February 2023: Tarot spread for the full moon in Leo

Plus some journaling questions, an astro-tarot forecast and an exploration of the the Sabian symbol for the full moon in Leo

The February 2023 full moon falls in the sign of Leo. The bold and dynamic Leo archetype infuses us with a passionate zest for living. It is the archetype of the fiery creative who is confident and unafraid to stand in the spotlight. But this infectious dynamic can also succumb to its shadow aspects of overbearing pride, drama and arrogance.

Spiritually, the Leo archetype teaches the principle of creative manifestation. Clarity of thought and focused energy, which points to the spiritual principle that your beliefs about life tend to shape your life. You can see this spiritual principle at play with a regular gratitude practice. When you cultivate an active gratitude practice, you tend to experience a shift in your life and circumstances. And while your life may not change dramatically, your outlook to life can certainly shift.

This full moon also highlights our standing in the world, and with it, our personal power. It also lights up our role in society and the ways in which we contribute to the world. Some of us contribute in big and beautiful ways – through social activism, teaching, sharing of wisdom and knowledge – others in gentle, smaller ways – among our families and communities. Both ways of being in the world are valid.

This Leo full moon also asks us to take a closer look at our vocation, and to see if we are in right relationship with it. To ask ourselves what we want to focus on, to determine what role our vocation – which I see as somewhat different to a career, though a career can be a vocation – plays in our life.

Astro-tarot influences for the February 2023 full moon in Leo

To throw some more light on the astrology of this new moon, let’s take a look at the astro-tarot influences of this lunation. The Leo full moon falls in decan 2, which is represented by the 6 of Wands. This is to be interpreted in conjunction with Strength, which is associated with Leo.

It never fails to surprise me when self doubt starts to rear its head almost every time I set some audacious — or even not-so-audacious goals. But where it once used to be loud and insistent, it’s now become a voice whose volume I can control, though not entirely mute. And that’s perfectly fine, because I do believe that a touch of self-doubt is a normal, healthy, human emotion.

In the days and weeks after the Aquarius new moon, with its invitation to plant new seeds for the coming year, you may have started to notice some self-doubtey/judgey voices start to arise. Or maybe these are voices that you grapple with on the regular, finding that they sometimes hold you hostage, making you too doubtful or hesitant to take the next step.

This Leo full moon invites you to tap into your inner courage and confidence, and to be bold in moving forward with your plans and ideas. That can only come from self-compassion. From tapping into the gentle, wise part of yourself to meet the fearful, self-doubting part of yourself with curiosity, kindness, and respect.

Trying to push the doubts away, to stamp out fear and anxieties, blaming or judging yourself is not just counter-productive, it can do more harm than good, eroding away your confidence in your own abilities and leaving you more defensive than open to making changes.

Instead, this Leo full moon invites you to meet your doubts and fears with curiosity and compassion, to move forward despite the resistance, and to remember that small, consistent action eventually leads to significant changes.

Note: Make sure to scroll down and check out the journaling prompts and ritual for this Leo full moon.

Sabian Symbol for the February 2023 full moon

The Sabian Symbol for 16 degrees Leo is Volunteer Church Choir Makes Social Event of Rehearsal.

My exposure to church choirs has been through movies. So when I think of a church choir, I think of gospel music, of euphoric, rhythmic voices, of people dancing in joy as they sing praises to the Lord. I think of community bazaars and charity socials and people coming together to offer help and support where it is needed.

And that is what this symbol reminds me of. Of giving as generously as you can, in any way that you can. Of being around like-minded people, offering goodness and light to your communities, wherever they may be.

In 360 Degrees of Wisdom: The Sabian Oracle, Linda Hill writes: “You may feel the need to be with those of like mind, feelings and aspirations.” One of the ways to achieve that is to come together as a community. Hill writes, “Coming together to contribute to the community without thought of more tangible rewards will bring a sense of belonging and fellowship on many levels…Even a gesture such as drinks after work can bring people closer together. Overall, everybody should feel happy to be around people of like mind; not pressurized to put in a top-rate performance.”

Tarot spread for the February 2023 full moon

Here’s a tarot spread to tap into the energy of this full moon cycle.

1. The monster: This card represents the fear that lies beneath the voice of self-doubt/judgement

2. The mentor: This card gives you advice from your wise inner mentor

3. The companion: This card supports you in your forward momentum.

4. Mama moon says: This is always a positive message

If you share your spreads on Instagram, please use the hashtag #moontarotstories or tag me @moderngypsy.in so we can connect with each other.

Journaling questions for the Leo full moon

You can use these journaling questions instead of the tarot spread, if tarot isn’t your thing. Cardslingers, you can also use these journaling prompts for further reflection:

For best results, do these prompts in order. They don’t need to be done in a single sitting:

1. Brain dump all the self-doubts and self-judgements around the intentions you set at the new moon {or related to any goal that you’re working towards}.
2. Pick out one statement from that brain dump, flip to a new page, and dig deeper. Some questions you can ask yourself:
   • Where is this voice coming from?
   • Is there any truth here?
   • Why am I worried about/doubting/judging myself over this? Keep asking “why” to dig deeper until you arrive at a natural stopping point.
3. Turn the page. Write down the stopping point or the essence of the doubt/fear from the previous prompt at the top of the page. Take a few deep breaths, bringing your energy and awareness into your body. Ask yourself: What wisdom or advice does my inner mentor have for me around this? And write. If it helps, imagine what advice you would give to your best friend if they were in the same situation.
4. On a fresh page, make a list of small action items {based on the advice from your inner mentor} you can take that will move you in the direction of your goals.

A mini ritual for the February 2023 full moon in Leo

The Strength card seems particularly potent this full moon, so here’s a simple little ritual/meditation to connect with the energy of this card.

What you need:

The Strength card from your favorite tarot deck

A candle

Some meditation music {optional}

Any other ritual items of your choice {incense, crystals, etc.}

The ritual:

Pull out the Strength card from your favorite tarot deck and place it on your altar/at a table in front of you.

Light a candle, put on some relaxing instrumental music if you like, and arrange any other items {incense, crystals, etc.} on the table.

Take a few moments to bring yourself fully into the present moment. A few deep breaths, grounding — whatever works for you.

When you feel fully present, gaze at the Strength card for a few moments. Allow your gaze to naturally soften as you continue to look at the card.

Let any colors, images, thoughts, insights arise as you continue to gaze at the card.

If a question arises, ask it and listen for any answers that come.

If you feel your eyes close, let them. Relax in the silence for a while, and then gently bring your attention back to your body, to your room, to the present moment.

Take a moment to note all that you remember from this experience in your journal.