The Moon will be full in her own sign of Cancer on December 23rd (Exact at 8:16 pm EST), just in time for solstice and the rich, dark last days of the year (in the N. Hemisphere). It lends a loving warmth to holiday gatherings, bringing out a desire to 'nest' with those that feel like family to you. When the Moon is in Cancer -- the sign she rules -- the Mother in us all comes out, and we're enveloped in a homey, nurturing vibe.
After the outward reaching new Moon in Sagittarius, we're drawn to finding fullness in the intimate sphere of family. We don't choose our family, and as we grow into individuals, it can be an awkward mix of political views, lifestyles and spiritual beliefs. The full Moon of Cancer says all can be healed by love, and that loving eachother is what really matters.
Mars Retro's Troubled Waters: Along with the full Moon, Mars retrograding in Cancer draws us back to old wounds, resentments, and defensive behaviors. Cancer inspires irrational persecution complexes, and has a special genius for spinning elaborate 'woe is me' yarns. Coming at the holidays, with family all together, sounds like a recipe for disaster. Old, buried hurts are exposed, and everyone starts stewing in their own juices. But it's also a chance to choose the healing path of forgiveness. It's a moment when defenses can be softened and let go, so that the common heart bonds of love are felt and allowed to work their subtle magic.
Healing Waters: Two other planets are in water signs at this month's full Moon. Venus in the mysteriously spiritual Scorpio is an ally for making those deeper connections. It's a Venus that brings us into the undercurrents, and adds intensity to the moment of emotions laid bare. Just as with Mars retro, things can get ugly, but offer a chance to heal at a deep level.
The new Moon trines both Venus and Uranus in Pisces, making the few days after a time for profound 'changes of heart.' With the Awakener in the mix, the beauty of family intimacy can be extended to all of humanity. It's a moment to find spiritual sustenance in your closest connections, and experience a Big Heart for the world, too.
There's a strange stress at the holidays for a lot of people, and the full Moon reminds us to avoid becoming emotionally, spiritually and physically parched. Too much rushing around, and too little heart contact makes us brittle and deserty. It causes us to build up defenses that closes us off from our emotional wellsprings. If you've ever felt a great release from crying, a cracking open, you know what I mean. It's a great time to be gentle, soft and nurturing to ourselves and others. Drink lots of water. Do things that let you sink into yourself a bit more without the defenses and stressballs.
Capricorn and Balance: The full Moon follows Winter Solstice, which marks the longest night of the year. It's long been considered a spiritual cradle to birth dreams that can come to fruition in the coming days of Sunlight. The full Moon is in opposition to the Sun in Capricorn, the sign of great ambitions and manifestation in the physical plane. So, it's a time to balance the intimate sphere with your dreams of creating in the public sphere.
There's a sea-change toward Capricorn as we 'round the bend of the year, and Jupiter will be rooted in this cardinal earth sign by the full Moon, followed by Pluto in January. Ideas that were just free-floating wishes start to find footing -- the full Moon and this time of year can be the cradle for their birth.
The Cancer-Capricorn polarity is about balancing the feminine with the masculine, within ourselves and the world. The full Moon in Cancer is symbolic of the Goddess energy at her most powerful, beholding across the ecliptic, the equally powerful Sun-God in authoritative Capricorn. Earth-based traditions honor the Sun's return at Winter Solstice, and the hopeful promise of more light. At the moment of full Moon, though, it remains just a hopeful promise, enveloped in the cooling lunar light of the full Moon.
