Crossing The Desert Or The Great Divide: February’s Leo Full Moon 2025

What makes the desert beautiful is that somewhere it hides a well. Antoine de Saint Exupery

Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. T.S. Eliot

The Promised Land always lies on the other side of a wilderness. Havelock Ellis

The man who goes alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait till that other is ready. Henry David Thoreau

If you’re going through hell, keep going. Winston Churchill

My ancestors wandered lost in the wilderness for forty years because even in biblical times, men would not stop to ask for directions. Elayne Boosler

Trust in God – but tie your camel tight. Persian proverb

Much has been written about the beauty, the stillness, the terror of the desert but little about its flies. Belle Livingstone

The Leo full Moon is on February 13, and, it’s another big one. Uranus is exactly t-squaring the full Moon and it’s pretty intense. I’ve been concentrating on this newsletter, but, not actually writing it up. As it is, this is being posted just after the lunation, and, I’ve only done that a few times in the some twenty five years I’ve been doing this newsletter. True to form of Uranus at play, I’m not going to actually complete this entire drift. I’ve had a few nasty messages come through when I have (very rarely) posted just after a lunation. People seem to think that if it comes in a bit late that the energy has completed – which is completely wrong as the energies have been building, yes, but the outcomes are mostly still to come.

With Uranus so much in focus, it seems that we wake up each day to find some other weird thing (sometimes shocking) coming up. Uranus often brings shocks and sudden realisations of changes.

Having said that, I submit what I’ve written up for your consideration. I think the Sabian Symbol for the full Moon is quite enough. We are seeing that it’s manifesting in several ways. One thing is the concern with ‘supplies’, water, having enough energy to keep going. One thing I heard from a friend is word that a scorpion (desert animal) was enmeshed in her dog’s hair – curious, I’ve not heard of scorpions in the area where she lives in Australia. Crazy.

For those that love music, this song came up this morning on my YouTube channel. This is an evocative tune in terms of this desert theme. Kashmir, by Led Zeppelin with the Egyptian Orchestra. Truly stunning.

Another song that keeps coming up, I’ve heard it several times recently and the words have been tracking through my mind. I went to my local op-shop, and, it was playing on their radio.

The Sabian Symbol for the full Moon is Leo 25: A LARGE CAMEL CROSSING A VAST AND FORBIDDING DESERT. The following is my full interpretation of this degree Symbol from my book The Sabian Oracle: 360 Degrees of Wisdom:

Commentary: ‘A Large Camel Crossing a Vast and Forbidding Desert’ is an image of endurance, strength and determination. The ‘Camel’ has the ability to overcome challenges and obstacles to complete a ‘Vast and Forbidding’ journey. The ‘Large Camel’ doesn’t realize how amazing and noteworthy this feat of endurance is; he’s merely getting on with what he must do. It’s part of his nature. Human beings, on the other hand, find going so far on so little reserves in such ‘Forbidding’ conditions very challenging. Further, the ‘Camel’ may also have a rider or a heavy load to carry. It can feel like something almost impossible or too much to ask of somebody.

Oracle: Your situation may already feel like an arduous journey, but there is still probably further to go. Be confident that you have the reserves to survive and the endurance to succeed. It may be that the source of this energy or confidence is stored in someone else. Expecting someone to be there to provide sustenance and revitalization can be a lot to ask of them. It can be a great sacrifice or burden, and it is often a family member or very close friend that will fulfill this duty. The important thing to remember is that this is a long and difficult journey, but whoever is doing it is purpose built for it and capable of achieving it. Issues to do with self-sufficiency may arise. Mental and emotional self-control are very necessary. Another perspective could show someone who’s totally comfortable doing the “hard yards”. It may look daunting and impossible to others, but to them it is familiar and perhaps even comforting. As the ‘Camel’ is prepared for long stretches in the ‘Desert’, so too are you for the task before you. Make sure you have what you need with you.

Keywords: Completing a journey. Protecting oneself from spiritual “sunstroke”. Tests of karma. Taking on daunting tasks. Taking one step at a time. Feeling totally at home. Provisions that nurture and satisfy. Camels, caravans, oasis, mirages, water, deserts. Stamina and fortitude. Crossing to the other side. Endurance. Thirst. Survival against the odds. Transport. Bad backs. Back packs. Cargo. Saddling up.

The Caution: Not preparing properly and running out of reserves. Feeling weighed down and in danger of not making it through. Not seeing the big picture. Lack of sustenance. Big plans with no back up. Taking on huge tasks when one shouldn’t. Being daunted by huge projects. Mirages that confuse objectives.

The Karmic Condition of this full Moon is Leo 24: TOTALLY CONCENTRATED UPON INNER SPIRITUAL ATTAINMENT, A MAN IS SITTING IN A STATE OF NEGLECT OF HIS BODY.

This Symbol shows a person, whatever their gender, sitting in contemplation, totally concentrating on inner spiritual attainment. It implies a desire to contact spirit and to also be in touch with one’s body, often through the practice of meditation or yoga. This is a wonderful degree of spiritual striving, however there could be a feeling of imbalance: It is as if some aspects of your life are put on hold in favor of some central issue. This can lead to a loss of holistic balance if you’re ‘totally concentrated upon inner spiritual attainment’. Being too committed to spiritual or emotional concerns can lead one to lose touch with more immediate, physical matters. However, a sense of focus on something that is very important can bring enormous rewards.

Keywords: Issues of how we view and value our bodies. Fixation on exercise and nutrition at the expense of more spiritual or emotional issues. Eating disorders. Gyms and physical fitness issues. Spiritual gurus. Yoga and yogis. Living for the future. Extreme states of meditation. Total concentration. Breatharians.

The Caution: Not enough attention to the body or physical needs. A lack of focus on more immediate issues such as food and exercise OR forgetting spiritual, emotional or mental concerns through a focus on the body or physical aspects. Too many things on one’s mind. Obsessions leading to imbalance. Not eating or drinking.

The Quest Degree of this full Moon is Leo 26: AFTER A HEAVY STORM, A RAINBOW APPEARS. 

This Symbol shows the relief and beauty that a rainbow can bring after a storm has cleared. A sense of relief can flood over you as you realize that the sun is coming out and the birds are beginning to sing again. There may be times of difficulties and obstacles in your life, but take heart as it seems that there will always be the rainbow as a reward and the end result will be O.K. Still, you probably need to be periodically reassured by a clear sign that better times are definitely coming. Remember, without the storm there would be no possibility of the blessing of the rainbow. Try wearing colorful clothes, open the windows and the doors and get outside into the sunshine.

Keywords: Release from stressful situations. The light of spirit returning to infuse with energy. Euphoria. Rushes of endorphins. Relief. The sun coming out whilst dark clouds are still in the air. The joy of survival. Rainbows and light. Piercing through darkness. Reminders of the good things in life. Peace restored.

The Caution: Having selfish thoughts about the rewards inherent in every external sign or “pot of gold”. Seeking storms or arguments and trouble to stir things up. Enjoyment and promotion of conflict. Violence and destruction. Carnage. Not seeing the beauty around. Blocked drains and emotions.

The Sabian Symbol  of the Sun is Aquarius 25: A BUTTERFLY WITH THE RIGHT WING MORE PERFECTLY FORMED.

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to find balance, to find your center so that you might be more effective, stable and organized in your life. As the “Butterfly” has a “Right Wing More Perfectly Formed”, you may be applying your rational logical mind out of balance to your intuitive and creative wisdom, or, vice versa. It is often harder to understand your intuitive messages, but reliance on logic can limit your possibilities. However, not applying logic can lead to big problems as well. There can be physical handicaps which may prevent one from truly doing what one wants, or strange imbalances on the spiritual level.

Keywords: Rising above life’s distortions. A need to bring some type of balance to situations. Injuries or problems with hands or arms. One side being more ‘Perfect’ than the other. The ‘Right’ being better than the left. Mutations. Handicaps. Challenges. Disabilities. Impediments.

The Caution: Imbalances and physical distortions. Asymmetry. An imbalance of functions leading to involuntary flapping around. Distortions of reactions or of the truth. Lopsidedness. Hindrances. Being at a disadvantage. Feeling incapacitated.

The Karmic Condition of the Sun is Aquarius 24: A PERSON TURNING THEIR BACK ON THEIR PASSIONS TEACHES DEEP WISDOM FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to transcend difficulties and things that lure you off your path and then turning around and being an example to others for how they can live their lives. At times in your life, you may feel that you can no longer survive the roller-coaster ride of your emotions. It is by controlling your “Passions” that you will be able to find an objective position that allows you to understand your life and to move forward. You can benefit everyone by teaching the new wisdom and understanding that come after having gone through some hard life lessons.

Keywords: Conquering one’s base nature. Changing through maturing realizations. Learning lessons the hard way. Realizing it’s time to let go of things that once mattered. Being an example so others may learn. Reforming one’s ways. Dignity. Guidance. Turning around. Dropping the lower ego or society. Leading a monastic life. Showing what you’ve learnt.

The Caution: Giving up on emotional growth. Being dissatisfied with life. Being forced to perform for another’s benefit. Sticking to things that are no longer worthwhile. Stubborn refusal to move forward. Misguiding others. Severe reactions.

Jupiter is stationary and soon to go direct on Gemini 12: A BLACK SLAVE-GIRL DEMANDS HER RIGHTS OF HER MISTRESS. What’s happened to Black History Month?
This Symbol shows the need to be given respect and taken seriously. At times you’ll find that you can’t put up with the way you’re treated, the pressure builds up and suddenly, and probably from out of nowhere, a torrent of emotion comes out. If you’re being spoken badly to or treated with little respect, make a stand – don’t put up with it. It’s tiring to be treated like a ‘Slave’ or dutiful underling. Everyone should have equal rights. Spread your wings of freedom and seek to improve things by being frank and honest. You may win, but you can never truly lose if you act with integrity and honesty.

Keywords: Rising above conditioning and limitations. Standing up for one’s self. Demanding better treatment. Seeking recognition and self-respect. Being in charge of one’s life. Breaking away from oppression. Wanting a raise in pay or conditions. The need for freedom. Desiring property and rewards. Rising up from an “underdog” position or situation. The quest for identity.

The Caution: Feeling hard done by. Being demanding. Blaming others. Bucking authority. Demanding to be recognized or noticed. Feeling used and abused. Oppression and slavery. Jealousy and envy. Exploitation.

Uranus is stationary direct on Taurus 24: AN INDIAN WARRIOR RIDING FIERCELY WITH HUMAN SCALPS HANGING AT HIS BELT. 

This Symbol shows the issue of people taking what is theirs by right or by might. It also shows the ability to be able to be recognized for their abilities as a successful leader who is prepared to put themselves at risk to be successful. The risks have taken are marked by rewards that are admired and respected, with a place in society marked by power and status. There’s a need for caution here, though, as the “us or them” mentality can lead to problems on every level. Be strong and commanding, but don’t take advantage of others or allow them to take advantage of you as it could lead to chain reactions of tit for tat mentality.

Keywords: Race wars. Claiming one’s soil. Trophies of conquest. Aggression. Basic instincts. Territoriality. Chain reactions. Tit-for-tat. Competitive natures. Risks for the clan or group. Trophies, medals and diplomas. Striving for recognition and respect, deserved or not. Blood and sacrifice. Tribes mourning their losses. Ritualistic behaviors. Marking victories. War crimes. Ticket scalpers.

The Caution: Conquering others without emotion. Showing off to intimidate others. Domination and ruthlessness. Taking things because one can. Violation of other’s space. Testosterone. Feeling taken advantage of. Notches on the belt, or gun. Cycles of retribution. Vengeance. Taking scalps.

Chiron is stationary direct on Aries 20: A YOUNG WOMAN FEEDING BIRDS IN WINTER.

This Symbol shows the ability to help those in need of help, to provide safety, security, nourishment or emotional support, especially to those who may not know how to solve their problems. There are those that stubbornly resist moving on or changing their habits, even if it is to their detriment, and providing them with a safe harbor can bring many rewards. Nonjudgmental attitudes can move you to help them and lead them to trust.

Keywords: Nurturing innocence. Feeding energy to situations that feel cold, hopeless and lost. Small efforts bringing their rewards. Co-dependent relationships. Nurturing. Helping those less fortunate or smaller. Taking time out for others. Doing things without thought of reward. Enjoying nature. Trying to find friends or company. Bread and water. Soup kitchens. Counselling. Hot vs. cold weather.

The Caution: Wanting to win approval. Creating dependence with others that has to be maintained. Feeling bleak, lost and alone. The need to continually rescue others. Doing anything in order to be liked. Finding it difficult to stop giving. Not being able to say “no”. Feeling used and unrewarded.

The Moon’s north node is on Pisces 28: A FERTILE GARDEN UNDER THE FULL MOON. 

This Symbol shows the ability, or the need, to be able to enjoy nature and to enjoy the fruits of your life, your country, your culture. There’s often a sense that one has all that’s needed, and emotions running high. The “Fertile Garden” signifies that you have things that you need at your disposal. This Symbol has a strong clairvoyant sense to it, with the ability to pick up on subtle energies and life forms in the environment. You’ll get a lot of opportunities to be able to enjoy the moment, but keep a sense of equilibrium, as soon the energy will be on the wane and you’ll have to get back to more practical, everyday tasks.

Keywords: Fullness and fertility. Peak of energy and experiences. Brilliantly active unconscious life. Cycles. Waiting for the right time to approach or handle a situation. The effect of the moon. Astrology and predictive practices. The time for harvesting the rewards of hard work. Nature sprites. Vegetables, herbs and nature’s bounty.

The Caution: Jealous protection of possessions. Not being able to make one’s mind up because of the number of possibilities. Missed opportunities. Difficulty shutting down the mind. Emotions that get out of hand.