This Full Moon is the culmination of Chinese New Year (which took place two weeks ago at the New Moon) and is called the Festival of Lanterns. Lanterns painted with birds, flowers and signs of the zodiac are hung in the temples and carried in a parade under the light of the Full Moon. This is also called the Quickening Moon or the Full Snow Moon. To the Blackfoot tribe it is the Rest and Cleansing Moon. Emerging from the chrysalis of winter, this lush Full Moon initiates a new cycle of creative self-expression. 

The Sun is in freedom loving Aquarius, an intellectual air sign that looks towards the future. The Moon is in colorful Leo; personal, immediate and emotional. Both signs have to do with courage. The cool Aquarius Sun asks us to defend our beliefs. The dramatic Leo Moon invites us to listen to our feelings and follow our fire.

Mental Mercury, in Aquarius, is conjunct the mighty Sun (exact February 15) stimulating new ideas and inspiration. Stern Saturn in Scorpio makes a square to the Full Moon challenging us to be true to ourselves while supporting the greater community. Venus in Capricorn joins Pluto in its battle with Uranus (the modern ruler of Aquarius). Jupiter in Cancer completes the picture, opposing Pluto and squaring Uranus. The stakes are raised and relationships are tested. Who isn’t struggling right now to heal, transform or move beyond some past issue or pattern? The pressure is high but so is the potential. Fiery Mars in diplomatic Libra makes an ambitious trine to the Sun and Mercury inspiring us to take positive action. The most revolutionary and creative thing we can do right now is to be ourselves and be that fully.

What we know matters, but who we are matters more.
–Brene Brown (Daring Greatly)