Lunar Eclipse in Leo -February 10th- 4:34 PST

     Not only will it be Full Moon tonight, but as the Moon is rising in the Eastern Sky at 5:38 PM on the West Coast, it will be eclipsed.  Often Lunar Eclipses will make the Moon appear reddish in color, but this evening it will be a penumbral eclipse casting just a grey shadow.   The red is actually cast from the Earth’s atmosphere but it will not cross that zone this evening, as it would under a total Eclipse.  Eclipses signify changes in our outer world that can be unexpected or not anticipated.  As when the Moon is red or shadowed or obscured, that is different from the norm and our individual reflect this energy.  As above, so below.
     With the Eclipse in Leo, we are called upon to consider the archetypes of the Performer, the Lover, the Artist, and the Child.  All of these images reflect a quality of self-expression that is inherent in this symbol.  Leo is the first sign in the zodiac order that requires reflection from another to do its job. The previous four signs are involved in the development of the self, and now we transition to relating.  Leo, ruled by the Sun, shines brightly its talents, gifts, and creativity out to the world.  When it does this, it loves to see the affect.   Is the audience applauding? Do they have smiles on their faces?
     We all have ways that we express ourselves as individuals.  Children who have not been tainted by criticism or self-judgement play joyously and freely, demonstrating Leo in its highest expression.  If there is no acknowledgement or crowd to applaud the creation, or the offering is received with rejection, we may see the shadow side of Leo.  Leo can turn to narcissism becoming fixated with itself, and as it does not receive the attention it desires, it becomes difficult and overbearing, acting out to getting attention whether positive or negative. In this overwhelming craving for acknowledgement, Leo can lose empathy for others, as it tries to bolster its own lack of self-esteem.  We may correlate a certain public figure that seems to be acting in this manner.
      For all of us, the opportunity is to look within ourselves and if we have been willing and open to showing our creative impulses to the world.  Do we feel free to express ourselves?  When we show our talents, is there a hitch or an expectation we are attached to?  Do we have our own belief in ourselves, our own level of self-confidence that wants to share our joy with the world?  Have we forgotten how to play like children and embrace the spontaneous flow of life?  Do we remember that we are pure love?
     As with all Full Moon Eclipses, the Sun is directly opposite.  With an Aquarius Sun, the message is embrace and be open to being oneself, without the desire to be applauded.  To move past the admiration of others and allow for the richest, strangest, different part of yourself to have a seat at the table.  As a human race, we grow and evolve through taking on new perspectives, challenging the ‘supposed to’ and the ‘should’ type of thinking.  When we have of vision that may seem impossible, and we hold true to our insight, we can embark on unbelievable discoveries.  How can you choose to let go of what you think is not possible, and turn towards the genius inside you? 
   As we meet the Sun and Moon at 22 degrees, we also have other Planets in this degree zone.  Uranus, Ruler of Aquarius, is in Aries at 21 degrees.  Saturn is at 25 degrees Sagittarius and Jupiter is at 23 degrees of Libra.  A fire triangle is formed between Uranus, Saturn, and the Moon.  This lights the flames of passion and impulse, asking us to have courage in what we stand for and EXPRESS it.  Like Madonna sings “You got to express yourself!”  “You know, you know, you’ve got to make him express how he feels and maybe then you’ll know your love is real.”  With Jupiter in the mix, it is wanting us try to be eloquent or considerate of others in our zest for expression, striving towards a balanced, peaceful outcome.   
Now go light your fire and offer it up to all of us!
XO,  Jen
If you would like to explore your individual astrology chart more deeply, please contact me for a reading at www.crescentmoonastrology.com. 

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