February - Full Moon
It will be a full moon on Sunday, February 1 at 2:09 p.m. PST. It is called the “snow moon” and this year it coincides with the Celtic tradition of Imbolc, or Candlemas in the Christian tradition. This means that we are halfway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox.
The full moon will take place in the constellation of Cancer (sidereal astrology), more specifically the constellation of Hydra (water snake). It is called Ashlesha in Vedic astrology, ruled by the Nagas (snakes). It will be a full moon of strong emotional intensity, especially with all these planets in opposition: Sun, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Pluto.
The qualities of Ashlesha are strong intuition, a desire to acquire wisdom and self-knowledge, and the ability to feel the movement of energy in the physical and subtle body. It is a good full moon for practicing yoga, breathing, working with kundalini, and tantric sexuality. It is also an excellent full moon for healing, both physical and psychological.
Like a snake coiling around its prey, the energy of this nakshatra can bring strong emotional attachments, a desire for power and manipulation. It is time to detach and let go of toxic relationships or situations. Like a snake carrying venom that can heal or kill, we must be careful with our words during this full moon, as they will be more creative and powerful. Like the snake that sheds its skin, the time has come to let go of our old selves and renew ourselves.
Between now and the new moon on February 17, which will also be a solar eclipse, most of the planets (Sun, Mercury, Venus) will gradually transit into Aquarius, and with Uranus turning direct again, this should lighten the energy, bring us new ideals, and make us more sociable and helpful. We may already be feeling the eclipse in the form of fatigue and feverishness. These planets will meet Rahu, the north node, a planet of change that can sometimes bring the unexpected and take us out of our comfort zone! Happy full moon, everyone!
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