Snow Moon in Leo 2026

My heart: ‘Share your truth, show yourself.’
My nervous system: ‘Absolutely not.

February 1st, 2026, Leo Full Moon - Can you tell already that she’s coming for the part of us that wants to be brave.. AND the part that would prefer to hide or be a houseplant? Sunday, 1 February at 22:09 UTC (23:08 here in the Netherlands), she will basically be your reminder that your heart still wants what it wants, even when it’s dark outside at 5 PM and the only thing thriving is your candle collection. She tends to shed light on big themes like visibility, confidence, and letting your heart take up a little more space than your overthinking would like. 

Leo is the sign of the heart, creativity, and being seen, which sounds gorgeous in theory, and slightly terrifying in practice. And yes, I’m including myself in that. The universe has a sense of humor, because right now my work is asking me to be more visible (hii… Instagram), while in fact I secretly wish people would just magically find their way to my sessions so I can focus on what I do best: The energetic core work that I do.

Do you recognize that feeling of duality? One part of you wants to share your truth / your work / your art… and the other part wants to disappear into a cabin in the woods until further notice. I guess this is part of being human. And this Leo Full Moon is, kind of loudly, asking:

what if you let yourself take up space anyway? 

Speaking of duality.. The full moon might be shining in Leo, but it’s still Aquarius season! This means self-expression and authenticity, yessss, but also belonging, community, and the places where we shrink to keep the peace. It’s an individual energy, but a community energy at the same time. You might notice old stories about your worth, visibility, or “Who do I think I am?” rising to the surface… right alongside a surprisingly tender desire to live from the heart and to stand up for the way you deserve to be treated.

And because I don’t believe we have to white-knuckle our way into courage, this is actually one of my favourite moons to meet with Cacao. Warm, grounding, and honest. The kind of medicine that doesn’t force you to perform, but does help you come home to what’s real… and maybe, just maybe, let your light be witnessed (without immediately apologizing for it).
It’s a beautiful moon that wants you to get in touch with your inner power and shine. And do this in a way that feels safe. But more about this later. 

Let’s put a hand on the heart, take a brave little inhale, and see what wants to be expressed under this moon, shall we?

Why do we call it a Snow Moon?

I would love to tell you a mysterious story about it right now but ehhh,,. This Full Moon is nicknamed the Snow Moon, because. February has traditionally been one of the snowiest months in North America, so this moon got a winter title that simply tells the truth. We are still in the thick of it.

And I actually love that reminder, because we are cyclical beings. Unfortunately, the world of social media is trying to sell you the idea that we are non-aging, productivity robots with a cute skincare routine. Winter is meant to slow us down and allow us to continue cocooning, resting, integrating, and letting the nervous system catch up with everything life has asked of us. The more we honor our winter, the more stable the seeds we plant now. The stronger they sprout when spring arrives. You get the gist?

Now here is where it gets interesting, because this Snow Moon is happening in Leo. Leo is ruled by the sun, and wants to rise, express, and maybe do a small dramatic hair flip on the way. So you might feel two truths at once. A part of you is waking up and wanting to move, create, share, come out of hiding. And another part of you still needs softness, slowness, and a little more cocoon time. Both are valid in my opinion, we just need to channel it in a way that supports us.

For this very reason, I chose to design a Cacao ceremony WITH sound healing this time. Cacao warms the heart and gently brings you into the body. Sound gives your system a place to soften, release, and integrate, without needing to force anything. It lets Leo’s fire be present without burning you out. It lets your light return in a way that feels safe. And helps you connect to your inner fire and the people around you. If you are in the Netherlands and have nothing on your schedule for Sunday, this could be the supported safe space you need.

Also: You might feel the early whisper of spring, but I can imagine you are also tired, tender, or still thawing out. And that is no delay my dear. Just let your body guide you. It is all part of the becoming.

Themes of this full moon

This Leo Full Moon has a very specific talent: it finds the part of you that has been quietly craving more, then gently taps it on the shoulder like:
“Hi. I know you felt that. Are we going to keep pretending we don’t want to be seen and don’t need anything?”

Leo energy is heart-led and expressive, but it is also deeply vulnerable. Because wanting to shine is one thing. Letting yourself be witnessed while you shine is another. As mentioned before, you might notice a mix of boldness and tenderness moving through you, sometimes in the span of five minutes.

Some things people often experience around this kind of moon:

1) A sudden honesty about what you actually want.
Not what you should want or what makes sense on paper. More like, “Oh. This is the truth. I just have not wanted to admit it yet.” Plus.. are you ready to face it?

2) A sensitivity around recognition, appreciation, and being valued.
You might realize where you have been overgiving, overperforming, or staying small, hoping someone else will finally see you or finally love you. This moon tends to bring the question: what if you gave that recognition to yourself first? And what if I need more?

3) A push to express something you have been holding back.
A creative idea, a message you have not sent, a boundary you keep rehearsing in your head, a part of your personality you tone down to stay digestible. What wants to come to the surface and how can you express this authentically and respectfully?

4) The classic Leo paradox.
“I want to be visible” meets “please do not look at me.”
If that shows up, you might start doubting your own inconsistency. But it just means you are expanding and maybe even uploading to version 2.0!

If you take one thing from this moon so far, let it be this: you do not have to be the loudest person in the room to be powerful. Many people think about Leos as loud and dramatic, yet it is not only about performing. It is about living from the heart, even when that feels exposed. About a beautiful vulnerability, warm power, change and creation, Leo can bring.

Your body’s whisper (or scream)

With the Moon in Leo, the body themes are very heart-forward. In medical astrology Leo is linked to the heart, spine, and upper back, so you might notice this as chest tightness, a guarded heart feeling, or that classic “why are my shoulders living in my ears” posture.

That can translate into the nervous system feeling a bit spicy. You might feel activated, reactive, or emotionally brave one minute, then strangely tender the next.

If your body is asking for support, keep it simple:

• Hand-on-heart breathing for 2 to 3 minutes, slower exhale than inhale

• Upper back care: warm shower, heat pack, gentle chest openers, less phone-hunch postures… BTW: This is your reminder to check your posture while you are reading this! Gotcha!

• Sound and vibration to help the system soften and integrate, especially if you feel wired but tired. Set up a calm playlist or search for binaural beats on Spotify. (Or enjoy a live sound healing session near you.)

While the world is telling you to push harder, and believe me, there is a time and place for that, but during these days, the invitation is more of a “listen closer”. Your body will tell you what is true long before your mind finishes Volume 5 Season 8 on future scenarios and possible outcomes + excuses that can hold you back.

EXTRA: the tail-end of the Wood Snake

There’s another layer to this Leo Full Moon that I love paying attention to. On February 1, 2026, we are still in the Year of the Wood Snake, which runs from January 29, 2025 to February 16, 2026. Which means, we are in the Snake’s final chapter. Tail-end energy can give a last round of shedding, refining, simplifying, and getting very honest about what is actually aligned, and what was just… familiar. This can be quite uncomfortable, but at the same time if necessary for your growth. Maybe themes that you thought had enough fixing, come right back around to bite you in the butt and test you if you really managed to learn the lesson you think you did.

Then, on February 17, 2026, the collective energy shifts into the Year of the Fire Horse. And the vibe change is real. Wood Snake is strategic and internal. Fire Horse is movement, momentum, bolder choices, and a growing intolerance for anything that feels stuck. Think less “quietly recalibrating” and more “okay, I’m ready to live this now.”

Right now it’s like the universe is letting you feel what wants to come alive, so you can close out the Snake year with intention and step into the Horse year with clarity. And it is a very promising one, love!

A tiny way to work with this right now:
Write down two lists.
1. What are the patterns that arose during this wooden snake year, and what do I want to shed before February 17.
2. What do I want to move toward when the Horse arrives.

Rituals for that moon energy

1) The heart hearth ritual

As you now know, Leo rules the heart, and this one is about warming yourself back into your own truth.
What you need: a candle, something warm to drink (cacao or tea), a blanket.

Steps:

1. Light the candle and place a hand on your heart.

2. Take at least 10 slow breaths with your eyes closed, longer exhale than inhale.

3. Whisper (or write) this sentence three times:
   “What my heart wants is…”
   And see what comes up

4. End with one tiny action you can take in the next 24 hours that honors that truth. Tiny counts. Leo loves a brave micro-move.

2) Snake skin shedding ritual

Tail-end of the Wood Snake energy is perfect for finishing, clearing, and getting honest about what you are done carrying. Especially combined with a full moon
What you need: paper, pen, a bowl, candle (optional), water and a pinch of salt (optional).

Steps:

1. Write down what you are shedding before the Fire Horse year begins.
   Keep it real: habits, people-pleasing, “I’ll do it later,” old roles, old fears.

2. Fold the paper away from you (symbolic release).

3. Tear it up and drop it into the bowl. (optional to work with the fire energy of leo to safely burn it in a candle) then to the paper or ashes

4. Add water (and salt if you like), stir it slowly, and say:
   “I release what is no longer mine to hold.”
   OR blow ashes away in the wind to work with the air energy of Aquarius.

5. If chosen to work with water: Pour it down the sink and rinse the bowl like you mean it.

Self-care note: After this one, drink water and do something comforting. Shedding can feel light, but your nervous system still wants a cuddle.

What to focus on during yoga?

“Warm the heart, free the voice, steady the spine.” This Leo Snow Moon wants expression, courage, and a little playful creative fire. But it’s still winter, so we are not forcing some dramatic peak pose to prove a point. Think: slow heat, grounded legs, supported heart opening, and long exhales that keep your nervous system feeling safe while your heart gets to speak.

5 poses aligned with Leo expression and winter support:

1. Crescent Lunge (Ashta Chandrasana) with cactus arms
   Grounded legs, open chest, “I take up space” energy without forcing a big backbend.

2. Goddess Pose (Utkata Konasana) with heart pulses or big arm circles
   Earthy, powerful, warm. Add a little movement to invite playfulness and fire.

3. Dancer Pose at the Wall (Supported Natarajasana)
   Leo-coded elegance and courage, but with support so it feels safe and doable.

4. Sphinx Pose (Salamba Bhujangasana) with Shoulder blade hug and release
   A subtle heart opener that also targets upper back tension. Let the collarbones widen and the neck stay long.

5. Side-Lying Supported Twist (Jathara Parivartanasana) (with a bolster, block or pillow)
   To integrate. To soften. To land. Because your nervous system deserves a cozy ending.

Extra suggestions for the lovely yoga teacher reader

The Leo Spotlight moment: halfway through class, invite everyone to choose their favourite pose for 1 to 2 minutes. Yes, even if it “doesn’t fit the flow.” That is the point. This is a Full Moon in Leo. Let it be a little creative, a little rebellious, a little you. This also lends itself perfectly to practices witnessing without judging, fixing, or comparing.

Pranayama suggestion:
Lion’s Breath (Simhasana pranayama) is actually perfect for this moon. It helps release tension in the jaw and throat and gives the body a safe outlet for stuck emotion or unspoken truth. Offer it in your class as optional, because it can feel vulnerable.
If you want something softer but still voice-based, go for Humming Bee Breath (Bhramari). It’s soothing, regulating, and still activates the healing power of vibration.

Bottom-line: Gently guide your yoga practice through themes of the heart, self-expression and authenticity.

Reflective journal prompts

1. Where am I still asking for permission to be myself?

2. What would change if I stopped waiting for approval and chose myself anyway?

3. What part of me wants to be seen right now, and what part is terrified of that?
   Be specific. What does each part need in order to feel safe?

4. What have I been performing in order to be loved, included, or “easy to handle”?

5. What skin is ready to come off before February 17?
   Name the pattern, role, relationship dynamic, or story that has run its course. What have I learned from it, and what am I taking with me?

I decided to give you a bonus prompt this time. But, pay attention, this one can not be answered in negative self-talk. Answer it from a place of light, care, and kind observation, without judgement. Otherwise, please skip:
Who am I at this very moment?

Leo’s parting words would be…

This has been quite the lengthy blog again, so thank you for reading it. It’s okay if you skipped some parts! Please take away what resonates with you deeply and let me know your favorite part in the comments.

Anyway, If you take anything from this Snow Moon in Leo, let it be this: your light is not a luxury. It’s part of your medicine. And yes dear, being seen can feel vulnerable. It can feel messy. It can bring up all the old “Who do I think I am?” stories. And it can also be painful when other persons are involved and not ready to receive you in the same vulnerability. I hope this moon treats you gentle and helps you to get in touch with what is true for you and what is for your highest good.

And because we are still in the tail-end of the Wood Snake year, do not be surprised if old patterns try one last dramatic encore. The Snake does that. She wants you to prove you actually learned the lesson, not just journaled about it. Take it as a compliment. Your growth is getting audited.

Just remember, it’s still winter. You don’t need to sprint into a brand-new version of yourself overnight. You only need to keep choosing the next honest step. The brave micro-move. The truth you stop swallowing. The creative spark you stop postponing. The boundary you stop negotiating. You will get there in your timing and no one can take that away from you.

So here’s your gentle challenge, wrapped in Leo warmth: do one thing this week that your heart has been asking for. One message. One post. One conversation. One piece of art. One act of self-respect. Let it be small enough to feel doable and real enough to change something.

And if you want to meet this moon in community, with warm cacao and sound that helps your nervous system soften into courage, you know where to find me. I would love to hold space for you here.

Hand on heart, love. You are allowed to take up space. You are allowed to be witnessed. And you are absolutely allowed to bloom in your own timing.

With love & a brave little heart,
Mariska | Amapola Healing