In Ivan Krylov’s 1819 fable, “The Inquisitive Man,” he tells of a visitor to a museum who observes many tiny details, but fails to notice the elephant in the room. Since then, that evocative phrase has come to symbolize any enormous, emotionally-charged issue which is obvious to all, but is being ignored out of fear, embarrassment, the desire to avoid controversy or the blatant unwillingness to do what it takes to rectify the matter.
As we approach the inquisitive Gemini Full Moon (Wed., Dec. 11, 9:12 p.m. PST), it’s important to become aware of the elephant in the room. Around this time, we may receive a wake-up call in the form of news related to climate change, gun control, or any number of hot-button issues. Personally, it could relate to the awareness of something you absolutely must address or the call to commit to a big, scary endeavor that you were born to do.
The tricky part is, the Gemini Full Moon squares Neptune, a planet which tends to avoid the truth and live in a fantasy world. This mutable energy makes us prone to slip-sliding or becoming distracted. And, since the Full Moon falls during the thick of the holiday season, many of us will be dashing from one thing to the next, buying gifts and going to parties. We might sense the elephant lurking, but opt instead for having another drink, or tell ourselves we’ll deal with it later. However, no matter how much we try to avoid or deny it, the elephant won’t go away by itself (nor will that traffic cop lurking around the corner, waiting to catch speeders!)
Now we’re approaching the Winter Solstice, when light is in short supply – making this Full Moon especially illuminating. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, “This month the winter cold fastens its grip, and nights are at their longest and darkest.” The December Full Moon, it adds, is called the Cold Moon or Long Night’s Moon “because the midwinter night is indeed long, and the Moon is above the horizon for a long time. The midwinter Full Moon has a high trajectory across the sky because it is opposite a low Sun.”
Saturn (lord of Capricorn) has dominion over the dark time of year. And, the Saturn-Pluto conjunction (exact January 12) in Saturn’s sign is within two degrees of exactitude. At this Full Moon, savvy Venus (values, desires) in Capricorn meets up with Saturn and joins Pluto two days later. We are apt to be given a glimpse of what the year 2020 has in store. Astrologer Nina Gryphon says 2020 marks “the end of one era and the beginning of another,” in which we’ll be forced to respond to events outside of our control. However, I’d add, it’s also a year that will call out our greatness.
Saturn-Pluto is the elephant in the room. How best to work with this energy? First, acknowledge its presence. Whatever parts of your chart are being activated (contact me for a consultation if you don’t know), are the places where you need to hold your power, assume authority over your life, release whatever needs to go and commit to the next step that’s calling you, deep in your heart. So, as Venus transits Saturn and Pluto this week, take a hard look at your priorities. Don’t get blindsided by a difficult truth you haven’t wanted to face. Slow down, rest, and listen for messages from Spirit. Give the elephant a little love, and he’ll become your ally.
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