Waning Gibbous Moon in Leo — The Radiant Release

The spotlight softens, the curtain falls,
but the heart still glows with fire.
This is the moon of radiant release,
where pride bows to purpose.

The Waning Gibbous Moon, also called the Disseminating Moon, follows the Full Moon in the lunar cycle. It represents a time of gratitude, integration, and conscious release. In Leo, this phase becomes a radiant invitation to reflect on how you’ve expressed yourself, shared your gifts and experiences, and shown up with authenticity. Leo, ruled by the Sun, brings warmth, creativity, and pride—but during this phase, it needs humility, generosity, and emotional maturity.

The Moon in Leo glows with pride, creativity, and heart—yet in her waning phase, she turns inward, casting long shadows across the stage that she loves so much. Under the Scorpio Sun, this lunar moment becomes a ritual of emotional courage: not just to feel, but to show, demonstrate. Scorpio whispers, “Take off the mask.” Leo hesitates, “But they won’t love me without it.” And Pluto waits patiently for the truth to be revealed.

Pluto and the Sun co-exist in this phase as cosmic excavators. They remind me of that great line from Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome. Aunt Entity (Tina Turner) turns to Max and says, “Ain’t we a pair, raggedy man?” Pluto can definitely seem like the ultimate raggedy man as he rules over the world of decay. But he can work quite well with the Sun. The Sun in Scorpio burns away illusion, while Pluto dismantles what no longer serves.

You may feel the tension between wanting to be seen and needing to retreat. Let that tension guide you. The pain of actors that often propels them into the spotlight is healed by the applause they receive, even if only momentarily. It. Feels. Good. In the wings, Pluto waits for you to realize that your costume no long fits your character. He knows when you make that realization, the real you is starting to shimmer through.

• Themes: Creative reflection, emotional generosity, releasing ego attachments, sharing wisdom
• Emotional tone: Bold yet introspective, expressive yet tender
• Spiritual invitation: To love your own light
• Mantra: “I celebrate my light and release what dims it. I share my gifts with grace.”

Journaling Prompts

• What part of my identity feels performative, and what feels soul-deep?
• Where am I clinging to recognition when I crave intimacy?
• What truth have I been afraid to name, even to myself?
• What creative expression am I proud of this cycle?
• Where have I led with ego instead of heart?
• What feedback or wisdom can I share with others?
• What part of my identity feels ready to evolve?

Comforting Practices for Inner Calm

• Candle Color: Gold or orange for warmth and release
• Crystal Companion: Citrine or sunstone (yellows and golds uplift the spirit)
• Salt Blend: Sea salt + calendula petals + cinnamon for joy and emotional clarity. Create a sprinkling powder or spell jar to remind you that by releasing some of your baggage, your heart grows brighter.
• Action Ritual: Write a gratitude list for when letting go was really a win. Write one ego-driven pattern you’re ready to release, then burn the paper as a symbol of letting go.
• Nurturing Moment: Take a special “sunshine” bath with a salt blend of sea salt, chamomile, and rose petals.

Tea and Tenderness

Teas for Radiant Reflection

Each blend supports Leo’s heart-centered energy while encouraging gentle ego release and creative integration:

• Golden Glow Tea: Calendula petals, cinnamon bark, and a touch of vanilla bean. Uplifting, warm, and heart-opening.
• Rose Radiance Infusion: Rose petals, lemon balm, and oatstraw. Soothing for emotional vulnerability and self-love.
• Sunlit Citrus Chai: Orange peel, rooibos, cinnamon, and ginger. Bold, spicy, and invigorating—great for creative reflection.
• Vanilla Chamomile Hug: Chamomile, vanilla pod, and a pinch of nutmeg. Softens pride and invites emotional maturity.

Find a few recipe cards at the bottom of this post.

Snacks & Treats for Leo’s Radiant Release

These are playful, sensory-rich, and emotionally nourishing—ideal for journaling companions or enjoying with a night’s entertainment:

• Cinnamon Rose Shortbread: Buttery cookies infused with rose essence and cinnamon. Symbolic of pride softened by love.
• Sunburst Fruit Plate: Sliced mango, orange, and strawberries arranged in a sun pattern. Celebrate your light!
• Vanilla Calendula Energy Bites: Oats, almond butter, vanilla, calendula petals, and a touch of honey. Roll in gold dust or coconut flakes.
• Golden Popcorn Mix: Popcorn tossed with turmeric, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla sugar. Light, radiant, and crunchy.

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