Ed Helms/Access Hollywood


                   "Andy Bernard, Regional Director in Charge of Sales. Cross me and I will destroy you." 
                                                                                                                              
                                                                                                                                   
At every new moon, something comes to an end, and something fresh is set to begin.  A cleansing is done, and a new goal is decided upon.  Well, whatever our goal, we should get to work on it NOW.  Let's get it over with as we are currently stationed in the "calm before the storm".  Mercury retrograde in Libra is right around the corner, and, as usual, this planet's seemingly backward spin will be rattling some cages as of September 7th (if not sooner-- we are in a "static period").  Ghosts of relationships past, politics, law, banks, unions and other good stuff will be among the highlights of this retrograde phase (which I'll discuss later).


                                     


For now, we re-introduce ourselves to the world as undeniably powerful beings at least until about September 4th.   The energies of the new moon in masculine Leo are ambitious, focused, determined, creative and abundant.  This is a time of accomplishments and self-reinventions, from the inside-out-- not from the outside-in.  This is the moment to become deeply in-tune with our true identities, work on our physical and mental strength, go back in time to confront a couple of fears.  We'll also indulge in creativity, colorful and healthful (we'd better) foods, rich and yummy bites, travel, time spent with friends and family, PLAYTIME.  And during the good times, we'll open new doors for ourselves almost effortlessly. 

If we don't open those doors, who will, honestly?  No one, that's who. 

Many have earned the trust of several.  Trust opens doors.

Side note: let's change our menus and routines a bit, watching out for burnout, heartburn, indigestion and other stomach upsets.  Drinking lots of water will flush our systems.  No spicy food for now.

Now is the time to cease complaining and drop the arrogant, entitled, "diva" 'tudes.  No one will cater to them.  And they are, "like, SO-O-O 1990s".  


                                              Buh-bye/CBS


Fans of Big Brother 11 know what I'm talking about here.  We received a wild and vividly entertaining demonstration of what happens to divas in real life, last week, when producers expelled spoiled, bratty, radically-feminist, loud-mouthed houseguest, Chima Simone.  It was the second time in eleven seasons that Big Brother had to go out of its way to personally evict a houseguest.

Many bloggers and journalists have handed power over to Chima, indicating that she quit Big Brother, this season.  

Uh, yeah, no.  I beg to differ.  I say that she unleashed nasty, typical bitter-woman tantrums over and over again, subsequently getting herself evicted from the program which is among (and she'll later discover this) the most stupid decisions of her life.  Fine.  She couldn't tolerate "the heat in the kitchen".  She was losing her chance at winning a grand prize.  But Big Brother is still a GAME.  And she should've done what all the other contestants do-- FIGHT for her stay in the house.  Chima's rapidly fading illusion of ruling the house with her manipulative manner wasn't an excuse to go psycho-b*tch.  Millions go through worse in life without behaving this way, especially towards undeserving folks.


                                               


The truth of the matter is that Queen Chima could have resigned civilly instead of resorting to emotional and childish eruptions.  But she chose to do the complete opposite of that.  Thus, Big Brother producers did the right thing in respectfully escorting her out the door.   Because Chima's next step would have been to make Swiss cheese out of her fellow housemates.  For most of the season, all were forced to walk on eggshells when it came to her "feelings".  So back to freelance journalism she goes.  Maybe.  Regardless of what West Hollywood holds for her, good riddance.  Too many female bullies have been stomping around, making subordinates out of their fellow humans for far too long in my eyes.  (Can I get a witness?)  And it's refreshing to finally see the tables turn for them, even if just this once.  

Justice really does exist in the world-- halleluiah. 


                                                Representation of Leo/Pop Tower



Why do you and Chris watch Big Brother 11? 

We like the game, and we're rooting for Jeff, the straighforward, focused and strong of the bunch who is on television for all the right reasons.  There's no doubt that he is competitive.  And antsy under pressure.  However, a douchebag and sore, whiny ol' loser he is not.  Jeff has a heart and sense of fairness to match his persona, and he serves as a good representative of Leo.

If our hearts aren't in it, we're not gonna win it.

Another good representative of Leo (if not awesome) is my friend and author, Mary Jo Rhodes.  Mary Jo educates others on the respectful treatment of oceans and sealife-- two of her greatest loves-- on her blog and she takes trips that connect her to both.  In addition, she's a parent to two wonderful, affectionate cats, Smoke and Shadow, that I am sometimes privileged with caring for while she's away.  And I've learned that her son, Tim, has grown to love and defend sharks as well.  


                                                                  


If you have or know of children who are interested in oceans and sealife, do seek out Mary Jo's series, Undersea Encounters, by Scholastic.  The series is geared for the 8-11 crowd.  But as a former educator, I can assure you that no matter how young your little loved ones are, they'll get a kick out of oceanlife details and photos.  I've had the honor of listening to a four-year-old go on and on about sharks throughout my time in a classroom.  And I really miss those lectures.

The new moon in Leo marks an end to old, selfish or shallow relationships.  The reason?  Leo is a fixed sign, like his friends Scorpio, Taurus and Aquarius, and he is what I like to call "part two" of the fire sign series.  Aries is part one, and he focuses on basic needs, essentials, the warrior-instinct and self-worth necessary to our survival.  Leo drags us into the second level of those needs, which includes self-love plus the achievement of recognition, appreciation, admiration for our efforts from others.   


                                                                 


We all need encouragement and love and affection, guys.  

As a fixed sign,  Leo prefers to be in CONTROL of himself and his emotions at all times.  Leo will be damned before someone else controls him. 

No, really.  I was stuck in my apartment 'cause I was waiting for the plumber.  For six weeks.  Anyway, my feelings weren't hurt!  Actually, my life is pretty funny, right now.  Ha-ha!  Watch how I'm laughing.  Ha-ha!  Watch!!

Some Leos take this to another level by attempting to control and manipulate others.  Already, this sign is stubborn, usually traditional, with a dislike for "losing it" before, or on behalf of, others.  But with an exaggerated sense of pride, others are nuts-- not these Leos.  Tears are signs of weakness and, because of repressed emotions, these lions are capable of volatile rages.  Their anger should be tamed.  They are always in need of a confidant, someone to express everything to without fear, and talking will help them release a lot of pent-up stuff.  But excessive pride will only keep them from rich experiences.   Keeping everything to themselves doesn't do a thing for their mental and emotional health.  Worse, sometimes they'll speak little if they have lots to hide from others.  

If our relationships or experiences have made us feel undermined, underappreciated, undervalued, etc., these next couple of weeks will provide the courage, strength and wisdom to move on and heal from them in strength. 

At the same time, the new moon heralds in the beginning of a beautiful friendship, with ourselves and others.  We'll be ready to share our spark.  No task will be too big.  And our bright ideas will be boosted by little injections of inspiration from others here and there.  


                                               


Having the sun (personality) stationed in a sign ruled by the sun (Leo) is, indeed, a gift as it bestows one with a natural magnetism and an appearance that commands respect and admiration.  Some may choose (keyword: CHOOSE) to turn that gift, that power, into a curse through misuse fueled by greed or envy.  But, ultimately, Leo will live an easier, less stressful life if his gifts are utilized for a greater good.

Surprise visits, e-mails and/or phonecalls are likely as are compliments, random freebies and an assortment of lucky happenings.

Let's take notes of our dreams, using a pen or recording device as some recollections, thoughts and ideas will come and go rather quickly.  By the time we log onto the computer, they might be gone.


                                          


That something fresh set to begin will be as BIG as a lion.   So let's perceive ourselves as BIG forces.  We can expect drama  (which is not the same as passion) to disintegrate as our emotional shields and our inner powers burst forth in a divine and enlightened roar.  We'll strut our stuff and others will heed to our "message".  We, too, can rely on a long-awaited, energetic boost that won't come from a Health magazine or even a doctor-- that boost will come from each of us, individually, as we listen (keyword: listen) and partake in spontaneous activities, travel-- in any of the "loves" of our lives. 

Yes, from creative endeavors to simply being there for another, we are about to embark on an interesting journey.  We'll also be revisiting a former or abandoned idea.  Whether it is a relative's house or a hobby/project we haven't had time for, it is a place where our hearts once stood, roaring and ready to take on the world... UNTIL something came along to extinguish that old sense of hope and optimism.   Perhaps we've left these former places of glee behind for "greener pastures".  Or maybe we'd just lost the magical motivation necessary to remain in a certain momentum.  However, with renewed confidence and a sense of bravery, we will return to an old mission.  And we will finish it. 

No one will be able to stop us.

Let's not be afraid to be happy either.  I know that things are sucking for others we might know, but we shouldn't be ashamed of being successful and content.  It's never wise or cool to flaunt or rub our happiness and possessions in another's face, of course.  But it's alright to share some details, especially if they motivate or inspire others.   


                                         


Let's enjoy a sunny "recharge" and perhaps the presence of a muse.

Just the other day, I was inspired by a squirrel.  Not Oprah.  A squirrel.  As I walked to a friend's house, I watched the little furball treading from one side of a street to the other via a power line.  I don't know how he managed to remain balanced on his 'tightrope' the entire way, exactly, avoiding certain, squished death in New Jersey traffic below.  But he did. 

When the squirrel reached the end of the line, he leapt rather fearlessly onto a thin tree branch ahead.  So thin the branch was that it sunk into somewhat of an arc.  The squirrel's once confident facial expression quickly contorted to one that read "oh, shit".  My guess?  He thought he would meet his demise beneath the tires of a car below...

But no, quite the contrary occurred; the limb was strong enough to support his weight.  It sprung back up just enough to allow the squirrel to keep on moving along, onto a limb and into the leafy depths of a great, towering tree.   

That was one lucky squirrel. 

To say that some are going to accomplish great things within the next two to four weeks (we've a full moon in Pisces coming up on September 4th) is an understatement.  This is the new moon that reminds us that we are fully capable of accomplishment.  It is a motto.  A concept that, by itself, is a tremendous step forward.  Why?  Because we often forget that we are capable and, therefore, powerful in the midst of failure, adversity, insecurity or frustration.  And so the mere thought of success is step.

That said, until September 4th, let's use this new moon energy very, very wisely.  How?  By getting the tough duties out of the way, first.  And then working ahead on the best we've got to offer and showcasing our favorite beings and things and places. 


                                       

 
Anything can be beautiful, and an adventure, if it excites us, personally. 

Whatever we're excited about will excite others. 

All eyes will be on us. 

This is a good time to explore pet adoption.

Unfortunately, rumors will be circulating at this time.  Sometimes the success and happiness of one rubs another the wrong way.   Sucks, but it's life.  Too many people are ridiculously competitive.  Instead of being happy for someone else, many become angry when their fellow men achieve more attention or recognition than they do. 

Anyway, if we are the recipients of a rumor, let's take it with a grain of salt or simply ignore it.  We are likely to be buzzed about in a good way at this time.  However, If we so happen to be buzzed about in a mean way, let's be flattered that someone is taking the time to talk about us.  Yep.  We must be that important. 

Really.  No sense in getting angry about nasty rumors, for they are but a sneaky, cowardly means of destroying another's reputation.

For the most part, many of us will fit the description of "fresh-faced" or a "breath of fresh air".  Let's not be surprised if an easier assignment than usual comes our way.  Maybe with a bigger paycheck or reward than we'd expected.

If we have been in need of the fortitude to exhibit tough love, or the discipline to get things done, this will be the new moon for us. 


                                            
                                                                                 Eddie Murphy, Jamie Lee Curtis and Dan Akroyd in Trading Places


It might be time for a change in "roles" or luck as well.   Those who have been spending freely or wasting much will have to tighten their belts, significantly.  And those who've struggled a lot might experience a boost in the financial department. 

Don't hate-- congratulate.

Regardless, seems like we can omit a lot of stress from our lives if we truly want to.  All we have to do is try.  We'll be surprised at how much we'll get done in a short time. 

The power is in our hands, where it's always been...