A Trio of Special Moons
This summer we will experience three Supermoons, the first of which is happening right now! Be sure to witness the full moons on July 12th, Aug 10th, and Sept 9th, because they will appear to be much bigger and brighter in the night sky.
What is a Supermoon?
A ‘Supermoon’ occurs when the moon’s orbit brings it closer to Earth than on average. This phenomenon makes the moon look larger than normal as result of atmospheric distortion. The magnified effect of a Supermoon is even more pronounced when it occurs at the same time as a full moon.
It’s all about the Orbit
To fully understand this occurrence, it helps to know a little more about the lunar orbital pattern. At one end of its elliptical orbit, called the perigee, the moon is about 31,000 miles closer to Earth than at its farthest point, the apogee. A Supermoon is also known as a ‘perigee moon’, and a full Supermoon occurs when the moon is full at around the same time it reaches perigee.
These lunar perigees and apogees vary in terms of their proximity to the Earth from one orbit to the next. In general, perigee moons are about 14 percent larger and 30 percent brighter than apogee moons.
Full Supermoons are not considered unusual, as they occur every 13 months on the average. What makes this summer special is that we will be treated to three of these events in a row. The first full Supermoon peaked this Saturday at 7:25 a.m. EDT, when the moon was 222,611 miles from Earth. The moon will be even closer on Aug. 10, when she will be 221,748 miles from our planet— nearly 31,000 miles closer than at her farthest distance in 2014.
Planetary Effects of a Supermoon
Even under normal conditions, the moon is close enough to the Earth to exert influence on our planet. The July, August, and September extra-close full moons will accentuate the spring tides, giving rise to what’s called a perigean spring tide. Those of us who live along an ocean coastline will want to watch for high tides caused by these full moons.
The moon’s gravitational pull can also cause small but measurable ebbs and flows in the continents, called ‘land’ or ‘solid Earth’ tides. These tides are greatest during full and new moons when the sun and moon are aligned either on the same or opposite sides of the Earth. Solid Earth tides are also amplified by the closer proximity of the moon.
Bodily Effects of a Supermoon
Like the Earth, our bodies are primarily comprised of liquid and we are subject to the gravitational pull of the moon. During a Supermoon phase many of us are likely to experience some level of tension within our physical bodies. This may manifest as a sense of heightened nervous tension with possible erratic fluctuations of emotional energy rippling through our bodies. Stress levels may be high during this period and for some there may be ‘eruptions’ of volatile behaviors.
Just as the Earth releases tension during an earthquake, we are encouraged to ‘shake off’ or release stress, anxiety, and internal imbalances should they occur. If we choose to be proactive, we can utilize these powerful celestial energies to initiate a healthy period of cleansing as we consciously release negative habits and tendencies that no longer serve our highest good.
How To Release Lunar-related Tension
The best way to let go of stress is to do whatever tension-releasing activity feels good to us. There are many options which may include: vigorous exercise, a hot bath, breath-work, spending time with friends, and the intentional expression of heightened emotion (cry, laugh, scream, let go!).
We can also use ritual– we can literally burn away what we wish to release under this full moon. Heartfelt, belly-shaking laughter is my favorite stress-releasing activity. The key is to include our conscious awareness as we cleanse and clear our bodies of the physical, emotional, mental, and/or energetic tension that we choose to release.
Metaphysical Significance of a Full Supermoon
Full Moons are about illumination, endings, and the actualization of our fullest potential. The closer proximity of the Supermoon to our planet serves to amplify these themes. During this moon phase, what we need to have revealed to us will be uncovered— if we offer the Moon our purest intent and make the commitment to see our visions through to completion.
In order to harness the full potential of this lunar event, we can ask ourselves: What do we need illuminated? What endings can we establish now to pave the path towards a more fulfilling life?
Supermoon in Capricorn
The full moon tonight is in Capricorn, thus highlighting the values associated with this astrological sign. Capricorn Supermoon emphasizes themes of work and commitment. She inspires us to be organized, practical, and businesslike. We are encouraged to act responsibly and with caution as we organize our lives and attend to business. This is a time for work vs. play, and we are prompted to establish rules and guidelines to support our future goals.
If we choose to place our focus on our lifework in alignment with our Soul Purpose, the power of intention fueling our endeavors will be magnified at this time. As we create solid goals and commit to a path of practical steps towards the achievement of our desired objectives, we ensure ourselves a more successful and fulfilling future.
The biggest and most important commitment we can make is to ourselves. We are not subject to the values of others. As we commit and stick to our personal values, the universe will reward us abundantly.
When to Tap into Supermoon Power
The energy peaks at the height of the full moon phase but is potent for two days before and after the event. So, July 10th thru July 14th are the best days this month to harness this super-charged Capricorn commitment- energy.
Let’s make the most of these powerful opportunities… we can start by getting out tonight and howling at the Supermoon!