Drum It Up

Drum Circle in Prospect Park (circa 1990) By Rashid Parker

New Moon | Solar Eclipse | August 12, 2026 | 20 Leo 02

’Why aren’t things changing? Why aren’t we getting better? Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, not in the observed. Yet we look at what is without recognizing how deeply we influence—even help create—what we see. We cannot simply wait for the world to change. Isn’t this, at least metaphorically, what quantum physics suggests? The observer is never separate from the observed.

The New Moon Solar Eclipse is in the sign Leo. Leo rules the heart. The heart is also the center, and is a point of determination and courage. The keywords for Leo are, “I will.” What will you? What is your will? What do you want? What will you back up or get behind when your back is against the wall?

Will you be the eye that conjures beauty, that sees it where others overlook it? Will you make it your responsibility to create beauty?

At the previous full moon, we noted that the presence of the Age of Aquarius would not be televised, that we may not be able to say, “Look there. There it is. There is the evidence.” But a silent, lone observer might discern the shift in the quiet of her heart. The evidence may not be visible to the casual eye, but discernment can reveal what ordinary observation misses.

Although Leo calls on personal will, strength and courage, the Leo principle is not really individual or self-serving. The Leo principle is more like holding your own and not being the weak link. It is about being consecrated to your task or mission. You understand that you are part of a whole. What you do matters, especially if you do it with regard for the whole.

Chiron, the Wounded Healer, is in Taurus, the principle of self-esteem. Self esteem is strengthened if you abide by the inner teacher. Do not rely solely on rational understanding or feedback from the world. Following the inner teacher may initially bring the wound more sharply into awareness, but that awareness is part of the healing.

You can undermine your healing by self-condemnation or submitting yourself to public opinion.

Drum up joy. Put on that music with the irresistible beat. Get up and dance. Sing the song with your whole heart to strengthen your resolve and lift your will. Let your mood be lifted so that your heart can be lighter.

Practicum

Choose one thing you have been calling ugly, hopeless, stuck, or beyond repair. Sit with it for five minutes without trying to fix it. Place one hand over your heart and ask: What would beauty see here? Then put on music with a strong beat. Stand, drum, clap, dance, or sing until your body participates. Let the heart lead the eyes. When you finish, write one sentence beginning, I will create beauty by . . .  Do not make it abstract. Name one act you can do today, however small, that changes your outlook and heightens your optimism.