Everyone is an artist in their own way. We are always creating new worlds to explore.

But true art — the kind that moves the heart and transforms the mind — requires the balance of skill, hard work, talent and luck.

Fortunately, that’s exactly what this week’s Leo Full Moon Lunar Eclipse provides.

 

“This year’s Leo Full Moon has the subtlety of a powder keg igniting. It’s a pile-up of combustible influences that stoke the year’s theme of self-actualization. And like a powder keg’s igniting, it’s blowing some situations to smithereens — blasting us further into this wild new phase.”

Kathy Biehl, Empowerment Unlimited

“For real change to take place in society, there has to be a concerted effort to organize and get one’s message across in a non-violent fashion. The Lunar eclipse activation of one of the most positive aspects of the year is something to be excited about! It looks like truth and integrity will shine through.

“Uranus is the new technology which we can use to awaken ourselves and others. The cyber world is a double-edged sword: we must remember to unplug ourselves so that we get good dose of earthing energy too. With this eclipse, we see the good side of technology and how we can use it to unchain ourselves from slavery.”

Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology

Eclipse: Not much to see.. Yet

Don’t bother trying to watch this week’s lunar eclipse, there won’t be much to see. It’s a penumbral eclipse, which means the Moon only passes through the outer edge of the Earth’s shadow.

Nevertheless, this eclipse marks the beginning of something new.  Astrologer Kathy Biehl explains:

“This month’s Leo Full Moon launches two-year cycle of eclipses on the Leo/Aquarius axis, which has us revisiting and resetting the challenge of shining as individuals while coexisting within a group. A defining question is:  Who is your tribe? Here’s another: Where is your stage? 

“Watch for related themes, situations and even people to come back (perhaps only in your thoughts) from the summers of 1998 through 2000, the last time we underwent this eclipse cycle.” 

And although the Leo Full Moon isn’t much of an eclipse, it’s a potently aspected Full Moon. And the aspects are ones that make astrologers look on the bright side:

“Eclipses have the potential to trigger unexpected, powerful events. How they play out in your life depends entirely on your chart. But each eclipse has a unique mood, and this one looks positive. (I write this cautiously, with full awareness of the current political climate.)”

Nadia Gilchrist, Ruby Slipper Astrology

Lots to explore, so let’s get to it!

Leo Full Moon

Every year, we celebrate one Full Moon in each Zodiac Sign. The Leo Full Moon falls sometime in late January through February when the Sun is in the opposing sign Aquarius.

It’s a time for exploring how you want to “shine” in the world

“Leo… has a bent for drama and grabbing the spotlight. Feeling sufficiently seen, acknowledged and validated is a hot topic now. Some people are going to attack any perceived shortfall with attention-grabbing antics. Others, channeling the proud and regal possibilities of Leo, will respond by walking away from devaluing situations, with head held high.” 

Kathy Biehl, Empowerment Unlimited

Grand Fire Trine

 This Leo Full Moon really feels the heat. It’s part of a larger aspect pattern astrologers call a “Grand Fire Trine” – that’s three planets placed approximately 120 degrees apart in fire signs.

 “The Moon is part of a Grand Fire Trine that includes Saturn in Sagittarius and Uranus in Aries. This combines the best of both worlds, as Saturn provides stability and Uranus creates change. Uranus … with an eclipse is usually a recipe for shocks and upsets. But Saturn’s steadying hand suggests these results should involve smooth progress.” 

Nadia Gilchrest, Ruby Slipper Astrology

Since Grand Trines are made up of three individual pairs, we can look at each one for additional meaning.

“The Sun and the Moon are locking into the controlled firepower of the Saturn-Uranus trine, which ignited in December and fuels us for most of this year. Even if that trine did not activate anything in your chart (and in your heart), this Full Moon makes the potential immediate and personal. 

“Impulses are erupting from within, maybe from anger, maybe from passion, maybe from a raw life force that you can’t entirely define. You have got to have freedom to express yourself. Whether you’re seeing yet where you’re going, you are seeing what you’re leaving.”

Kathy Biehl, Empowerment Unlimited

Moon trine Uranus brings an abundance of radical and innovative energy to the public. Self-assured rebellion occurs from those who don’t give a fig about conforming to the status quo. The trine brings to fruition personal freedom, revolution and electric genius. At this eclipse the more outlandish people behave, the more popular they become.”

Marina Macario, Darkstar Astrology

And then there’s Moon trine Saturn, “keeping everything under control . Saturn … is your tool – use it to corral this crazy energy and do something constructive with it. Saturn says this eclipse’s culminations will be structured. Despite all the big potential, there may be a very narrow path to walk. You’ll have to focus, do the work, be responsible. That’s what generates results.” 

Nadia Gilchrest, Ruby Slipper Astrology

Mystic Rectangle

There’s another aspect pattern in this Leo Full Moon Astrologers call a “Mystic Rectangle.” It’s formed by two oppositions – in this case the Full Moon’s Moon opposite Sun, and Jupiter opposite Uranus – separated by two 60 degree aspects (sextiles).

(Astrotrivia: Mystic Rectangles are not mystical per se. Rather, it’s a modern name given to the configuration. James Lewis’ astrological encyclopedia suggests its first use may have been by Theosophical Society leader Madame Helena Blavatsky, who had one in her own chart.)

Since we’ve looked at the Leo Full Moon, time to explore the Jupiter-Uranus opposition:

“Jupiter opposite Uranus complicates those personal issues by exaggerating your need for personal freedom and excitement. You will feel a strong urge to react, or rebel against anything that is stopping you from having fun and doing what you want. There may be a sudden event that releases your built-up tension and leads to a major change in circumstances. The more restricted you have felt, the more upsetting this change is likely to be.”

Jamie Partridge, Astrology King

“A Jupiter/Uranus opposition can trigger explosive expansion. In this case, that expansion should be easy to work with. The trines and sextiles will help you integrate the results. If you get hit with a surprise (Uranus) Jupiter can present reasons why it’s a beneficial surprise. If you get overwhelmed with too much/too soon (Jupiter) Uranus will be there with innovations and fresh perspective.”

Nadia Gilchrest, Ruby Slipper Astrology

Additional Considerations

In our ever-expanding cosmic vision, there are myriad new ways to seek synchronistic cosmic symbols.

Asteroids & Minor Planets

With some 40,000 named asteroids in the solar system, more than 100 can be found at every degree of the Zodiac. Still, not all asteroid names are created equal. Some carry more mythological punch than others. Astrologers look to these to provide a little spice to their interpretations.

The “wounded healer” Chiron is a perennial favorite of modern astrologers.

“Revelations, partings of the way and split-second emotional decisions all carry profound healing potential. The Moon and Jupiter are making a yod, or Finger of God, that points directly to Chiron in Pisces, embodiment of our abiding, collective wound.  We are being called to address, even immerse ourselves into, interconnectedness.”

Kathy Biehl, Empowerment Unlimited

And, if all of this feels rather fated, perhaps there’s a reason. The Moon-Sun-Jupiter-Saturn-Uranus lineup at 21-25 degrees of fire and air signs is just one planet short of what astrologers a Grand Sextile (a six-pointed star.)

So I took a peek at the asteroids around the “missing piece.” One of them is Atropos at 23 Gemini. Atropos is the oldest of the three Fates, the one who chose the mechanism of death, and cut the cord to end the life.

Fixed Stars

As the name implies, Darkstar Astrology’s Marina Macario is an expert on the fixed stars. She calls out three of them around the eclipse degree.

Two of them fall in the north polar region:

“The brightest of the stars and closed to the eclipse degree is Pherkad (21º 36′) is found in the Little Bear Ursa Minor. The constellation gives “indifference and improvidence of spirit, and to lead to many troubles.”  Tania Australis (21º 41′) a red star in the paw of the great mother bear. These stars in Ursa major have a Mars quality according to Ptolemy. “It is said to give a quiet, prudent, suspicious, mistrustful, self-controlled, patient nature, but an uneasy spirit and great anger and revengefulness when roused.”

We can also bear in mind that even though these stars have very rough edges, the ancient navigators looked upon them as guardians and guides since they are close to the poles. Rough diamonds then!”

The third one sits in the head of Leo the Lion:

Ras Elased Borealis (21º 26′) is in the lion’s head. The Ebertins say it can give rise to mental illness and depression depending on how it is configured. Since this is an eclipse, there is always a ‘wild card’ element to this energy. We have already seen so many celebrities melt downs in the media, just expect more from those with 22º Leo in their charts! Noonan says the Lion’s head stars “are said to indicate those with an appreciation for language and a power of expression, but also those who may be heartless and cruel.” So this star adds a mocking, satirical quality.”

Sabian Symbol

Various systems have assigned symbols or meanings to each degree of the Zodiac. The most popular of the 20th Century would be the Sabian Symbols, channeled by psychic Elsie Wheeler in 1925.

The Sabian symbol for this Leo Full Moon: “In a circus, the bareback rider displays her dangerous skill.”

In his commentary, astrology Dane Rudhyar wrote: “The audacity and perseverance required to control and play with the powerful energies of the vital realm in human existence.”

Lunar Mansion

Most astrologers are familiar with the 12-sign Solar Zodiac. However, there’s also an older 28-sign Lunar Zodiac, which the Arab astrologers called the Lunar Mansions.

This Leo Full Moon falls in Lunar Mansion 12. Its Arabic Name is Al Sarfrah, but I nicknamed it The Dragon to make it easier to remember. When the Moon is here, it’s about reframing conflicts as opportunities for self-improvement. Every hero’s quest needs a dragon to slay, time to hunt for your own.

Summing It Up

This is a busy Leo Full Moon (and a minor Lunar Eclipse). But there’s plenty of opportunity if you’re willing to “work it.” Just remember, everyone else is too. So figure out what makes you special fast!

full moon essentials

Lunaria Datebook

Last Moon Phase: New Moon in Aquarius

Next Moon Phase: New Moon in Pisces

Full Moon Dates and Times

San Francisco: Friday, Feb. 10, 4:32 p.m. PST

New York: Friday,  Feb. 10, 7:32 p.m EST

São Paulo: Friday, Feb. 10, 10:32 p.m. BRDT

London: Saturday,  Feb. 11, 12:32 a.m. GMT

Istanbul: Saturday, Feb. 11, 3:32 a.m.  EEST

Mumbai: Saturday, Feb. 11, 5:02 a.m. IST

Tokyo: Saturday, Feb. 11, 9:32 a.m. JST

Sydney: Saturday, Feb. 11, 11:32 a.m. AEDT

 

7:32 pm eastern

1 Comment

  1. Linda on February 11, 2017 at 9:08 am

    Leo Full Moon and Eclipse: Tonight on our news it covered a big motorcyclist gathering/ride event. This joined motorcycle gangs (their tribe) and ordinary riders in a collective wounding to ‘make some noise’ (their motorbikes are very noisy). This was about teen suicide. The segment said our country (NZ) has the highest rate in developed countries.
    A rider interviewee was a father who lost a son 21 years ago and said he had always been quiet, it must have felt huge to have freedom to express himself. This large event was gang initiated, in a very public and controlled way. And today Sat 11th feb.

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