Well, we have a Full Moon on Christmas day this year, which hasn’t occurred since 1977 and won’t happen again until 2034! A rare occurrence indeed! Not only that, but this particular Full Moon is in Cancer, the emotional water sign that relates to family, the home, childhood and our ancestral roots. How appropriate! As if this time of year isn’t emotional enough already! Full Moons tend to bring things to a head emotionally, and anything that may have been bubbling away under the surface since the New Moon comes rising up, illuminated by the light of the Moon. Very interesting for a day spent with loved ones and family; the people who know us best! It could be very easy for us to revert into a childlike state! The Moon actually rules Cancer, so it is a very natural place for her to be. It could definitely bring out our emotional, sensitive, domestic, nurturing side, which is quite appropriate for Christmas, as long as things don’t get too emotional! Cancer like to create a warm, cosy nest and a sense of belonging.
During this Full Moon the Sun is in responsible, disciplined and controlled Capricorn, sitting directly opposite the Moon in emotional, sentimental and nurturing Cancer. Cancer represents our inner world, our home life and our psyche while Capricorn represents success in the outer world. It makes sense that whatever happens in our childhood, positively or negatively, will have a direct bearing on how we carry ourselves in the external world. It can make or break us. The key to the Full Moon is to recognise how we might have veered too far in one direction and to find the balance between the energy of the two signs. With the South Node currently in Pisces we may tend to wallow in our victimhood and blame our childhood for anything that might not be working in our adult lives. This is true to a certain extent, because whatever happened in our childhood does then create unconscious emotional patterns that become blind spots and can have a sabotaging effect on our adult lives and relationships. At a certain point, however, we need to take responsibility for our emotions, letting go of the child and becoming an adult. Capricorn helps us to grow up and also to recognise that we actually chose our parents in order to learn certain important lessons that would help us grow on a soul level. With this awareness we then take back our power and the control over our own lives.
It is quite possible that our emotional patterns could come rising up to meet us during this Moon and we may have a chance to look back into the past and recognise where they came from. Cancer is quite a nostalgic sign, so we could have a few trips down memory lane while spending time with our families! If emotions come up, which they probably will, it is important to acknowledge them and recognise that they are amazing guides and can teach us a lot about ourselves. We don’t have to drown in them or react defensively, allowing them to rule us, but rather we should see them as our teachers. Capricorn teaches us self-control and encourages up to just “get on with it”, which is good as long as it doesn’t too far and lead to us suppressing our emotions. That can be equally damaging as it makes us internalise the feelings, which can affect our health and relationships. This Moon could give us a good opportunity to gain more understanding into our ancestral roots because often patterns, traits and karma are passed on, generation after generation, until someone manages to break the cord, thus healing the family line. When we work on ourselves and heal these inherited blind spots we send healing back through the family line and also help future generations.
There is another planet making itself known during this Moon which could make things interesting – Uranus, the Great Awakener and harbinger of change is turning direct a few hours later, having been retrograde since July 26. When planets station direct they stand still for a few days and their energy is at its strongest due to being closer to the earth. Uranus has a very erratic, electrical energy that can stir things up considerably, so this is definitely an interesting addition to the emotional nature of this Moon! It is quite likely that anything that has been suppressed or bottled up could come bursting out, which could be very liberating and enlightening at the same time as potentially quite upsetting. Uranus in Aries really wants us to be utterly authentic and really live our truth and as such some raw truths could be exposed that might bring emotional catharsis, but how freeing it is to have the truth out in the open! This is supported by a challenging aspect between Mars and Mercury, which could give us the courage to be honest with ourselves and others and say things that we would normally shy away from.
Uranus cannot abide comfortable ruts. He is the planet that blows away the cobwebs of our lives and creates sudden change that can be very uncomfortable and unsettling if we resist it. His presence during this Moon can help us to blast through any emotional patterns that may be holding us back and force us out of our comfort zones so that we can try something new on for size. Uranus will come fairly close to another square with Pluto (but not quite), so this is another opportunity to make sure that we are on the right path. We all know, deep inside, where we are not being true to ourselves and our journeys and this Moon could very well force us to own up to it. If we play it safe and resist whatever is needed for our growth then the chances are that it will happen anyway at some point. It is far better to ride the wave rather than being slapped in the face by one going the opposite direction! This Moon is a perfect opportunity to be brave and make positive changes in our lives.
The Sun and Moon are unaspected for the most part, meaning that the energy of Cancer and Capricorn is not influenced or changed by the energy of other planets. Neptune, however, is forming a positive aspect to both of the luminaries, bringing the potential for some unconditional love and having our higher hearts involved in the picture! Neptune will attune us to each other on a higher level and help us to connect from our hearts. If there is any planet we would want to have involved in this Full Moon, Neptune is the one! This will heighten our sense of compassion empathy and forgiveness and help us to act for the highest good of everyone, not just ourselves. It will also help us to trust each other with the more vulnerable, tender parts of ourselves. How beautiful! This is supported by a positive trine between Mercury and Jupiter which will help us to keep an eye on the bigger picture and maintain a sense of humour. It reminds us that anything that comes up during this time is ultimately for our highest good.
We are approaching the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year and a time to go within and face our shadows. It is known as the dark night of our souls, from which springs the new spark of hope. A new cycle is now beginning and this Full Moon will certainly help us to let go of anything that no longer serves us. Cancer and Capricorn may prefer to play it safe, but Uranus has other ideas in mind! Instead of reacting emotionally or defensively, re-enacting our childlike tendencies and patterns, we should maybe take a step back and consciously react from a more mature, adult position. We are not responsible for how anybody else behaves, but we are responsible for ourselves. It is important that we act with integrity, from a place of authentic truth. It may be a bit uncomfortable initially, but what is it that Jesus said? “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free”.
Wishing you all a beautiful holiday season and see you in the New Year!
Much Love
Amy
xoxo
Artwork: “Liberation - Tibetan Dream” by Lori McNee