Full Moon 5th February, 2023 17° Leo, 6:28pm UTC

Ultimate truth, if there be such a thing, demands the concert of many voices.” ~ Carl Jung

I love using the Sabian Symbols as a focus for the lunar cycle. The wide variety of images seems to marry extraordinarily well with the shifting cycles of the Moon as it weaves itself through the zodiac signs, fulfilling its phases of fertilisation, growth, blossoming, death and decay. Because the Sun and Moon are in opposition at the Full Moon, there are two symbols; this month, we are looking at the following pair: 

The Moon at 17° degrees of Leo: 

A VOLUNTEER CHURCH CHOIR SINGING RELIGIOUS HYMNS

A feeling of togetherness which unites men and women in their dedication to a collective ideal.

The Sun at 17° degrees of Aquarius: 

A WATCHDOG STANDS GUARD, PROTECTING HIS MASTER AND HIS POSSESSIONS

The capacity to protect oneself and to safeguard individual rights under complex social pressures.

This Full Moon in Leo symbolises the power of togetherness and its ability to unite us in our dedication to a collective ideal. Naturally driven to pursue something bigger than ourselves, we feel united by our enduring quest for meaning and the desire to bond with others in devotion to a collective ideal. In this symbol, we find the mirrored image of man’s yearning for this energy, a quest for the meeting point between humanity and the divine, to express the most profound realities of what it means to be human.

Within the two Sabian images is achieved the perfect mirroring of the polarisation occurring increasingly in society. As social beings, we crave the feelings of togetherness that collaborative practices bring and the fellowship of everyday activities in which we participate with others. At these moments of united consciousness, the feelings of humanity flow out into the world; we become renewed by our shared values and beliefs. However, it is a heady cocktail, for our vast collective power is capable of incredible feats but also has a dark, shadowy side.

In some cases, the energy we can generate may be tapped by unscrupulous individuals who seek to channel it for personal and political purposes. The symbol in the opposite degree of Aquarius is of a watchdog, protecting his master and possessions, suggesting how the individual may need protection against the growing encroachments of society, reminding us that we each have the right to lead a life free from public interference. Seen in this light, and considering Pluto’s approaching ingress into Aquarius, the increasing corporate power of the plutocracy is implicated, along with the totalitarian shadows of mass formation and large-scale organisations. Although we long for the unity and togetherness that a wholly connected society brings, we must understand that one which also glorifies competition, ambition and success at any cost becomes responsible for individual violence. In this scenario, the more creative individuals are, the greater their need for PROTECTION.

Local or small scale collaboration is becoming critical as the communities that keep us alive become eroded by the larger corporations and organisations that threaten to engulf the individual. Historically, groups of people had a common relationship purely through a geographical location or physical connection. However, increasingly, we see how communities are formed around interests, activities or political ideals, an energy which can be expressed in many ways. Global movements and multifaceted mega corporations have gained traction in a way that would never have been possible even ten years ago; while many of their expressions benefit humanity, others seem more negative and oppressive.

The images from the Picatrix for this month’s Full Moon offer a similar contrast.

In the second face of Leo ascends a man with a crown of white myrtle on his head and a bow in his hand. This is an image of beauty, of riding and of the rise of ignorant and rude men, a face of war and of unsheathed swords

In the second face of Aquarius ascends a man similar to a king who permits himself much and abhors those he sees. This is a face of beauty and position, the achievement of desires, fulfilment, detriment and weakness.

The martial images in the Picatrix, underscore the Full Moon’s separation from Mars before she perfects her opposition to Saturn. Fixed martial stars Dubhe, in the constellation of The Bear and the bull’s eye of Aldebaran, in the constellation of Taurus, also become illuminated, uniting the powerful symbolism of the Bear, the Bull and the Lion together under one lunation. With Mars and Mercury out of their retrograde phases and all the other planets direct for a few months, we can expect matters on hold over the winter to progress more freely and stalemate situations to suddenly come to life again.

It may feel important at this Full Moon to unite with those of like mind, so remember to take the opportunity to share in expressions of spiritual joy and faith. Whether speaking out on a matter close to your heart or on behalf of those who cannot, recognise the importance of your voice and remember that our unified voices need to be heard. Of no less importance is the reminder that singing and lifting one’s voice can entertain and boost people’s spirits, so take a chance with others by joining in social activities that bring the playfulness, laughter and fun of the sign of Leo to everyone concerned.

Don’t forget to visit our TIMELORDS magazine full of great articles and regular columns including Joanna’s Horary section to sharpen your agent skills. Next Issue OUT FEB 9th