Please note that I am a sidereal Vedic astrologer and my calculations are based on the sidereal zodiac, Lahiri ayanamsa, not on the tropical system used by most western astrologers.
The full Moon in Taurus will occur on December 7, 2022 at 11:08 PM EST; and on December 8, 2022, at 4:08 AM UTC. If necessary, you can use the World Time Buddy to convert these dates and times to your own time zone.
This will be an especially “interesting” full Moon as it will occult Mars. This means that around the time of the full Moon, Mars will be hidden by or “eclipsed” by the Moon for about an hour. This event will occur on December 7 for much of North America, and in the early morning hours of December 8 for Europe. Please check out the Earth Sky website for more information. The event will also be streamed on In the Sky.org.
The full Moon occults one of the planets a few times each year, as seen from somewhere on Earth. But this time, it is a different matter altogether because Mars will also be “full.” This means that, from the perspective of the Earth, Mars will be in its brightest phase within a 26-month period. This will occur on December 8 as Mars reaches its exact opposition to the Sun, and when it is closest to the Earth.
So it is quite a rare and powerful event to have the full Moon occulting Mars at the same time that Mars is in its brightest phase. Additionally, at the time of the full Moon and Mars occultation, a total of four planets will be out of bounds (Moon, Mars, Venus, and Mercury), which suggests an intensely hyped-up emotional energy. We will need to watch this energy carefully, and try to use it to our advantage in a positive way (read further on for some tips).
Astrologically, the occultation of Mars by the Moon has the potential to reboot, reset, and purify our Mars energy, similar to what happens in a solar or lunar eclipse. This process can cause the occulted (or eclipsed) planet to resonate at a higher frequency. Mars represents our energy, strength, confidence, willpower, and courage, as well as aggression and conflict. Any of these qualities may be triggered and transformed by the occultation of Mars.
The Moon conjoined Mars is a passionate combination known as Chandra Mangala Yoga in Vedic astrology. When this conjunction occurs in Taurus, it can have a materialistic, enterprising, and competitive tone. It can also be stubborn, aggressive, opinionated, and ruthless, as in the chart of Benito Mussolini.
Full Moons generally heighten our mental processes and sensitivities. The energy of this full Moon in particular may feel intensely charged and agitated, which can lead us to make some bold moves. However, we may need to be cautious if making emotionally driven decisions.
Mars will be not only occulted, but also will occur in its debilitated navamsa (ninth harmonic) of Cancer. This placement can suggest militant emotions, defensive or reactionary attitudes, friction in relationships, accidents, and violence. So, please do mind your mind in the days around this full Moon!
The very good news is that the day leading into this full Moon is an auspicious one in the Vedic calendar, known as Margashirsha Purnima. It is the last day in the Vedic lunar calendar’s ninth and holiest month. It will occur beginning on the night of December 6 EST. Check the Drik Panchang for timing in your area as necessary.
Margashirsha Purnima is the day and night leading into the full Moon in the Margashirsha month which extends from November 23 to December 22 this year. Lord Krishna said about Margashirsha month that “I am the month of Margashirsha amongst all of the twelve months.” Therefore, Margashirsha Purnima and this month's full Moon reflect a deep capacity for spiritual devotion, blessings, and divine love, as celebrated in the joyful bhakti path for which Lord Krishna is the main deity.
Margashirsha Purnima is known as the "Day of Divinity,” or Mokshadayini. This is a time when spiritual energies are very powerful and beneficial to help us evolve on our spiritual path. On the day of Margashirsha Purnima, it is said that a unique healing energy is switched on in all large bodies of water and in the world at large.
Fasting, holy baths, Moon bathing, seva or donations, ancestral communion and worship, meditation, offerings to one's istha devata (chosen deity/deities), and Vedic rituals are thought to be especially beneficial this day to help fulfill any and all wishes. In some Vedic traditions, this day is also celebrated as Dattatreya Jayanti, the birthday of the Trimurti, Brahma-Vishnu-Shiva.
Margashisha Purnima will start off with the Moon in Krittika nakshatra (within Taurus, where the Moon exalts). Here, the Moon is fiery, strong-willed, assertive, kind, wise, generous, creative, and intuitive. The Moon will become full the next day in the heavenly Rohini nakshatra, typically a practical, productive, harmonious, grounded, and supportive nakshatra. Rohini represents the fullness of the heart, as it falls in the sign of Venus which rules the heart chakra.
The Rohini full Moon also indicates prosperity, creativity, and spiritual protection. It has the power to “make things grow.” Thus, this full Moon may favorable for new activities of all types, including financial dealings, healing and self-improvement rituals, travel, romance, and making important purchases. This full Moon has the power to give joy and fulfillment at the deepest level, as it pours forth soma, the holy amrita or celestial nectar. May it be so.
On both Tuesday and Wednesday nights this week, I suggest this simple full Moon meditation: Envision the light of the full Moon pouring down from above into your crown chakra and then filling your third eye. Direct the overflowing luminescence further down into your heart center and anywhere else that you feel guided to send the healing and nourishing soma, which is like a bioelectromagnetic elixir. Invoke this rejuvenating energy for yourself, for others, and for the Earth as well, and use it to clarify and align with your soul’s highest purpose.
Wishing all a blessed full Moon!