Ahimsa * Non Violence ~ Full Leo Moon conjunct Mars

Passion is seriously heightened over this full Leo Moon (10 degrees) on the weekend of January 30th (6:18 am), as la Luna joins forces with an aroused retrograde Mars. Whilst firing together in tandem excitement abounds, and as they oppose our spirited Aquarian Sun, which is in union with friendly Venus, fervour ignites. Bear in mind that emotions can overwhelm during any full Moon, but this one promises to be more ardent with the slightest spark making anyone hot under the collar. This could work for us or against us. The danger is that because of impatiently wanting react (even to aggression or criticism) we could become too egotistical, too self-orientated or selfish, and a delicate situation might escalate out of hand. Co-operation is called for if we want to enlist the help and support of partners and loved ones. Taming a Leo lion’s hungry heart is easier through love, confidence and trust – fear, fury or betrayal would only rouse tempers.

Going after what we want (as opposed to what we need) at the expense of others could also back-fire. A partner, loved one, or anyone else we meet is likely to be defensive if badly or wrongly challenged, and swiftly rise to the bait. When the Moon is with Mars, anger is all too easy to arise. The Buddhist take on anger is that it is not only one of the three poisons (ignorance and desire being the other two), but by allowing ourselves to lose our cool, we also prevent ourselves from seeing any situation clearly; it also wipes out, in one fell swoop, any good karma deposted in the karmic bank of heavenly merit. Angry responses also complicate already tricky situations. Luckily, the cosmos also now accents the antidote to any tantrums, which is quick thinking mindfulness allowing one to communicate clearly. For the Aquarian Sun is a cool and intellectual air sign, aware that all feelings and thoughts, opinions and ideas stem from the mind. Hence the stars also suggest we can have the ability to cut short any escalation of hurt or wrathful feelings, which might destroy further relations. Should you find yourself in the midst of an overheated situation over this weekend, look beyond external appearances. Ask yourself if others are reflecting frustration, resentment or something in you? And as non-violence, ‘Ahisma’, is the number one rule in yoga, take any confrontation as a cue to go inside for a moment. Tune into your breathing to note knots in the stomach, or heat rising in the body as a prelude to anger, or any other physical signs.

This Leo Moon says ‘Be Brave’ if someone (a family member, for example) starts to pick a fight, forgive and let it go. Be gentle with yourself and others for head and heart to align and create the kind of peace, love and understanding that all beings can benefit from. Also worth baring in mind is how anger, frustration and resentment can be worked off, temporarily, by getting physical in the gym or dance the night away. Leo is, after all, the sign of the best rip-roaring parties!

Thanks to Bill Brouard for catwoman - other artists unknown but much appreciated.