Leo Full Moon: Unexpected Treasure

Nine-year-old Molly Sampson has dreamed of becoming a paleontologist for most of her life. She often hunts for fossils in Chesapeake Bay’s Calvert Cliffs, Maryland, with her father Bruce. And she’s always had one specific goal in mind: To find a tooth from a 15 million year old Megalodon shark, one of the largest predatory fish to ever live.

Last Christmas morning, the stars aligned for Molly. She’d just unwrapped the gifts she’d asked for, a pair of insulated waders and a sifting basket, and was eager to try them out. Despite the frigid 10 degree weather, she felt her ‘dream find’ calling her – and nothing could stop her from the destined rendezvous.

It was low tide and they could wade further out than usual, which allowed Molly to catch a glimpse of something. “I went closer, and I was like, ‘Oh, my, that is the biggest tooth I’ve ever seen!’” she related excitedly during an interview later. “I reached in and grabbed it, and Dad said I was shrieking.” A marine museum confirmed that the specimen came from a Megalodon, and best of all, Molly got to keep it.

We may not all be lucky enough to find a prehistoric fossil, but the upcoming Leo Full Moon (Feb. 5, 10:29 a.m. PT), offers a variety of unexpected treasures. The Aquarius Sun and Leo Moon both square Uranus at this lunation, shaking things loose and liberating us from limitations. If you embrace any twists and turns of fate, there’s likely to be a lucky outcome. As the Moon in spirited Leo faces opposite the Sun in inventive Aquarius, the stage is set for playful exploration. This is a fantastic time for getting unstuck, as fiery, youthful creativity and passion combines with airy intelligence, inclusivity and visionary powers.

The Sun and Moon also make a trine and a sextile, respectively, to Mars in Gemini – which has now moved three degrees past the point where it turned direct on Jan. 12. This is good news! The action planet is finally starting to pick up speed. And, as mentioned in my last essay, all planets are direct until Mercury turns retrograde on April 21. Hopefully you’re feeling a sense of movement, and are ready to pursue a heartfelt dream. Jupiter charging through intrepid Aries also lights a fire under us to go after what means most to us.

This Full Moon falls on the heels of Imbolc (Feb. 1-2), an ancient fire festival celebrated by Celtic peoples since Neolithic times. At this time of year folks were still coping with the icy depths of winter, yet they had faith that spring was on the way. They marked this powerful cross-quarter point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox by lighting bonfires, doing cleansing rituals and feasting in honor of Brigid, Goddess of the Holy Well and Sacred Flame. You might want to light a candle to Brigid at Imbolc, to thank her for the light, warmth and inspiration headed your way.

Adding to the momentum, Venus is now in Pisces, the sign of her exaltation (Jan. 26 – Feb. 19). Venus in the fluid sign of the fishes fosters love, beauty, mysticism and healing (especially for the water signs). In the Full Moon chart she’s square Mars in Gemini, adding some spice (and perhaps a bit of tension) to this coming weekend. Mars wants to get Venus off her comfy couch to enjoy an adventure with him, but she might resist. Despite any conflict, in the end passion will likely prevail.

We’ll be feeling the edgy but exciting Full Moon energy by Friday, Feb. 3 when the Sun squares change-agent Uranus (fixed signs are apt to be most affected). Events may happen suddenly or plans go awry. Roll with the punches, and remember that Uranus eliminates whatever no longer serves. Then, the energy reaches a peak on Sunday when the Moon squares Uranus. Take a risk and keep your heart open. Have faith, like Molly our future paleontologist did, that whatever you seek is also seeking you. No matter your age, let your childlike sense of wonder guide you. You never know what treasures you might find!