Leo New Moon 2026: Leo Solar Eclipse. 8 8 Deeper Dive – Pointer Stars. Columbia Earthquake.
Leo Keynote: “I am that and that am I.”
Leo New Moon Solar Eclipse
(August 12, 2026. GMT: 17.36.)
“There are two subsidiary yet potent keynotes of the Leo person … if the nature of the influences wielded by Leo are to be clearly perceived. These are the will-to-illumine, which constitutes the driving urge towards self-knowledge, self-perception and intellectual positivity, and also the will-to-rule and to dominate, which is of such a controlling nature in this sign and such a subtle potency in the Leo type.
It is this will-to-rule which leads a person born in this sign eventually to achieve self-mastery and the control of the personality (for either a good motive or a selfish one), and it is also the same tendency which leads him finally to the control by the personality, ruled by Leo, of groups and large or small bodies of people.
This—at an advanced stage—is an expression of the fusion of Leo energy and Aquarian potency. It is inevitable in the long run for men and races; for this all experience in Leo is preparatory. The will-to-illumine is that which drives all Leo people on to experiment and so to gain knowledge.”1
Leo New Moon Solar Eclipse August 12.
8 8 Gate: A Deeper Dive
Asteroids Webinar Aug.15-16.
Increased Earthquake and Volcanic Activity
Leo New Moon Solar Eclipse August 12.
The extraordinary stellium in Leo characterises this new moon horoscope, balanced in the Aquarius polarity by the presence of Pluto, Earth and the moon’s north node. There are various levels of interpretation here, from personal, group, national and cosmic perspectives.
Leo new moon: Total solar eclipse.
1. Cosmic. The full moon of August, “will be dedicated to the task of making contact, via the Hierarchy, with Sirian force”. In fact, the whole month of August might be regarded as providing the “open gate”. This year the Leo-Aquarius full moon fell on July 29, setting the stage for the entire month of August.
This Leo new moon 14 days later, consolidates and amplifies the opportunity to bring about planetary alignment with the “greater Sirian law”. The “8 8 Lion’s gate” occurred between the full and new moons, further raising awareness of the importance of Leo-Sirius in raising planetary consciousness. (See next section, 8 8 Deeper Dive.)
Leo is ruled by the Sun and our Solar Logos is the progeny of Sirius. The entire body of the solar system must fall into alignment with the Sirian “higher self”. As one of the five “non-sacred” planets, Earth has an unique role to play, which is why for millenia, so many temples and pyramids have had specific astronomical alignments with Sirius and other starts associated with it, such as Regulus, the “heart of the lion”.
2. National. Many nations in Europe will be deeply influenced by this eclipse – through the Leo rulerships of their countries and cities. Cities with Leo souls – London and Geneva, two of the five major planetary centres. Nations with Leo souls – Italy and Roumania. Cities with Leo personalities – Rome and Berlin. Nations with Leo personalities are France and Russia.
This map for relations between nations, displays blue stars for the soul of a city or nation, red stars for the personality of a city or nation. Cities with Leo souls – London and Geneva, two of the five major planetary centres. Nations with Leo souls – Italy and Roumania. Cities with Leo personalities – Rome and Berlin. Nations with Leo personalities – France and Russia. (Note, Italy is a “double Leo”, which may explain its illustrious history!)
The lines joining these nations and cities are only displayed for the outer perimeter – to give an idea of how they encompass Europe. There could in fact be many lines drawn between the various Leo relationships, where those relations can be seen historically and currently: London and Russia. Berlin and Russia. Geneva and Russia. France and Russia. Italy and Berlin, Rome and Berlin. Italy and Geneva (Switzerland).
In some of these nations’ mundane horoscopes, Leo is also emphasised, as is the chart of the USA with its Leo-Aquarius north-south node axis, falling close to the eclipse chart Mercury in Leo opposite Pluto in Aquarius. Similarly, and in synastry with the USA, Iran’s Mercury in Aquarius opposite Jupiter in Leo will be activated: The major issue of self-rule or sovereignty.
And of course, esoterically USA is an Aquarian soul, with current President Trump a Leo rising – with Mars in Leo. The south node in Leo is passing exactly over his ascendant, indicating a somewhat fated quality: Gravitation to familiar roles, past identity and karmic patterns and unfinished business.
In other words, it can amplify all the self-aggrandising of lower Leo traits, with the very remote possibility of some statesmanship shining forth. Exchanging hubris for humility is the order of the day in these extremely precarious times.
Inner to outer wheels: Eclipse, USA, Iran.
The challenges for several nations will be around national pride – being blind to greater co-operation (Aquarius) with other countries, through dictatorial attitudes. (e.g. London, Berlin.) Yet at the same time the need to maintain a healthy national pride which supports their autonomy and sovereignty (e.g. Italy, Russia.) These latter words are most descriptive of Leo the king or ruler.
Power: Lion of London, Trafalgar Square.
Another major theme – how do political rulers (Leo) serve the people (Aquarius)? In recent years the world has witnessed many governments selling out to highly profitable corporate behemoths, increasing costs of basic utilities such as food, fuel and housing for the populace, struggling with homelessness, huge power bills and other taxes. (e.g. Britain.)
Further and perhaps more importantly, the erosion of the basic right of free speech, the ignoring of humanitarian plights around the world, while seniors are arrested for non-violent protests, holding placards decrying the crimes of genocide.
This Leo new moon offers a chance for the people to recognise the power of the collective, cultivate greater courage, step up and reclaim their god-given rights. In some ways, with Pluto in Aquarius trine to Uranus in Gemini, this is a chart of non-compliance – at the least, or revolution and even insurrection at its extreme.
Mercury in Leo opposite Pluto indicates tough talk, dialogue and negotiation in world affairs, speaking plainly and directly – “taking no prisoners”. There are enormous dangers of the already highly autocratic political and tech leaders continuing to act with impunity, by “lording it over” (Leo) the will of the people (Aquarius) – further flouting international law.
3. Group. Aquarius is the sign of the group, of people coming together for a common cause – political, religious, business, spiritual, environmental, animal welfare etc.
Again, like the national level, the same issues arise around autocratic leaders (Leo) who may have abused their power, being challenged by the rest of the group members to adopt a more “round table” approach.
King Arthur presides over his knights as a facilitator who has the last word, but encourages discussion and consensus, the group heart-mind. Of course the Aquarian problem can be endless attempts at time-wasting consensus, where the leader must step in, however autorcratic it might seem.
4. Personal. Like its ruler the Sun, Leo possesses the “will to illumine”, to shed light, to give generously and unconditionally, emulating the role that the Sun plays in this solar system.
The generosity theme traverses from the subtle to the obvious, transcending parsimonious attitudes that exist – even (or particularly!) in spiritual communities. As Leo is a sign of courage, giving en-courage-ment to others is one kind of generosity – “I have your back”. Giving credit where due is another form, overcoming personal biases or stubborn viewpoints to acknowledge resources that others have made available.
Leo has the tendency (even in the “spiritually advanced” – perhaps more so!), to be pompous and prideful, condescending and judgemental, creating separation and falling into the glamour of superiority. In this Fifth Rootrace (Leo the 5th sign), these attributes are quite marked in the intelligentsia.
The greatest remedy for the foregoing is obvious but not necessarirly achievable: A generous heart, the source of Love-Wisdom, where “le couer conquers” – and Leo the Lionheart steps into its true power. The sovereign king or queen who kneels in humility before those in their “kingdom” – and asks, “How can I serve?”
8 8 Gate: A Deeper Dive
As mentioned recently, the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox occurred on August 7-8, marking the traditional midpoint of summer (the “dog days”), significant as it falls halfway between those two solar events.
Lion’s Gate, Mycenae, Greece. (Author’s photo.)
Other perspectives say that the Lion’s Gate Portal refers to the days on either side of 8/8, roughly July 28 to August 12, when the power of Sirius is believed to be activated by the Sun. Yet, Leo is also the 8th sign and Mercury is the Messenger at the 8th Gate:
“Leo, being the fifth sign of the zodiac … and also the eighth sign, counting from Aries via Pisces, is closely connected through numerical affinity with Mercury, who is esoterically called “the Messenger at the eighth gate”.
Mercury was active at the time of individualisation when the “eighth gate” was opened [Capricorn at that time] and a major initiation of our planetary Logos took place, producing, in the human kingdom, the process of individualisation.”2
Mercury was active at individualisation in ancient Lemuria because Mercury-ruled Gemini was a prominent sign at that time that facilitated the “implanting of the spark of mind”.
Mental Mercury was the messenger of that electrical stimulation. The “numerical affinity” of Mercury as “messenger at the eighth gate” also refers to the current eighth sign – Scorpio. Mercury is the hierarchical ruler of this sign which,
“… relates Scorpio and Gemini … inaugurating … that final stage in consciousness which will place the soul within the form surely in the place of power, swinging the earlier achieved balance and control definitely into the realm of the soul. It is this which, in the Scorpio experience, produces the terrific experience of the disciple and which, at this time, is one of the predisposing causes of the present world conflict.”3
The number 8, also the infinity symbol is,
“… under some numerical systems, regarded as the number of the Christ … the Hierarchy of Sirius … the cosmic Christ works upon the Christ principle in the solar system, in the planet, in man and in the lower forms of life expression … [Sirius] … is esoterically called the “brilliant star of sensitivity.”4
From August 7-12, the Sun passes over the two pointer stars in Leo – Dubhe and Merak. Hence, besides the powerful focus of Sirius during this 8-8 week, there is the influence of the two pointers, plus the pole star itself – Polaris:
“… this Pointer (Dubhe 14° Leo 32’) and the energy emanating from it guides humanity upon the involutionary path, and is constantly active in its influence upon the man who is still upon the Mutable Cross.
Then the energy of the Pointer furthest from the Pole Star (Merak 19° Leo 48’) begins to make its presence felt and a sense of right direction or guidance is registered by the disciple upon the Path, and such guidance (when followed) leads [wo]man nearer to the Hierarchy.
It is here that the divine necessity of achieving alignment is portrayed for us in the symbolism of the sky and when it has been achieved then there is a direct inflow of divine energy and man is linked up in a new and creative manner to sources of divine supply.
Astrologers will do well (in connection with the horoscopes of disciples and particularly of initiates), to consider the two Pointers and the Pole Star [Polaris 26° Gem 55’].”5
Indeed! At the Leo solar eclipse Aug.12, the Sun-Moon conjunction at 20° Leo 01’ is very close to Merak by only 13’ of arc, thereby facilitating, “… a sense of right direction by the disciple upon the Path … leading nearer to the Hierarchy.”
This is symbolically (and actually) effected by the eclipse obscuration of the Sun by the Moon, forcing the inner vision to engage and perceive intuitively the next step upon The Path.
Asteroids Webinar
August 15-16
Astrology students from Portugal and Brazil requested this webinar,
though it will be presented in English and is open to all.
The format for the webinar is unusual in that it will be split into
two 2-hour sessions over two days, 11 am to 1 pm – Portugal time (BST) each day.
This will help those in Brazil to attend at a reasonable time, but also allow
private offline discussion for Portuguese speakers – between the two presentations.
The webinar will be recorded and available later to view
for those who have registered but cannot attend on those days.
_________________________
Two sessions: Aug 15 (Saturday) and Aug.16 (Sunday)
Brazil time 7 am to 9 am. Lisbon time 11 am to 1 pm.
Payment and registration US$50 or €42.
Via Paypal or Stripe
_________________________
Pagamento e inscrição US$50 ou 42€ Via Paypal ou Stripe
Increased Earthquake and Volcanic Activity
The Columbian earthquake saw the Uranus/MC line nearby, a consistent observation by astrologers for these events.
Uranus the disruptor has a close relationship to reorganisation upon the physical plane, and was in a grand trine formation with (appropriately) Pluto – lord of the underworld, in Uranus-ruled Aquarius. Venus in Libra occupied the other corner of the triangle and has also been observed as another significator in earthquakes.
The position of feisty Mars in unstable Gemini is also notable, particularly in the last anaretic degree, considered a critical point associated with endings and transitions – the “degree of fate” that can indicate significant crises. Right next to Mars in this last degree, is earth mother Ceres-Demeter – the largest of the asteroids and classified as a dwarf planet.
“Figures also must be computed when the effect upon the planets of what are called “asteroids” is known. This is much greater than exoteric science has so far admitted, but the significance of this must eventually be interpreted in terms of energy and on etheric levels.”6 (See the upcoming Asteroids webinar Aug.15-16.)
Columbia Earthquake, August 10, 2026.
Note how the Uranus-MC line passes through the fault line in the Google Maps diagram below.
This seismic activity occurred on the eve of the solar eclipse Aug.12.
The quake, along with many other seismic events and volcanic eruptions currently, is a reminder of some of the esoteric reasons behind them:
“The following cosmic and systemic causes are responsible for the present world crisis and the present difficult world situation:
1. A welling up of magnetic force on Sirius, which produces effects upon our solar system and particularly upon our Earth, via the Hierarchy.
2. A shift in the Earth’s polarity, due to the pull of a great cosmic centre. This powerfully affects the Earth’s orientation and is responsible for the present earthquakes, and for the volcanic eruptions and the many earthquakes during the past one hundred and fifty years.
3. The great sweep of the sun around the greater zodiac (a period of 250,000 years, or a complete round) came to an end when the sun entered Pisces over two thousand years ago. This process of passing out of, or entering into, a particular sign and cyclic influence covers a period of five thousand years where this greater round or cycle is concerned.
This period of five thousand years covers the complete cycle of transition until complete freedom to function under the inspiration of the new sign is completed. We are, therefore, not yet free from incidental turmoil.
4. The passing of our Sun out of the sign Pisces into the sign Aquarius is another of the conditions bringing about the present confusion. This confusion of forces in the solar system is notably affecting our planet. In the process of passing from sign to sign, as for instance transitting out of Pisces into Aquarius as is now the case, the period covered is approximately five hundred years.
5. The Moon today is disintegrating with increasing rapidity and this necessarily affects the Earth and produces terrestrial results.”7
Phillip Lindsay © 2026.
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- Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.289. [↩]
- Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.298. [↩]
- Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.360. [↩]
- Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.197. [↩]
- Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. p.197. [↩]
- A Treatise on Cosmic Fire, Alice A. Bailey. p.794. [↩]
- Esoteric Astrology, Alice A. Bailey. pp.409-10. [↩]