“What’s the big deal going on in the sky?” you ask. News articles all over the web have been reporting the rare celestial paring of the Winter Solstice (longest night of the year) and a full lunar eclipse tonight. It’s so exceptional that NASA reports it hasn’t happened in 456 years and the next one won't come around again until 2094.
So?
This rare occurrence signifies an opportunity for BIG personal transformation. The Winter Solstice is the longest night of the year and marks the darkest point of the sun, after which the light begins to return and the days become longer. Add the full lunar eclipse to this picture and now the sun and moon are both at their darkest point – making for an extremely long and dark night.
What does that mean to me?
Basically, the idea is that when things seem really bleak and dark, it is often our biggest opportunity for personal transformation.
In one of my favorite books, “The Power of Myth”, the incomparable scholar, Joseph Campbell explores the enduring power of universal myths that influence our lives. In nearly every culture, mythology, religion, spiritual practice there is a story of rebirth. He says that human beings psychologically need this particular myth because it contains the belief of hope. He says,
“The black moment is the moment when the real message of transformation is going to come. At the darkest moment comes the light.”
And adds this linguistic puzzle:
Winter Solstice: The Rebirth of the Sun
Christmas: The Birth of the Son
Personally, I find it the time of year to light the fire of my inspiration and re-ignite my inner-light.
What should I do?
The weather here in Los Angeles is not cooperating with viewing the lunar eclipse, but any place where the sky is clear; you can watch a full lunar eclipse with your naked eye (no telescope required). We all have such busy schedules and rarely pause to look at the sky for a minute, let alone to watch a celestial dance, unless we are on vacation. It is a relaxing and absolutely indulgent activity.
Whether or not you are able to view the lunar eclipse, you can also take this extremely dark night as an opportunity as your own time to “re-ignite your inner light”. This is what I like to do: I take a warm bubble bath to cleanse my mind and body. Then I write down on a piece of paper all the significant moments of the past year – achievements, regrets and blessings. I say a prayer of gratitude for each and every one and then discard this paper by burning or tossing in the garbage and release the past. Next, I contemplate the New Year and my dreams, aspirations and goals. Sometimes I find one word that captures all of these, other times I will write an entire list. Then, I light a candle to represent re-igniting my inner light. I take this moment to commit to living a life of freaking awesome gorgeous glory and radiating the Goddess I am supposed to be.
Good-riddance two-thousand-never-again & look out two-thousand-and-heaven!