Day 79 of 365 - Long Night Moon

It's a little astrology post today.  Yesterday we had winter solstice.  Today we have the full moon in Cancer.  Because it is so close to the solstice, it is called the Cold Moon or Long Night Moon.  The December full moon is not always so close to the solstice, and will not happen again until almost the end of this century.

Along with today's full moon there will be a meteor shower, called the Ursid.  The name comes from the constellation origin of the meteors, from Ursa Minor, or what is commonly known as the Little Dipper.

The full moon is at home in the watery, emotional sign of Cancer.  While full moons are generally known for increasing emotional reactivity, this can be amplified even more in the sign of Cancer, which relates to family, ancestors, home and security.

So, if you find yourself being nostalgic, sentimental or emotional in more than expected ways today and the next few days, it's not just you, it's not just because it's Christmas.  It's also because the heavens are amplifying all this.

Personally, I think it's kind of magical and cool that these events happen to be occurring at this sacred time of year.  For example, I have quite a caring circle of friends in my NIA community who easily express themselves to one another, but this morning there was even a higher degree of emotion than usual.  Our teacher, Susan, always puts on a special Solstice class.  It was just magical and everyone there was tuned in. Later, after breakfast, everyone was going around hugging one another and giving holiday greetings, lingering longer than usual.

On the other end of the spectrum, emotions of remorse and regret about family or relationships can be heightened too along with feeling sensitive and vulnerable.  If you find yourself in this situation, honor your emotions and focus on good self care.

Along with this full moon and other concurrent planetary aspects, you may find that your intuition is heightened as well.  You may receive insights about changes you might want to make to bring greater peace and stability to your life.

Astrologer Jennifer Racioppi invites us to take this time to honor our growth in the past year, and also to come home to our bodies with compassion.  This full moon is a great time to release the burdens of the past year too, maybe even writing them down and burning or tearing up the paper.  Let go of the past and love yourself before focusing on what you want for the coming new year.

Where I live, so far it is cloudy today.  I don't know whether I will be able to see the full moon or the meteor showers tonight.  But, they will be there in the sky and having their influence anyhow.  I will set an intention at bed time and ask my dreams to give me insights to apply to my life.  Sweet full moon dreams to you at this special time of year!








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