Saturday, December 10, 2011

Full Moon on Dec 10, 2011 - The Long Night Moon

Credit & Copyright: John Harms

What an exciting day this is! Early this morning we were able to view an eclipse of the moon, tonight is a full moon.

Full moon names date back to Native Americans, of what is now the northern and eastern United States. Those tribes of a few hundred years ago kept track of the seasons by giving distinctive names to each recurring full moon. Their names were applied to the entire month in which each occurred.

There were some variations in the moon names, but in general the same ones were current throughout the Algonquin tribes from New England on west to Lake Superior. European settlers followed their own customs and created some of their own names.

December’s names of The Long Night Moon, Snow Moon or Full Cold Moon are self explanatory because this is the month when the winter cold begins to fasten its grip

During this Season of Light, collectively, we will find ourselves more receptive to the concept of Peace on Earth, good will towards Humanity. The typical hustle and bustle of past Holiday Season’s may not be as intense during this coming season.

The best way to understand life is to see the Big Picture. We need to find meaning for our life's experience, and we do that through the lens of our core beliefs and values, and through our myths and stories.

This time of year between Thanksgiving and Winter Solstice (and associated religious holidays) has always been a time of preparation and expectation. Christians call it Advent, (from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming"); it is the period of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus.

But you don't have to be Christian to use this time as a preparation for a new birth. We all sense that this time is a preparation for the return of the Light of the World. December 21st, Winter Solstice, the darkest day of the year is also the re-birth of the Light in the Northern Hemisphere, has always been a sacred season.

At this time Mother Earth, the Moon and the Sun are in a direct line with each other, which causes a gravitational pull. Mother Earth is made up of over two thirds water, and the waves of the ocean overflow on the beaches.

Like Mother, like child. Our bodies are also composed of a high percentage of water, over fifty percent. You just might very well feel this tug on the water in your body. If you live close to the seashore, take a walk and watch the high tide engulfing the shore. Drink more water today to replenish yourself.

One of the secrets of the Moon is rejuvenation, revitalization, to begin anew. If life knocks you down, it doesn't have to be forever. When you see that moon, know it's time to pick yourself back up, begin anew. Maybe you'll want to read inspirational quotes, listen to music that uplifts you. Take a walk and look at the wonders of nature. There is no set way; the day is yours to create; just keep in mind that you want to fill yourself up with inspiration.

According to folklore, a December full moon is known as the Long Night Moon. Nights are getting longer for most of the month, which gives the moon more time to illuminate the darkened sky.

This is a wonderful time to bring people together to share new ideas and to learn more about each other. Go outside this evening and look up – the full moon will be there, even if she is hiding behind passing clouds.

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"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator" (Mahatma Gandhi)

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peacesojourner


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