A full Moon and an Ursid meteor shower will accompany this year's winter solstice. This year's solstice will occur at approximately 5:23 ET on Dec 21st, 2018.
The annual winter solstice brings us the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt away from the Sun and lasts for just a moment. The Southern Hemisphere will experience the opposite, with the longest day and shortest night. Most of the customs, folklore, and rituals associated with the western holiday of "Christmas" are linked to Winter Solstice celebrations of ancient Pagan cultures.
On Dec. 22nd, (one day after the winter solstice) the full Moon arrives. Known as the "Cold Moon", it's fullest peak is at 12:49 p.m. ET
The last time a full moon coincided with the winter solstice was in 2010 and it's not expected to join the solstice again until 2094, according to NASA. So basically for many, it will be the last time in our lifetime that the full moon coincides with the solstice.
Watching the Meteor Shower
Because the full moon on December 22nd will be illuminating the sky, it is recommended to watch in the morning right before the shower's peak, during the darkness between moonset and dawn. At the shower's peak, during pre-dawn hours in a dark sky, you may see 5 to 10 meteors per hour, but on the flip-side, there have been years where that number rose to 100 per hour!
Utilizing the Energy of the Full Moon
The moon's gravitational force not only affects open bodies of water with higher tides during a new moon and a full moon it also affects the water within our own human body and brain. As emotions relate to the element of water, it is easy to connect the relationship between us and the effects of the moon.
A full moon brings an increased awareness of heightened emotions, emotional intensity or moodiness. The power of the full moon supports the release of unwanted emotions and energy while providing support for deep healing of old wounds. The full moon has the ability to shed light on the places and spaces, internally and externally, that can benefit from healing, cleansing or both.
Let Go & Forgive
It is a great time for purging negative habits, forgiveness and letting go completely. The moon represents our emotions, subconscious, and our divine inner world. The key to utilizing the energy of a full moon is to intentionally let go and surrender to new ways of being.
Cleanse your Body, Mind & Spirit
Cleansing activities and rituals such as fire ceremonies, sauna, mud, salt or mineral baths help to support energetic clearing and letting go. There is something powerful about setting an intention and then utilizing the power of water or heat to help cleanse your body's energy system, mind, and spirit. A naked swim under the full moon is gloriously freeing and a great way to soak in the moons energy. An excellent way to charge and cleanse your crystals is in the light of a full moon.
Dance
Feel the freedom of your body letting go of all inhibitions. (Ideally outside under the moonlight if possible) Put on your favorite music, dance and move your body in new ways! Or dance in silence to your own internal rhythm, and allow nature to move your body and express your inner being through free movement.
Wishing you a blessed and empowered full moon, solstice, meteor shower.
Eluv