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The Supermoon Difference

By Dana Gerhardt

This and next month’s full moon bring 2021’s two supermoons, an ideal opportunity to play and experiment with the power of moonlight.

When the moon, in her elliptical orbit, comes closest to earth (or, is at perigee) she’s super bright, what’s known today as a “supermoon.”  Larger and brighter than the the usual full moon, supermoons are the best for magical Full Moon practices.  They’re ideal for charging crystals, jewelry, purified water, healing tinctures, spiritual stones and statues and other magical objects. Gathering together with a group of like-minded friends to celebrate the Moon… well, clearly this is one of the best times for a Moon party!

I’ll admit it: I’ve been slow to jump onto the “supermoon” bandwagon. Nobody—neither astronomers nor astrologers—paid any attention to this phenomenon until a 20th century American astrologer, Richard Nolle, made it a “thing” in 1979. The term languished for awhile until the blossoming of the internet.  Given the internet’s voracious appetite for content, astronomers now regularly write about these supermoons. (Science stole something from an astrologer!)

See it with your own eyes

What made me a believer? I finally paid attention! During one superfullmoon a few years ago, I happened to look out the window. I was stunned by the wash of moonlight on the firepit in my backyard. It was so bright—as if a quiet helicopter were hovering overhead with spotlights. The moon that night was mesmerizing—so close, the Great Mother felt more intimately present. I finally realized that knowing ahead of time when the night will be like this—well, that was useful information!

Given the way Nolle defined supermoons (whenever Luna is within 90% of her closest approach to Earth, these bright nights can occur between four and  six times a year. Half the time they’re invisible (when the moon is new); the other half they’re brilliant (at the full moon), like this and next month.  The best celebration can be quite simple … just quietly commune with the moonlight.

If you’d like to do something a little more special, this water/earth ritual is a favorite, perfect for the Scorpio/Taurus full moon.  By  mixing these two elements together in a sacred way, you can draw the healing magic of the full moon into your life.

Earth & Water Ritual for the Scorpio/Taurus Full Moon

Prepare a small container of water, a small container of earth, and an empty bowl.  Bring them to a quiet place where you can protect yourself from distractions or interruptions.  Ideal would be a spot outdoors in nature, a secluded garden beneath a tree, a tranquil patio, somewhere that allows you a good view of the eastern horizon, where the Moon will rise just after sundown.  You may wish to light candles and incense, or recite a prayer or sacred phrase from your particular tradition to calm your spirit.  Watching the breath – inhaling in, exhaling out – further deepens the energy.  Soon, notice how your inner focus begins to steady, becoming as reflective as the glass surface of a peaceful lake.

Raising the Energy

With gentle reverence, you’re waiting for the moon to make her first appearance. Perhaps your heart leaps at this moment. Or not. Keep watching as she slowly rises. Experience how nature is responding to the magic of this vision:  the wash of light, a soft luminescence that pervades the air; the joyous expectancy of the animals, trees, and insects as they rise up to greet their goddess.  Listen to the song of the wind in the branches of the trees, as well  as the bird calls and the chirping crickets. As your soul expands into the spaciousness of this moment, even the sounds of civilization, cars driving or voices calling out, become woven into nature’s full moon symphony. Imagine that the defenses which normally separate you from nature–from the Great Goddess–are dissolving in the moonbeams. Now you, too, are a part of all creation, basking in moonlight.  You may feel something like being immersed in a field of bliss or love.

Heart of the Ritual

Keep this feeling as you close your eyes. Gently draw your attention to the area of your third eye (center forehead a little above and behind the physical eyes). Notice the effects of the full Moon here. Bask in this gentle inner moonlight, as though you’re receiving a nice internal cleansing. Especially if you’re a spiritual or intuitive person, the third eye can get overworked. Soothe this space. Let the Moon work her magic. Once the third eye feels rested and clear, allow this healing luminescence to gently expand, so that it fills your entire personal space–this is the energetic egg that surrounds your body, arms-length above, below, and around you. You should feel surrounded, supported, and immersed in a safe, compassionate, and gently luminous field.

Notice if a vulnerability, question, need, or desire emerges. In moonplay, it’s important to first think of yourself, before thinking of the world, or even of the earth, just as mothers are instructed to put on their oxygen masks first. This is the moment to ask the Moon for help in your own life. Be sincere. Ask it truthfully. Then let it go. Wait—without expectation—to receive—an invisible hug, a compassionate tear, an intuition, a vision, a memory, or a gathering warmth in the heart. At the peak of your receiving–whether it’s a wordless knowing or filled with sensation and sound–open your eyes and imagine that this amazing egg of energy all around you is slowly condensing into a holy, healing balm.

Now raise your beautiful container of water with the hand that’s closest to it. Offer this to the Moon and imagine her healing balm settling into the water in your cup, charging it with healing powers. You may actually sense this transformation occurring. Next raise the dish of soil with your other hand. See this as a symbol for the earth herself. Become aware of the earth’s needs, vulnerabilities, questions, desires. Perhaps you sense her despair over developers’ greed, the disappearing species, the vanishing flora. Perhaps you sense her exhausted in some terrains, gasping for air. Maybe you also sense her strength. You may notice a certain steadiness. Can you feel Gaia’s great capacity to abide and endure? If so, affirm it.

Place both the cup and dish in the space in front of you. Dip your hand into the container of the Moon’s holy water and sprinkle drops of it upon the dish of soil, imagining as you do that the moon’s healing compassion is watering the wounds of earth. Think of someone you know—or of groups of people–who may currently be frightened, ill, ignorant, or suffering. Through the agency of your cup and dish, sprinkle water on them. Continue this practice for as long as you wish, offering compassion to as many beings as you have time and room for in your spirit.

Closing

When you feel complete, bring your hands together in prayer. Ask that your full moon ritual continue to work in the world long after your ritual has concluded. Extend your circle of blessings to yourself, your close friends and loved ones, and the rest of the world.  Bow to the Moon.  Take your cup of water and dish of soil and place them on your home altar until the Dark Moon, which will be the time for releasing both back to nature.

 

© 2021 Dana Gerhardt

 

Would you love support in your own Moon practice during 2021? Join my monthly Moon Workshop here. 

 “Do your transits, my teacher used to say, “or they’ll do you!”  What are your transits in the coming year?  Fine-tune your personal forecast for 2019 with Steven Forrest’s fabulous Skylog report, available here.    If your birthday is in the past or next three months, Mary Shea’s solar return report can complete the picture. 

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About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Maria machado leite says

    Apr 26, 2021 at 5:21 pm

    Obrigada Dana,
    Tentarei praticá-lo,. logo que possa,

    Reply
  2. Pat says

    Apr 26, 2021 at 2:32 pm

    This is a beautiful ritual and one I will definitely perform this evening. We are blessed with great weather and clear skies! There is a third cup, an empty cup included in the ritual …What purpose does it serve?

    Reply
  3. Florentina says

    Apr 26, 2021 at 4:01 am

    Oh Dana, this is a wonderful ritual. I will do it this evening. Thank you so much! Happy full Moon!

    Reply

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The Moon is in its
Last Quarter Phase

in the
Sign of Pisces


Today's Lunar Aspects:

  • Moon sextile Uranus, 7:54pm  May 23 2022
  • Moon conjunct Neptune, 12:41pm  May 24 2022

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Aries


Enroll in Dana Gerhardt’s Moon Workshop!
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Moonshadow Eclipse Report
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© 2000 - 2022 Mooncircles.com

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.