While full moons and eclipses typically make it into the headlines and onto our feeds, the new moon is just as important to astrologers. Think of it this way: New moons are when we plant; full moons are when we harvest. As with most aspects of astrology, it's best to break down exactly what this lunar phase entails and to look at the whole chart, allowing us to see what energy is trying to manifest itself right now. And the new moon on Thursday, July 28, 2022, promises a fiery month ahead.

Astrologically, new moons are a time of mystery, new beginnings, and uncertainty. If we liken the phases of the moon to the phases of life, we can see the new moon as a newborn baby. She hasn't learned anything yet but has her whole life ahead of her—all possibilities, all opportunities, all dreams, plans, and emotions. As she goes through the chart, she will move through the house (which we can compare to going different places), signs (how we see and react to the world), and make aspects (relationships to planets, which are like people or events). And, like any baby with a birth chart, this lunar month has a chart that helps us stay cognizant of the emotional terrain we're traversing.

New moons are a time when the sky is the darkest (making it also the best time to stargaze). The experts at NASA describe a new moon as the “invisible phase of the moon,” explaining that, in this phase, “the moon is in the same part of the sky as the sun,” both rising and setting with the sun. In fact, the moon is actually up during the day—we just can't see the illuminated side, as it's facing away from us.

This Thursday, July 28, at 1:55 p.m. (E.T.) will see a new moon in Leo, with both the sun and moon at 5 degrees and 38 seconds of Leo.

Please do keep in mind that birth times and house placement are just as important in lunation charts as they are in natal ones. The chart these interpretations are based on is for New York City (and Eastern Time); if you live in another time zone, the house placements of the planets may be different and can sometimes offer a different “flavor” to the interpretation.

If you live in the U.S. and want to know the exact time of this month's new moon in your city, head to the Farmer’s Almanac. Live anywhere else? Check out the time and date for specific information regarding your location. Of course, the new moon is bound to fall in a different part of your chart depending on your rising sign, but determining its precise timing can help guide you.

All that sounds well and good, but what does this actually mean? Archetypally, a new moon in Leo should be about fun, celebration, expression, and pride in accomplishment. Without looking at the whole chart, this sounds like a great time to launch a creative project or set some powerful boundaries. Life is never black-and-white, nor is an astrological chart, which invariably offers layers upon layers (upon layers) of meaning.

With that caveat, I have to say: This chart, however, is surprisingly unsubtle.

This lunar month we’ll be working with a new moon in the Ninth House of beliefs and expanded consciousness. The new moon (i.e., the sun and the moon—remember NASA's little lesson above!) are conjoined loosely by Mercury (planet of communication) in Leo, which expresses itself proudly and without reserve, sometimes exaggerating the truth. That all can be found in the Ninth House tells us that we need to express our higher truths right now.

On the other side of Mercury and the new moon, we have Saturn in Aquarius. When Saturn (the planet of responsibility, structure, and authority) is in Aquarius (the sign of independence, rebellion, and innovation), the stars ask us to contemplate the structures we want to build for a better future.

And then we have Mars, the planet of will and action, coming right up behind (also known as being conjunct) Uranus, the planet of disruption, next to the North Node of fate or what we’re moving toward. This is then all set in Taurus, the sign of stability, maintaining the status quo, and building structure. Mars, the North Node, Uranus, and Taurus are all at a 90-degree angle to Saturn and Mercury, the sun, and the moon. In astrology we call this a T-square, when two or more planets oppose each other and a third planet or group of planets is squaring them.

I typically shy away from making predictions on current events in astrology; these types of subjects are often too tricky and too nuanced for me to feel confident about the usefulness of insights. Still, I am struck by the coming new moon’s chart vibrating with recent events.

First, let's look at each component of this T-square, starting with the squaring planets. We have explosive anger and impulsive action with Uranus and Mars in Taurus. Taurus is a “feminine” sign (also called a yin, or receptive, sign), ruled by Venus, which often deals with the body and the way things physically feel in a very tangible way.

These are next to the North Node of fate, which tells us that action is necessary to move forward and to learn spiritual lessons. This looks like righteousness and rebellion—a blast, a boom, a bang. Then we have the sun, the moon, and Mercury in Leo in the Ninth House. We see people shouting their truths, sharing their stories, and creating art to express their indignation toward existing power structures, injustices, and inequalities in the world.

Finally, opposite to that, we have Saturn retrograde in Aquarius, which asks big questions: Are the structures we’re building (or reimagining) for the good of everyone? What can we do as individuals, groups, and whole communities? While these are by no means easy questions to answer, they are sure to continue swirling around amid the many, many difficult issues facing our world today.

Some aspects of astrology are subtle, often expressing themselves through internal experiences or our relationships with other people and the world. Others are less so and instead can manifest in very physical (i.e., concrete) events. I expect this new moon in Leo will be the latter; this is an aspect that demands our attention and creates a lot of energy—energy that wishes to be expressed. It may even portend the volatility of the upcoming lunar cycle. This will likely not be a quiet feeling in your soul so much as an outward manifestation. Something in your life will feel this explosive energy. The chart is ruled by Mars in Taurus, which wants to project a calm, grounded exterior even as unconscious rage and even anguish festers below the surface.

So how can we work with this energy without letting it overtake us? From an astrologer's POV, this is not the time to launch anything new. Instead, focus on deeply feeling what is going on within you. Sometimes we experience emotions that can be difficult, shameful, and even painful to express, like repressed anger. Nevertheless, these feelings need to be addressed in whatever way makes the most sense for you and your needs, whether this is the through writing, making art, talking it out, or screaming into a pillow. Don't let it poison you—let it out.

The jury is out on whether the planets “affect” us or truly “cause” anything to happen. However, nearly all astrologers agree that there is always a correlation between what the planets are doing and what is happening here on earth. (You may have heard the phrase “as above, so below”—it is a favorite among professional astrologers and can be found in many metaphysical and philosophical texts.) Therefore, it is no surprise that the chart reflects our uncertain times.

This post was originally published on Allure.

This is a photo of the full moon and clouds at sunset. August 11’s Sturgeon full moon is the last supermoon of 2022 (the other three occurred on May 16, June 14, and July 13). This means that the emotional energy will be more intense than usual, due to the moon being perigee: Its close proximity to the earth makes us feel the lunar potency more as the moon appears bigger and brighter. When a full moon occurs, the sun and the moon are in direct opposition. The earth is positioned between the sun

Charge water under the Full Moon to create powerful Moon water.

The Full Moon in Aquarius occurs on August 11, 2022. Learn about the astrology meaning of this event and read your horoscope by zodiac sign.

The Full Sturgeon Moon is happening in the sign of Aquarius on August 11th. Here's what that means for your zodiac sign, according to an astrologer.

Spiritual gurus believe today, Aug. 8, 2022, is one of the luckiest days of the year.

Knowing may be the key to healing your biggest inner wounds.

By aligning with serious Saturn, this month's full moon could feel hella heavy.

If you're a Cancer, these are the 8 key characteristics you should know about your zodiac sign's personality, according to professional astrologers.

Here's how to catch the Sturgeon Moon.

“Your acoustic melody moved me to tears.”; \"Did you bake these churros? They’re heavenly!”; “I’m bringing a photo of you to my hairstylist.” Leo soaks up words of affirmation like a parched houseplant. They’re...

The Sturgeon Moon will reach its peak around 9:36 p.m on Thursday, August 11, but it will also be visible Wednesday and Friday.

The handheld has a cult following for a reason: 'Little powerhouse.'

Kate Somerville exfoliant rarely gets marked down, so grab it ASAP.

The Halo Bolt Air+ is a lifesaver on the road and at home.

Get great discounts on all kinds of home decor while they're on sale.

Tom and Rachael Sullivan share PCOS-friendly meals on their Instagram account and have marked each week of Rachael's pregnancy with adorable food-themed photos.

Keep allergy season at bay and save up to 25% off these high-quality air purifiers for your larger rooms.

"I think my default setting is kind of pessimism, and I'm trying to work against it," said Lynskey, who spoke with fellow actress Danielle Brooks about the nuances of body image, her "cute" husband Jason Ritter and her journey toward optimism in a recent interview with InStyle.

Whether it's simplifying cleanup or adding more functionality, these accessories are perfect additions to your air fryer!

Gold Bond Age Renew Crepe Corrector body lotion has earned 10,000 flawless reviews — here's why.