New Moon
The Moon and the Sun share a degree and the sky goes dark. Nothing is visible yet, which is exactly what makes it a beginning: intentions set here are still private.
SKY ·
Moon Phase Today
On August 12, 2026, the Moon is a New Moon at 0% illumination. The next full moon is August 28, 2026 in Pisces.
- PHASE
- New Moon
- ILLUMINATION
- 0%
- MOON SIGN
- Leo 16°
- NEXT LUNATION
- New Moon · today
Positions are anchored at 12:00 UTC on the date above — one snapshot, identical for every reader.
Monthly moon calendar
August 2026
Select a day to open its phase, illumination, moon sign and void-of-course window beside the grid.
SunMonTueWedThuFriSat
- NEW MOON
- FULL MOON
- QUARTER
- SIGN CHANGE
2026 new moon and full moon dates
Times are given in UTC. The sign beside each date is the one the conjunction or the opposition falls in.
NEW MOON
- 19:51Capricorn
- 12:00Aquarius
- 01:22Pisces
- 11:51Aries
- 20:00Taurus
- 02:53Gemini
- 09:43Cancer
- 17:36Leo
- 03:26Virgo
- 15:49Libra
- 07:01Scorpio
- 00:51Sagittarius
FULL MOON
The eight moon phases and what they mean
One synodic month runs about 29 days and 12 hours, from one conjunction with the Sun to the next. The cycle is read in eight phases; the lit edge grows on the right and shrinks on the left. These meanings describe the cycle itself and do not change from day to day — today's phase is marked.
Waxing Crescent
The first sliver returns to the evening sky, lit on the right. Early effort is fragile and needs protecting rather than announcing.
First Quarter
Half the disc is lit and the Moon stands square to the Sun. The friction is the point — this is where a plan meets its first real obstacle.
Waxing Gibbous
Almost full, and impatient with it. The work is refinement: adjusting, testing and closing the gap before the light peaks.
New Moon in Leo
When the New Moon occurs in Leo, the energy shifts from the quiet, watery introspection of other signs to a vibrant, solar-powered push toward self-actualization. Leo, a fixed fire sign, is ruled by the Sun, making this specific lunation feel like a personal coronation. It colors the New Moon with a sense of drama, playfulness, and an unshakeable need for recognition. While other New Moons might focus on emotional security or domestic stability, a Leo New Moon focuses on the 'I am'—the assertion of one's presence in the world. It demands that you treat your creative urges with the seriousness of a life mission. This influence shapes the phase into a time of 'heart-centered' initiation; if a project or a goal doesn't set your soul on fire or allow you to express your unique flair, this placement suggests it is not the right seed to plant at this time.
The core theme of a new moon in leo is the reclamation of personal sovereignty and creative fire. As the Sun—Leo's ruling planet—aligns with the Moon in this fixed fire sign, the universe asks you to stop dimming your light for the comfort of others. It is a time for bold beginnings that require heart-centered courage rather than cold logic. This phase centers on identity, asking you to strip away the expectations placed upon you by society or family and uncover the raw, expressive core of your spirit. By initiating actions that reflect your deepest joy and passion, you align your external world with your internal truth, setting a foundation for a cycle of authentic, radiant growth that honors your unique, sovereign self.
Emotional tone
The emotional tone of this lunation is warm, generous, and occasionally demanding of attention. You may feel a heightened desire to be seen, heard, and appreciated for your authentic self. It is a time when the 'inner child' feels particularly active, craving play, validation, and the freedom to create without judgment. While the energy is generally optimistic, the fixed nature of Leo can sometimes bring up stubbornness or a fear of being overlooked. If you feel a sudden, intense need to change your appearance or express a long-held passion, listen to that internal signal. It is an emotionally empowering time that encourages you to love yourself loudly and unapologetically, moving past the fear of rejection to embrace your inherent worth.
Love and relationships
In matters of the heart, the Leo New Moon is all about romance, passion, and the courage to be vulnerable. It asks you to look at your relationships and determine if they support your authentic self-expression. If you are single, this is a prime time to set intentions for a partner who celebrates your light rather than one who tries to dampen it. If you are in a partnership, the focus shifts to injecting playfulness and renewed excitement into the connection. It is not a time for quiet compromise, but for bold, heart-to-heart communication. Consider how you can show up more fully in your relationships, bringing your warmth and natural generosity to the forefront while ensuring your own needs for appreciation are met.
What this phase is good for
Worth doing
- Set intentions centered on personal creativity and self-expression.
- Engage in activities that make you feel joyful and vibrant.
- Practice self-love rituals that boost your confidence.
- Start a new artistic project or hobby that you have been delaying.
- Celebrate your past accomplishments to build momentum for the future.
- Wear colors or clothing that make you feel powerful and seen.
- Spend time in the sun to recharge your energy.
Better left alone
- Do not seek validation from others to confirm your self-worth.
- Avoid making decisions purely based on ego or a desire for status.
- Do not suppress your creative impulses or play small.
- Avoid dramatic conflicts that arise from a need to be 'right'.
- Do not ignore the needs of your heart in favor of rigid planning.
- Avoid harsh self-criticism if you feel a need for attention.
Ritual and manifestation
Practices that suit this phase. Astrology is read here as a symbolic language, not as a predictive science.
- Create a 'Sun Altar' using gold, yellow, and orange items to symbolize your inner light.
- Write a list of 'I am' affirmations, speaking them aloud in front of a mirror with conviction.
- Perform a 'Creative Visioning' meditation, visualizing yourself expressing your talents freely.
- Host a small, joyful gathering of friends to celebrate your current goals.
- Write a letter to your inner child, promising to honor their creative needs.
Moon phase questions
What moon phase is it today?
On August 12, 2026 the Moon is a New Moon, 0% illuminated, in Leo.
When is the next full moon?
The next full moon falls on August 28, 2026 at 04:17 UTC, in Pisces.
When is the next new moon?
The next new moon falls on August 12, 2026 at 17:36 UTC, in Leo.
What sign is the Moon in today?
At the 12:00 UTC anchor on August 12, 2026 the Moon is at 16° of Leo.
What does new moon in leo mean?
A new moon in leo is a powerful lunar phase that signals a time to initiate heart-centered projects and boldly claim your identity and creative potential.
What are the effects of the leo new moon?
The effects of the leo new moon include a heightened desire for self-expression, increased confidence, and a natural pull toward activities that bring you joy and recognition.
What should you do during new moon in leo?
You should use the new moon in leo to set intentions for personal growth, start creative endeavors, and practice radical self-love to fuel your inner fire.
How does new moon in leo affect each zodiac sign?
The new moon in leo affects each zodiac sign by highlighting the specific house in their birth chart where Leo resides, bringing a focus of creativity, identity, and passion to that area of life.