Leo New Moon - Performance vs Authenticity

The Leo New Moon at 2°, exactly opposite Pluto at 2° Aquarius, delivers a charged opening. One that pits the raw force of self-expression against the collective pressure of reinvention. At its core, this lunation challenges us to confront the paradox that Leo rules both performance and authenticity. And Pluto? Pluto demands we go deeper. No masks, no tricks, no curated identities. Just soul-level truth. Who are you when no-one’s watching? And most importantly what is your relationship to that identity?

Pluto (or Hades in Greek myth) is the god of the underworld. We’ve spoken about him before. Ruler of the unseen, the dead and the deep riches of the earth (hello gold and gems!). He isn’t evil, but he is intense: associated with power, death, transformation and what lies beneath the surface. All those things we often refuse to see out of fear. Doing so threatens the identity we’ve carefully constructed to feel safe, accepted and in control.

Most famously, Pluto abducted Persephone, initiating her journey from innocence to queen of the underworld. It turns out she kinda liked it… she stayed there, willingly, because she grew up. The underworld didn’t just imprison her… it awakened her. And once you know your own depth, you don’t fear the dark. You rule it.

A mythic symbol of descent, rebirth and owning one’s shadow. Pluto doesn’t ask politely. He drags you down to rise reborn.

The Leo–Pluto Polarity

Leo is ruled by the Sun - our core identity and radiance, our vitality, confidence and what lights us up. It governs (amongst others):

• Performance: our desire to be seen, recognised and applauded.

• Authenticity: our inner child, creative fire and true heart essence.
  

But when performance becomes the mask and authenticity is sacrificed for approval, Pluto in Aquarius steps in to destroy the illusion. Aquarius, being future-facing and group-oriented, says: “You’re not just doing this for attention, you’re doing it for evolution. Let’s make sure your contribution is real.”

This opposition feels like a cosmic audit:

• Are you creating from your soul, or from your ego?

• Is your leadership rooted in integrity or image?

• Are you ready to be seen for who you truly are, not who you’ve been pretending to be?
  

Pluto's Pressure

Pluto never accepts surface-level answers. It pushes us to excavate the shadow side of Leo:

• Approval addiction

• Validation-seeking

• Inflated personas

• Fear of being ordinary
  

Ahh that last one hits home. Hard. This New Moon may unearth a crisis of confidence, or a confrontation with the parts of ourselves we disown, especially the parts that feel “too much” or “not enough.”

But remember: Pluto only destroys to liberate.

Guidance for This New Moon

1. Audit Your Spotlight: Where in your life are you performing instead of living? What masks have you worn so long they’ve become second skin?
   

2. Create Something Raw: Make art, write, speak, or express yourself without editing for approval. Let it be messy and true. This is Leo’s medicine. Remember Cancer Season is sooo much about holding. Trust that you’re held to be ALL of you.
   

3. Practice Authentic Visibility: Be seen, but on your own terms. Share something vulnerable, not to shock or control the narrative, but to stand in your power.
   

4. Don’t Bypass the Discomfort: If you feel fear, jealousy, or insecurity, feel it. Don’t bury it. Pluto wants you to transform it, not hide it behind glitter and charm.
   

5. Redefine Leadership: This lunation supports stepping into a new form of leadership, one that’s heart-centred, not hierarchical. You don’t have to perform authority. You just have to embody it.
   
   

Closing Thought

The Leo New Moon opposite Pluto is a test of creative integrity. If you dare to burn the old scripts, a truer role will emerge and one only you can play. This isn’t about being liked. It’s about being undeniably real.

And it starts with being true to yourself first.

“Enlightenment or awakening is not the creation of a new state of affairs, but the recognition of what already is.” - Alan Watts

Affirmations for each rising sign:

Aries Rising:
I create, play, and express freely, releasing perfection to be my authentic art.

Taurus Rising:
I lovingly upgrade my emotional foundation to reflect my growing inner strength.

Gemini Rising:
My voice matters. I share boldly, teach generously, and let my mind shine brightly.

Cancer Rising:
I own my value and invest in joy; wealth flows effortlessly from my radiant energy.

Leo Rising:
I rewrite my story, reclaim my power, and lead with full-hearted truth.

Virgo Rising:
I release subconscious clutter and embrace soul clarity to guide my next steps.

Libra Rising:
I welcome new dreams and true allies, saying yes to wild ideas and unexpected invitations.

Scorpio Rising:
I own my authority, set fresh goals, and show up as my whole, authentic self.

Sagittarius Rising:
I passionately expand my beliefs and teach what sets my soul on fire without apology.

Capricorn Rising:
I shed what no longer empowers me and rise rooted in truth and authenticity.

Aquarius Rising:
I magnetise aligned partnerships by releasing old stories and embracing new beginnings.

Pisces Rising:
I refine my rituals and harmonise creativity with discipline to nurture my well-being.

24th July 2025 | 14h20