Today, 2 September 2024, is the Astrological New Moon. The term New Moon brings to mind the image of a thin crescent moon appearing in the sky, signalling the start of a new lunar cycle. However, in astronomical terms, the New Moon is actually a Dark Moon—a time when the Moon is entirely invisible from Earth. This occurs when the Sun and Moon are in conjunction. The sky is left without the familiar glow of the Moon, symbolising a time of introspection and renewal. Those who follow Sidereal Astrology may wish to do a Leo New Moon ritual to set intentions for the new lunar cycle today.
- CLICK HERE for a Leo New Moon Tarot Spread
- CLICK HERE for a Virgo New Moon Tarot Spread if you follow Tropical Astrology
The Significance of the New Moon
It’s important to note that after the exact moment of the New Moon, it can take up to a couple of days before the first sliver of the crescent moon becomes visible. This period of darkness is often misunderstood, but it carries profound spiritual significance. The Dark Moon is a time for going inward, clearing away the old, and setting intentions for the new cycle. It’s a potent time for planting seeds of desire that will grow as the moon waxes toward fullness.
The Hellenic Tradition
In ancient Greece, the Dark Moon was a day to honour Hekate in the celebration known as Deipnon. Deipnon was observed by preparing a meal to appease Hekate and the restless dead in her company. Households would clean their homes, sweeping out physical and spiritual impurities, and leave these offerings at crossroads, which were sacred to Hekate.
The meal typically included food such as eggs, garlic, olives, bread and honey. It was left at the crossroads or the entrance of the home (also considered a crossroads) where people of meagre means would often take part in the feast. This ritual not only sought Hekate’s favour but also aimed to protect the household from malevolent spirits and ensure a prosperous month.
Technically, Deipnon was celebrated on the very last day before the New Moon became visible in the sky so it may or may not be on the actual Astrological New Moon. If you wish to observe this feast during the current Dark Moon, it falls on 3 of September rather than today, 2 September. The Deipnon was the first sacred feast day out of three, followed by Noumenia (the most sacred day of the month according to Plutarch) and Agathos Daimon (the feast of the Good Spirit).
Tropical vs. Sidereal Astrology
Tropical Astrology
In 2024, the Tropical New Moon falls in the sign of Virgo. Tropical astrology aligns the zodiac signs with the seasons, meaning the sign placements are relatively fixed and tied to the equinoxes and solstices. Therefore, the Tropical New Moon in Virgo is associated with detailed planning, analysis, and service to others.
Sidereal Astrology
Conversely, in True Sky Sidereal astrology, the 2024 New Moon will be in Leo. Sidereal astrology considers the actual positions of the constellations in the sky. The Sidereal Leo New Moon brings energies of creativity, leadership, and self-expression—qualities that differ significantly from the analytical nature of Virgo.
Lion Symbolism Relating to Hekate and Yeshua
The lion is a potent symbol in both ancient and religious lore, revered for its strength, courage, and regal presence. This majestic creature’s symbolism spans diverse cultures and belief systems, including those honouring Hekate and Yeshua (Jesus).
Hekate and the Lion
Hekate, the ancient Greek goddess of witchcraft, magic, and the night, has multifaceted associations with various animals, including the lion. In some traditions, Hekate is depicted accompanied by lions, embodying her dominion over nature and her role as a protector of boundaries and liminal spaces. According to the Chaldean Oracles, invoking Hekate correctly means that she appears in her lion form.
The lion’s fierce and watchful nature symbolises Hekate’s vigilance and her ability to guard the crossroads—the threshold spaces where the physical and spiritual realms meet. The lion’s strength and authority are also reflective of Hekate’s powerful role as a goddess who oversees transitions and transformations, protecting those in vulnerable states.
Yeshua and the Lion
In Christian symbolism, Yeshua is often associated with the lion, particularly the Lion of Judah. The Lion of Judah represents Yeshua’s messianic lineage, his kingship, and his fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
The lion signifies Yeshua’s strength, bravery, and his role as a sovereign spiritual leader. It also highlights aspects of his character that combine gentleness and authority. The imagery of the lion is prominent in Christian art and literature, underscoring Jesus’ divine power and his position as a guiding and protective figure for his followers.
Unified Symbolism
When brought together, the lion symbolism relating to Hekate and Yeshua highlights a convergence between pagan and Christian imagery. Both deities embody qualities of protection, leadership, and transformative power through the Christo-Pagan figure of the lion. In other words, honouring both Christ and Hekate in a Leo New Moon ritual is extremely powerful.
A Christo-Hekatean Leo New Moon Ritual
This Christo-Hekatean Leo New Moon ritual can help you set the intention to harness the powerful energies of courage, compassion, leadership, strength, and generosity associated with both Christ and Hekate. While it is particularly potent during the Leo New Moon, you can perform this ritual whenever you need to draw on these qualities.
Materials Needed
- A white candle: Symbolises Christ’s light and guidance.
- A black candle: Represents Hekate’s wisdom and protection.
- A gold candle: Embodies the fiery, regal energy of Leo.
- The Strength card from a Tarot deck: Represents the qualities you seek to embody.
- A nail or other sharp object: To inscribe symbols on the gold candle.
- Oil: For dressing the candle, preferably something associated with courage or strength (e.g., frankincense, cinnamon, or a blend you feel connected to).
Performing the Ritual
1. Prepare Your Sacred Space
- Begin by setting up your altar or ritual space. Place the white candle on the right side to represent Christ, the black candle on the left side to represent Hekate, and the gold candle in the centre as the focal point.
- Place the Strength Tarot card in front of the gold candle, as this will be the card you meditate on during the ritual.
2. Inscribing the Gold Candle
Take the nail or sharp object and carefully inscribe symbols or words into the gold candle that represent your intentions. These could include:
- A lion’s paw: For strength and courage.
- A heart: For compassion and generosity.
- The Sun symbol (☉): Representing Leo’s ruling planet, symbolising leadership, a willingness to step into the spotlight and vitality.
- A cross or an ichthys (fish): To invite Christ’s guidance.
- A torch or key: Representing Hekate’s protection and wisdom at the crossroads.
3. Dressing the Gold Candle
Once you’ve inscribed your symbols, anoint the gold candle with your chosen oil. As you dress the candle, focus on infusing it with your intentions. Visualise the qualities you are seeking—confidence, courage, strength—flowing into the candle as you prepare it for burning.
4. Lighting the Candles and Invocation
Christ: Light the white candle first and say, “Christ, Light of the World, guide me with your compassion and strength. Help me to lead with a heart full of love and courage.”
Hekate: Light the black candle next and say, “Hekate, World Soul, protect me with your wisdom and guide me through the darkness. Help me to embrace my inner power and move forward with confidence.”
Leo: Finally, light the gold candle, focusing on the Strength Tarot card, and say, “By the light of the Lion of Judah and the true form of Hekate, I invoke the courage, strength, and leadership within me. May I shine brightly, lead with wisdom, and love with an open heart.”
5. Meditation and Setting Intentions
Sit quietly before the candles, focusing on the Strength card. Take a few deep breaths and centre yourself. Visualise yourself embodying Christ’s compassion, and Hekate’s wisdom.
When you feel ready, speak your intentions aloud. Be specific about what you want to manifest during this lunar cycle. For example, you might say:
- “I intend to lead with confidence and courage in all my endeavours.”
- “I will embrace my inner strength and overcome any challenges with grace.”
- “I will act with compassion and generosity, guided by the wisdom of Christ and Hekate.”
6. Thanksgiving and Closing the Lew New Moon Ritual
Spend a few more moments in meditation, visualising your intentions taking root in your life.
You can use your own words of thanks or say the prayers below:
Say, “Thank you, Yeshua Adonai, for your light and love. Thank you, Hekate Soteira, for your wisdom and protection. As I extinguish these flames, I seal my intentions, trusting that they will grow and manifest in the light of the coming days. Amen and so it is!”
Extinguish the white and black candles first, leaving the gold candle burning if it feels right, or extinguishing it as well if the ritual feels complete. If you have a large gold candle, you may wish to use it during your Leo lunar cycle morning/evening meditations.
7. Reflection
After the ritual, consider journaling about your experience. Write down any insights or feelings that arose during the ritual. Reflect on how you plan to embody your intentions during the coming lunar cycle.
This ritual serves as a powerful way to connect with the energies of the Leo New Moon, drawing on the dual guidance of Christ and Hekate to help you manifest your deepest intentions with wisdom, strength, courage, and love.
You can read more about how to combine Hekatean witchcraft with an Esoteric Christian path in this post.
