The Full Moon takes place at 7.33am GMT on February 9th at 20 degrees 00′ Leo.
Luna is trine Mars in Sagittarius and quincunx Neptune in Pisces.
Moon trine Mars, indicates that children, family, home – where and how we feel safe and secure (Moon) may be in the spotlight, along with a driving force (Mars) to pursue protecting and nurturing them. This may stem from sensing vulnerabilities or enhanced empathy and compassion for others and a wish to be of service (Neptune).
The Sun and Moon are both square Vesta (the inner fire and spiritual focus) at 17 degrees Taurus making a T-Square, and are sextile/trine Juno (committed relationships) at 21 degrees Libra.
The Full Moon could inspire passion and courage, uniting or teaming up with others in mutually supportive relationships to achieve something worthy and honourable, that holds the promise of making available increased peace and contentment in the future.
This powerful lunation is another stepping stone on the path leading to the future – the Jupiter-Saturn conjunction in Aquarius on Winter Solstice 2020. In Aquarius the “Great Conjunction” will bring about changes in collective ideas – see a shift away from materialism – towards humanitarianism, group efforts and equality, along with endeavours that instigate hope and optimism for the future.
Full Moon Meaning
The Sun is exactly opposite the Moon – Luna is at her brightest, her energy and force are at maximum power.
A Full Moon shows whatever seeds were planted at the New Moon maturing and becoming ripe, being illuminated so that we can clearly see and understand our course of action and its result. The harvest could be abundant, bountiful or be deficient not quite what we hoped for. With the Moon at her peak our emotions and instincts can be increased, the veil between the seen and unseen is also at its thinnest.
From here the Moon begins to diminish, so it is not an ideal time to start anything new. It is more a time to reflect – and depending on the results of our harvest, either keep and reinforce the beneficial or release and let go of anything that is not working or become dysfunctional.
Aspects
The Sun rules Leo, making the Sun dispositor of the Full Moon. The Moon is trine, and the Sun sextile Mars in Sagittarius – both are applying aspects. Whatever change was whipped up and put in motion by the New Moon in Aquarius on January 24th is likely to be rousing or pushing us to take action (Mars).
Mars is also the ruler of the third decan of Leo, where the Moon is placed. A fire trine between the Moon and Mars suggests passionate emotions (Moon in Leo) are going to flow into spontaneously and optimistically putting effort (Mars in Sagittarius) into something. Perhaps involving themes of creativity, freedom, equality, or a need to unite with others for a shared ideal (Sun in Aquarius).
There could be enthusiasm and motivation to pursue a vision or achieve a goal. It might be a challenge, tough at times, it may also give rise to a spirit of sacrifice but simultaneously feeling that the end result merits it.
Equally some may simply use the energy to be aggressive and arrogant, determined to selfishly bend others to fall in line with their plans. Stay in tune with, and don’t deviate from your inner guidance.
Fixed Stars ~ Merak & Ras Elased Australis (Algenubi)
Merak is located in the Ursa Major Constellation, in the loin or flank of the Great Bear.
“Merak has a Mars nature and is of importance in a natal chart, if the sign of Leo is tenanted and other configurations give a clue to love of command and domination. This star is credited with increasing the power to get on in life and this is especially so if in conjunction with the Sun, Mars or Pluto.” ~ Fixed Stars and their Interpretation, by Elsbeth Ebertin
Algenubi is located in the constellation Leo the Lion, in the head or mouth of the Lion.
“Of the nature of Saturn and Mars, and has been called “He who rends.” It gives a bold, bombastic, cruel, heartless, brutish and destructive nature, but artistic appreciation and power of expression” ~ Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, by Vivian E. Robson
Moon conjunct Algenubi Natives ~ Mahatma Gandhi, Eva Peron, George Michael
fixed star ~ castra
The Sun rules Leo, bringing an emphasis to the Sun as dispositor of the Moon. The Sun in Aquarius is on fixed star Castra in the constellation Capricornus.
“The star Castra is of beneficial influence, although some modern astrologers such as Robson mistake this star as being in the belly (of the goat) and thereby gave it a malevolent nature (this star, is positioned in the fish-tail of the goat, Robson has incorrectly said it is on the belly). ~ Fixed Stars and Judicial Astrology, by George Noonan
Sun conjunct Castra Natives ~ Evangeline Adams, Richard Idemon, John Grisham
vesta ~ Olympian ruler of Capricorn
The primary final dispositor at this Full Moon – for all the planets except Mercury and Neptune in Pisces – is Saturn in his home sign of Capricorn. But, if traditional rulerships are followed, Pisces is ruled by Jupiter, meaning Mercury also comes under Saturn’s influence. What is fascinating given the Sun and Moon are both square Vesta – is that Vesta was the Olympian ruler of Capricorn.
“In her shrine Vesta tends your fires, Capricorn: and from her you derive your skills and callings. For whatever needs needs fire to function and demands a renewal of flame for its work must be counted as of your domain. To pry for hidden metals, to smelt out riches deposited in the veins of the earth, to fold sure-handed the malleable mass – these skills will come from you, as will aught which is fashioned of silver or gold. That hot furnaces melt iron and bronze, and ovens give to the wheat its final form, will come as gifts from you. ……… the first half of the sign is a slave of Venus, and that with guilt involved, but a more virtuous old age is promised by the conjoined fish below ~ Astronomica, Manilius, 1st century AD
There is perhaps an influence of material matters being infused with spiritual insight, taking a stance on issues that may be arduous to begin with, but with a focus and ultimate aim that eventually it will be of value, and prove beneficial for all.
TAROT ~ 7 of WANDS
The Full Moon takes places in the 3rd decan of Leo, ruled by Mars.
Leo Decan III ~ “In the third face ascendeth a young man in whose hand is a whip, and a man very sad, and of an ill aspect; they signifie love and society, and the loss of ones right for avoiding strife.” ~ Three Books of Occult Philosophy, Agrippa
Leo is the Strength card in the tarot, and relates to harnessing inner strength and courage to overcome fears and doubts, to ultimately have self-control. Spiritual knowledge is hinted at by the lemniscate on this card. Agrippa’s image of this decan describes this potent inner (spiritual) force inside that can be ignited and drive the need to stand up something bigger than the individual self – principles or ideals – despite any outer vulnerabilities or personal wishes to avoid confrontation. Mars is the warrior – assertive and brave – and determined to defend or fight for something whenever the necessity arises.
Book T calls this card “Valour”
The Rider Waite Smith card depicts a man brandishing a wand, he is on the higher ground, the remaining 6 wands are directed at him. The man looks ready for battle, confident in his ability to hold his ground. However the man is wearing two different shoes suggesting the confrontation was unexpected – he was not anticipating having to defend himself. The sky is blue, showing his intentions stem from clarity of thought, and belief in the value and integrity of his actions.
“My determination to face future challenges, whether they come from within or without, has earned me my key phrase: having the courage of my convictions.” ~ Spiritual Tarot by Echols, Mueller and Thomson, page 217
Overall
This Full Moon is about taking on (perhaps whether we are ready or not) new roles or responsibilities, that lead to growth. An influence that may engage a higher perspective on material circumstances, that helps release individual fears and evolve a deeper understanding of our duties and obligations to each other – and in doing so feasibly improve our relationships and ability to work with others.
Top Image by Tobias Adam on Unsplash
7 of Wands from The Aquatic Tarot