The 1st Quarter in Leo comes exact on Saturday, April 25 at 7:55 pm EST
Click here to learn about the Moon. Click here to learn about Leo.
The First Quarter marks halfway between the New and Full Moon. The First and Last Quarter occur when the Moon aspects the Sun at a 90 degree angle. (Seen from above, the Moon forms a right angle in relation to an invisible line running through the Earth to the Sun, hence “square” for the name of this astrological aspect. Here the Moon has completed 1/4 of her journey around the Earth.) In this particular phase, the Sun in fixed earth Taurus will square the Moon in fixed fire sign Leo. The Moon will rise at noon, peak at dusk and set at midnight.
This phase is a checkpoint. What aspects of our initiatives have been successful thus far? Where do we need to work harder? Nearing the Full Moon is like creeping to the high point of a rollercoaster. Soon all undertakings will be fully realized and answers to lingering questions brought to the fore. You are encouraged now to scope out any flaws in the foundation laid with New Moon #2 in Aries. Are your ventures built to last? The waxing light of the Moon symbolizes a return to total awareness. This is the best time to tweak and improve upon existing plans. At every Full Moon we manifest all New Moon intentions, so the week between the First Quarter and Full Moon (Apr 25 – May 3) is a very powerful time. If you have been diligent, expect to see your ideas come to fruition now.
Squares mean change. We have reached a corner and must choose a new direction. The building energy and excitement you may feel is there to inspire you. The First Quarter Moon encourages decisive action, calculated risk-taking, networking and deepened commitment to personal growth. The Moon is asking you to gather yourself. This phase falls in fixed signs, meaning that the most attractive path now will be one that fortifies our proverbial compass rose, the foundation we will return to again and again throughout the next astrological year. Our intention now is to “firm up” plans. Now that the Aries cycle is almost over, let’s see which new insights best serve us. What was a lovely idea in theory but failed to manifest smoothly in reality?
Now vs. later
The First Quarter Moon falling in Leo represents a conflict between the joy of the present moment and the reality of the future. I like to imagine each Moon cycle as a procession of poignantly themed challenges. Generally speaking, the Taurus cycle seeks to build and sustain. The bull, unlike the lion, moves slowly and purposefully; she is conservative, efficient and practical. Taurus thrifts and saves for maximum comfort in the long run, but Leo would happily spend all his money and resources at once if it meant having the best time ever RIGHT NOW! From astrologer Bil Tierney:
Both signs form strong attachments to those they trust and respect. They also wish to be seen as trustworthy and honorable in their intentions … Neither sign is devious or underhanded in its approach to getting what it wants. This pairing thus implies honesty, strong integrity, and an inner strength that others can count on in times of need … There’s an obstinate nature here that could perhaps use a few lessons in flexibility, as both signs won’t take no for an answer. Nonetheless, there is an authentic self-expression that indicates a strong backbone and an ability to handle even arduous times with dignified self-composure.
The lion now strikes a pose in the bull’s path as if to ask: is your life majestic, or just boring and safe? Both signs are incredibly stubborn and difficult to persuade of anything much at all. More from Bil Tierney on the Taurus-Leo square:
[F]ixed signs resist altering themselves to accommodate one another … Yet the tremendous resources bottled up in these signs need purposeful release, so life brings on forceful, uncompromising conditions that make this fixed group finally bend and yield to one other. Once they willingly exchange their assets, they find it’s not such a bad thing after all, and wonder why they hadn’t conceded sooner.
Taurus is the cosmic strongwoman of the zodiac, and Leo her pampered son, bounding after luxury and leisure. But like any well-intentioned spirit, Leo wants to make sure that we’re having enough fun and enjoying life to the absolute fullest. So do our plans for the new year include celebration? One last line from astrologer Bil Tierney: “Leo doesn’t care how much its pleasures will cost (in fact, it connotes a higher price tag with greater value). The Lion seeks the best in life that it can afford, since it thinks so highly of itself.”
Leo attempts now to rain sparks on the bull’s earthen kindling. The lion is not satisfied with aspirations that fail to leave room for unbridled passion, followed of course by proper relaxation. The First Quarter reconnects us to divine fire energy – without Leo’s joyful yet insistent thirst for thrill and diversion, it is all too easy to get stuck, mired in thick, heavy earth energy. If you’re feeling lost, remember that underneath it all, what both signs are really seeking is to live the best life possible. From Taurus we learn to survive off of our own inner confidence and self-appreciation; from Leo we learn the importance of genuine compassion and forthright praise for others. Indeed, what we really learn is that it takes incredible courage to live completely in the present moment, detached from all terrestrial doubts, fears and worries.
Expect themes of loyalty, or perhaps loyalty to indulgence, to pop up now. This square connotes a conflict between conservation and excess. Even the imbalanced bull is known to swing wildly between saving and splurging. It’s time to get in touch with how and where we can give more – how do you fend off greed? How do you live up to your responsibility to be generous? This phase is connected to the Last Quarter Moon in Taurus of August 2014. Any themes that predominated then will now resurface. I suggest performing a ritual that involves fire or a heart chakra activation. Namaste.
If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.
Mantra: I love myself