yourself to turn up the romance, whether you currently have a partner or whether you’re simply romancing your own life!

Kelsey Bednar is a local Astrologist and yogi at Oracle + Alchemy. You can follow her on IG @the_astro_yogi