The astrology of the Leo Full Moon
9 February 2020 – 2.33am New York, 8.33am London, 5.33pm Brisbane
I came across a story last year about Simone Biles, the 22 yo US gymnast who has won 5 world titles and made the record books for the most medals won by a gymnast ever. Critics had been calling her cocky for celebrating her successes, and saying she boasts too much. As she was quoted saying to USA Today “It’s not out of cockiness. I’ve won five world titles and if I say, ‘I’m the best gymnast there is,’ [the reaction is] ‘Oh, she’s cocky. Look at her now.’ No, the facts are literally on the paper. I think it’s important to teach [young girls] that.”
We hear it over and over again in our society, either out loud or in unconscious messaging; don’t preen, don’t rise too fast, don’t own your successes, stay humble, be modest, stay small. It reminds me of Tall Poppy Syndrome (TPS), called just that because a field of poppies are meant to grow together at the same height, and if one grows higher then it’s cut down. TPS is a problem here in Australia, especially among women. It’s been a struggle for many of our celebrities, such as Kylie Minogue, Rebel Wilson and Naomi Watts, but it’s not only celebrities who struggle with it. From social media to office politics, we are told to stand in the shade, not shine our light, stay the same as everyone else.
And yet, we are not all the same, that is the beauty of the human. Each of us is unique, our own little imprint of the divine on us, both in our imperfections and perfections. And this is what Leo celebrates – that magic ingredient in our individuality, the awe that flows through us when we realise that no human on earth has ever been or will be who we are. The Sun shines on all, no matter if a small flower or a huge tree, it doesn’t care. So this Leo Full Moon is a chance to celebrate that, to step out into the light.
The New Moon in Aquarius had us look to the bigger picture, and see what the possibility is for the future, for the collective and the human race. This Leo Full Moon reigns that picture in, brings it back to the personal, and reminds us that the collective wouldn’t exist without each individual and their unique gifts. Look at recent achievements and successes, and if you haven’t already then use this New Moon to celebrate them. We can walk forwards too quickly past what we create, not taking the time to marvel at what is possible.
Or just can celebrate you who are, that walking, talking, dancing, breathing living embodiment of that special moment in time you were born into. Each of us has been granted the gift of life, and if we hide away then how can we fully experience it? Or, as the rest of the Marianne Williamson quote puts it so beautifully:
“We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You’re playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
So if self-confidence isn’t your forte, or you are feeling you could do more to shine your light, here are some tips to try:
- spending time with your face in the sun and feet on the ground. Sunlight is the easiest and simplest way to connect to this Leo Solar principle that offers confidence and bolsters energy
- take the time to sit down and make a list of all the skills you have, attributes you like about yourself, resources you can draw on. Start with 5, but do more if you can, once you get started it’s easier than you think.
- catch comparative thinking and the inner critic when they start up and question those inner voices. If needed, show them the list above.
- this is a time to follow your passion. What do you love to do? What makes your soul flare? It could be a creative project, hanging out with friends, dancing on your own in your living room. Make time for it, you’ll be amazed at the fuel you can get from this.
To finish, here is what Simone Biles did to bolster her confidence and silence her critics. She wore a goat leotard to a training session, with GOAT standing for Greatest Of All Time. What are you the Greatest Of All Time at being? YOURSELF!
