The new moon of Aug 27 (1:17 am PT) is revving up a fierce lunar cycle of passion and courage. This brave new moon catalyzes long-awaited creative actions and opens a doorway of possibility.   If you’re ready to take a chance on something new, the weeks that follow this new moon are prime for overcoming blocks and stepping up your game.

The new moon is in the area of the sky called Magha, a royal star that lies at the heart of the constellation Leo, the lion. According to Vedic Astrology, this nakshatra is said to be the celestial throne of our ancestor spirits (pittris), the guardian angels that protect life on this planet.

Know your Vedic Nakshatra?  Calculate yours and get a free guide.

The Magha new moon can shine a healing spotlight on family relationships, history and cultural traditions.  You may be faced with a family issue, or be asked to consider your past in a new light.  This new moon is a time to honor and let go of the past, and turn toward a higher vision of the future.

Take heed, an explosive aspect with fiery Mars can inflame issues on and around this new moon. Passion, impatience, and jealousy are on the rise, so be extra sensitive to how others are feeling.  Avoid over-consumption alcohol or spicy foods.

Though things may feel fiery, with love-focused Venus and exalted Mercury flanking this new moon, there’s an opportunity for healing conversations and a deepening self-understanding, particularly surrounding love and family ties.

This new moon sparks new motivation and focus, and can encourage you to fight for what feels right.  Ganesha Chaturthi falls 4 days after the new moon, on Aug 30, in honor of the elephant-headed god of liberation, and remover of obstacles.   It’s said that Lord Ganesha allows us to see the impossible, expanding awareness beyond the mundane and into the miraculous.

One unusual fact– it’s not considered good luck to gaze at the crescent moon of Ganesha Chaturthi, so keep your eyes off the sky on Aug 30.

How these planetary transits affect you personally depends on your birth chart.  Book a Vedic Astrology reading to learn more.