The Full Moon that occurred early this morning occured at the 29th degree of the sign of Leo.  The 29th degree, sometimes called the “critical” or “anaretic” degree, is associated with the endings of cycles and new beginnings.  The word “anaretic” derives from “anareta,” which in medieval astrology signified the planet of death in the natal horoscope.  This is likely what has given the 29th degree such a bad rap in traditional astrology, although endings are actually the harbinger of new beginnings and not to be feared.

In any case, the fixed star Regulus is at the 29th degree of Leo, so this Full Moon is in an exact conjunction.  Regulus is one of the four Royal Stars of ancient Persia and called the “Lion’s Heart,” which is perfect for its placement in the sign of Leo, but will be less perfect when Regulus moves into Virgo this year.

At any rate, this Full Moon includes an alignment of three planet in Aquarius: the Sun, Mars and Neptune.  This is a rather challenging combination that can confuse (Neptune) the direction of our motivation and drive (Mars), especially since the Moon in the Full Moon chart is in opposition to these planets and takes us more deeply into our emotions.  We just have to ride the wave rather than try to control it.  Something is ending now, and we are the witnesses.

The Full Moon is accompanied by the challenging square between Jupiter and Pluto that I mentioned in yesterday’s post about the Day of Rage in the middle east.  The battle for supremacy that is driven by the face-off between Jupiter and Pluto combined with the Full Moon  and Regulus suggests the ending of a regime and the destruction of an era.

It will be interesting to see what happens in Libya and Bahrain which seem to be the most intensive battlegrounds at the moment.  We have more control over how we allow this energy to unfold in our own lives.  The Leo Full Moon is a time to celebrate the Self and allow our own inner divinity to shine and to be recognized, without falling over into the realm of ego-driven self-absorption.

The effect of the Full Moon will linger for two or three days and provide us with an opportunity to find that nobility and strength in our own hearts and allow it to infuse us with grace and power in the absence of ego and greed.

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