Temple of the Cosmic Spheres

Full Moon in Leo
February 14.2014
6:53 p.m. (EST)

Sun in Aquarius

Mercury Retrograde

The Moon is full in the astrological sign of Leo tomorrow. Leo is of the Fixed Modality and the element of Fire. The ruling planet is the Sun, so light and the pursuit of being in the spotlight are some of the motivations of Leo’s energy. In the phase of a Full Moon, the astrological signs of Sun and Moon are opposing in their energies. What that means is that the Sun is in the astrological sign directly opposite the sign of the Moon on the Zodiacal wheel. This alignment or aspect is the basis for the theories of conflict with signs of opposition. There is a natural tension that occurs between the two signs, each of a differing element yet of the same modality. Something like the family that shares biological (modality) lineage but each has their own specific personality (element) that is not always harmonious with the others but shares common experience.  I see these points of opposition as opportunities for great growth and potential for harmonizing the Lunar (intuitive/emotional) with the Solar (will/intent and desire). In the case of this month’s Sun and Moon, both are in fixed signs which offers support, stability, synthesis and the potential for structure.

This February Full Moon holds the energy of Sun in the Air sign of Aquarius and the Moon in the intensity of Fiery Leo. We all know the effects of air on fire, serving to either inflame or to extinguish, so the opportunity lies in our stealthy approach of action (Leo) to whatever we set that breath of Air (Aquarius) towards. The Sun in Aquarius offers the balance of bringing to the forefront (or light of day) those actions and inspirations that will be of benefit to the group and broader community; in contrast to the focus on individual success. The Moon in Leo stimulates change; the firing up of the passions of the emotional tides and the centering of attention on the “me” (the Lunar spotlight in the darkened theater).  The tension between the “we” and the “me” can, if used with just the correct amount of balance and synthesis, produce the ideal combination similar to that of a celebrity who uses their renown taking center stage spotlight to enlist community support for a project to better the lives of those who would have otherwise gone unnoticed held in the anonymity of their needs.

The Full Moon is the phase of peak and expression of the most there is to offer drawn up to a place of expansion from the depths of the emotional and intuitive nature of what has been previously the focus of its transformative work. Because these energies work by default at the subconscious (or often unconscious) levels the “stuff” carried into the full moon’s light is often transparent in its revealing. If this excavation has been done purposefully and with conscious intent the Full Moon works her magick of full disclosure and collaborative change. Using this primary directive filtered through the astrological sign of Leo who is represented as the Lion on the Zodiacal wheel adds the intensity of instinctual action and self-preservation. This is the raw and primal strength of the natural born leader surveying the expanse of the lands that are held within its domain. Arrival at this place of dominance and looming large has been carefully and precisely cultivated by previous successes resulting from the calculated action that will deflect from or draw attention to are part of the stealth needed when navigating the perils of our own emotional landscapes. Despite the pitfalls, this is the time for stepping fully into the glory of what your heart finds of inspiration, adventure and draws attention to your best offerings.

Now the caution to be had in stepping into this potent spotlight is in the added energy of a Retrograde Mercury. The planet, Mercury began its retrograde motion last week on the 6th in the astrological sign of Pisces; a sign of the element Water. Being the great communicator, Mercury’s focus of interaction was fueled from drinking deeply from the depths of the Piscean waters of healing, insight and emotional expression as it transited in its backwards reach into the astrological sign of Aquarius, yesterday, where it will remain until turning direct on February 28th. This retracing of the emotion infused communicative style through Aquarian mind could keep you stuck in bringing to the spotlight (Leo) those inventive ideas inspired by heart (Moon). However, with this opportunity to remain more fully in Mercury’s energy, it is also a good time to really dig deeply into what are the treasures and what are just the masks we put on to gather attention to ourselves as we interact.

This is a good time to re-examine how we present ourselves to the world. What we value as our public persona and what we wish to improve upon so that the image projected communicates more fully who we are. What would have shone brightly during this Full Moon and drawn the magnetic attention that is typical of Leo’s energy may not be what it seems under the influence of Mercury’s duality. Something may be lost in the translation and the tendency towards lackluster replaces what should have been dynamic. Remember that I mentioned in the beginning of this article that the tension of oppositions of Sun and Moon, the “we” and the “me”? Mercury will hold us accountable for re-visiting who we believe ourselves to be. Lady Moon will show us the full potential of that “me”. And Father Sun will call us to our place of community as part of the greater “we”.

As you move through the energy of this Full Moon gathering all of the astrological pieces envision the lion hunting under the brightness of the moon. He remains in the shadows, waiting, observing and calculating just the precise moment that will likely ensure success. From this place of shadow, this skilled hunter emerges into the light; taking action in full speed and full force with power and strength, taking down its prey. He takes his share of what has been killed; leaving behind what will feed others who will scavenge the remains as a result of his dynamic action.

A Poem to Meditate Upon:

Rest looking out on moon lit waters
Pause anchored strongly in self-knowing
Moon shines on mirrored surface and
Water reaches towards primal force
Majestic in its Power and strength.

Rest looking out on deep expanse
All is your shining domain
The fires of Moon’s glow
Resplendent in its fullness
Lights the way as water’s
Will-filled heart returns to you.

Read More:

About a Mercury Retrogrades: Meet Me at the Station