This Full Moon in Leo Will Have You Totally Rethinking How You Express Yourself

With transformative Pluto now in Aquarius (after a nearly two-decade stint in Capricorn), January’s astrology kicked off with some of the most monumental astrological changes of 2024—and the drama will only continue to build with the full moon in Leo on January 25 at 12:52 p.m. EST. Full moons in Leo remind you that you are the main character of your life and that it is indeed your right to take up space and even brag a little. After all, Leo is a zodiac sign known for its passion and theatrics.

Because the full moon in Leo is positioned opposite the sun in Aquarius, it invites us to consider the oppositional axis spanning Leo (ego, power, vitality) and Aquarius (collective, community): What is it that makes you stand out from a crowd?

Full moons in Leo remind you that you are the main character of your life and that it is indeed your right to take up space and even brag a little.

Given that Leo rules the heart in astrology, it’s also possible that one of your heart-centered desires will reach a turning point under this full moon. And we could all get a dose of big Leo energy, which isn’t scared of taking a risk in the name of love.

This full moon can also bring a moment of culmination to something you’ve been working on for quite some time—perhaps something you committed to or set in motion around August 16, 2023, under last year’s new moon in Leo.

What is a full moon, and what does it mean in astrology?

A full moon occurs when the sun and the moon align directly across from each other with the Earth between them, such that, from our perspective on Earth, the moon is fully illuminated. In turn, full moons are often associated with moments of illumination: The moon’s light is at its height, and what was once in the dark or unknown is revealed. To that end, full moons can coincide with the arrival of critical information or the release of something old in favor of something new.

Full moons typically happen once a month, marking the halfway point of the lunar cycle. Many set intentions under the new moon (the beginning of the cycle), and by the full moon, we may see signs of progress, learn key information regarding our desires, or reach a turning point.

It is also possible to manifest, perform rituals, and set intentions under full moons. To understand what energy a full moon might carry involves considering what aspects it forms with other planets in the sky and the meaning of those planets. For example, if the full moon forms a potent aspect with Mars, Saturn, or Uranus, it can embody more disruptive or challenging energy. Whereas, if it connects with Venus or Jupiter, it may portend more auspicious energy for manifestation work.

Full moons also create an opposition in the sky, as the moon sits in one zodiac sign and the sun sits in that sign’s opposite or sister sign. This can trigger a push-pull effect between two areas of our life, as we’re tasked with finding the middle ground and learning how to integrate both of the opposing energies. As a result, these lunations can be dynamic and energetically draining. Tend to your nervous system, drink extra water, and carve out time for reflection and rest.

What can we expect from the full moon in Leo in 2024?

A full moon in Leo can reignite your passion and creativity, giving you the confidence you need to go after your heart’s truest desires. And this year’s Leo full moon, in particular, arrives with a stroke of cosmic luck and a moment of celebration: On the very next day, January 26, the sun squares off with fortuitous Jupiter, and Uranus ends its retrograde (marking a happy moment in time when no planets will be retrograde).

This year’s Leo full moon arrives with a stroke of cosmic luck and a moment of celebration.

Jupiter is a planet of support, luck, and expansion and, when it clashes with the sun, it can bring a change regarding your goals or belief system—perhaps you’re even closer to a big accomplishment than you thought. With Uranus changing directions in the sky at the same time, these shifts can feel even more unexpected and liberating.

As the full moon arrives, the sun in Aquarius will also be planted firmly next to Pluto in Aquarius, which will illuminate hidden information and bring your attention to your relationship with power, control, and your shadow side (all Pluto themes). Pluto is also the planet of influence, and with Jupiter’s involvement, you could be gaining more public recognition for some of your hard work.

Take note: This will also be our first lunation of the year that folds in key elements of our upcoming journey with Pluto in Aquarius for the next ~20 years. Specifically, it can reveal topics and themes that will unfold for you as Pluto continues to venture into uncharted territory. While having Pluto so involved in this full moon can feel triggering, it will also be cathartic: This marks a moment of evolution, especially as it relates to your self-expression and authenticity. As you embrace neglected feelings or pieces of yourself, you’re finding more self-compassion and freedom along the way.

To get a better picture of how this lucky (and prescient) full moon in Leo will affect you, read on for your sun, moon, and rising signs. Then, pick up a unique self-care practice to help you move through this lunation with a little more balance.

How the 2024 full moon in Leo may affect your zodiac sign

Aries

You’re reconnected to the present moment, Aries. As the full moon in Leo moves through your fifth astrological house of pleasure, play, romance, and creativity, you could feel ready to invest in a just-for-fun hobby. You could also make progress toward achieving some of your desires, leading you to feel more grateful for the life you’ve cultivated. Just prepare for some potential drama on the relationships front: You might be confronting differences in values or asserting your needs.

Your full moon self-care practice: Consider signing up for a class on a topic that’s always intrigued you or picking up a hobby you’ve always wanted to try. The positive effects of expanding your mind and focusing on an activity just for the joy of it can pour over into other areas of your life.

Taurus

You’re cutting ties with the past, Taurus, as the full moon moves through your fourth house of family dynamics, legacy, and living environment. Perhaps you’ve recently reached new heights in your public or professional life, and in the process, have begun to realize which parts of yourself or generational patterns you’ve outgrown.

By a different token, this lunation could also shift your living situation—maybe you’re moving, seeking new roommates, or updating your living space. Changes within your family or private life may also be busy and active under these moonbeams, and remind you to never set aside your personal ambitions based on what others think.

Your full moon self-care practice: Go through your emails and text messages, and delete old conversations (or threads with people who are no longer in your life) that are simply taking up space. Clearing out this digital clutter can help create more space for new connections and opportunities to arrive.

Gemini

If you’ve been holding back on sharing your new ideas or expressing how you feel in your personal or professional relationships, now is the time to do so, Gemini. The full moon illuminates your third house of communication, contracts, and learning, which could surface useful information as it relates to ongoing discussions or negotiations, too.

Pay attention to your dreams and anything that comes to you in a spiritual or meditative practice, as well: Both could offer fodder for solving a nagging problem.

Your full moon self-care practice: What’s something you’ve always wanted to learn? Take the time to sign up for a class or read a book that’s been collecting dust on your bookshelf. Feeding your mind can help you find new inspiration.

Cancer

You’re embracing a new era of greater stability, Cancer. The full moon in Leo activates your second house of livelihood, comfort, and confidence, bringing an important shift in the way you support yourself. You could be accepting a promotion or receiving funding or another form of support from an outside source.

You may also feel called to invest your resources into one of your dreams for the future and take the first step toward bringing a goal to life. At the same time, however, you could also have a moment of realization about how far you’ve come—and find a deeper level of confidence in your own gifts and talents.

Your full moon self-care practice: Make a list of your characteristics and skills that give you self-confidence. Write it on a Post-It note, and place it on your bathroom mirror to serve as a daily reminder.

Leo

Your identity is undergoing a moment of metamorphosis, Leo. The full moon, in your sign, moves through your first house of ego, new beginnings, and personal goals. This is your yearly invitation to let go of old versions of yourself and move closer to your authentic self. You could be leveling up personally or professionally, and this may influence the way you show up in the world—and the nature of your close relationships.

Your full moon self-care practice: Hold a symbolic funeral for past versions of yourself. Write a letter to these old iterations of you, and thank them for trying their best with the skills and information they had at the time. Recognize your own growth, and identify the ways in which you are ready to evolve.

Virgo

An exciting opportunity may be on the horizon, Virgo, but it will require fine-tuning your daily habits and routine. The full moon in Leo lands in your 12th house of closure, healing, and solitude, turning your attention toward negative self-talk or limiting patterns you may need to break to achieve your goals. This is an aligned time to restructure your daily tasks in a way that puts your mental well-being first—as your natural inclination might suggest you do. Be sure to take note of information that comes to you suddenly or in a dream or meditation, as your intuition is especially sharp right now.

Your full moon self-care practice: Pick a spiritual practice that feels aligned, and commit to it for the next 30 days—even if it’s just two minutes of daily meditation or a morning tarot pull. Watch how your world transforms as you nurture your relationship with your intuition.

Libra

There is cause to celebrate, Libra! The full moon illuminates your 11th house of dreams, support, friendship, and community. A goal you set for yourself may be materializing, or perhaps someone is ready to make a serious investment in one of your ideas.

This lunation can also stir some drama in your social circle or romantic life. Information that was previously concealed or kept secret may be revealed but, in the process, some of your bonds may deepen. You’re also reflecting on who and what makes you feel seen and appreciated, and working to cultivate that sense of belonging.

Your full moon self-care practice: Use this full moon’s energy to connect with people who share similar values and interests as you do. Investing in your community can bring you a deeper sense of wholeness.

Scorpio

It’s time for you to soak up the spotlight, Scorpio. The full moon lands in your 10th house of accomplishments, legacy, and public reputation, which can mark an important juncture for one of the personal or professional goals you’ve set for yourself. Dream collaborations, contracts, and projects may be at the beginning stages, or perhaps you’re seeing the results of your efforts. You’re gaining attention and recognition, so now is the time to advocate for what you truly desire and share important news with your friends, fans, or family.

Your full moon self-care practice: Write a list of three big goals you’d like to achieve in the next five years and also a list of three goals you set for yourself five years ago. How have your goals evolved over time?

Sagittarius

Pertinent information you’ve been waiting for could arrive around this full moon, Sagittarius, as it moves through your ninth house of expansion, philosophy, travel, perspective, and learning. As you learn new things, your perspective of the world and your own future could change. You may also feel a spark of inspiration to go after a new goal and are ready to formulate a dedicated plan to bring this desire to life. Much in keeping with your spirit of adventure, you may also be incorporating more travel or off-the-beaten-path experiences into your daily life over the coming months.

Your full moon self-care practice: Dedicate yourself to one new habit. Even if it feels unrelated to a goal you’ve set, working a new habit into your routine can lead to more structure and consistency over time in other areas of your life.

Capricorn

You may be taking on a new contract or obligation, Capricorn, or perhaps ending one. The full moon in Leo lands in your eighth house of shared resources, investments, and vulnerability, potentially shifting your relationship to debt.

You could be discussing money or financial prospects with a romantic partner, or someone may be ready to invest substantial resources into one of your creative pursuits, marking a moment of celebration and a deeper sense of security. Emotionally, you’re also ready to release heavy memories from the past that may have been getting in the way of your joy and ability to connect to the present moment.

Your full moon self-care practice: Are there any contracts or commitments into which you’re investing a good deal of time and energy and that no longer feel aligned? Are you holding on out of fear? If possible, consider ending these commitments—or openly addressing why the investment doesn’t currently feel reciprocal or worth it.

Aquarius

You may have big news to share regarding your personal life, Aquarius. The full moon illuminates your seventh house of one-on-one partnerships, bringing a turning point to your closest connections. Perhaps you choose to take exciting next steps with a romantic or business partner—like signing a new agreement or moving in together. Or maybe you decide to leave a relationship you’ve outgrown. These changes in your closet ties will lead to a deeper sense of confidence and stability over time.

Your full moon self-care practice: Speak what’s on your heart. Now is the time to have the conversations you’ve been avoiding or share how you really feel. Your vulnerability will ultimately bring you closer to the most supportive people in your life.

Pisces

Key components of your daily life may be shifting, Pisces. The full moon activates your sixth house of habits, health, responsibility, and routine. Maybe you go from working a 9-to-5 to deciding to pursue a freelance career, or you start working out in the morning rather than the evening. In any case, the shift is bound to involve replacing unsupportive patterns or behaviors with rituals that better support your overall well-being and put you on the path toward the life you want to be living.

Your full moon self-care practice: Pamper yourself. Use the full moon’s energy to tend to your physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Taking the time to prioritize yourself and your needs will not only be restorative, but will also help you accomplish more of what you desire in the long run.