Leo Full Moon Reflections: Shedding Shame, Remembering Belonging
“Shame dies when stories are told in safe spaces.” ~ Unknown
In these turbulent times, it’s easy to feel disoriented—to get caught in the noise and lose our center. We are being invited to stay rooted and grounded in who we are, separate from what we do or give to others.
Are you willing to put your own air mask on first—to check in with what you need before tending to everyone else?
For many of us, especially as women, this can feel deeply countercultural. It runs opposite to how we were conditioned, and likely how our ancestors survived. Coming home to ourselves first is a practice. A remembering. One that allows us to connect and expand into more of who we truly are.
Under the potent, tender-hearted Leo Full Moon on Imbolc—a time whose name means “in the womb”—we gathered to witness each wildflower name what is still holding them back from shedding a deeper layer. As we prepare to move into the upcoming eclipse portal—the metaphorical birth canal—it is essential to burn away what no longer supports us, so we may birth ourselves into what we desire with greater ease.
We reflected on who we became and let go of being through 2025 and the Year of the Snake.
In our own ways, we each named that we are done fitting into the boxes of the world. Done fixing others’ problems. Done feeling guilty or like a failure when others remain unhappy. Done living in fear that keeps us stuck.
We brought those deeper layers to Brigid’s altar, allowing the fire to burn them away—rising from the ashes like the Phoenix. As we watched the flames, we noticed how fire—non-discriminating and honest—spoke to each of us.
Through ritual, the energy shifted. We wrote prayers and created paper doves in support of the Ela Peace Project’s art installation in Minnesota, sending loving support from Illinois across the land.
When the masks come off and we are witnessed in our wholeness—without being fixed—our bodies feel it. They remember. And they long for more spaces like this. For me, being seen in the tornadoes and storms of my inner world has created a greater capacity to meet myself with presence when I am alone, rather than numbing, distracting, or bypassing what wants to be felt.
Our wounds happened in relationship. And so, relationship is the healing balm that nurtures the roots.
Come nurture your roots with us.
Come shed the masks of protection and be witnessed as the unique Wildflower you are.
May you remember: you belong—without needing to do anything to earn it.
