A Supermoon over Queen Valley at Joshua Tree National Park, Ca; photo by NPS/Brad Sutton
Full Moon @ 11 Cancer 38'
Jan. 1
6:24 PM Los Angeles
9:24 PM New York
Jan. 2
3:24 AM London
6:24 AM Dubai
8:24 AM Beijing
11:24 AM Sydney
2:24 AM Auckland
We kick off 2018 with a dynamic Full Moon/Supermoon in tropical Cancer. The Gregorian New Year doesn't' have a connection to nature and thus no real astrological significance, but this Full Moon at the gateway of 2018 is a compelling metaphoric statement about the year ahead. Occurring at the Moon's perigee, this Full Moon is also a Supermoon. The Moon will appear slightly larger (especially near the horizon) and will accentuate the emotional/psychic impact and may correlate with anomalous weather patterns/earth changes.
Cancer, the Moon’s domicile (home sign), does give this Full Moon an auspicious edge. And an opposition from Venus and applying trine to Jupiter further compounds the positive nature of this lunation. A Full Moon is a culmination, breaking point, or completion phase. We might anticipate some positive pinnacles or consummations relating to family and domestic life. A Full Moon in Cancer and opposed by both the Sun and Venus might refer to a collective amplification of empathy, nostalgia, sentimentality, compassion, as well as the need to bond, connect, and belong.
Nurturing and supportive, the zodiacal sign of Cancer perceives life through the heart lens--extending a healing and nourishing vibe. Some might need extra support or "mothering" with this lunation. Others might feel excessively sensitive or emotional. Whatever your experience with this Full Moon, look to your closest relationships and those that have been developing for some time. You might notice some subtle yet profound shifts happening there, a deepening awareness of your tribal nexus.
Creating a water grand trine with Neptune and the building conjunction of Mars/Jupiter plus an opposition to the encroaching Venus/Sun inferior conjunction, a lot is developing alongside this Full Moon. The water grand trine places emphasis on the emotional and psychic dimensions, and Neptune and Jupiter’s closed-circuit opens the doorway to spontaneous insight or an awakening of sensitivity. Some of the negative or stressful themes may correlate with finding the right balance between healthy “mothering” vs. smothering.
The tension inherent to this Full Moon reveals the challenge of offering support but knowing when to set boundaries or when to “let the chicks fly on their own.” If this lunation speaks to you directly, the “auspicious” aspect of the Full Moon suggests that if you reach out and allow yourself to be vulnerable, then you’re likely to find the support and help that you need. Remember that Saturn’s recent Capricorn ingress (in whole sign opposition) demands the acceptance of responsibility, accountability, and a grown-up attitude when tackling any problem.
And roughly one week from now, in the Moon’s waning shadow, we’ll be slogging around in some intense and profoundly emotional terrain. Jupiter and Mars’ conjunction Jan. 6/7 and the Venus/Sun/Pluto conjunction Jan. 8/9 will dredge up buried secrets and repressed or concealed desires and urges. Given Venus’ Full Moon opposition, many relationships (and creative/artistic projects) are undergoing a powerful renewal and purification process. What you reveal or realize now at this Full Moon will significantly alter your interactions and creations over the coming week. Be wise with your words and insights.
Life feels overwhelming when faced with things outside of your control. Understanding yourself is key to finding your power and place in the world. While you can't control fate or the chaos of life, your destiny belongs to you, something you can always strive for to gain command of your life path.