August's new moon arrives this week like a quiet exhale in the middle of summer's intensity, marking the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle when the night sky goes completely dark. A new moon occurs when the sun and moon line up in the same zodiac sign, creating a cosmic partnership where the sun's bold energy meets the moon's gentle, inward pull — making it a perfect time for both new beginnings and deep reflection. This year's August new moon on August 23 is particularly special because it's what astronomers call a 'Black Moon', which is actually quite rare, happening only about once every 3 years.
Because the moon is associated with our inner worlds, the period invited in by the new moon invites us all to pause, reflect, and set intentions for the month ahead. Unlike the full moon, which brings everything that may have been simmering to the surface, the new moon is about turning inward and focussing on what you want to cultivate and grow in your life. If there's ever a period during which it's important to be intentional about your thoughts and actions, it's the stretch of a new moon. Think of it as nature's invitation to pause, dream, and set intentions before the next cycle of growth begins.
There's also something special about the timing of August's new moon within the context of the natural world. Many cultures have long seen this period as a bridge connecting summer's abundance with autumn's harvest time. Gardens are at their most productive right now — think heavy tomatoes hanging from vines and tall corn stalks swaying in fields. But if you pay attention, you'll notice something shifting in the air. The light has a different quality to it, and those first cool evening breezes are starting to whisper that the seasons are changing.
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Aries (March 21 - April 19)
The August new moon is a time for you, dear Aries, to pause your usual rushing pace and reflect on your own career ambitions. This lunar reset offers opportunities to plant seeds for professional growth, reassess leadership approaches, and channel fiery energy into strategic planning rather than impulsive action for sustainable success.
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
August's new moon illuminates your yearning for higher learning and philosophical expansion, Taurus. Consider this astrological opening provided by the new moon fertile ground for exploring new belief systems, considering educational pursuits, or planning meaningful travel.
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
The new moon activates your sector of transformation and shared resources this month, dear Gemini. You will be provided with opportunities for deep psychological insights, joint financial ventures, or intimate relationships reaching new levels, so remember to embrace mystery and emotional depth beyond surface-level conversations and quick exchanges.
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
August's new moon promises to highlight your partnership sector, Cancer, in turn bringing fresh starts in relationships. Whether romantic, business, or friendship connections, this lunar phase encourages you, one of the most nurturing sign in the zodiac, to establish healthier boundaries, seek emotional reciprocity, and plant seeds for more balanced, supportive partnerships moving forward.
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
It's your season, dear Leo! And as Leo season continues to peak, the new moon will encourage you to focus on health, work routines, and daily habits. You may well find that you benefit from behind-the-scenes organisation, wellness initiatives, and practical service to others, as this lunar reset should help you to balance spotlight-seeking tendencies with humble, consistent efforts toward personal improvement.
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Virgo, get ready to express yourself; the August new moon will activate your creativity, romance, and self-expression sector. As a typically analytical sign, this will come as a breath of fresh air as you discover opportunities for artistic pursuits, playful adventures, or heart-centred connections. The lunar energy will encourage you to embrace spontaneity, celebrate personal talents, and allow joy to complement your methodical nature.
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
Libra, this new moon will illuminate home, family, and emotional foundations for you. As the usually harmony-seeking sign, you will benefit from creating peaceful domestic environments, healing family relationships, and establishing stronger personal boundaries.
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
August's new moon will activate your communication and learning sector, dear Scorpio. As the typically intense sign of the zodiac, you will discover opportunities for meaningful conversations, skill development, and local community involvement. The lunar energy will encourage you to share wisdom openly, embrace curiosity over suspicion, and transform through intellectual exploration.
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
The new moon will focus your attention on money, possessions, and values, Sagittarius. Consider this your time to reassess financial priorities, consider new income sources, or clarify core beliefs about security. This lunar reset will really help you to balance wanderlust with practical resource management and sustainable abundance.
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
August's new moon will occur in your identity sector, Capricorn, offering profound opportunities of renewal within your personal life. As one of the most ambitious signs in the zodiac, this is a time for you to consider reinventing your image, setting fresh goals, or launching important initiatives. The lunar energy will support your natural leadership while also encouraging authenticity and emotional accessibility in your approach.
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
For you this month, Aquarius, this new moon will illuminate subconscious patterns, spirituality, and release. The lunar energy will encourage you to process emotions privately, clear mental clutter, and prepare for upcoming collaborative opportunities.
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
The August new moon promises to activate your friendship, groups, and future aspirations sector this month. Try to balance your signature dreamy idealism with practical networking and collaborative efforts that will enact meaningful social change.
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Naomi May is a seasoned culture journalist and editor with over ten years’ worth of experience in shaping stories and building digital communities. After graduating with a First Class Honours from City University's prestigious Journalism course, Naomi joined the Evening Standard, where she worked across both the newspaper and website. She is now the Digital Editor at ELLE Magazine and has written features for the likes of The Guardian, Vogue, Vice and Refinery29, among many others. Naomi is also the host of the ELLE Collective book club.
