Waning Dark Moon, August 16-18th, 2020
- Waning Dark Moon: Cancer-Leo
- Begins: August 16th-18th
- Element: Water/Fire
- Modality: Cardinal/Fixed
- Planetary Ruler: The Moon/The Sun
ABOUT THE DARK/ BALSAMIC PHASE
The Waning Dark Moon is the phase when it’s still displaying a thin silver line, at the verge of becoming invisible in the night sky as it approaches the Sun. Symbolically, it represents the declining phase of the cycle of life. It begins two nights before the New/Dark Moon, which is when it has lost all of its illumination. Thus, this phase prepares us for the rebirth and new beginning that comes after the exact conjunction of the two luminaries.
RETURNING TO THE CAVE
Further, it always begins in the sign of the last astrological season and thus, of the last New Moon. It represents the time when we’re heading back to the cave, when we return from our journey through the outside and head towards our inner/underworld. In its growing phase (New Moon) we meet the outer expression of that sign during the lunation. Conversely, when it’s waning, we meet its inner expression, as the Sun is no longer in that sign. Further, it invites us to rest, recharge, break old patterns, release from energetic or body toxins, banish what we want out or cut the cords that attach us to the past. It’s when we enter the Crone phase, commune with the Dark Goddess and meet with our shadow side.
WANING DARK MOON IN CANCER-LEO
The Waning Dark Moon begins two nights before the New Moon in Leo, an ideal time to banish, release and turn to ashes all that doesn’t serve in order to prepare for the new lunar cycle and set intentions. This is the decaying phase of the Moon after the thunder striking Full Moon in Aquarius of August 3rd. This lunar event announced radical shifts, inviting us to break free from our resistance to change, our limitations and of what may be binding us. Thus, the time for liberation, emancipation and releasing from them has arrived.
A CALL FOR INTROSPECTION & REFLECTION BEFORE THE NEW LUNAR CYCLE
The New Moon in Leo will be calling for us to open our hearts, break free from suppression, connect with our wild essence within and shine our light. This makes these two dark nights the most appropriate for going deep within and introspecting on which aspects of ourselves need liberation in order to affirm and express ourselves fully, luminously and authentically. Also, to introspect on where we may feel suppressed, what’s preventing us to follow our heart’s desires and live passionately, to embrace our talents and what makes us unique. With the energies of death and transformation of the Moon, we let go of fear of rejection and from our insecurities for this and to begin tapping into our power and our confidence.
WANING DARK MOON IN CANCER: THE CATHARSIS
The Waning Dark Moon will transit throughout the sign of Cancer and Leo. The Moon in Cancer will be tensely aspecting Chiron, Black Moon Lilith and warrior Mars in Aries, while merging with Venus and connecting harmoniously with Uranus. This energy activates not only the dark feminine like the past weeks, but also the masculine. There is a push, an impatience, and a call to create change and to liberate the repressed feminine and masculine energies within, but also from a situation.
This will be highly cathartic as it will purge out all of the suppressed intoxicating emotions. This results with an even more dark and transformational waning phase, ideal for channeling to banish, eliminate obstacles, expel the negative and break old patterns and negative habits. However, this energy can become destructive if channelled to create conflict with others. Thus, it’s recommended to avoid confrontations unless it’s about expressing what we may have been containing inside for too long.
SECOND OPPORTUNITY TO CLOSE THE CHAPTER OF THE THEMES OF THE ECLIPSES OF THIS SUMMER
However, its conjunction with Venus will be helping us connect with our femininity and inviting us to nurture, protect and take care of our body by meeting our emotional and physical needs while these tense aspects occur, important to take this time for self care. Lastly, it will be opposing the Capricorn stellium, Saturn, Jupiter and Pluto. This will activate the themes of the eclipses of this summer, but as the Moon is waning, it’s the perfect time to finally close their chapter. Remember that the past Waning Dark Moon was also in Cancer, so this is our second opportunity to finally heal and release what they shed light to that no longer serves.
WANING DARK MOON IN LEO: ONE DAY BEFORE THE NEW MOON
Since the New Moon of August 18th will occur in the 26th degree of Leo at 10:13pm eastern time, the Waning Dark Moon will also fall in this sign. For instance, before it reaches this degree, it’s still not an ideal time to plant seeds and perform rituals for growth and attraction. The energies are still decaying while the Queen of the night becomes darker and darker.
RITUAL TIPS & ACTIVITIES
Since Leo is a fire sign ruled by the Sun, it’s ideal for practicing candle magic with the intention to release or for using the element of fire by turning to ashes what no longer serves our purpose. Further, to burn away the resistance to change, the self imposed limits, the insecurities and fears, and all the other emotions that block the Solar Plexus Chakra. The New Moon in Leo will ask us to follow our passion, open our hearts to love, to joy and pleasure and let the wild wo/men within shine through. Thus, with this dark lunar phase, we’ll be leaving behind all that prevents that.
