“We are all like the bright moon, we still have our darker side.” – Khalil Gibran
Supermoon Symbolism – Activities to enjoy the full moon
At 7:25 am EST on July 12th, the moon will appear brighter and bigger than it has been so far this year. This is the first official full moon of the summer (occurring after the June 21st solstice) as well as the first supermoon of 2014, which just means that inside its orbit, the moon is closer to Earth than usual.
The moon turns full at the instant that it lies directly opposite the sun. Which also means that the sun and moon are in opposite zodiac signs, bringing tension as well as balance.
While the sun is in the sign of Cancer, which represents the comforts of home and family, this full moon is in Capricorn, so it’s a great time to get organized, productive, and get ‘real’, perhaps having a difficult conversation or tackling a project you’ve been avoiding.
The full moon is the perfect time to release, to celebrate, and to take action on the intentions you set around the new moon.
The moon’s connection with water is irrefutable and it’s the one celestial body that’s most associated with emotion. It undeniably affects the tides and women’s monthly cycles. Since the human body is more than sixty percent water, it’s not surprising that how we feel is also subject to the moon’s movements around our planet.
“The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.” -Deng Ming
In many traditions, the moon has been worshiped as a goddess. In Native American traditions, the monthly full moons are named. This moon is called a ‘buck moon’ because July is typically the month when the new antlers of a buck (deer) emerge. The buck as a totem animal represents grace, confidence and renewal.
If you have gone through any big transitions this summer, the symbolism of the buck is perfect for you. You may have some pent-up emotions like saddness, frustration or worry that need to be released. This full moon is the perfect time to cleanse EVERYTHING that no longer serves you; Feel, heal, shift focus, and begin anew. During this supermoon, allow yourself to acknowledge your feelings and release them.
One fantastic way to release is to participate in a fire ceremony. Fire, by its passionate nature, consumes, illuminates, purifies and cleanses. Fire is the only element that humans take part in creating, so it is considered a bridge to the divine. In short, when it comes to release and intention setting, fire activates the symbolic nature of the subconscious mind like nothing else.
Photo : April Norris
To hold your fire ceremony, a designated fire pit is easiest, but i’ve held small fire ceremonies with a BBQ grill or even a candle. Simply write down what it is you’d like to release on a slip of paper and place it in the fire. As the paper burns and transforms into smoke, breathe deeply and know that you have released the burden. It won’t be long before the effects of the symbolic release show up in your everyday reality.
Below are some other ideas to help you connect with the lunar goddess within; whether you wish to relax or be stimulated, choose an activity that resonates with you depending on your mood.
- Go moon gazing
- Visit a drum circle and dance
- Swim in the ocean or simply take a bubble bath
- Indulge in Aromatherapy; Jasmine is my personal favorite moon-time scent
- Listen to music
- Pray or meditate
- Exercise and Stretch
- Reflect on the past month and write in a journal
- Engage in lots of deep breathing—it’s the easiest (and least expensive way) to reset your nervous system
Whatever you choose to do this super moon, be sure to take a few moments to look up at the sky and let those moon beams in. The relationship you cultivate with the moon and her cycles of release and rebirth can be a source of balance, comfort and inspiration. And you know what? You deserve that.