It’s snowing boatloads from the thick grey cloud covered sky and I not even sure daylight came today. As I sit here writing a piece on the first signs of spring’s return and tomorrow’s fiery warm full moon in Leo, I want to cry for the sight of the snow and the tales of wind, sleet and black ice that await me if I dare to exit my building. Welcome to NYC in February.
I haven’t left the house in days.
Today is Imbolc (meaning ‘in the belly’), a cross quarter day that marks the moment in-between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox. Today we are supposed to light a candle in every room of the house in honor of the Goddess Brigit or perhaps to simply coax the sun’s warmth our way and convince the lengthening of the days to stay. Today we remember the symbolic seeds (and eat some of the real ones) of intention that we planted at the Winter Solstice and see how they are growing (in the belly). Today we remember the ancient art of weather divination and our connection with the animal kingdom via the groundhogs that dare give it to us. Today we remember Tu Bishvat*, the Jewish new year for the trees. This is another ancient festival marking our connection to the earth and its riches, celebrating the awakening blooms on the branches, a sure sign of springs return.
Today I’ll remember the sun, like a lover whose gone out of cell phone range, trusting that they will text me again and tell me of their whereabouts and when they will come back to me. Today I will remember that soon enough the season will change (please, goddess, please!) and I’ll complain about missing the introspective, quiet time that this season supplies in spades. The dead of winter sometimes demands that we rely on our imagination for signs of new life rather than seeing the evidence of spring.
Or that we buy tickets for the first flight south.
This month’s full moon in Leo is sure to do this much and more as it boasts such glowing solar goodness themes. On February 3rd at 6:09 PM EST the full moon blazes a trail of triumph. Rolling in the deep with the Cosmic Couple, Queen Juno and King Jupiter, this luminary lets out a majestic meow sure to awaken even the slumbering sloths of winter.
Leo brings heart medicine, features what is fun and feels that putting self-expression first in importance is self evident. Leo can err on the side of self-indulgent, sure. Leo has been guilty of finding pleasure in Divadom, yes. Leo passionately pleas for pleasure. But, why not?? Leo needs to prove itself worthy of heroine status by demonstrating its strength, its regal nature and its formidable courage. Leo may play pussy cat, but its swat is full on lioness and not to be messed with.
Jupiter’s involvement with the full moon in this fire sign signifies a blessing, a boon and a bigness. Jupiter expands whatever it touches and lends opportunity to whatever part of our chart it transits through (check this week’s horoscopes to find out where your fortune is unfolding). Jupiter inspires epic visions, reminding us of the great expanse that is our soul. Jupiter in Leo is mega wattage, teaching us that the true benefit of having a personality is that it can function as the container needed if we are to deepen our experience of divinity. But Jupiter in Leo can also teeter on the brink of aggressive self-aggrandizing, like an episode of Egos Gone Wild on the jumbotron. But Jupiter in Leo has heat enough to melt the ice off of any frozen city’s face or any frozen heart.
Juno’s presence besides this month’s moon signifies our need and ability to work with the balancing act of commitment. It’s no fun if our partners walk all over us and run into the arms of others at our peril. Juno begs us to heal from betrayals when said commitments are not adhered to otherwise the future finds us twisted in the jaws of jealousy. Juno invites us to search for the possibility of justly joining forces with others. Juno speaks to our ability to choose wise commitments and to benefit from them.
As the Goddess of marriage and protectress of women Juno was thought to represent the spirit of each woman and each was thought to have there own Juno. Like our own personal guide, Juno can function as a commitment consultant no matter your gender identity. “Should I agree to this business or romantic relationship?” we can ask. “Is this the right project to commit myself to?” we can inquire. “Can I be faithful to myself in this marriage?”
The full moon is also in a (loose) grand trine with stable Saturn in Sagittarius and exciting Uranus in Aries (both fire signs). Look for innovative ways to structure partnerships that allow you (and everyone else involved) to shine. Look for all the ways in which you can responsibly expand your reach professionally and personally. Invite situations that allow you to demonstrate your courage while maintaining your compassion.
Remember that we are still in Mercury retrograde territory which if we let it will help to bring new understanding to what we are communicating, both internally and externally. The collection of planets currently in Pisces (Venus, Mars, Neptune and Chiron) lend good cooling dips in the midst of this revved up fire fete. After the brawl we all need healing waters to soothe the wounds.
The light of this full moon is yours to see by and what you see is yours to witness. Take note of your growth if the trees have yet to bare theirs. Remember the light of your soul if the sun is still being held hostage by winter’s gloom. Acknowledge the steps you have taken since your intention setting at the Winter Solstice and encourage the commitments that you made and the growth they can provide.
Check you ego but also let yourself roar. Hearing ourselves is surely the most powerfully healing potion around.
Blessings!
xoc
*Tu Bishvat starts at sundown Tuesday, February 3rd, ending at sundown on Wednesday, February 4th.
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