Practices for the full moon in Leo

We are starting 2024 with a powerful full moon in Leo. Although full moons can indeed feel heavy and a little tense, if we learn to embrace change, they can be a beautiful experience.

Leo is all about passion, joy, light, drama, loudness, loyalty and power. As a fire sign, it brings a lot of heat to the mind and we can channel this in a positive way, by using this energy creatively.

Reflection is no doubt something that the full moon always brings, even if we don’t want to welcome it in. But reflection can be a joyful experience because we can learn to just watch the thoughts and patterns that no longer support our path and best version. We need to be brave and willing to do so, both being qualities of the Leo sign which we can adopt. 

Some questions to reflect upon during this full moon:

1. What is it that brings joyfulness into my life? 
2. Who are the people that always support me and help me to be a better human being?
3. How can I be more supportive and open to others?
4. What helps me feel empowered and confident? 
5. How can I express myself creatively? 

Below are some practical ways to embrace this full moon. Remember that the energy of the full moon is powerful not only on the actual night, but also a few days before and also after, so these can be done gradually. There are of course many other practices and you can check previous blog posts relating to full moons to learn more. 

Declutter and update your home environment

As full moons are always a time to let go and clear away, it makes sense to start with our home space. This is a practice I do every-time there is a full moon and I find it really therapeutic and cleansing for my mind. Give your home a big clean, more detailed than the weekly general necessary one. Take out the things from your shelves, rearrange them, polish your furniture etc. Maybe there are some things you no longer need and you can give them away to create more space. A spacious home can help us feel energised and clear in the mind. 

Sometimes making some changes to the decor, rearranging the furniture around and tidying up the wardrobe can uplift the whole energy of the home. This is where you can get creative and use the inspiration of this full moon to redecorate and give your home a new and refreshed ambiance. 

Bring more light

The full moon evening is about the light and illumination of shadows. As Leo is also related to the fire element (although I do this for every full moon), lighting some candles around the home can make it a beautiful and special experience. There is something so profound and peaceful about the candlelight atmosphere. Just always make sure that you do it safely. 

Japa meditation

Of course I will include a yogic practice. Japa meditation is a very powerful practice to do at any time, but especially so during the full moon period. Japa is the repetition of a specific mantra using the mala beads. It is said that when practicing japa with intention, we can clear away the mental beliefs and processes that keep us stuck in our life. If you already practice japa and have your mantra, then you will probably already have this in your plans. But if you don’t, chanting the mantra “OM” is enough. I know it is so popularised these days, but this is one of the most powerful mantras, when done properly and with intention. Another mantra I sometimes chant during full moon is “Om chandra namaha”. And this is an invocation or salutation/praising to the moon (chandra).

Spotlight is on you

On the full moon night, we can focus on cleansing practices for our physical self. I usually do a big pampering routine, like having a warm bath or shower with essential oils; exfoliate my skin, put a hair mask on and then wash my hair, do my nails, put a face mask on etc. This is very important because it makes us feel good and grounds us. As there is usually tension in these periods, self-care is always a good practice to feel empowered and good. Then we can really sit still and reflect feeling more harmonious. 

Now that everything is cleaned, refreshed and spacious, you have the grounding you need to reflect in peace.