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Leo Full Moon: Purification Ritual

By Dana Gerhardt

The Full Moon is in the fire sign of Leo, opposite the Sun in airy Aquarius, offering the elemental interplay of fire and air.  Both elements are great for purification rituals.  Fire flames up and out, burning to ashes what obstructs. Air refreshes, blowing away what is old and stagnant. 

Purification rituals are especially powerful when the Moon is waning, a condition which begins with the Full Moon.

This is a potent Full Moon for banishing!  If you don’t have an immediate idea of what you need to banish, look into your obsessive thoughts, toxic habits, time-wasting activities, and familiar insecurities.  Most people know exactly which habits aren’t serving them anymore.  But if you’re open and up for anything, with the Full Moon in Leo, you may especially want to banish any unworthy notions of yourself — the inner voices that prevent you from expressing the authentic core of your being.  Think of this core as a flame. It is passionate, mysterious, forever changing its shape, as it dances and plays with the surrounding world.

PREPARATION
Sometime before sunset, gather a small candle, a large plate to put underneath it, several small pieces of paper, and a pen.  Bring them to a quiet place where you can protect yourself from distractions and interruptions (or a wind that might whip or extinguish your candle).  Ideal would be a spot that allows you a good view of  the eastern horizon, where the Moon will rise just after sundown.  As this is a ritual celebrating the elements of fire and air, you may wish to bring some sage or a stick of incense to place on your altar.  Reciting a prayer or sacred phrase from your particular tradition will help to calm your spirit and call in divine energy.  Watching the breath—inhaling in, exhaling out—will further deepen this sacred space.

RAISING THE ENERGY
In this gently focused state, wait for the first sign of the Moon.  When you spot her brilliant light at the horizon, attune your heart to her presence, and light your candle.   Then tune into those reverent ones scattered around the world who, like you,  are also lighting a candle to celebrate the Full Moon.   How many hundreds of thousands of candles, flickering on hundreds of thousands of altars must the Moon be seeing tonight!   With this image, join in the interplay of Leo and Aquarius:  Feel yourself as one creative being united with the collective energy of others, in a spirit of reverence for earth, humanity, and the starry cosmos.  As you light your incense or sage, inhale the sacred energy in the atmosphere, wafting on the smoky perfume.

THE HEART OF THE RITUAL
Personal Ritual: Now survey your life with an eye to what is obstructing your true self from flaming out in all its radical brilliance and beauty. Perhaps you are plagued with doubts about the value of your work. Maybe you are filled with unreasonable fears, or persistent feelings of anxiety. It could be that you have held onto anger over an unfair situation, or a person who has slighted you. Often, negative habits persist that block us from accomplishing what we most desire: we procrastinate on fulfilling what we sense is our soul’s purpose, ignore our friendships, or, swamped by the minutia of life, forget the deeper side of life. Choose one or more of the traits you want to banish, then write them down on a piece of paper. Folding it up in the palm of your right hand, place your left hand over it and say “Begone in the fire! Begone in the air!” Then burn your piece of paper in the candle flame (making sure that your holder catches the pieces of burnt ash).

Collective Ritual: Now survey the world with an eye to those problems that cause suffering in the world. Of all the difficulties that riddle the human condition, what are the ones that stir you most deeply? Perhaps it is the imperiled environment, the melting glaciers and rising oceans, the vanishing rain forests and species. It could be imperiled human rights, human trafficking and refugees fleeing inhumane governments. Maybe it is the lack of treatment for the mentally ill, the problems of homelessness or gun violence. Choose what you feel most strongly about, write it on a piece of paper, fold it up in the palm of your right hand, then place your left hand over it. Taking the energy that you have freed up from your personal “banishing” ritual, vow to consecrate it to healing this particular issue. Then burn your piece of paper in the candle flame (making sure again that your holder catches the pieces of burnt ash), saying “Begone in the fire! Begone in the air!”

CLOSING THE CIRCLE 
Bringing your hands together in a gesture of prayer, close your ritual with a prayer of thanks. Ask that your Full Moon “banishings” be in accord with the Divine Plan. Then extend your blessings to yourself, your close friends and loved ones, and the rest of the world.  Extinguish your candle.  And bow to the Moon!

 

Make 2022 the year of the Moon!  Enter the Moon’s Temple and support yourself my monthly Moon workshop. It’s filled with goodies that can keep you focused, connected, and joyful in the months ahead.  Enroll here.

 

Filed under: Home Full Moon Post 3

About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Yvonne McDermott says

    Feb 15, 2022 at 3:39 am

    Thank you I have been living in tune with moon cycles for years. It will be lovely to do this with others. Thank you

    Reply
  2. Pat E says

    Aug 7, 2017 at 4:05 am

    Healing ritual that I need right now. Deep gratitude, Dana.

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Aug 7, 2017 at 4:42 pm

      Hugs.

      Reply
  3. Kalypso says

    Aug 5, 2017 at 1:06 pm

    I guess my english is not that good: “making sure again that your holder catches the pieces of burnt ash”

    What is the holder?

    Reply
    • Dana Gerhardt says

      Aug 5, 2017 at 1:31 pm

      The plate underneath your candle.

      Reply
      • Kalypso says

        Aug 6, 2017 at 12:23 am

        Oh thanks, now I feel silly!
        And what we do the burnt ash in the end? Throw it or something else?
        And also, I see 2 rituals, a personal and a collective one. Should we choose or make them both?
        Thanks a lot!

        Reply
      • Kalypso says

        Aug 6, 2017 at 12:27 am

        Oh one more question, I’m sorry, I just remembered: is the color of the candle important?
        I’ve read somewhere an Aquarius ritual and the candle should be light blue. Aquarius color.
        I don’t know, perhaps I exaggerate.

        Reply
        • Dana Gerhardt says

          Aug 6, 2017 at 5:29 pm

          Remember–rituals are magic, not science. You want to think in terms of metaphors–not linear instructions. Use your intuition to lean into your own questions. What does the ash represent? What’s an appropriate gesture for the remains of something you’re releasing? Which color feels right for you? Yes, blue and other colors are associated with Aquarius, but no one is looking down from the heavens and judging whether or not you chose the right color. The color is setting the mood for YOU, as ritual participant. Which color feels right for you now?

          Reply
          • Kalypso says

            Aug 7, 2017 at 1:42 am

            Thanks a lot.
            I think I will leave the ashes to the wind. I could also bury them but something buried can also be dug up.

        • Ixchel says

          Jul 27, 2018 at 7:09 am

          Hello dear 🙂 In my case I’m using a purple candle, because they are powerful and represent transformation and reliase blockages. And as I will be meditating next to a river, I will be throwing the ashes there, that way it goes “with the natural flow”. I hope this helps you and others that might be reading ♥️ Lots of love and blessing to each one of you! And huge gratitude towards the author for this ritual, exactly what I needed ♥️.

          Reply
  4. Dana Gerhardt says

    Aug 18, 2016 at 9:41 am

    Thanks Iris,,, it’s lovely to hear this from another deep moon lover.

    Reply
  5. Iris ShadoWolfe says

    Aug 18, 2016 at 7:05 am

    I always look forward to your New and Full Moon posts. Thought I have been practicing for 30+ years, I always find your writing to be refreshing and spot on. It’s good to use something new from another soul’s perspective. I recommend your site to others.

    Reply
  6. arlet landman says

    Aug 18, 2013 at 3:30 am

    I like your site and visit often for inspiration,
    thank you

    Reply

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The Moon is in its
New Phase

in the
Sign of Leo


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon sextile Venus, 9:59pm  Jul 1 2022
  • Moon square Uranus, 12:22pm  Jul 2 2022

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Gemini


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Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

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.