Leo New Moon: Star Power

Auto, a six-year-old boy from Thailand who was dying of cancer, was granted his last wish not long ago — to see Moo Deng, the young pygmy hippo who’s become an Internet darling. When the Khao Kheow Open Zoo just south of Bangkok heard about Auto’s wish, they invited him for a visit. As if sensing the boy’s need, Moo Deng, who usually sleeps in the water, remained on land that day. Auto was thrilled to witness the adorable antics that have made his idol famous, such as snapping at the air, moonwalking and biting toothlessly at peoples’ knees. He left that day a happy boy and passed away soon after.

No one is sure why Moo Deng (named after a Thai dish called “bouncy pork”) has such abundant star power. Pygmy hippos are undeniably cute, but others born in various zoos throughout the world have fallen short of Moo Deng’s allure. Some credit must be given to her tech-savvy keeper Atthapon Nundee, whose special bond with his protegee helped unleash her cuteness into the world. Since she was born a year ago, this spunky chunk has catapulted the zoo out of its post-pandemic slump, while avid interest on the Internet has transformed her into a brand, generating millions in merch like pajamas, pet food and coconut juice. About 30 percent of revenue from such collaborations goes toward upgrading the zoo habitat and living conditions and has also been used to aid flood victims in Northern Thailand.

Moo Deng, who recently celebrated her first birthday, has lost none of her youthful appeal despite her growing size. Though we have no time of birth for her, the “It Girl” was born July 10, 2024, with Sun and Venus in adorable Cancer and Moon in virginal Virgo. Importantly, she also has Mercury in glamorous Leo in a supportive sextile to Jupiter in sparkly Gemini, bringing out her star power. She’s our poster girl for all things Leo – reminding us to be ourselves, have fun and let our light shine.

At the upcoming Leo New Moon (July 24, 12:11 pm PDT), retrograde Mercury at 13 Leo is within shouting distance of the Sun and Moon at 2 Leo. When planets are retrograde, they take on extra power. So, the effect is like a megaphone that will broadcast assertive words as well as favor bold projects and brave moves undertaken on behalf of others. Pluto in Aquarius is exactly opposite this lunation, making it potent, no-nonsense and committed to a better future.  The Sun and Moon are also closely trine Saturn and Neptune in Aries and sextile Uranus in Gemini. These connections highlight all of the life-changing ingresses into new signs that the outer planets are making this year through next. This vibrant energy, ideally guided by the heart (Leo), can lead us into uncharted territory. As long as we stay grounded (there isn’t much earth energy now to keep us tethered to practical realities), we can do amazing things.

With Mercury backward at this lunation, we’re asked to revive the best of the past and bring it with us. Now that the stationary phase of Mercury retrograde is almost over, we are entering its middle phase, which tends to be a bit less wonky. This is a good time to plant creative seeds – which the New Moon favors. Just bear in mind that Uranus entering Gemini is speeding up the general frequency and info is flying thick and fast. And Pluto opposite the Sun and Moon demands honest confrontation with yourself and others. It can also tempt us to become obsessed with people and pastimes – for better or for worse!

So, we have a mixed bag of energies. But it’s summer, at least in the Northern Hemisphere, and no matter how dire certain things may be, we need to have a little fun. Make some art, go out dancing, see old friends, or gather to campaign on behalf of others’ rights. If you need a bit of uplift, google “Moo Deng videos” and you’ll soon be immersed in cuteness overload. Celebrities can be fake or too self-promoting, but not this one. During Leo season, we’re encouraged to emulate Moo Deng’s version of celebrity – one based on being utterly yourself. Let her example inspire you to shine your star power brightly.