The Question I'm Asking Myself on this New Moon Solar Eclipse
This Wednesday, August 12, we welcome another new moon — but this one is a solar eclipse, and it has me a little perplexed.
Usually, by the time a New Moon arrives, I have a pretty good sense of what it's inviting me to explore.
This one?
Not so much.
I've been reading, reflecting, sitting quietly with it. Trying to figure out what this New Moon Total Solar Eclipse in Leo is here to teach me.
And somewhere along the way, I realized I was asking the wrong question.
Instead of asking...
What is this eclipse trying to tell me?
I needed to ask...
What do I already know that I'm not listening to?
I think in our heart of hearts we usually know.
The harder question is...
Are we listening?
One of the reasons I love working with the moon has very little to do with predicting the future.
The moon simply gives me a reason to pause.
To become intentional instead of reactive.
To check in with myself before I keep charging ahead.
To ask better questions.
To listen a little more closely.
I think that's where the magic is.
Astrologers often describe eclipses as cosmic course corrections...
My teacher, Yasmin Boland, says they can accelerate change and close chapters quickly.
Some astrologers will tell you not to set intentions during a New Moon eclipse.
Others will tell you this is exactly the time to make wishes.
Years ago, I would have wanted to know who was right.
These days...
I come back to a different question.
What feels true for me?
Because no astrologer — not even the ones I deeply respect — knows your heart better than you do.
This eclipse is happening in Leo, a sign often associated with courage, authenticity, creativity, and the willingness to be seen.
As I've been sitting with that energy, I've noticed where my own resistance keeps showing up.
If you've been reading my emails for a while, you know I don't have much trouble showing up here. Writing to you feels natural. It feels like home.
But showing up on social media?
That's a different story.
I haven't posted since the end of May.
I've been telling myself it's because I don't have time.
And to be fair...
Part of that is true.
Thoughtful content takes time, and I have no desire to create something just for the sake of being visible. The world doesn't need more noise. I want what I share to be meaningful.
But if I'm really honest with myself...
Time isn't the whole story.
The harder truth is that social media asks me to be visible in a different way.
It asks me to let go of perfection.
To stop overthinking.
To trust that my voice is enough before it feels polished.
Every time I sit quietly with that resistance, I hear the same message:
Just show up. Be yourself.
Maybe that's what this eclipse is asking of me.
And maybe there's an area of your life where it's asking the same of you.
Not to become someone new.
But to trust the wisdom that's already trying to get your attention.
And that's something I've witnessed over and over again through years of facilitating Moon Ceremonies and JourneyDance®.
Women rarely leave saying they found the perfect answer.
More often, I hear things like... "I knew that all along." Or... "How did you know I needed to hear that today?"
The truth is... I didn't.
These practices simply create enough space for you to hear the wisdom that's been patiently waiting beneath the noise.
I've watched women leave relationships that no longer honored them.
Walk away from careers that were draining their spirit.
Face health challenges with courage instead of avoidance.
Not because the moon changed them.
Not because JourneyDance magically fixed them.
But because they created enough space to hear the wisdom that had been patiently waiting beneath the noise.
There is no magic wand.
No one ceremony.
No perfect journal prompt.
No single eclipse that changes everything.
Transformation happens because we return.
Again.
And again.
And again.
So if you're wondering how to work with this eclipse...
Don't worry so much about getting it "right."
Instead, ask yourself:
What feels complete?
What am I ready to stop carrying?
Where am I being invited to trust myself more?
What already feels true... that I've been afraid to admit?
Then listen.
Without rushing to fix.
Without forcing clarity.
Without needing every answer today.
Just listen.
If you'd like a space to explore these questions in community, I'd love to welcome you to our New Moon Solar Eclipse JourneyDance® & Ceremony.
We'll move.
We'll breathe.
We'll reflect.
We'll get out of our heads and reconnect with the wisdom of the body.
Not because movement has the answers.
But because it creates space for our own wisdom to rise.
— Danielle
P.S. This Thursday also marks my 300th JourneyDance® class, and that feels like something worth celebrating!
To say thank you for being part of this community — and to welcome anyone who's been thinking about joining — we're making this New Moon Solar Eclipse JourneyDance® & Ceremony FREE.
If you've been waiting for a sign... maybe this is it…
New Moon Solar Eclipse in Leo JourneyDance® + Ceremony
Thursday, August 13
7-8:45pm ET • Online via Zoom • $30
If you can’t make it live, you’ll receive the replay and playlist.
Membership is $35/month and includes this class and all upcoming classes.
If cost is the only thing stopping you, use code SISTER50 for 50% off or apply for a gifted membership. No questions asked. We take care of each other here.
This reflection was originally shared with our email community.
If this event has passed, the invitation is still here — we'd love to welcome you to an upcoming class or event.
Or, if you'd like to experience this session, become a member for instant access to the replay.
