This post explores how the Leo Full Moon on February 1, 2026 illuminates creative blocks, inner power struggles, and the courage to recommit to what lights you up. It includes a collective oracle reading, reflection prompts, and a solar plexus mandala project to help you reclaim your creative power.

Leo Full Moon Themes: Creativity, Confidence, and Inner Power

Visibility, Courage, and Creative Self Expression

The Leo Full Moon is a powerful moment for visibility, courage, and creative self expression. Full moons bring things into the light, and under Leo, that light shines directly on the heart of who you are and what you are here to create. This lunation asks an honest question. What happens when you allow yourself to take up space with your gifts, your voice, and your joy?

From Client Reading to Collective Message

This bonus reading was originally done as a client reading. As I worked through the cards, it became clear that the themes were not just personal, they were universal. The messages spoke to creative blocks, fear, commitment, and inner power in a way that many of us can recognize. In a one on one reading, these insights were applied directly to my client’s specific situation. Here, I invite you to do the same for yourself. As you read or watch the video, notice where these themes intersect with your own life. What feels familiar. What feels tender. What feels ready to move.

The Oracle of the Radiant Sun

The reading uses The Oracle of the Radiant Sun*, a deck rooted in astrology and solar symbolism. Leo is ruled by the Sun, the source of vitality, joy, and creative life force. When the Sun is strong and supported, we feel energized and alive. When it is blocked, we may feel stuck, anxious, or disconnected from what once inspired us. This reading is a reminder to reconnect with what lights you up.

*Note: This is an affiliate link. When you place an order, I get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting the work of True North Arts.

Meeting the Inner Saboteur

At the center of the spread is a recurring challenge many of us face. The inner saboteur. This is the voice that questions your worth, magnifies fear, and convinces you that it is safer not to try. In the imagery of this deck, that voice appears as an inner dragon. When left unexamined, the dragon can keep us frozen in inaction, overwhelmed by the size of our dreams or the path ahead.

Leo’s Invitation: Bring Joy and Play Into the Process

Leo’s message is not about perfection or performance. It is about joy. In the pursuit of your dreams, what would feel fun. How could play, curiosity, or pleasure soften the process. Creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to enjoy the journey, not just chase the outcome.

Knowing the Value of Your Creative Work

Another key theme in this reading is value. With the Sun in Taurus appearing prominently, the message is clear. Know the value of your dreams. Taurus teaches us that what we commit to grows through steady care and devotion. When you truly value your creative work, you show up for it consistently, even in small ways.

Clarity Creates Momentum

Clarity is also essential. Without a clear vision, uncertainty can stop you before you begin. Seeing is believing. Believing leads to action. Action builds confidence, and confidence grows into conviction. If you are feeling stuck, the invitation is simple and practical. Take one small step. Then another. Momentum is created through movement, not certainty.

Understanding the Dragon, Not Slaying It

The dragon appears again here, asking to be understood rather than defeated. Slaying the dragon is a familiar, masculine response to fear. A divine feminine approach listens instead. It asks what the fear is protecting. Open your journal and have a conversation with your inner dragon. Let it speak. Reassure it that you are safe, that you are allowed to move slowly, and that small steps are enough.

You Are Not Meant to Do This Alone

Support is woven throughout this reading. You are not meant to do this alone. Whether through friends, mentors, creative community, or unseen guidance, there are people and forces that believe in you. Inspiration flows more freely when you allow yourself to receive encouragement and connection.

Featured Mandala Project:
Solar Plexus Mandala Shield
and the Jeweled City

Leo season does not ask us to harden or defend ourselves with armor, but to protect our creative heart with a shield that allows warmth, courage, and self expression to remain open while we move forward.

Solar Plexus Mandala Shield

The solar plexus is the third energy center, located above the navel. In the Hindu tradition it is called Manipura, which translates as The Jeweled City. This chakra is the seat of personal power, self esteem, and confidence. The jewels of this city represent your inherent value, your gifts, and your creative talents.

A dragon lives in this energy center. You may feel its presence when you give your power away. Saying yes when you want to say no. Over accommodating. Suppressing anger or disappointment. When these emotions turn inward, they can show up as anxiety or depression. The dragon may also carry outdated messages picked up from others along the way. Critical words, judgments, or doubts that surface when you feel vulnerable. This inner conflict is something we all experience. Compassion and understanding are the medicine.

Mandala Practice Steps

Step 1: Draw the foundation

To begin this mandala practice, draw a solar plexus mandala. In my example, I used the solar plexus chakra mandala stencil that I designed for Stencil Girl Products. Follow the contours of each lotus petal to create a border.

Step 2: Illuminate your jewels

Color the lotus petals and the center triangle with a metallic gold marker or paint pen. As you fill them in, reflect on your jewels. Consider where you already feel confident. What gifts come naturally to you. Where have you grown stronger through experience.

As you work, repeat a few affirmations such as:

• I honor my creative power.
• I trust my inner guidance.
• My gifts have value.

Step 3: Create the dragon scales

In the spaces between and around the lotus petals, color a light yellow using a marker. With a fine liner in gold, draw half circles in rows to create dragon like scales. Inside each scale, add a second half circle.

Step 4: Add depth and protection

To add depth, shade around the lotus petals and center triangle with a darker yellow marker or colored pencil.

Step 5: Create your mandala shield

When complete, carefully cut out the mandala. You have created a mandala shield infused with the beauty of who you are, protected by your inner dragon rather than restrained by it.

Full Moon in Leo Resources and Next Steps

What energizes you and how do you naturally shine?
For a deeper exploration of Leo energy, read the main Full Moon in Leo post. It includes a table of all twelve zodiac signs, what energizes each sign, and how each one naturally shines. Read: Leo Full Moon: Follow Your Bliss

If you are reading this before February 1, you are invited to join me for the Leo Full Moon online retreat. This gathering offers guided reflection, creative practice, and ritual aligned with the Full Moon. Click here for details and registration.

If this reading resonated and you would like support applying these insights directly to your own creative path, I offer private AstroTarot Readings. These sessions are a space to explore your inner landscape, clarify next steps, and reconnect with your creative power. Learn more about private readings here.

Here’s to showing up for your dream!

(((soul hugs)))
Kathryn Costa
Instigator of Soulful and Creative Living
True North Arts

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