Full Moon In Cancer...December 28, 2012...

("Cancer"; Artist:  Yuhon @ http://yuhon.deviantart.com/art/Zodiac-Sign-Cancer-175419211)

December 28^th, at 6:23 AM/EST, is the final Full Moon of 2012, and this one is in the sign of Cancer (whose planetary ruler is the Moon). As always, Full Moon phases represent the culmination of things. They also represent a time when squashed and hidden issues of an emotional nature can rise to the surface for much needed (and sometimes strongly recommended) attention.

Cancer is a water sign whose energy resides within the ambitious Cardinal modality. When in top form, the sign of the crab is both dynamic and powerful. Its fluidity can flow past obstacles, and help clear away road blocks. This moon phase is about the hidden being revealed; the buried being uncovered. Emotional memories and baggage getting uncovered so new light can be shone on them. These memories and emotional issues can come from any point on the spectrum, from the sweet to the heavy. There is much strong energy to be utilized during this lunation, and it’s not only ripe for healing but also transformation.

There is one main configuration of note for this phase. Pluto in Capricorn is conjunct the Sun, both opposing the Cancer Moon, while making a tense square to Uranus in Aries. These aspects will be making emotional matters rather tumultuous at times. You may need to board the ‘emotional roller coaster’ at some point to help move things to a place where you can see things more clearly. You may encounter a surprise or two along the way, but don’t let them sway you from the task at hand: focusing on old emotional issues and baggage, so you can heal/transform them so they no longer have adverse effects on your life moving forward.

The foundations of these emotion based issues are primarily of a relationship nature (but they usually are…so much of our lives are affected by the relationships we have with others). Familial, financial, even the relationship we have with ourselves. This is the time to clean, heal, and change when necessary, those emotional bocks we have been sitting on. This moon can assist in bringing you back some clarity and emotional strength. Don’t be afraid to allow confidence in. Be receptive. Be open. Express yourself, and allow the healing to happen.

(Artist: David Palladini)

Don’t let any initial chaos sway you from moving forward and through any emotional upheavals. On the other side of the issue sits clarity and light. The flow of the water sign will help loosen issues that need tending to, and by embracing the healing energies of this lunation the cleansing can happen. It is advisable that you focus on yourself and take stock of how you respond/react to things in general. During the peak day of the phase and the couple of days following, there is great potential for crankiness, and passive-aggressive behavior. If you find yourself feeling a tad moody, try to keep tabs on just how cranky you are being.

As the year 2012 draws to a close, think of this emotional healing as an element of any preparations you are making for entering into the New Year.

Out with the old, and in with the new.

The following excerpt is from the Farmer's Almanac:

• The Full Cold Moon; or the Full Long Nights Moon ~ During this month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest. It is also sometimes called the Moon before Yule. The term 'Long Night Moon' is a doubly appropriate name because the midwinter night is indeed long, and because the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter Full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.

New Moon In Sagittarius...December 13, 2012...

December 13, 2012, is the New Moon in Sagittarius, at 4:42 AM/EST. Sagittarius is a fire sign, so expect some charged and heightened energy. Something new and exciting is just around the corner, and this lunar phase says that actions are more powerful than words for now. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself feeling motivated to throw caution to the wind, and wanting to jump ahead with both feet on a new project. Yes, there is plenty of strong and energetic energy to go around, but before running aimlessly into new ventures it is prudent to clarify your intention, and carefully consider what is laid before you. By all means forge ahead, but be smart rather than reckless.

The sign of Sagittarius is one of optimism, and expansiveness. It is also a curious sign. Sagittarius is symbolic of the higher self, and the higher mind. The energies of this New Moon will be around through the end of December, so take the opportunity to put these plentiful energies to work. Aim to your higher self, and to higher goals. Open your consciousness and listen to your voice within. New Moons are about starting new goals and setting fresh intent into motion. This is an optimum time to aim high, and put some strong goals into motion.

Sagittarian Mercury is Square Piscean Neptune, and at the same time Mercury is Trine Uranus in Aries. These aspects speak to the afore mentioned need to be smart rather than reckless. There is potential for a seemingly brilliant idea to falter, as it is heavily dependent on as yet unformed potential. Shelve it for a while, and revisit it when things have gelled more.

Uranus in Aries is preparing to station direct a few hours after the New Moon, so for the moment it is at a standstill. It is ready to forge ahead once the time is ripe, but with the influences of Mercury and Neptune mucking things up, there is potential for unrealistic expectations. Again, really consider things, and do your best to see the forest for the trees.

(Artist: David Palladini)

Jupiter in Gemini forms the apex of a Yod, while Saturn in Scorpio Sextile Pluto in Capricorn forms the base. This time of year is an expensive one for all of us. When setting up budgets, be doubly sure that your income and spending are balanced. Capricorn and Scorpio will help keep you on track.

Although the aspect is diminishing, Venus in Scorpio is Sextile Mars in Capricorn. You could feel a surge of passion in your existing relationship or with someone new. Whatever your intentions are be sure to make them as clear as possible.

During this New Moon in Sagittarius simplicity is the name of the game. On the subjects of romance or new business ventures keep things as simple as possible, and focus on the path to the end goal. As always, honesty is the best policy. Energy is high and there is plenty to go around. Just don’t let it make you go off half-cocked. Keep things in perspective. Remember, by staying smart rather than reckless, great things are just around the corner.

Full Moon Musings...

The past couple of weeks have been an adjustment, as I've been getting back into the groove of being (somewhat) gainfully employed. I have had my pictures of the Gemini Full Moon of November 28th uploaded and ready to post, but day to day life was getting in the way. Spending time on my blog is something that needs to happen. It's something I must do. So here I am...spending some much needed time on my blog...

(Artist: Julie L. Hoddinott)

I was born at the tail end of the month of July, which makes me a Leo on the astrological charts. Not all of the traits Leo's are said to possess I will admit to. I can be very 'encouraging', 'loyal' (to a fault in some cases), and 'generous'. 'Ambition' and 'confidence' are two that are said to be strong in Leos. I can say that I am both, but along specific lines. I have many creative talents, so any ambitions I have would definitely lean in that direction. I am confident in many ways, but not to the point where it makes me unbearable to be around (I have known a few like that...have wanted to pop them in the head). The last trait I will mention is 'independent'. I am very independent, and am perfectly content to spend time with me. The overall zodiacal breakdown of the sign of Leo has many more layers to it, but I'm not going to delve any deeper.

As I sat down to get my Moon photos ready to post, I started thinking about how much I appreciate the Moon. It shines at night, and I have always preferred the night time. So much so that I often joke about there being vampires on my family tree. The outside world during the night is so magical and mysterious. The sounds, shadows, and dark recesses are particular to the hours that Luna occupies the sky. I find my connection with the Moon interesting...since I was born under a fire sign.

Leo's ruling "planet" is the Sun. (I don't know why they count the Sun as a planet since it is obviously a star.) The sun and I have never been on good terms. Spending lengthy amounts of time in the blazing rays of a summer sun has pretty much always resulted in red searing pain. I do remember being able to hang out at the pool, and being able to tan, when I was young. I'm not really clear why things changed, but they did in my twenties. Maybe it has to do with my auto-immune disease, Graves Disease (hyperthyroidism). Who knows? I don't do well in the heat, and my eyes don't do well in bright light. If I had my druthers, I would stay in all day and get stuff done at night. Too much of daily life happens during daylight hours, rendering that thought useless. As much distaste as I have for the sun, I do my best to tolerate it's unavoidable presence.

The sign that is associated with the Moon is Pisces. The sign of the fish has traits that...well, traits (some of which) I feel describe me better than Leo the lion. 'Imaginative', 'accepting', 'devoted', 'compassionate', 'adaptable'...all of those describe me. On the down side, Piscean people are said to be 'escapist', 'overly sensitive', and 'indecisive'. All of those register a "yes and no" with me. Hmm...oh, who am I trying to kid? I am a Leo who despises her sign's ruling celestial body. Not much I can do about changing that, so I'll just continue to be a Leo who has an intense dislike for the sun.

November's Full Moon was beautiful. Once I could see it. Here on the Georgia coast we had experienced some rain, and the sky was still filled with dense cloud cover during the day of the 28th. I had pretty much resigned myself to the fact that I would have to miss seeing the Full Moon. It was to be a special one, too, as it was to be accompanied by a lunar eclipse. Would I have gotten to see the effects of the eclipse? No, not really. There were some subtle effects visible with the naked eye. For about a half an hour before and after the peak/maximum of the eclipse, light grey shading would be visible along the northern 'limb' of the Moon.

As darkness descended over the marsh, I ventured outside a few times to check the sky. Just in case. I noticed some small areas where holes were appearing in the cloud cover, but nothing large scale. The last trip out, I was turning to go back inside when I noticed some brightness through the black line of tree tops along the marsh edge. Bingo! My sense of hope started to return. I grabbed the camera, tripod, and headed towards where I hoped the Moon would be.

It was there, but clouds still covered it. I decided to wait a bit to see if Luna would make an appearance. The clouds dispersed a little here and there, only the brilliant rays shining through. Then little by little the Moon appeared.

I look forward to the Full Moon each month. Such beauty, and energy. It marks the culmination of things. A time to deal with and resolve issues, so you can cut them lose. The brilliant round Moon shines its cleansing light. I really dig the Moon. It's the Earths satellite and nearest piece of the cosmos...another interest of mine...

Up next, the Cancer Full Moon of December 28th...