Full Moon in February 2023
The second full moon in the year 2023 will occur early in the month on Sunday, February 5. It is also called the “Snow Moon”. The day of this full moon is also the day of the Chinese Lantern Festival, which marks the first full moon of the Chinese new lunar year and the end of the Chinese New Year.
When to See the Full Moon in February 2023
February’s full moon occurs on Sunday, February 5, 2023. It is approximately 392,775 km (244,059 miles) from Earth at 11:56 (Eastern Time) in Leo (the area of the sky represented by the lion constellation).
February’s full moon will arise at 20:30 (Eastern Time), peak when it reaches its highest point in the sky at Leo around late night, and set around sunrise the next morning, being visible for about 9 hours.
Why Is It Called the Snow Moon?
Traditionally, the full moon's name derives from Native American colonial and European cultures.
The full moon in February has often been called the Full Snow Moon for centuries. This full moon is known as the Full Snow Moon due to the heavy snowfall in February. Cold late winter weather coincides with more moisture in the air in February in many northern areas, the snowfall is the heaviest of the year.
Astrological Meanings of the Full Moon in Leo February 2023
February's full moon of 2023 takes place in the sign of Leo on February 5. This full moon in the constellation of Leo has the astrological meaning of vivaciousness, stability, consistency, and passion.
Leo is the fifth astrological sign in the zodiac after Cancer and before Virgo. It spans 120 - 150 degrees of celestial longitude. Represented by the lion, Leo is one of the fire signs along with Aries and Sagittarius.
The February full moon in Leo is going to remind you to pay more attention to reality, and face life with a more pragmatic and stable attitude. February's full moon occurs in the self-aware Leo reminds us to emphasize and focus awareness of ourselves.
The Effects of the February's Full Moon on the Astrological Signs
The zodiac is classified into four elements: fire, earth, air, and water. Each element has three zodiac signs.
This February’s full moon is happening in Leo (120 - 150° celestial longitude), which is one of the three fire signs and is most compatible with other fire signs - Aries and Sagittarius, as well as the air signs including Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius. So the February full moon in Cancer should favor those signs.
Cultural and Religious Representation
The Moon has influenced human culture for thousands of years, and the full moon and new moon phases in particular. Festivals in many countries are related to the full moon phase, including Mid-Autumn Festival and Lantern Festival in China, Easter in the United States, and Navaratri in India.
In the past, it was believed that the moon caused many forms of mental illness and even could cause disasters. Many people believe that the moon is related to life phenomena. Many plausible claims are found in folklore, religion, astrology, literature and art, and modern film and television media.
February's Full Moon and the Lantern Festival 2023
The Lantern Festival in 2023 falls on the 5th of February, Sunday, the day of the full moon in Leo as well as the first full moon in the Chinese lunar year.
On the 15th day of the first Chinese lunar month, two weeks after Chinese New Year is the Lantern Festival, an important traditional festival in China. The lantern festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year Festival. All the new year celebrations stop from this day.
Traditionally, on the night of the Lantern Festival, streets are decorated with colorful lanterns. Families will get together to enjoy a reunion dinner. People also eat tangyuan, glutinous rice balls filled with sweet sesame paste, red bean paste, or peanut butter. In Chinese culture, tangyuan symbolizes reunion. Chinese people believe that eating tangyuan during the festival may bring family harmony and good luck in the new year.
When Is the Next Full Moon Day
The next full moon will occur on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, in Virgo. The third full moon is also called the Worm Moon because of a kind of worm, beetle larvae. This kind of worm starts to appear near the time of the spring equinox.
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