Sagittarius/Gemini Full Moon Lunar Eclipse

December 21, 2010: Sagittarius/Gemini Full Moon Lunar Eclipse (exact at 12:03 am PST)

Today’s Full Moon is also a Lunar Eclipse. Even if we can’t see an eclipse in the sky where we live, these celestial events are renowned for being very powerful in the way in which they can impact our lives.

A Full Moon Lunar Eclipse signifies a time when things come to fruition. It portends an auspicious time to let go of something that is outworn, whether it be a possession, a habit, a limiting belief, or a relationship that doesn’t serve your highest good. Additionally, eclipses provide a great opportunity for outward manifestation with life-changing events—sometimes expected, sometimes not—often happening around this time.

Today’s Full Moon features the Sun in Sagittarius opposing the Moon in Gemini. The emphasis on these signs’ qualities is further emphasized by there also being an alignment today between Mercury—planetary ruler of Gemini—and Jupiter—planetary ruler of Sagittarius. This Mercury/Jupiter alignment is similar to the one we experienced on Thanksgiving Day (November 25).

We may feel ourselves caught in a push-pull between stepping back to gain perspective and focusing in to hone the pieces that make up the whole. Striking a balance is important. Remember not to lose the forest for the trees, yet don’t forsake the trees for the forest either; both are equally important.

If we can find a way to integrate the energies calling for our attention, the day can grace us with a significant opportunity for wisdom and learning.  As we quest to become aware of the bigger picture, it’s important to remember to tap into facts and figures that can promote our greater understanding, rather than just taking off from a launch pad of vision and beliefs.

Yet, at the same time, it’s important to remember that it’s not just information that contributes to a sense of knowingness. We all have a deep sense of intuition that can guide us in charting the course of our life journey; we just need to have the faith that this resides within us.

While eclipses themselves are auspicious, this one falls on the same day as the Winter Solstice, with the Sun moving into Capricorn—the mark of this celestial event—happening just 15+ hours later. The last time that these two occurred in relatively close proximity was in 1991, but there was more time—about 24 hours—between these two happenings back then. The significance of these “back to back” events seems poignant. Since the solstice points are connected to the Cardinal Axis—which represent the link between the individual and the collective—today we will likely experience another reminder that “we truly are all in this together.”

This month’s Full Moon falls at 29 degrees of Sagittarius (Sun) and Gemini (Moon). While everyone experiences the energies of a Full Moon, if you have planets or pivotal points (i.e., Ascendant/Descendant or Nadir/Midheaven) around this degree in Capricorn, Cancer, or the other cardinal signs—Aries and Libra—it may impact you more intensely.

Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Apothecary Suggestions

Sagittarius is associated with liver, hips, buttocks, thighs, and sciatic nerve while Gemini is associated with the shoulders, arms, lungs, and nervous system. Pay extra attention to these parts of the body and areas of health around the time of this Full Moon.

Meditation: Full Moons oftentimes stimulate a sense of agitation. When the energies of Gemini and Mercury are involved–which they are today–it’s especially fruitful to focus on centering our sense of calm. Meditation can be very helpful for this. As Gemini rules the nervous system, incorporating pranayama breathing exercises may be especially beneficial. Even if you don’t regularly meditate, try taking a few minutes to sit quietly and focus on your breath as you inhale and exhale as this can be a great exercise to quell nervous tension. Although Sagittarius is the sign of the sojourn, during your meditation try to still your mind, keeping it on a short reign so that it doesn’t travel too far.

Lavender: Lavender is a great essential oil to help calm the nerves. The use of lavender to calm the nervous system is not only supported by traditional use but also by numerous research studies that have found it to have stress-relieving, attention-enhancing, and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties. In addition, lavender also has powerful antibacterial properties. Carry a vial of lavender with you, inhaling its beautiful aroma whenever you need a sense of calm. Or add a few drops to a plain massage oil and apply as a fragrantly centering body moisturizer.