This Leo New Moon has a twinkle in its eye. It’s an invitation to slow down and lighten up. This is the fresh start that comes from trying something new, just for the fun of it. Like a disco ball in a dark room, there’s sparkle in the shadows.

A creative or relationship breakthrough that came earlier in the week might be cause for a private toast or a dance party in the living room. Put down the phone and find new life. A lively, even raucous, mood might sneak up on you in the sliver of light in the sky next week.

We’re also on the cusp of a Mercury Retrograde, the season of corrections and reversals, of tying up loose ends and uncovering new facets of self. Try not to panic. Whatever snafus or breakdowns emerge are likely to resolve relatively painlessly.

Find out how to interpret Mercury Retrograde in your own chart: Watch my Magical Thinking talk here.

The editing process begins in the Virgo part of our charts, where it’s well-equipped to sort data, fact-find and organize. The first two weeks of this endeavor, from Aug. 4-13, will be the most productive period we’ve had in a while.

Donate that stuff in your trunk. Clean under the sink. Assess your budgets. Catch up on your reading. This isn’t super sexy, but it’s necessary stuff that improves our day-to-day. From Aug. 14-28, as Mercury retrogrades into Leo, we maychange our minds about decisions we made back in July. Just remember: Use your inside voice.

If you need help navigating this vibe, consider a reading with me here.

Between now and the Aquarius Full Moon on Aug. 19, life is going to get more involved. We’re charged up with hope. But there’s a lingering sense of anticipation. Like we’re late for a meeting we didn’t know we had.

Try to breathe through this first week of Mercury retrograde. Move more slowly. Shift your perspective to “wait-and-see” mode. No matter how eager you are to make something happen. You’ll thank me when we get to Aug. 14-19 when the rubber meets the road.

Take note of Wednesday, Aug. 7, when we get some good luck and some much-needed help navigating a Mercury retrograde problem. This is also the day I’ll be at SoHo Nashville with my latest talk: The End of an Era: Why we’re all feeling a little lost.

The rest of the weekend is pretty quiet as we prepare for the gangbusters, mountain-moving effort — that’s also inspired and hopeful! — from Aug. 14-19.

Slow and steady is the way to go. After your sparkly New Moon, tap into your inner librarian/data analyst. Get picky. There will be plenty of excitement later in the month.