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 its voracious appetite for content, astronomers now regularly write about these supermoons. (Science stole something from an astrologer!)
Given the way Nolle defined them—when the Moon is within 90% of its closest approach to Earth—supermoons occur frequently enough, about five to six times a year. Half the time they’re supernew, the other half they’re superfull. The Full Moons are 7% larger and 16% brighter than the average Full Moon.
What brought me on board? I finally paid attention! During one superfullmoon about a year 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 orb of the Moon that night was equally mesmerizing—so close, the Great Mother felt more intimately there. I finally realized that knowing ahead of time when the night will be like this—well, that’s useful information! Supermoons are great times for magical Full Moon practices. Use them to charge crystals, jewelry, spiritual statues, and other magical objects. Setting out a jar for Full Moon water is especially rewarding. 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!
“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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