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Leo Full Moon Eclipse: Be More Leo

By Jessica Shepherd

I was in Hawaii with my husband, walking by the gift shop of our resort when I saw them: a precious group of hula dolls. My inner child went “oooh!” and I immediately texted a picture to my sister, saying “I would’ve died for one of these when we were kids!” I bought a doll for my niece, whose eyes went wide as plates and then squeezed tightly shut as she hugged her new toy, exclaiming “I love her so much.” So, so sweet.

As we explored each glorious detail of the doll’s costume, together -the little gold arm band, the purple ribbon threaded in braided hair, and one, not two (as a serious Ella Rae pointed out) ankle lei- at the grass skirt, a memory was triggered. I remembered being in a school show as a child, probably around 8 or 9. I was excited to be dressed up as a hula girl in our class’s Hawaiian performance. The girls’ skirts were made out of trash bags cut into strips and cinched at the waist, which wasn’t as bad as it sounds. But standing in line to go onstage, I noticed mine was a green color indicating a capacity for heavy duty lawn yard work, while all the other girls’ were black. I remember feeling awkward, ashamed at my difference. Onstage, my excitement continued to plummet when my classmates continually stumbled over the graceful arm movements that made the dance so lovely, which had the effect of making everyone extra shy, our words accompanying the ukele barely audible. I so enjoyed the feeling of being my little lei, my tube top and the fact that I could hula.  I wanted a star moment. Instead, I was one of the – mediocre – crowd.

It was an interesting reflection for me, today, because I’m an introvert who does not covet the spotlight. Yet my younger self was very practical about her need and desire for it. She knew she had something to offer. She took pride in in the beauty of her costume, and her skills. She was excited about sharing this. She also experienced how being one of a sea of many, in a group, can either support an individual to shine, or not, and how conformity can create alienation and shame. Subsequently, she felt aching emptiness at having been denied feeling the fullness of her self.

Leo is the Divine Child. She is the part of us who wants to step under the spotlight simply because we are excited to be there. He is the part of us who recognizes we have a contribution that perhaps only we can make, and that knowledge fills us with enthusiasm, zeal and makes us feel (rightfully) a bit special. She is our inner child who can say, with utter practicality: I enjoy this, I’m pretty good at it, I’m excited about it, so logically I need to be seen and share what I have with others.

This is the first of the Leo-Aquarius eclipse sets (the mean nodes shift from Virgo-Pisces to Leo-Aquarius on 4/28/17). The North Node will enter Leo, which is to say, it’s a good idea to practice being the best of Leo. The South Node in Aquarius speaks to leaving something Aquarian behind, perhaps having spent too long alienated from people around us, thinking we don’t belong. Often it’s a self-concept that’s expired. Like having gotten so used to being an “outsider” that we don’t realize we’ve arrived, that we are the one we’ve been seeking all along. Or maybe we’ve been wondering whether we’ve incarnated on the wrong planet at the wrong time. The fact is, you’re here, and that means you’ve got something to contribute, create and share. Likewise, if an agreed upon “norm” of mediocrity feels uncomfortable, wrong, and stymies your light, that’s a sign that it is. Gather ’round people who feel good to you.

I’ve read several astrologers focus on the potential for narcissism with this eclipse set. Given our new leader, their concern is relevant. Those who grew up with narcissistic parents see all the signs. We know the way they manipulate to get their way, how they present themselves as confident, self-consistent, clear and yet they aren’t those things at all. They have no discernible plan other than getting what they want. We understand their emotional desire for power causes them to do things (like, saying the thing no one else will) that push the boundaries of right and wrong until everyone’s compromised (if you grew up with a narcissist and your unhealed issues are re-triggered by Trump, I highly recommend this article). The entire world is now getting a crash course in this personality style. Yet while this is certainly Leo’s shadow, that’s not the astrological Leo, not really. It’s just a small percentage.

So let’s all make the decision right now to allow Trump to carry and work out that shadow for us, because most of us don’t have to worry about having style over substance, or tooting our horn too much, but it’s opposite- not celebrating our self, enough. I like an observation I heard recently that most of us could stand to be more diva-like, not in the sense of telling other people what to do or not do around me, but honoring what I truly need so that my life works for me. If, to be effective, I need to book first class airfare, or start out every single morning with a salt bath, or go to bed at 2 AM and start work at 11 AM, so be it. Few of us are primadonnas. The greater chance is our life could use some diva-tweaking.

This eclipse period (thru January 2019) offers the opportunity to make a whole new level of creative contribution to the world. If you feel mediocre people are taking up too much space onstage, regard it as a personal invitation to step forward. As Divine child of Leo we only need to own what we love, what we are good at, what we enjoy. Choose to be around people who allow you to shine, because they play a supporting role in helping you succeed. Whether you’re in an industrial green hula skirt when everyone else is wearing a black one, or you show up at  ballet school in a hotdog outfit on princess day, your panache, your differences no longer hold you back but make you beautifully unique. You have no excuse not to share your self. After all, if for the first time in our country’s history someone with absolutely no qualifications for the job can be elected president, the sky’s the limit for me and you.

 

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About Jessica Shepherd

Jessica Shepherd is a writer, astrologer and health coach who has studied and practiced modern astrology since 1992. She is the author of A Love Alchemist’s Notebook: Magical Secrets For Drawing Your True Love Into Your Life (Llewellyn, 2010) and the books Venus Signs: Discover Your Erotic Gifts and Secret Desires Through Astrology
(Llewellyn, 2015) and Karmic Dates and Momentary Mates: The Astrology of the Fifth House (Moonkissd, 2014). In 2018, after living in California for twenty years, she relocated to Honolulu, Hawaii with her husband, dog, and cat. Find out more about Jessica at Moonkissd (www.moonkissd.com).

Comments

  1. SusanMerrie says

    May 9, 2017 at 1:30 pm

    wooops! Scorpio Moon not Leo Moon…..

    Reply
  2. Danielle says

    Apr 9, 2017 at 2:54 pm

    That was beautiful and inspiring! Thank you!

    Reply
  3. Colleen Hannegan says

    Feb 8, 2017 at 8:50 pm

    I so get this. 8-16-55

    Reply
  4. Sylvia Bogart says

    Feb 8, 2017 at 7:04 pm

    Love it! Exactly what I needed to hear. Blessed Be!

    Reply
  5. Sami says

    Feb 8, 2017 at 6:32 pm

    Thank you so so much for writing this! This resonated so much. I was having a tough time everywhere in life and this article has given me encouragement.

    Reply
  6. Nancy says

    Feb 8, 2017 at 4:01 pm

    Wonderful! My diva self responded with such enthusiasm.

    Reply
  7. Tina says

    Feb 8, 2017 at 9:40 am

    Wow. I really, seriously, deeply needed your message today. My soul thanks you

    Reply
    • Jessica Shepherd says

      Feb 8, 2017 at 11:33 am

      It was my pleasure, Tina <3

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
Balsamic Phase

in the
Sign of Taurus


Today's Lunar Aspects:

  • Moon sextile Neptune, 7:49am  May 29 2022
  • Moon square Saturn, 7:51am  May 29 2022
  • Moon conjunct Mercury, 11:15am  May 29 2022
  • Moon trine Pluto, 2:10pm  May 29 2022

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Taurus


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© 2000 - 2022 Mooncircles.com

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.