Full Moon in Leo —
Strut your stuff for humanity!
The first full moon of 2016 happens on Saturday, January 23rd, at 7:46 p.m., CT (January 24th at 1:45 a.m., UT), when the Sun in Aquarius opposes the moon in Leo at 3 degrees. This moon asks us to balance the needs of the one with the needs of the many. As fixed signs, both Leo and Aquarius have strong, stubborn egos and opinions. Where bold Leo is often focused on making a statement that brings attention to the self, Aquarius is more interested in making headlines with activities involving group energy or helping to improve society in some way. There could be some battles over ideology at this full moon.
The regal lioness is all about having fun, and being creative as she dramatically expresses her soul on the stage of life. Intuitive Aquarius uses his genius to champion the underdog and suggest innovative ways of changing stale processes to better serve the masses. This full moon asks us to consider the following: How are we using our creativity and unique talents to make a difference in society? How can we express ourselves and have fun in the process while serving the greater good? Now is the time to “strut our stuff” for humanity. We must fight the narcissistic pattern of the “ME” generation and develop a “WE” mentality, as we fulfill our unique destiny in the world.
Venus moving into Capricorn at 0 degrees, will have a cold influence on this moon. Loving Venus is not comfortable in the reserved sign of the goat. We may isolate ourselves, or have difficulty showing our feelings to others, preferring a more formal interaction. We may also be more discriminating in our choice of friends and lovers. Alternately, we may choose to make a serious commitment to a proven relationship. Venus in Capricorn suggests we may need to take a more realistic view of finances, especially when holiday bills must be paid. We may not be able to afford all the fun activities offered by this full moon.
Mars in Scorpio at 10 degrees forms a wide T-square to this full moon. The nuclear warheads are loaded and ready to launch. Be careful not to be too reactive in speech or actions at this time! Communication styles may be sharp, intense and somewhat cold. Mercury still retrograde in Capricorn and conjunct Pluto may cause misunderstandings or miscommunication. It would be good to check things out before overreacting to perceived slights. The way out of any conflict at this time is through embracing the peace and tranquility of Taurus. Let it all go and don’t “sweat the small stuff.” Escape the tension and find inner peace by communing with nature or enjoying the comforts of home.
A tight T-square involving Uranus in Aries, Mercury conjunct Pluto in Capricorn, and Lilith in Libra — still in effect since the New Moon — may bring things to a head and reveal much about what has been happening behind the scenes. Expect surprising events and revelations as the full moon brings hidden agendas to the surface. A way to avoid any emerging dilemma is to embrace the energies of Cancer — retreating to a place of safety and security as we consider solutions.
Our Saving Grace
Saturn in Sagittarius, forming a favorable aspect to Uranus in Aries and a wide Grand Trine aspect to the moon in Leo, offers some stability. Carefully planned strategies can prevent emotions or reckless energy from going overboard as we work toward our goals. Mercury will soon station direct on the 25th and move out of his shadow in early February — signaling a time for action!
Compassionate Neptune in Pisces can also help dissolve any volatile energy that has been stirred by the Lilith/Uranus/Pluto T-square and Mars in Scorpio. We must focus on the bigger picture and release our attachment to outcomes as spiritual Neptune reminds us that we are all one. It would be a good time to create inner peace by meditating and connecting with the divine within, so that we may collectively create peaceful outcomes in the external world. The ancient maxim — “As above, so below,” also reads, “As within, so without.”