August brings us a refreshing New Moon in Leo, and depending on where you are in the world, a Solar Eclipse too. Australians and New Zealanders will see the Moon turn new in the early hours of 13 August (3:36am AEST to be specific). But if you're one of the lucky few with a view of the eclipse, you'll want to look to the sky in the early evening hours of 12 August.

We've got the details on everything you need to know about this New Moon and Solar Eclipse, including the best viewing times and what it means for you astrologically.

Who will actually be able to see the Solar Eclipse?

Apologies to those in the Southern Hemisphere, you will miss out on this one again. This Solar Eclipse will only be visible to specific areas of the North. Residents in parts of Greenland, Iceland,Spain and a very small part of Portugal will get the best views of the total eclipse. As for views of a partial eclipse, some of Europe, North America and Northwestern Africa will be in the viewing zones. Below are the eclipse times in different cities around the world for 12 August.

• Madrid – partial eclipse starts 7:36pm, maximum 8:32pm, ends 9:16pm CEST. Eclipse magnitude 0.999 (not a total eclipse, but close).
• Barcelona – partial eclipse starts 7:35pm, maximum 8:29pm, ends 8:54pm CEST. Eclipse magnitude 0.997 (not a total eclipse, but close).
• Bilbao – total solar eclipse; partial eclipse starts 7:31pm, maximum 8:27pm, ends 9:19pm CEST. Totality lasts 31 seconds.
• Valencia – total solar eclipse; partial eclipse starts 7:38pm, maximum 8:33pm, ends 9:01pm CEST. Totality lasts around 1 minute.
• Reykjavík – total solar eclipse; partial eclipse starts 4:47pm, maximum 5:48pm, ends 6:47pm GMT. Totality lasts around 1 minute.
• Nuuk – partial eclipse starts 3:30pm, maximum 4:35pm, ends 5:39pm WGST. Eclipse magnitude 0.826.
• Paris – partial eclipse starts 7:22pm, maximum 8:17pm, ends 9:11pm CEST. Eclipse magnitude 0.931.
• Bordeaux – partial eclipse starts 7:29pm, maximum 8:24pm, ends 9:13pm CEST. Eclipse magnitude 0.975.
• London – partial eclipse starts 6:17pm, maximum 7:13pm, ends 8:06pm BST. Eclipse magnitude 0.925.
• Edinburgh – partial eclipse starts 6:08pm, maximum 7:05pm, ends 8:00pm BST. Eclipse magnitude 0.919.
• Toronto – partial eclipse starts 12:55pm, maximum 1:40pm, ends 2:23pm EDT. Eclipse magnitude 0.169.
• Montreal – partial eclipse starts 12:50pm, maximum 1:45pm, ends 2:38pm EDT. Eclipse magnitude 0.293.

If you've missed out again because you're based in the Southern part of the globe, just know you'll get a view of a Solar Eclipse eventually. The next visible Solar Eclipses will be in 2027 (for South America) and 2028 (for Australia).

What is the significance of a Solar Eclipse?

From an astrological standpoint, a Solar Eclipse is considered a more intense and deeply impactful New Moon.

New Moons are a cosmic reset, but they're also magical moments that can help to prime us for intention setting and change. This is a bit like a check point, a time to leave behind the things in life that no longer serve us. It is also a pivotal time to prepare ourselves for the next big transition in our lives.

Solar Eclipses are said to trigger sudden change, whether you were ready for it or not. If you've been sitting at a precipice, a Solar Eclipse is said to be the catalysing event that tips you over. It's important not to approach this moment with fear, but with an open mind. Go into any challenge or new path with the understanding that this might be exactly what you need in order to move forward.

This period is known for initiating a perspective shift. You might find yourself with a new view on the world and people around you. It is an opportunity to learn, develop and grow.

What to take away from August's New Moon and Solar Eclipse in Leo

Lucky Leo is here to guide us through this inflection point in the year. This is a moment of warmth and radiance, a turning point that will carry us forward to what is next in our own journey.

If you've been in need of an internal cleanse, this is your signal to release the pent-up energy you've been storing in an unhealthy way. Allow yourself to reset and refresh as you head into the rest of the year, now with a clear internal monologue.

This New Moon will be like a warm embrace, nurturing you and imbuing you with the confidence and glow that you need to take charge and start guiding yourself, rather than allowing the currents to drag you downstream. The Moon rules over our inner and emotional selves, so most of the movements and changes will happen on an internal level.

On an external level, remember that Solar Eclipses have a unique way of compressing timelines. If you've been expecting a new change or shift in your life, don't be surprised if it suddenly arrives earlier than you had initially expected. With Leo guiding this placement (and knowing that Jupiter, the Sun and Mercury are all also in this sign), the outcome of this moment can never be too negative. Perhaps, the transitional shift you've been wanting for some time will finally be ready to meet you.

Image: Justin Dickey on Unsplash