The Black Moon Arrives
On the night of August 23, 2025, the heavens will conceal a Black Moon. The Moon will slip into shadow, hidden in the Sun’s brilliance, but its timing makes this a rare and powerful moment. Black Moons as thresholds marking liminal moments and revealing potential.
At 2:06 a.m. EDT (06:06 UTC) or 11:06 p.m. PDT on August 22, the Moon officially enters its new phase. Nestled in the constellation Leo, our celestial companion will pass a mere one degree north of the Sun, perfectly hidden from earthly sight. Unlike a blood-red lunar eclipse or the silver swelling of a supermoon, the Black Moon is invisible. Its power lies not in spectacle, but in absence—a dark gate in the sky.
So what, exactly, is a Black Moon? Astronomers don’t officially use the term, but it describes unusual timings of the new moon. This one is a “seasonal” Black Moon: the third new moon in a season that holds four instead of the usual three. Summer 2025 in the Northern Hemisphere brought new moons on June 25, July 23, August 23, and September 21—four in all. That makes August’s new moon the rare Black Moon, a phenomenon that occurs only about once every 33 months. The last was in May 2023.
Though invisible on the 23rd, the Moon soon returns. On the evenings of August 24 and 25, look to the western skies!
Well, look to the horizon about 40 minutes after sunset. There, you may glimpse a silver crescent so slender it looks drawn by a divine hand: the Moon’s first breath after its dark retreat.
Our friend and Witch Susan Levitt shared, “This new Moon begins the lunar month of the Wood Monkey. Monkey creativity, ingenuity, and love of life can be very inspiring. The element Wood brings a desire for growth, travel, and new experiences. But the Sun and new Moon square Uranus in Gemini so do not become distracted or just not want to follow any sort of routine. This is still Snake year when it’s best to stay the slow and steady course.”
The next chance to see a Black Moon of a different kind, the second new moon in a calendar month, won’t come until August 31, 2027. We hope you enjoy the show!
Ganesh Chaturthi
Ganesh Agman’ procession is the procession carried out to welcome Lord Ganesha on the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi in India [Image Credit: Swapnilgorivale CCA-SA 4.0
Many of our readers revere Lord Ganesha in their spiritual practices, and this week marks his birth with the beginning of Ganesh Chaturthi. In 2025, the festival begins on Wednesday, August 27, though the sacred Chaturthi Tithi (the lunar day) actually runs from August 26 at 1:54 p.m. until August 27 at 3:44 p.m. in India—equivalent to August 26 at 4:24 a.m. to August 27 at 6:14 a.m. Eastern Time. The celebration continues for ten days, culminating in Ganesh Visarjan on September 6.
Known by many names such as Ganapati, Vinayaka, and most affectionately as simply Ganesha, he is one of the most beloved and recognizable deities in the Hindu tradition. With his round human body, elephant’s head, and gentle smile, Ganesha’s presence can be found in temples, homes, shops, and shrines not only across India but throughout the world.
Ganesha is honored as the remover of obstacles and the lord of beginnings. His blessings are sought at weddings, the start of business ventures, and even in everyday prayers, ensuring smooth passage through life’s transitions. He is also revered as the god of wisdom, learning, and prosperity, making him a patron of students, teachers, writers, and seekers of knowledge.
The imagery of Ganesha carries deep symbolism. His elephant head represents intelligence and strength, while his large ears remind devotees to listen with patience and care. His round belly suggests generosity and the ability to hold both joy and sorrow. He often carries a modak, a sweet dumpling symbolizing the rewards of spiritual practice, and his broken tusk recalls the sacrifice he made to record the epic Mahabharata.
Stories place him as the son of Shiva, the cosmic transformer, and Parvati, goddess of fertility and love. One of the most famous tales recounts how Parvati created Ganesha to guard her chambers. When Shiva tried to enter, Ganesha barred his way. In anger, Shiva struck off the boy’s head, but at Parvati’s insistence, restored him with the head of an elephant, granting him wisdom, strength, and a unique identity among the gods.
Ganesh Chaturthi, or Vinayaka Chaturthi, is one of Hinduism’s most vibrant festivals. Over ten days, devotees install beautifully crafted clay idols in homes and public pandals, adorning them with flowers, lights, and offerings. Prayers, hymns, and rituals are performed daily, and modaks are offered in abundance. The celebration culminates in the Visarjan, when idols are carried through the streets in joyous procession—accompanied by dancing, drumming, and chants of “Ganapati Bappa Morya!”—before being immersed in rivers, lakes, or the sea. This ritual symbolizes Ganesha’s return to his celestial home and reminds devotees of life’s impermanence.
Today, Ganesh Chaturthi is celebrated worldwide, uniting communities in devotion, joy, and artistry. Beyond Hinduism, Ganesha is also honored in Buddhism, Jainism, and many global spiritual practices, his elephant face standing as a universal emblem of wisdom, joy, and approachable divinity.
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Events and Announcements
Happening this Weekend!
Southern California Divination Conference Returns for 2025: A Gathering of Mystics, Practitioners, Spiritual Healers, and Seekers in the Heart of Southern California
LOS ANGELES – The Southern California Divination Conference is proud to announce its return for a third magical year! The 2025 Southern California Divination Conference (SCDC) will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, 3131 Bristol St. in Costa Mesa, California. The conference is returning with mystical insights, spiritual connections, and healing arts from across the region for a day of insight, connection, and transformation.
The 2025 conference builds on the success of its previous years, to include new workshops, vendors, and more opportunities to explore the art and practice of spiritual connections in all its forms—from Tarot and astrology to Qigong, augury, and practical applications of these skills.
“This is more than a conference—it’s a community experience,” says Lilith , one of the founders of the Southern California Divination Conference. “We’re creating a sacred space where people from all backgrounds can gather to learn, grow, and share their gifts.”
Event Highlights Include:
- Hands-On Workshops with experienced practitioners
- Inspirational Panel featuring thought leaders in spiritual and metaphysical fields
- An Expansive Marketplace of metaphysical tools, books, handmade goods, and mystical services
- Live Readings and demonstrations
- Community-building rituals and opportunities to network
This event welcomes everyone—from the divination-curious to seasoned readers. Attendees can expect a rich day of learning and connection in an atmosphere grounded in respect, inclusivity, and magical exploration.
Tickets and Sponsorship Opportunities
Early bird registration and sponsorship packages are now available. Visit https://www.socaldivcon.com to learn more, secure your spot, and get involved as a presenter, vendor, or sponsor.
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About the Southern California Divination Conference
The Southern California Divination Conference was founded to provide an inclusive, educational, and empowering gathering place for the metaphysical and spiritual community. With a focus on personal growth and intuitive practices, the event aims to uplift and celebrate the ancient arts of divination and spiritual exploration.
More Events at our new Events Calendar
Tarot of the Week by Star Bustamonte
Deck: Sun and Moon Tarot, by Vanessa Decort, published by U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
Card: Two (2) of Pentacles
The week ahead may provide opportunities for finding a reasonable balance point, particularly in situations that have been difficult and in need of a correction in trajectory. There may also be an emphasis on flexibility and evaluating how time is managed in order to ensure a decent mix of work vs. play. Finances will likely figure into the equation and may need to be reorganized.
Contrarily, the potential for reaching the danger zone when it comes to being overcommitted—either in scheduling or financially—is high this week. Reassessing budgets, obligations, and responsibilities is liable to be a necessity in order to avoid major balls being dropped. A methodical and balanced approach is likely to yield the best results.
ATC Matriarch shares message from the Goddess
APS Belladonna Laveau, Matriarch and Archpriestess of Aquarian Tabernacle Church International, received a message that she shares with the community. As Hierophant of the Great Mother Demeter, she serves as a direct channel for the Goddess, carrying Her work into the world with devotion and authority.
The Aquarian Tabernacle Church International (ATC) is one of the largest and most well-established Wiccan churches in the world. Founded in 1979 by Pete Pathfinder Davis in Index, Washington, the ATC has grown into an international network of Wiccan clergy, congregations, and affiliates dedicated to the practice and preservation of modern Wicca.