Winter Solstice and Full Moon

Winter Solstice, 21st December 22:25 GMT - Full Moon, 22nd December 17:51 GMT

This year we have a full moon within 24 hours of the Winter Solstice so a double dose of special-ness :-).  Many will also be celebrating Yule although my studies with the runes suggest that this may not have been the case for the ancient Norse.  

It would seem most likely that they would have waited for the first full moon following a new moon after Solstice.  The Solstice however certainly marked the beginning of a period of celebrations that stretched right through into the New Year.  Bear in mind of course in the days before artificial lighting, and living that far north with a period of no apparent sun-rise, there was very little to be done outside ... long days and nights spent drinking mead and ale by the fireside, recounting ancient tales, makes a great deal of sense!  The Yule full moon by this accounting will fall next year on 21st January ... so a potential month of festivities :-) 

Solstice - the moon will be in 45.3

"One who is humiliated and isolated would like to reunite.  Generosity, tolerance and reliance on the Sage heal all wounds in time." BBW

Mmm, that feels like a very appropriate message at this time of year.

For the Full Moon - here I have picked the Sun's position, 10.3, as I have already covered the Moon's position in the December report below.

"Surrendering: The principle of aligning with personally appropriate causes.  Care is  needed to be sure you are honouring your own reality and not someone else's." Chetan

During this period we have Mars alongside Chiron in 36, this is the energy of the light hidden, very appropriate for Solstice, it's about looking inwards and nurturing your inner light ready to shine forth when the time is right.  Mars brings us the outward doing energies, also the warlike attributes, Chiron brings our attention to what requires healing and in this gate urges us to honour our inner lights.

We also have Jupiter sharing a gate with Mercury, gate 9 - focus.  

They are conjunct in this Solstice/Full moon period in 9.5 

"Truth and confidence creates strong, harmonious bonds between people.  These are true riches.  Moreover, if there are things you want to achieve, or if you want to expand your capacity for growth, this can only be done through such bonds."  HB

The Rune that stepped forward for these days is Eihwaz, again, you can see the New Moon post for a further explanation! 

Happy Celebrating, however, and whenever, you choose!

January's transits will be posted after Christmas.