Full Moon in Leo

The Full Moon in Leo comes in with larger than life energy - Leo is already a grandiose archetype, and a T-square to Uranus in Taurus adds in a flavor of rebellious disruption. If we have lacked the bravery to step into our fullest, truest, most authentic selves, if we have been scared to let our heart lead, this full moon may feed us the courage we need to shine our inner light brightly.

Mercury Cazimi square Uranus

Mercury had their cazimi moment just a few days ago - cazimi means “in the heart of the sun” and is when a planet is at the same degree as, or “conjunct” the Sun. This aspect signals a moment of clarity, of purification, of illumination. Mercury rules communication, the exchange of ideas, of interacting and participating in our community. Cazimis can bring sudden “aha” moments - consider where this is happening in your own chart, and what revelations have been coming in - do not discount their importance. Mercury is still close to the Sun at the time of the Full Moon, and is also participating in the T-square to Uranus, which is inspiring revolution both within our own internal worlds, and within the collective. Take inventory of what may be keeping you small, whether it’s old stories we tell ourselves, or roles we play in our jobs, our families, our friend groups, and/or communities that we realize we’re not willing to exist in any longer - we can’t help but break free from these old worn out versions of ourselves. 

Mercury conjunct the Sun in Aquarius and square Uranus also inspires conversations with people in your community around disrupting the status quo, and creating systems of support, love, and care, for the betterment and liberation of all. Consuming media that arouses this kind of energy is one thing, but being brave and speaking it out loud ourselves with the people we see and interact with most often is another. You may be pleasantly surprised that more people are vibing on the same wavelength as you.

This Full Moon brings revolution and breakthroughs, both within ourselves and in the world around us - with revolution and breakthroughs, loss is inevitable, as we have to leave something behind to step into this new version of whatever it is we wish to create. Again, this could be an invisible revolution inside of yourself - it doesn’t have to look like anything. Honor what you are leaving behind, and take the time you need to grieve. Revolution doesn’t happen overnight. 

Full Moons encourage release, shining light on what we have cultivated, so that we can see what needs to be shed. There is tension in this moment between who we desire to be, the light we wish to shine in the world, and the need to fit in. What we have to realize is it’s not about fitting in, but more so about the role we know we are meant to play in the collective - if you consider the kind of world you wish to exist in, how would you be living? What would you be doing? The desire with the Aquarius archetype is to abandon ourselves for the sake of the collective, but Leo tells us that our unique, freaky expression is not mutually exclusive to the revolution. It’s actually crucial, in a world that wishes to divide us and encourage us to fear diversity to keep us weak, we have to embrace and celebrate each other's differences, and realize that we are stronger together than we are divided and alone. It’s important to keep our minds open and our hearts hopeful, to believe that we deserve and can live in a world where we are truly free to be who and what we want to be, and to love who we can’t help but love. 

On this Full Moon, how can we tap into joy? It is from this place that we can express our true selves in a way that feels supportive and inspiring to the people around us. Leo is also a leader archetype, and the best way to lead is by example - when you show up unapologetically authentic, it inspires others to do the same. We have to be ok with the reality that not everyone is going to love what we bring to the table, but that does not diminish the value you bring to your community. Often when we attract haters, it’s because we are creating impact. The trick is being honest with yourself about the net impact you are making - is it creating healing, or harm? We will without a doubt be confronting (as we have daily) people, groups, organizations, corporations that seek to create harm for their personal gain. We have taken huge strides backwards as a collective, here in the United States, with human rights being compromised and vulnerable groups being oppressed and de-humanized. We are seeing a shift on the world stage, with more countries speaking out against the leadership in the US and standing up for Palestine, for climate recovery, and justice for all. The motives of such declarations are questionable, of course - it’s wise in these times to stay wary of the information we consume and the fronts that talking heads put up. Don’t give praise where it isn’t due, and continue to keep leaders and representatives accountable.

Mars Retrograde

The Mars retrograde began back in December in the sign of Leo. Think back to December - what was coming into focus for you around your desires related to expression of self? As we reflect on these desires this full moon, you may be feeling like you’ve been doing a lot of wishing and not a whole lot of acting. In a world that values our productivity, it’s easy to get down on ourselves about not making sh*t happen. Be patient with yourself. You are exactly where you need to be. Take the time to receive information and assistance from your guides. Continue to get clear on your desires, and what needs to be *destroyed,* purged, eliminated from your life to set the stage for you to play the role you know you’re meant to play. When Mars turns direct at the end of the month and makes his way back into Leo, we will have the strength and energy to take effective action.

Ritual

On this Full Moon, take some time to connect in with the sensations of your body, through movement, by taking a bath, getting a massage if it’s accessible, or doing some restorative yoga. Connect with your breath, and quiet your mind. It’s funny how we sometimes try to think our way to clarity, but it is in the moments when we can truly quiet our mind that what is true becomes the most apparent.

As Leo is a fire sign, incorporate some fire into your ritual. Light a candle, invite in assistance from guides that are for your highest and best, and set an intention - it could be as simple as “help me to find clarity around my desires” or “help me to tap into joy.”

You can get even fancier with your ritual if you want, and incorporate stones and plants ruled by Leo. Citrine or any yellow stones work great, and plant allies to work with include Rosemary, St. John’s Wort, Rose, Hawthorn, Calendula, Sunflower, Lemon - use your intuition and use any herbs that are especially connected to the heart, or are yellow in color. You can bathe with these plants, make a tea, create an offering on your alter, engage with medicinal forms like flower essences and tinctures… get creative, and trust what feels right for you.

Be well, sending you big Full Moon Blessings!