The Leo Full Moon: What It Brings Up, Why It Feels Intense, and How to Work With It
Date + Time: February 1, 2026 at 5:08PM EST
The Full Moon rises in the bold, expressive sign of Leo, bringing warmth, visibility, + heart-centered clarity into the depths of winter. Known as the Snow Moon, this lunation blends the quiet stillness of the season with Leo’s desire to be seen, heard, + celebrated. While winter often asks us to slow down + turn inward, this Full Moon reminds us that joy, creativity, + confidence still deserve space, even in the coldest months.
This is not a subtle Full Moon but one that is heart-forward, a spotlight-on-you kind of moment.
History of the Snow Moon
According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, February earned this name simply because it was historically the snowiest month of the year in many parts of North America.
In the 1760s, Captain Jonathan Carver documented that the Dakota people referred to this moon as the Snow Moon because of the sheer volume of snowfall during this time. Other cultures gave February’s Full Moon names like the Hunger Moon, Bone Moon, Bald Eagle Moon, or Raccoon Moon, all reflecting the harsh realities and resource scarcity of deep winter.
There’s something magical about this contrast, in my opinion. A bright Full Moon shining over snow-covered ground reminds us that light + life persist, even when everything feels frozen or still.
The Energy of This Full Moon
Astrologically, Leo is a fire sign ruled by the Sun, which governs vitality, confidence, creativity, + self-expression. When the Moon moves through Leo, emotional energy becomes bold, expressive, + heart-led. This Full Moon illuminates themes of visibility, courage, authenticity, + personal pride.
Leo asks us to connect to what lights us up + to honor the parts of ourselves that want to be expressed rather than hidden. Emotions here are meant to be felt, shared, + honored.
This is a moon about owning who you are + allowing yourself to take up space without apology.
What You May Feel Energetically
Full Moons tend to heighten emotions, + Leo adds intensity, warmth, + drama. You may notice a stronger desire to be seen, appreciated, or validated, along with heightened sensitivity around criticism or rejection.
Emotions related to joy, pride, love, + passion can feel amplified, but so can insecurities that stem from feeling overlooked or unrecognized. This moon may expose where you’ve been dimming your light to stay comfortable or avoid judgment.
You may also feel clarity around what deserves more attention in your life + what no longer feels aligned. Leo energy brings awareness to matters of the heart, helping you recognize what you truly value + where you’re ready to step forward more boldly.
The Spiritual Lesson of This Full Moon
The spiritual lesson here is about self-honoring rather than self-editing. This lunation invites you to release the need to shrink, hide, or downplay your desires in order to feel safe or accepted.
Leo teaches that confidence is NOT arrogance + visibility is NOT vanity. When you allow yourself to be fully expressed, you give others permission to do the same. This Full Moon asks you to reconnect with joy, creativity, + pride in who you are becoming, even if you’re still in process.
At its core, this moon is a reminder that your presence matters.
How to Work With This Energy
Working with this Full Moon does not require an elaborate ritual. Simple, intentional actions rooted in self-expression + acknowledgment are especially powerful now.
Take time to recognize what you’ve completed or learned since the last New Moon. Celebrate progress without minimizing it (please!!!!!). Express what’s in your heart through journaling, speaking, or creative play. Leo energy thrives on authenticity, not perfection.
Spending a few quiet moments under the moonlight can also help you emotionally integrate what’s coming into focus. Even brief moon gazing paired with slow, steady breathing can create a sense of grounding and clarity.
Ritual Ideas for the Full Moon in Leo
1) Wear gold or warm tones such as red, orange, or yellow to amplify Leo’s confidence + visibility energy. Even a small accessory or shimmer on the skin can serve as a symbolic anchor.
2) Light a candle and speak your wins out loud. Leo rules the voice + self-expression, and naming what you’re proud of helps solidify that energy.
3) Place jewelry you wear often in the moonlight to charge it with intention. Leo governs adornment, + charged accessories can become daily reminders of confidence.
4) Instead of writing a traditional release list, create a spotlight list. Write what deserves more attention, joy, or devotion in your life.
5) Consider sharing something you’ve been holding back. Posting, speaking, or creating despite vulnerability is a powerful Leo Full Moon ritual in itself.
Full Moon in Leo Diffuser Blend
3 drops Orange : warmth, joy, and creative fire
2 drops Frankincense : grounds the energy of the full moon, connecting you to inner truth and reminding you that your power comes from alignment, not performance
2 drops Geranium : supports emotional balance and self-worth, especially if fear of judgment or comparison comes up
1 drop Spruce : adds strength and resilience, like standing tall in who you are without over-explaining yourself.
The Big Takeaway
The Snow Full Moon in Leo is a reminder that winter is not only about rest and retreat. It is also about remembering who you are beneath the layers + allowing your light to be seen, even when the world feels quiet or cold.
This moon invites you to celebrate yourself, claim space, + reconnect with joy as a spiritual practice. When you honor your heart + express your truth, you move through life with more confidence, warmth, and authenticity.
Let this Full Moon remind you that your light does not need permission to shine, babyyyy!
Love,
Suzy
