Leo Full Moon Lunar Eclipse: The Gift You Are
Photo by Levi Saunders via Unsplash
January 21, 2019: Leo Full Moon (Lunar Eclipse)
This Leo Full Moon is actually a Lunar Eclipse. It is the second Eclipse this month, with the Capricorn Solar Eclipse occurring on January 5. This Lunar Eclipse is the last in a series of Eclipses across the Leo-Aquarius axis which began in 2017. The next Eclipses across these signs begins again in 2026. (The next Eclipses—which occur in Cancer and Capricorn—occur in July.)
Remember that even if we can’t see an Eclipse in the sky, these celestial events are potent harbingers of illumination in our lives. Eclipses are often associated with the unfolding of life-shifting events and/or awareness. Additionally, around the time of a Lunar Eclipse things may seem as if they are coming to fruition as we may be sensing that we are experiencing the outcome of steps previously taken.
During this current lunation, with the Sun in Aquarius and the Moon in Leo, issues involving individuals and their relationship to the collective assume center stage. One of the questions that the Leo Full Moon may pose is how we can authentically be ourselves while at the same time being part of and contributing to something larger than our individual selves.
We may find ourselves trying to strike the delicate balance between not sacrificing our unique creativity for the collective while also not letting our pride get in the way of being a team player for a group whose mission is dear to our heart. Honoring both may seem challenging, and yet with adjustments it may be possible, with the payoff for doing so really worth the effort.
If you are involved in any groups or associations, you may perceive a heightened sense of tension as the organization strives to accommodate the needs of its members along with its own overarching identity and goals. Yet, if outstanding issues are worked upon, there can be great breakthroughs in group dynamics and team building.
An important strategy for attaining and maintaining group alignment during this time can be to infuse activities with a sense of Leonine playfulness and fun. Levity can help to release rigidity and enhance a sense of coalescence. It can also catalyze a creative process of thinking that can inventively spark the clarity needed to identify the group’s shared vision and the path that can be forged to bring it into manifestation.
Given that this Eclipse falls at the primary degree of fixed signs (Leo and Aquarius), it’s quite interesting because that has it connected to the striking pathways of three other planets this past year: these include Uranus as well as Mars and Venus during their retrograde cycles, all of which traveled back and forth over this part of the zodiac (Uranus over this point in Taurus, Mars over this point in Aquarius—where the Sun will be for this Eclipse—and Venus over this point in Scorpio).
As such, this Eclipse feels connected to these other astro events with this Eclipse seeming like it will bring to light issues that began to take center stage for us since May. Given the tie-in to the Mars and Venus Retrogrades, these issues may be those that had been sources of frustration for us (at least for a while) last year, realms in which we had wanted to make progress but felt that we had to move slowly (or perhaps for a while, not move at all). It may have been the arena of life in which we were re-evaluating the best way to use our resources and the best ways to strategically move forward (that is, unless this period was one in which we realized that, in fact, we didn’t want to move forward anymore with goals that we previously connected with).
Given the Uranus tie-in, these realms of life may have been places in which we experienced surprise, places where we found ourselves stretched and pulled to express ourselves in ways that we may not have been used to. The last half of 2018 seemed to be filled with a lot of pause, the need to turn to the past to retrace steps previously taken, and the courage to finally move ahead—when the timing seemed to finally allow—with innovative and unique approaches.
It may be this area of life that seems to be quite highlighted now with this Lunar Eclipse. We may find ourselves seeing the further initiation of outcomes related to our previous actions and reflections. In this, we may begin to feel the manifest treasures, or, alternatively, we could also be seeing outcomes that have us take a step back, realizing that we need to pull back again and course correct as we don’t necessarily feel enlightened by what has comes to light.
Given that Uranus will go back across this early fixed degree swathe of the zodiac in March when it firmly sets foot in Taurus, whatever is coming to light right now may still have space for redefinition. Uranus reminds us to keep a light grip on things, and that further evolution may be waiting in the wings. So, see what is arising for you now, and then see how you may want to further make shifts and changes that can assist in your continued ability to establish joy and treasure in your life.
Also, remember this: Eclipses aren’t one day phenomenon. You may feel that things seem amplified weeks before and weeks after. Yet, remember that if you feel that sea changes are occurring and you’re just not quite clear what direction they are leading you to, that’s ok. After all, things are eclipsed, obscured now. Likely as the weeks after the Eclipse/s unfold, things may become even more clear.
This Full Moon falls at 1 degrees of Aquarius (Sun) and Leo (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon Eclipse, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Aquarius, Leo, or the other fixed signs—Taurus and Scorpio—it may impact you more intensely.
Leo Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions
Aquarius is associated with the calves, ankles, peripheral circulatory system, and the body’s bionergetics while Leo is associated with the heart, spine, and hair. Pay extra attention to these areas of the body around the time of this Full Moon.
Mineral bath: While not a water sign per se, Aquarius is symbolized by the Water Bearer, a figure that delivers the offering of this aquatic elixir–a symbol of illuminated wisdom–in service of humanity. During this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse, why not offer yourself a healing service by taking a relaxing hot bath. Adding mineral salts—such as Epsom salts—to the water can enhance your body’s bioenergetic field while including essential oils into your bathing ritual can add a fragrant therapeutic to this nurturing experience. Use your favorite scent or consider ones such as Leo-associated neroli and lemon, especially good for circulation, a wellness focus of this Full Moon. (Rather than putting a few drops of oil directly into the bath, mix it first with some of the mineral salts as this helps enhance the oil’s dispersion in the bath water.)
Quaking Grass flower essence: Quaking Grass is a wonderful remedy to help inspire harmonious group dynamics. It helps individuals maintain a sense of balanced self when in a collective and yet see themselves as a part of something much larger than just themselves. While the essence can be taken by an individual, it can also be used it as a room spray (mix a few drops into a water-filled mister bottle) as a way to foster a more productive, as well as heartfelt, group process. (Flower essences are made from flower-infused water and work energetically to restore emotional and mental balance. You can find them in natural food stores or holistic pharmacies.)
* The Full Moon Lunar Eclipse is exact at 12:16 am