First Full Moon of the New Year

In the world of astrology, the now dwarf-planet Pluto is associated with deep transformation and regeneration. The Full Moon, on the other hand, has an energy that breaks up what is stuck or crystalized.  If we combine the two, which is what happens on Monday this week, then the energies are just right for anyone who feels like they need to jump start the new year.

The Moon will stand exactly opposite Pluto Monday, January 17th, an hour before it rises. When it does rise, it faces the Sun across the horizon of the Earth for about  25 minutes, before the Sun sets. Then, exact Full Phase occurs, Monday evening, at 6:48 pm.

I particularly like these moments between moonrise and sunset, when both lights are above the horizon and the Moon is bursting toward fullness. And when you add Pluto to the mix, things get really interesting.

It’s good to have a poem or prayer or a candle to light for such moments, to honor the cosmos in our everyday space and time. And afterwards, pay attention to your moods and dreams, as the Moon shakes off the dust and comes cozy up to the Sun again. Here’s Emily Dickinson to accompany us all:

The Moon was but a Chin of Gold
A Night or two ago –
And now she turns Her perfect Face
Upon the World below –

Her Forehead is of Amplest Blonde –
Her Cheek – a Beryl hewn –
Her Eye unto the Summer Dew
The likest I have known –

Her Lips of Amber never part –
But what must be the smile
Upon Her Friend she could confer
Were such Her Silver Will –

And what a privilege to be
But the remotest Star –
For Certainty She take Her Way
Beside Your Palace Door –

Her Bonnet is the Firmament –
The Universe – Her Shoe –
The Stars – the Trinkets at Her Belt –
Her Dimities – of Blue.

In celebration of cosmic mysteries!

~Mary

Hear this episode on my podcast and on Interlochen Public Radio.