The Joyful Moon of January 25, 2024
Time to Make Some Full Moon Magic!
The Full Moon is almost here! The first Full Moon of the new year will occur on Thursday, January 25, at 12:54 PM EST (5:54 PM UTC). Use the World Time Buddy to convert to your time zone if it is different.
What Does a Full Moon Mean in Astrology?
According to astrology, spiritual energies will be heightened during a Full Moon. The Full Moon phase is an important time to use this increased power for healing, meditation, and prayer. You might also have stronger vitality during the days around a Full Moon. Since you may also experience some hypersensitivity or stress, you should be careful to manage your thoughts and emotions.
In astrology, the Moon signifies individual consciousness and the unconscious. When the Moon is full, significant matters “come to light” or into "full bloom.” You might experience an increased ability to focus in the coming days. You could also develop an important new awareness. Additionally, because the Full Moon is always directly opposite the Sun, it can lend clarity and resolution to any relationship concerns that you have.
The Moon Will Occur in Cancer and in Pushya Nakshatra: Time to Align with Inner Peace and Deepen Our Soul Security
This month's Full Moon is particularly strong. The upcoming Full Moon will occur in the sidereal constellation of Cancer, which is the Moon’s natural abode. The Cancer Full Moon highlights issues related to safety and security, nurturing, and all kinds of nourishment including food, self-care, comfort, home, family and especially the mothering energy. In Cancer, our greatest task is to align with inner peace and deepen our soul security.
The Full Moon will also occur in Pushya nakshatra, which extends from 3 deg. 20 min. to 16 deg. 40 min. of (sidereal) Cancer. Considered the most benevolent of all 27 nakshatras (except for marriage muhurtas), Pushya is represented by a cow’s udder, the symbol of nourishment.
The Joyful Wolf Moon: A Time for Celebration and New Intentions
The Hopi call the January Full Moon the “Joyful Moon.” According to Hopi traditions, this Full Moon marks a time of celebration, dances, and fire rituals.
In the medieval English tradition as well as some Native American traditions, this lunation is also known as the “Wolf Moon.” Wolves are associated with lunar power. Further, Wolf Medicine signifies sustenance, generosity, and path finding. These themes match the energy of the first Full Moon of the New Year. At this time in January, we can determine how to implement new intentions for the future.
A Meditation for the First Full Moon of the Year
The upcoming Full Moon in Cancer will stimulate the receptive side of the third eye, which is the seat of inner sight or intuition. Also known as the ajna chakra, this chakra is located behind the forehead and extends into the middle of the brain. During this Full Moon, you will benefit from doing a third-eye meditation.
If your skies are clear and it is not too cold outside, you should begin by taking a lovely Moon Bath. You should sit outside under the Moon and drink in the iridescent light through all your pores. Where I am, it is too cold to sit outside, so a Moon-lit walk is a great alternative.
While you are sitting, walking, or standing under the Moon, you can perform this meditation:
Close your eyes, and consciously and with the breath, draw the Moon’s light down into the third eye. Sit for a while with your eyes shut, focusing your inner awareness into the third eye area, where you can envision the orb of the Moon. Focus the power that is granted to you into whatever you wish to see nourishing your heart, soul, and body, and manifesting in your life and in the world—perhaps more love, more contentment, more peace, or more abundance. You can finish this practice by praying for the world and honoring the Divine Mother who is also symbolized by the Moon. Take her beauty into your mind as well as your heart, and give thanks for the never-ending bounty of Her love.
Intoxication or soma is the nature of the moon. On the Full Moon night, immerse yourself in the grace of the moonlight, to be inebriated with the fullness of life. (Sadhguru)
When to Perform Full Moon Rituals
The best time to perform Full Moon baths and other lunar rituals will be during the purnima tithi. This is the last day of the Moon’s waxing phase before the Full Moon occurs. For the upcoming Full Moon, you should perform rituals on the night of January 24 and the early morning of January 25 in the western half of the world. If you live in the eastern half of the world, you should perform rituals on the night of January 25 and in the early morning of January 26. Please check the Drik Panchang for the exact timing of the purnima tithi for your location.
I wish all my dear readers Love, Light, and a JOY-FULL Moon!
I have a question: What is your opinion of the "progressive" Topocentric system being touted by younger astrologers?