Life As Parody – Do We Laugh Or Cry? July’s Leo New Moon 2025

You can’t make the Duchess of Windsor into Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm. Cleveland Amory

My concern today is not with the length of a person’s hair but with his conduct. (On campus radicals) Richard Milhouse Nixon

When a woman ceases to alter the fashion of her hair, you guess that she has passed the crisis of her experience. Mary Austin

By common consent gray hairs are a crown of glory; the only object of respect that can never excite envy. George Bancroft

A mode of conduct, a standard of courage, discipline, fortitude and integrity can do a great deal to make a woman beautiful. Jacqueline Bisset

A truth looks freshest in the fashions of the day. Lord Alfred Tennyson

Some never choose an opinion. They just wear whatever happens to be in fashion. Leo Tolstoy

July’s new Moon in Leo occurs on the 25th July in Australia and the 24th in the US. Again, this is a whammy of a new Moon with Pluto exactly opposite it. Pluto, and this  new Moon, is asking the question of following our conscience and not just following the rules made up by others that probably don’t have to answer for their actions. We might have ‘signed-up’ for something, some job, some allegiance to political parties, family stations and obligations, being prepared to ‘fight’ for our rights, going on strike, not accepting what’s been ‘handed to you’, etc. We may feel that the constraints are too much and that others have been (or are) taking advantage in ways that we don’t agree with. Indeed, Pluto is asking us to stand up for our convictions and to not be manipulated by others in ways that compromise our sense of self.

Along with other  indicators such as Mars being conjunct the Moon’s south node and squaring Venus (therefore, Venus is squaring the nodes), and, Chiron on Aries 28: THE LARGE DISAPPOINTED AUDIENCE, we are being challenged by our responses to what we’re seeing going on in the world. The Moon’s nodes are also on degrees that speak about the provision of food and our ability to be able to afford to put food on the table. Of course, it’s not only about food – it’s also about power bills. In Australia, our power bills are going through the roof, as is the cost of groceries, rent, mortgages, etc.

So, do we laugh or do we cry? A little of both, most likely. What’s going on seems to be straight out of ‘clown world’ and perhaps the answer is to see the amusement and laugh about what’s going on. Laugh about what we’re supposed to believe. We have Neptune on Aries 2: A COMEDIAN ENTERTAINING THE GROUP and Jupiter on Cancer 11: A CLOWN IS CARICATURING WELL-KNOWN PERSONALITIES. If it wasn’t so incredibly infuriating, it would be funny.

I want to say more, but I’m going to leave it to those interested to check out the messages of the Sabian Symbols below. 

The Sabian Symbol for this new Moon is Leo 3: A MATURE WOMAN, KEEPING UP WITH THE TIMES, HAVING HER HAIR BOBBED. The following is my text from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees of Wisdom: –

Commentary: ‘A Mature Woman’ here is ‘Keeping Up With the Times’ through having a modern hairstyle; she’s ‘Having Her Hair Bobbed’. She doesn’t want to be out of touch with fashion and considered old-fashioned. Getting her ‘Hair Bobbed’ helps her to present an image of being modern and in tune with what’s current in the world. As she’s said to be ‘A Mature Woman’, the hairstyle may be her way of making a statement that with the changes that are happening in her life she’s feeling somewhat different about herself. When the Symbols were brought through in 1925, it was, indeed, thought rather radical to cut your hair in a ‘Bob’ if you were a woman.

Oracle: Although we cannot really become different by changing our appearance, feeling good about the image we display does radiate both inwardly and outwardly. This might be just what is needed in the situation that brought you to the Oracle. However, as comforting and rejuvenating as an external change may be, remember that it is your inner self that is the essence of your persona, not the mask you wear. Altering your appearance just for the sake of being trendy may be detrimental to your self-esteem or confidence; you may feel as though you are constantly following the crowd. ‘Keeping Up With the Times’ can sometimes become an obsession. Be sure that you are not making these cosmetic changes to replace something lacking inside. Having said that, asserting your right to present your own style and feeling confident about yourself can be invaluable for self-esteem and can lead to others appreciating you for your true qualities.

Keywords: Making an effort to keep up with trends. Asserting one’s independence from social constraints. Wanting to shrug off the years. Adopting a younger attitude. Following the herd. Going along with the fashions. Plastic surgery. Changing appearances. Hairdressers and hairstyles. Gray hair. Hats and scarves. Meeting the challenges of age. Radiating sexuality. Bad hair days. Mid-life crisis. Being a trendsetter.

The Caution: Relying on external fashion to disguise inner emptiness. Cosmetic changes that are transitory. Making superficial but not meaningful alterations. Fashion slaves. The illusion of keeping up with the times. Giving up on one’s appearance. Battling society’s glorification of youth. Mutton dressed up as lamb.

If you Google ‘why did women cut their hair in the 1920’s’ you may get this in amongst other answers:

Cultural Norms and Fashion Trends: In the early to mid-20th century, short hairstyles like the bob cut became fashionable, especially during the 1920s.

Symbolism of Freedom and Independence: Short hair was often seen as a symbol of women’s emancipation and independence.

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to listen to one’s conscience, to know when to do one’s duty, step up to the mark, or, when it’s time to leave, say enough is enough and ‘I’m not doing this anymore.’ You will find, at times in your life, that rigorous restraints and rules are no longer bearable. A decision to opt out may be a moral one or to maintain a free spirit. One shouldn’t have to “Compromise” themselves in order to be safe, secure, employed, or have a purpose in life. However, there are consequences for “Deserting” – not playing the game. Are you prepared for them? It can also show being taken away from home and family for reasons not of one’s choosing.

Keywords: Rebellion. Leaving, although allegiance had been pledged. Opting out because of pressure, harassment or bullying. Taking risks to get out of a dangerous/destructive/alienating situation. Being left behind by someone who’s “jumped ship”. Going AWOL. Standing by personal truths. Refusing compromise.

The Caution: Not playing by the rules of socially structured games. Self-ruin. Refusal to face social consequences. Not turning up. Withdrawing support in a physical, emotional or spiritual way. Blowing security. Rats deserting the sinking ship.

Meanwhile, we have Saturn and Neptune forming a trine to this  new Moon. Saturn is on Aries 2: A COMEDIAN ENTERTAINING A GROUP OF FRIENDS. 

In the end, everything is a gag. Charlie Chaplin

Sometimes when reading Goethe I have the paralyzing suspicion that he is trying to be funny. Guy Davenport

The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up. Mark Twain

This Symbol shows that an objective awareness of oneself and others can bring light relief to you and those around you. See the humor in situations, as there can be an escape route from difficulties through seeing the funny side. Group cohesion and joy can come through sharing fun and being able to laugh and joke is an important part of life. This degree can bring a wonderful lightness of being and show someone that others love to have around because they lift their spirits. The trick is being able to show your true emotions or more vulnerable side.

Keywords: Seeing the funny side. Having insights. Always being on the ‘go’ mentally. Putting on a show for others. Having presence and charisma. Being the life of the party. Banter. Cracking up with laughter. Ragging each other. Humorous interplay. Saying what the group wants to hear. Jokes. The buffoon. Inside jokes. The jester.

The Caution: Being silly or trivial to avoid reality and gain acceptance. Feeling separate because of different views. Not seeing the light side. Being a bore with many irrelevant things said. Being flippant and insincere. Not being amused. Demanding the spotlight. Feeling responsible for how others feel. Not knowing when to stop. Not having good boundaries.

And, conjuncting Saturn very tightly is Neptune on Aries 3: A CAMEO SHOWS THE PROFILE OF A PERSON THAT SUGGESTS THE OUTLINE OF THEIR COUNTRY. 

He worked like hell in the country so he could live in the city, where he worked like hell so he could live in the country. Don Marquis

This Symbol shows that there is a need for an objective awareness of how you and your life fits into the larger picture. You may find you have a more important role than you previously thought. Imprint your mark on life by becoming a shining example of your country, tradition, beliefs or culture. However, try not to become too identified with externals or seeking recognition from the people around you. This degree shows that it’s important to a strong sense of who you are and your role in the world. If you are too identified with external realities you may find that your internal world is neglected. Finding a balance between inner and outer is the goal.

Keywords: Observing one’s limitations. Living a life that is large. Atlases and maps. Standing by one’s self. Allegiances with creed, religion, race or country. Nationhood. Brotherhood. The land. People in uniforms of any kind. The face of fighters who fought ‘the good fight’. Borders and limitations to activity. Identification. Expatriates.

The Caution: Stereotyping one’s self or others. Blindly following the dogma of parents, government or officials. Not seeing the true essence of one’s self. Expecting to fit into some “shape” or model. Becoming identified with externals. Seeking recognition from others.

And, we have Uranus sextiling this new Moon from the first degree of Gemini. Gemini 1: A GLASS-BOTTOMED BOAT REVEALS UNDER-SEA WONDERS AND PANORAMAS.

This Symbol speaks of being able to see into things that other people don’t see. You have both the ability and the desire and the lens to be able to pierce beneath outer levels of things in order to get a grasp of what’s going on beneath the surface. It can also show that you look at the issues at hand from an objective, uninvolved perspective. A distant, possibly uninvolved position is probably much safer for you and the situation you are observing. It may be that situations are often out of your natural environment, so this is much safer – for you and those you are watching. Seeing things that are not usually observable.

Keywords: Being able to see “within” to forms that are not usually observed by others. Clairvoyance. Observance of psychic phenomena. Connecting with the collective unconscious. Spiritual gifts that enlarge ones perspective. Amusement and wonder at natural beauty. Glass, lenses, refractions of light. Panoramic views. Water. Boats. Vehicles of discovery.

The Caution: Putting up barriers of social safety to avoid involvement in deep emotions. Overemphasis on safety concerns. Watching things from a distance, leading to separation and estrangement. Looking in the wrong direction. Cool, detached attitudes.

Meanwhile, Mercury is retrograde on Leo 14: CHERUB-LIKE, A HUMAN SOUL WHISPERS INTO EVERY RECEPTIVE EAR, SEEKING TO MANIFEST. 

This Symbol implies that at times in your life there will be deep realizations that may transform your life. Listening to one’s inner voice and heeding its messages can lead you on to the next level of life. Spirit is descending, wishing to make it’s self known – spiritual messages are wanting to come through into conscious expression. The trick is being able to hear what’s being whispered and translating it into useful information as one can be mislead by ‘voices in their head’ which can be confusing rather than enlightening. The thing is to discern what is useful and what is not.

Keywords: New realizations and impulses. Seeking to have one’s voice heard. Messages from the other side. Reincarnation. Channeling information. Spirit descending, wishing to make itself known. Whispering. Passing on news and messages. Seeking embodiment. Transpersonal urges. Cherubs and spirits. Ears and hearing. The urge to accomplish something. Compassion. Manifesting intention.

The Caution: Confusing voices. Signs of instability or madness. Feeling that if one isn’t heard, they will miss out. A need to be noticed and acknowledged. Not feeling like one can speak up. Shouting and making a spectacle. Trying to convince others of something. Misleading statements.

Venus is on Gemini 23: THREE FLEDGLINGS IN A NEST HIGH UP IN A TREE. 

This Symbol implies a situation of people sharing a space, living together and cohabitating as they grow and mature. Situations are likely to be full of promise for the future. The spirit of people and events may not be quite ready yet to fly on its own and is still in need of the “mother” – or the company of siblings and friends – to sustain, protect and nourish. The time for independence will come, and probably soon, however it may be too soon to break out on your own. Know that you will be able to rise up and leave the security and venture out on your own. Although there can sometimes be a feeling of being left alone and neglected, there is still a sense of safety.

Keywords: Discovering a whole new sense of being. Teaching. Safety. Living in small spaces. Wanting room to move. Privacy. Staying in the ‘Nest’ versus leaving it. Resisting change. Providing room and board for others. Sharing flats and houses. The battle for survival. Being different, therefore breaking the mold. Brothers and sisters. Expecting to be looked after and fed. Growing spirituality. Sibling rivalry.

The Caution: Wanting to leave home before one’s ready. Wondering if one’s needs will be met. Arguments about the pecking order. Psychological immaturity. Feeling dependent on external influences for survival. Feeling trapped by circumstance. Insecurity. Feeling exposed to danger. Codependence. Not knowing or realizing one’s place. Falling out. Bickering over space.

Mars is on Virgo 22: A ROYAL COAT OF ARMS ENRICHED WITH PRECIOUS STONES. 

There is a strong connection to heritage. This can give rise to feelings of pride and honor. There are things to stand up for and to represent. Believing in yourself and your abilities will give you strength and stability.

Keywords: A long lineage standing behind. Social strata. Royalty. Issues of social standing and identity. Having a regal bearing. Aristocratic status. Nobility. Coats of Arms. Strength of association. Pure blood. Ancestors of worth or note. Hereditary lines. Having rights and prestige. Pageantry. Knights jousting. Inheritances. Wealthy lineage. Displays of grace and honor. Beauty and wealth no matter what the status. Tartans. Precious stones. Shields. Inscriptions.

The Caution: Superficial judgment on one’s ancestry. Believing in privileges for the select few. Seeing others as not being worthy. Class-consciousness. Snobbery. Having “slaves” to do everything. Being “in the club”. Elite school snobbery. Bastardizing others. Feeling above everyone because of lineage.

Jupiter is on Cancer 11: A CLOWN IS CARICATURING WELL-KNOWN PERSONALITIES. 

This Symbol pictures a situation of someone being light-hearted, enjoying life and taking on the attributes of others in order to entertain and amuse those around them. Laughter is said to be the best medicine and employing fun and a light attitude can be useful tools to relax and get things back on the right track. However, perhaps someone is not ‘being real’, using masks to hide what’s really going on in their life. It can be fun to look at life from an objective viewpoint and caricaturing others can cause us to laugh at the seriousness of life. Or, perhaps someone’s playing the fool when the situation really needs a more serious response. This degree often shows the ability to take on the personas of others.

Keywords: Exaggerated responses. Wanting to entertain. Show business. Trying to be something or someone that one’s not. Putting on a face. Comic performances. Parodies of personalities. Making fun of someone. Clowns and clowning. Life imitating art. Always performing. Irony. Satire. Objective observance. Criticism. Laughter. Caricatures. Cartoons. Lampooning. Voice impressions.

The Caution: Being foolish in the face of positive potential. Trying to cover up reality through buffoonery. Being constantly “on stage”. Living vicariously. Inauthentic behavior. Not having the courage to display one’s true self. Putting on a face to manipulate or fool others. Irritating behavior that wears thin after a while. Being the laughing stock. Overblown impressions. Loss of true identity.

Chiron is on Aries 28: A LARGE DISAPPOINTED AUDIENCE. 

This Symbol shows a sense of being an observer, sometimes more than being a participant. You may have an inner critic that analyses things. In fact you might feel as though you, or someone else, have failed and left something wanting. But how much is this because too much was expected in the first place? The ‘audience’ sometimes only remembers the last performance, so get up and try again. Perhaps your need to be fulfilled should be more realistic. Be aware that you may be your own ‘audience’. Do you feel that things have lived up to expectations?

Keywords: Adjustments of expectations bringing realizations about what is really possible. Expecting the response of others. Walking out during a performance. Not listening to something through a lack of interest. Anticipating a different result from what is delivered. Relying on feedback. Lines and queues of people. Criticism. The need to inspire and enthuse.

The Caution: Feeling sad, sorry or letdown because of defeat and frustration. A lot of people left feeling emotionally “wiped-out”. Shattering of illusions. Fickleness. The attitude that one can’t do anything. Everything being out of one’s control. Watching what’s going on and not participating. Being at the mercy of the whims and fancies of others. Judging and analyzing oneself or others. Too many people crammed into one spot. Not getting a seat. Refusal of entry. Booing and hissing.

The Moon’s north node is on Pisces 20: A TABLE SET FOR AN EVENING MEAL. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to provide sustenance for yourself and others, to “Set” the “Table” and have nourishment available for those who need it. It can show the knowledge of nutrition, cooking, catering all the way to knowing how to make money – how to ‘bring home the bacon’. At times in your life, you’ll prepare things for others to appreciate, to assimilate, to be nourished by and to enjoy. When everything is in place, you’ll want to have people around you to appreciate it. Patience is sometimes needed; having worked hard and long, you need to realize that your needs will be met. Returning home you can find comfort and sustenance. Attend to everyday tasks with reverence. Try to remember to say grace in thanks.

Keywords: Provision of life’s necessities. Being well nourished. Having to prepare for others. Issues of “who will serve and who will eat”. Dinner and dinner parties. Issues of nourishment and having a roof over one’s head. Food allergies. Food technology. Breaking bread with others. People bringing a plate to share. Cutlery, plates, glasses. Wine and water. Diets. Groceries. Doing the dishes. Making a meal of something. Obesity. Attention to detail. Hired hands. Catering. Candles. Sharing life’s bounty.

The Caution: Making preparations with no ability to nourish or satisfy. Devouring things or people. Banging on the table and asking for more. Guilt around issues of providing. Feasts or famines. Eating syndromes. Empty spaces at the table. Arguing at meal times. Indigestion and heartburn. People not turning up for dinner. Overindulging. Consuming people. Not appreciating life’s bounty. Continually having to provide for others. Always having to come up with what’s for dinner.

The Moon’s south node is Virgo 20: A CARAVAN OF CARS HEADED FOR PROMISED LANDS. 

There is a feeling of needing to move on to new thoughts, a new way of doing things, possibly even on to a new way of life, but you are probably not alone. There are likely to be several others who share the same impulses. Setting out on a new venture can be fun, even if somewhat risky. Having a map of where you’re going will help, as will a willingness to meet new people.

Keywords: Venturing into life with like-minded companions. The support of others in a quest for the future. Seeking new territory. Rallies and caravans of cars. Exchanging money. Commerce. Buses, caravans, trucks, etc. Leaving behind the known for the unknown. Gypsies. Hollywood. California. “Boom” towns. The “magic bus”. Conferences.

The Caution: Forsaking the individual path in favor of a more secure, common one. Perpetuating restlessness. Constantly seeking the “pot of gold”. Far-off lands. Inability to settle anywhere. Being a rolling-stone. Forsaking lasting relationships. Crazy goose chases. Running away from problems. Fear of flying.