Eclipses come in pairs, with the solar eclipse followed by a lunar eclipse, and this Full Moon in Leo is the lunar eclipse of this set opposing another huge stellium in Aquarius. We are being reminded once more of the necessity of looking beyond our immediate circle of family and friends to consider the needs of the many and how we as individuals are connected to humanity as a whole.

At the Full Moon, the Sun is part of a waxing conjunction with both Chiron and Neptune in Aquarius, illuminating the possibility of healing the wounds of alienation created by emphasizing differences rather than commonalities. Neptune and Chiron both promote healing through acceptance and understanding and the necessity of treating ourselves and others with compassion and kindness. We have the choice of opening our hearts and minds to an inclusive vision of humanity, and if we do so, we can add our bit to making our little corner of the world a better place to live.

Jupiter brings his ability to magnify and expand to a conjunction with the North Node in Aquarius, turning up the volume on the North Node’s message to come together and celebrate the paradox of the uniqueness of each individual within the group consciousness of humanity. Is it possible the seeds are being laid at this time for the expansion of a growing collective supporting a genuinely humanitarian effort worldwide? Are there finally enough of us out here who are beyond weary with the greed and corruption around us to stand up for real change?

Pluto, planet of obsession and transformation, sees Venus in Aries moving away from the first of three exact squares. Venus is not at her best in Aries, a sign ruled by Mars, and the square with Pluto is not going to bring out her better nature, either. There may be opportunities to learn about the downside of overdoing narcissistic behaviors, such as all those apologies needed to your friends and family for toes stepped on in the single-minded pursuit of pleasures.

Mars, newly arrived in Aquarius, forms a waxing sextile with Venus in Aries (exact on February 18) to help get us in the mood for Valentine’s Day. Mars is much quicker to fly off the handle in Uranus-ruled Aquarius than in earthy Capricorn, so if you have planets and angles in the early fixed signs, be prepared for sudden bursts of temper or unexpected events.

There is a curious pattern formed by the Sun opposite Moon and Saturn opposing Uranus, with the Sun semi-sextile Uranus and Moon semi-sextile Saturn. This is an uncomfortable mix of air and fire with water and earth (Aquarius, Leo, Pisces, Virgo), creating the type of stress that encourages movement to relieve it. On one side of this rectangle, we have Aquarius urging us to look at the big picture with Uranus in Pisces pushing for compassionate change, while on the other side, Saturn in Virgo is for maintaining the status quo with the Moon in Leo saying go for the creative option. All of these planets are at 20 degrees, and for all who have planets or angles at this degree, this pattern will be a wake-up call! Keep in mind this is a lunar eclipse, funneling more power than the usual Full Moon down to Earth.

The Sabian symbols for the Sun and Moon reflect the discomfort of this awkward rectangle, offering insights into how to best respond.

For the Sun, the symbol for 21 Aquarius is “a woman disappointed and disillusioned, courageously facing a seemingly empty life,” with the keyword RESILIENCE. We can choose to see loss and disappointment as a teacher, recognizing our limitations but doing so with a sense of purpose and hope – or we can wallow in self pity. The edgy atmosphere surrounding this Full Moon supports taking a more active role in finding our path forward.

The symbol for the Moon at 21 Leo is “intoxicated chickens dizzily flap their wings trying to fly,” with the keyword ACCENTUATION. New ideas can be intoxicating, and we can attempt to do too much too soon, setting ourselves up for failure when we sober up. Saturn in Virgo may be a bit of a fuddy duddy, but a solid foundation built to healthy specifications is integral to lasting, positive change.

Between the need to resolve the dissonance in the sky and Mars sextile Venus in air and fire, the potential to get ahead of ourselves is great. A better course of action may be to slow down and really study your options now to avoid setting up situations for regret later.  A little kindness and courtesy can come in handy, too.

posted by Neith . . .

**Please read Pat’s weekly forecast for this week, February 2, too. With the dynamics in the sky right now, additional perspective can only help.