Full Moon in Leo

According to the Native American tribes in the North and East, the February Full Moon is called the Snow Moon, and for the tribes that used this name for the January moon, it was called the  Hunger Moon, based on the scarcity of food during this season. Traditionally this was the month with the most snow leading to challenging hunting conditions so it is easy to see how they arrived at this name.  The Celts called it the Moon of Ice,  and the English called it the Storm Moon.  Some preferred to call it the Candles Moon because everyone, including those in the Southern Hemisphere, can relate to this name.

The Moon will wax to Full at 29 degrees  Leo on February 18th, and while all Full Moons are known to have a strong gravitational pull on the Earth and our human bodies, this Full Moon will be close to the Earth and closely aligned with both the Earth and the Sun.  This Full Moon will be conjunct the fascinating fixed star, Regulus...a royal fixed star that confers success.  It is the most important of all of the fixed stars and regarded almost as a planet. The ancients called constellation Leo, ruled by the Sun and the chief star of the heavens  the Royal Constellation because it was dominated by the  Regulus which sits 29 degrees Leo.  It is also called the Lion's Heart.   Regulus was named by Polish astronomer Copernicus; it is derived from the Latin word for king; hence, Regulus means Little King. This was from the belief that it ruled the affairs of the heavens...a belief  from at least 3000 years before our era. 
 

The fixed air of Aquarius dominates and blended with the bold and fiery Leo, this moon  marks a time of aspiration and charisma. Ruled by the Sun, Leo is full with the optimism of life energy, passion, and pleasure.  You may be feeling inspired to chase romance, be social, and generally just to help others. Leo brings with it a need to shine and be praised by others, but just like the Lion that symbolizes Leo, you may appear quite self-confident,  but deep down be yearning for approval and acknowledgment. Be sure to avoid melodramatic displays to grab the spotlight.