How the Full Snow Moon on February 5 Will Impact You Astrologically

Depending on where you're located, you may be in the midst of a serious cold snap, with temperatures dangerously low all over the U.S. It is therefore a small blessing that, during this often-dreary month of February, we receive a full moon in Leo, a warm-weather sign that brings with it a bit of fun energy to light up the darkness. On Sunday February 5, 2023, at 1:28 p.m. (EST), the full moon — or, the "Full Snow Moon," but more on that in a moment — will culminate.

According to the trusty Farmer’s Almanac, the moniker "Snow Moon" comes to us from the Dakota — who have sometimes referred to this month's lunar phase as a "Raccoon Moon," as well — and is the one most widely used names for February's full moon. If you're willing to brave the cold, we have information on how and when to do so below. Staying cozy indoors and simply wondering what the Full Snow Moon's influence may be on us, astrologically speaking? Fear not: We've got you covered on that front, too, plus a full rundown on what the rest of the planets are doing this month.

• When is the Full Snow Moon in February 2023?
• What is the significance of a full moon in astrology?
• How does Aquarius fit into all of this?
• What is the astrological meaning of a full moon in Leo?
• What else is happening with the planets in February 2023?

The second full moon of 2023 will arrive on Sunday, February 5, 2023 at 1:28 p.m. EST, at which point it will be at peak illumination, though not yet visible over the horizon. By the time the sun sets (which is dependent on your location and, for the Allure team in New York City, will be happen at 5:18 p.m. EST), you could spot some other major astrological bodies. If you happen to be a star-gazer with a telescope, we recommend checking out Space.com's helpful guide to getting the best view of the Full Snow Moon on Sunday. If you time your viewing sesh just right, you might get a chance to see Jupiter, Mars, and even Venus in the sky, as well.

As we have previously covered, by and large, there is a lot of potential to use the full moon creatively. Remember: Full moons are also always release times. I personally experience this lunar phase organically — on full moons, I often realize I've inadvertently scheduled something significant in my life, or bear witness to the blossoming of my previous efforts. On the flip side, sometimes I find something out I wish I didn't, or encounter a situation that had been bubbling under the surface suddenly come to a head. No matter the sign, a full moon is a time of illumination and of revealing previously unseen truths.

There are a few ways to look at these cycles. In my experience, the significance of a full moon can often become apparent only on the full moon. You can observe the new moon and see if anything started around then is reaching a new stage or completion in this full moon. (The last new moon was January 21, 2023, in Aquarius. Take a moment and reflect: What major things have happened between then and now?

You can also zoom out further by thinking back to the last new moon in Leo, which came to us on July 28, 2022, or the last full moon in Leo, which happened on February 16, 2022. Any one of these dates could be significant for you — give or take a week around them — though not necessarily. Just like eclipses, not every new and full moon will be be big for you. (And thank goodness for that — can you imagine if, each and every month, an earth-shattering truth or major life change showed up on your doorstep?)

Instead, look at your individual chart to see if the full moon is touching your personal planets, either by conjunction, trine, square. I recommend reading our Birth Charts 101 Guide, which can help those new to astrology understand the planets and their meanings for more information.

You may be asking: Why are we talking about Aquarius if this is a Leo full moon? Well, we'll get to Leo in a moment, but for now, I want to briefly touch on February as a whole. The shortest month of the year is often known as the month of Aquarius signs simply because the sun is in Aquarius for a little more than half of February (January 20 to February 18). The cold, dry month (ready your best hand creams, folks!) is a time for Aquarian innovation and idealism and, by contrast, logic and even detachment.

Known for being independent, free-thinking, Aquarius is able to see the big picture. They often give Capricorns a run for their money on their talent for creating actionable five-year plans. The second-to-last sign of the zodiac, Aquarius, a fixed air sign, is the water-bearer (though, notably, not a water sign!) and one of the four humane signs, meaning that it is symbolized in the zodiac by a human. The other three humane signs: Gemini (twin humans), Virgo (a maiden with wheat), and Libra (scales held by the Goddess of Justice). All these signs are particularly in tune with the human condition.

Aquarius is a sign that wants to be involved in collective change, bringing technology in the form of water inside of a vessel. Water is natural, of course, but the way Aquarius offers it to us is via a humanmade creation, thus making it easier to carry. So, too, Aquarius is always finding solutions to our problems, using its innovativeness to further our goals and enrich our lives.

Now, let's talk about the Leo archetype. While Aquarius is often trying to serve a community, Leo is a fixed fire sign — a proud lion whose beauty and strength is evident in every fiber of its being. My dear friend Blake Kelly recently remarked something to the effect of, "Leos are so misunderstood. They’re not demanding attention. They are just that fabulous that we all can’t look away." I find this to be all too true.

Leos are known for their independence, creativity, exuberance, and style. Every sign is ruled by a planet, and most share a planet with another sign. (Note: In astrology, we call the sun and moon "planets," though neither are actual planets, or luminaries.) In classical (premodern) astrology, Mercury rules both Gemini and Virgo; Venus rules Taurus and Libra; Jupiter rules Sag and Pisces; Mars rules Aries and Scorpio; Saturn rules Capricorn and Aquarius; the inconstant, "fickle" Moon rules moody Cancer; and the sun rules Leo.

That final tidbit should tell you just about everything you need to know about Leo. Unlike the moon, of course, the sun does not have phases; it is always round and whole. It is life-giving and nurtures everything and everyone on Earth. To put it plainly, we would cease to exist without it. Leos have a similar life-giving force, though, just as the can also blind you, this sign carries significant intensity and power.

Leo full moons may be times of creative culmination, of projects arriving — a time to be proud of who you are and to not apologize for yourself. A Leo full moon really is a time to shine and be yourself without reservation. Leo rule’s the heart, another life-giving source, so don’t be afraid to enjoy existing wholeheartedly, to go after your heart’s desire and to lead with your heart, not your head (like Aquarius does). How apropos for Valentine’s Day. A midsummer sign, Leo is also associated with being a child running, playing, even frolicking. All the signs can be creative and innovative in their own way, but Leo is the one we most associate with, shall we say, untamed creative expression.

It's important to note that every full moon has its own flavor, governed not only by the sign the moon is in but also what the other planets are doing. Sometimes, we see fiery full moons with high fire-sign energy, full of excitement and potential; other times, it is a watery moon, offering introspection and intuition. The February 5 full moon in Leo, however, includes quite the balance of elements. The moon is in Leo and Jupiter is in Aries, so that is a twofold fire combination. Meanwhile:

• The sun and Saturn are in airy Aquarius
• Mars is in Gemini
• Venus and Neptune are in watery Pisces
• Uranus is in Taurus
• Mercury and Pluto are in earthy Capricorn

The moon is also making several aspects, including a tight square (90° angle) to Uranus, which can bring explosive emotions and impulsivity, so perhaps prepare yourself for an exciting Valentine's Day month. It also makes a weak opposition (180°) to Saturn, which can feel restrictive or depressing. Plus, we see a sextile (60°) to Mars which is good for getting stuff done.

All in all, it's bound to be an eventful month, particularly for those paying attention to the planets and their movements. Stay warm, star lovers, and we'll see you soon.

More stories about astrology:

• What Mercury Retrograde Actually Is, and How to Survive It
• Read Your Sign's February 2023 Horoscope Predictions
• A Beginner's Guide to Reading Tarot Cards

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