Passion in a cold climate. That’s the name of the game with the full moon in Leo in the middle of a cold sun in Aquarius. It’s the sense of pride of the individual against the backdrop of group dynamics. It’s the determination to keep going without expecting anything in return but being generous to offer our skills and talents to something greater than ourselves. We are communicating at our best. And we are fighting for what we want. The Full Moon in Leo is taking place on 16 February, of 27 degrees and 59 minutes, and at 16:56 GMT. The Sun is in Aquarius, and all planets are direct. Expect speed and drama. We have a rare conjunction between Mars and Venus in Capricorn about to happen, and it will continue while they are on their way to pass over Pluto. With a recently direct Mercury too, who has just been over the same degrees that Mars and Venus are about to travel we are transforming our communication and thinking patters. Within the next couple of weeks the energy will shift from an earthy Capricorn to an airy Aquarius. Time is ticking and the situation is serious. Saturn is strong in his masculine domicile of Aquarius, and so is Jupiter in his feminine domain in Pisces. Things are pretty complicated as passions are transformative in the subterranean realm, raising up from beneath only to be amplified by external forces. It’s war and peace. Venus is fortified by Mars as she’s trying to harmonise, and Mars is unyielding in his quest for aggression, crowned by the beauty of noble valour. But they will have to go through Capricornian restrictions and limitations to get out the other side more disciplined and more mature. Mercury is already negotiating the interrelations of individuals to groups. His double nature is strengthened by the fixity of Aquarian cerebral powers and guided by a cold and ambitious male modality. All energy is reflective from a Leo raw self driven and fast moving moon.

Conflict is indeed at the heart of the energies prevailing at the moment, with passion and strength of conviction. The 7 of Wands are ready for battle, which looks imminent. It alludes to massive gains that are at the forefront of the event as portrayed by the mysterious cornucopia at the very front of the picture. This is a most peculiar interpretation of the 7 of Wands in Tarot, and certainly a most creative one. Because it looks at the essence of fight. Not just in its material form of physical engagement. Not just in its chemical manifestation in the element of fire. And not even in its philosophical interpretation as the will to power. We have a group of people forming unity through individuality sitting at the centre of the spread with all of the above. There’s a sense of calm and serenity, which tells of premeditation. Everything must be planned in advance. There is purpose and there is reward to be had which looks pretty generous. The time has come and we are ready for action. But everything is still static. So we are in effect confronted with a fight for what we want, what we value, what we deserve, and what we believe in rightfully ours. It’s holding on to our pride outside what others think or expect of us, and, yet, we need the group support to get through.

We are backed up by the 6 of Swords. A card that symbolises hard work and determination to reach a better outcome despite hardship. Rational thinking has already began, and is lining up all that is at stake and that can be gained. We have to act in groups, while looking ahead to a better future. Our capacity to achieve success is dependent upon what each individual can bring to the table, and what offers, as much as compromises, can be made towards the ultimate goal. We have embarked on a journey in turbulent waters and we need to bring others with us to reach safety. However, bearing in mind that traditionally the 6 of Swords tells of movement and loss, this card illustrates all that is at stake. We better be prepared for sacrifices (just in case), but it tells us that eventually we’ll get through the challenges. Something will be left behind, and we are not relishing the fact. None of the cards, despite the promise of momentum and forward drive, speak of jolly events or happy reunions. It’s more a case of there’s strength in numbers, better be with us than without, personal strength will be ultimately better employed in the service of others than narrow self interest. Times are tough. Feelings of anxiety and fear will be overcome by focusing on the goal ahead of us and keeping at it.

With the High Priestess we are told that nothing has been conclusively decided as yet regarding our concerns. Despite all the rational and material output that planets, in earthy Capricorn, and airy Aquarius, can provide us with, the mystery and drama of the decision making is the real dominant force. And it is all prevailing. It might be the case that Jupiter and Neptune in Pisces are determined not to make it easy on us by adding extra confusion and overwhelm. While the different parts of the puzzle are coming together, there is still room for study, for research, for reevaluating the situation, and for even more thinking, feeling and planning. The High Priestess is not easy to decipher as she is looking back at all the knowledge we have accumulated, the resources we have gathered (material and spiritual), and our discernment of them. Things are still hidden from us, though full moons are that sort of clarity we long for, in that particular part of our chart, which only comes once a year. We are not finished yet in that part of our chart, as more full moons are ahead at about that same 27 degree to build a more complete picture. So we have to take in the information and knowledge that has been revealed with this full moon. Take the passion of the Leo energy with us and carry it through as things will continue to unravel. The High Priestess manifests the unconscious which is illuminated with the full moon. She shows us what’s hidden in the dark. She represents moon energy herself, and we are going to have to, ultimately, rely on our deepest emotions and intuitions to find the answers we are looking for. She is our unlimited potential. While the 6 of Swords and the 7 of Wands are about events in the three-dimensional world, and descriptive of actual situations in our everyday life, the High Priestess turns our attention to look for signs and symbols that are extraordinary.

Somewhere in our immediate environment there are elements out of the ordinary that hold the key to the riddle we are struggling with. Because the answer is already there, if we use our inner strength to resolve matters. Let us not give in to anxiety and fear, but let us keep going with determination. Sometimes we can attract what we want and harmonise without taking action. A counter-intuitive idea and contrary to the rest of the reading. But it might be what is needed after all. That’s what the Leo full moon is here for. To help us tap into the mysteries and magic of the power of the heart. If you don’t love it bin it. If you love it believe it and fight for it.

Flavia