The Leo New Moon roars in at 12:29 PM Eastern on July 24, 2025. This Leo New Moon offers a portal of connection to Hekate, that is amplified by the opposition of it with Pluto and Aquarius. Pluto is the underworld, rebirth, and the power that lies beneath. Leo is the external power, shining bright. Yes, there will be friction. But that’s how all things - including us - grow. With the world in such turmoil, heeding Hekate’s calling is more vital now than ever. Work with Leo energy to connect with Hekate’s fire and answer her claim.
A simple altar for invoking Leo’s qualities including achievement, confidence, likeability, optimism and magnetism. Leo’s is the center of attention, taking up all the space it needs, and never doubting in it’s own rightness. Bay laurel, representative of accomplishment, fame, and sovereignty, among so many other attributes, is an excellent partner for working with Leo energy.
I’ve chosen this invocation for the Leo New Moon because it summons our own sovereignty, while honoring Hekate’s enduring strength:
The featured ritual is from Entering Hekate’s Cauldron, the Fire Dancing Ritual. Paid subscribers can download a PDF of it. Join Hekate’s Keys for our live event based on this ritual, celebrating the sabbat marking the midpoint between the summer solstice and the autumn equinox.
Hekate as The Lioness
Hekate, when she comes on strong, can be very leonine. She holds court in our attention, leaving little room for more mundane affairs. Like Leo, she isn’t aggressive or mean-spirited, simply “I am here.” What we do with her presence - and persistence - is up to us. Leo doesn’t make demands because it knows it’s value.
Historically, Hekate has been called “Leania,” and similar lioness epithets, and has been depicted on artefacts with lions.
On the right, Hekate sits atop a lion on this coin from ancient Caria. In Caria, specifically around Stratonikeia, Hekate was venerated as a Mother Goddess figure, notably different than the way she was viewed in other parts of the ancient Mediterranean. Lions were also associated with Cybele, another regional Mother Goddess form. Lions remain the symbol of power that they were then. The sign of Leo - “Leo” means lion in Latin - is about public acclaim, renown, and visibility. Goddesses like Hekate and Cybele were aligned with animals, reinforcing their characteristics and their governance over the natural world.
Hekate is depicted with lions, and referenced as “The Lioness,” in different sources, including The Greek Magical Papyri and The Chaldean Oracles, according to this blog article. Perhaps most revealing are the lions adorning her ancient temple at Lagina, near Stratonikeia.
Hekate and Leo
While Leo is the lion of the zodiac, it is governed by the sun, evoking Hekate’s Sacred Fire. Aspects of Hekate related to her eternal torches are most suitable for connecting with her during all of Leo season, the Leo new moon, and the Leo full moon.
Sacred Fire Water, from Entering Hekate’s Garden, is an excellent magickal endeavor to awaken Leo energy.
Epithets: Therobromon (Roaring One); Leaina (Lioness); Polykleitos (Renowned)
Meaning: Roaring, bold, and center stage, Leo loves the fire of self-expression. Proud Leo is lovely to be near as you bask in your personal sunshine. Hekate in Leo is the brilliant light of the summer sun, linking to abundance and harvest.
Themes: Hekate during the Leo new moon can be quite boisterous, calling you forth to take center stage in your own life. Invoke the spirit of Leo wherever it is in your personal chart and petition the leonine aspects of Hekate to help you roar over your own life.
From Entering Hekate’s Cauldron.
The Astrology of The Leo New Moon
With Mercury retrograde in the same sign, there may be some disruption to matters of communication, especially when it comes to Leonine aspects such as performing. Think: the internet doesn't work when a huge music star is livestreaming a concert. Personally, look for a boost of self-confidence and being seen, but with a side dish of sending the wrong message or otherwise stumbling with words and technology. Forming an opposition to Pluto in Aquarius, there is the friction between the power of Leo, which is about performance, and Pluto's that dwells in unseen power. Making a positive aspect with Neptune and Jupiter in Aries, there are hints of mystical expansion mixed in with all that "see me now," energy. Not a restful New Moon, but a great one to attune with Hekate's fiery energy. Answer her call, she will not be denied during the Leo New Moon.
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