I don’t know if you are as hippie as I am, or if you’ve been feeling this lately as well, but there is a freeing sensation in the air. An awakening. I’ve been lighter these past two days. The grief is present but it’s not aching, I have finally slept 3 nights in a row without nightmares and my heart is settled and planted firmly in my chest.
I was wondering what this was all about, because the last time I felt a shift of this magnitude was during the autumnal solstice. I did some quick Googling, (sidebar: I really don’t like using “Google” as a verb), only to find that this weekend is not only the winter solstice, but it’s also going to have a full moon and a meteor shower. I am vibrating with excitement!
During the autumnal solstice, I was not ready. I was unstable, anxious as all hell, missing my partner who was out on tour, and our wedding was like 8 days away and everything felt like it was falling to pieces. Fortunately, for this solstice, I am super ready.
I am ready to embrace this season of transformation. I have been in darkness for months, I have felt the pain, the loss, the depression, the shadows and I am learned. I have new discoveries in my heart and in this moment I feel prepared to self-reflect and free them into the powers of this moon and welcome the light to come.
The winter solstice is a time of major change. On the northern hemisphere, it’s the longest night all year. On the southern hemisphere it is the longest day. With such a sharp contrast, it reminds everyone that with darkness, light will come and with light, darkness will follow.
It’s not about longing for one, or being distressed with the other – it’s about accepting that both are present at all times. There is light and darkness in the world, in each of us, in all things – there is a sun and there is a place of no sun.
It’s about allowing these polarities to flow through us as the universe allows both the sun and moon to gravitate around Earth simultaneously.
Alongside this time of acceptance, we have our beautiful first winter solstice full moon since 2010, with the next one not returning until 2094. A special occasion to be witnessed.
To some, this moon is also called the Long Nights Moon, or the Cold Moon. With the power full moons bring, it really delivers the weight of introspection, heart-searching and renewal.
Full moons often remind us of our wisdom and our intuition and if you’re in a calm state of mind, you will receive some very positive influence during this winter moon. But, if you’re feeling a bit chaotic or disoriented, the full moon could increase your emotional state due to her powerful energy. Be gentle with yourselves and know it’s okay to be quiet.
With this beautiful combination of the wise full moon and the reflective winter solstice, I feel the urge to dive inside. I’m reminded of this time to hibernate, to recharge, to fatten up. I’ve been storing all of this darkness, and foraging for education in the experiences around me and now it’s time. It’s time to allow the cold moon to light up my inner silent voice.
With the end of the year being a phase of completion, I’m looking forward to honoring the light and dark inside myself. I plan to greet myself wholly as I am and becoming more fluid with my solar gravitational pull.
Now, if both of these weren’t incredible enough, the Ursid meteor shower will also be taking place Friday and Saturday nights. We’re expected to receive about 5-10 per hour, but some have said that in the country it’s possible to see upwards of 100 in a burst.
The showers can be seen between the big and litter dippers – Ursa Major and Ursa Minor, from which the shower was named. The showers will start around 1:00am in the north-northeastern sky. But with the full moon in bloom, the viewing might be affected from the harsh glare. The pre-dawn hours are usually the most favorable for viewing.
It’s a time to delight in! It’s a season of mistletoe, cinnamon, nutmeg, deep reds and lush greens, pine cones and wood. It’s rich and earthly everywhere and the warmth of the people are all around. If you are in the darkness, hibernate and listen deeply while the sage moon guides you into welcoming the light. If you are already feeling the sun rotating your way, open your home and heart for it is a time of generosity.
Veneration
Have you ever lived in a dream?
“I’m in one right now,” whispered the little blackbird.
My song is the most beloved,
And I like it best after a rain.
Usually I sleep at night, but not now,
Tonight, there is a beautiful refrain.
Purpose and Prose 