The end of this year graces us with its goodbye tomorrow evening and it’s bringing us a time to reflect, set new intentions and let go. Not only do we have New Year’s quickly approaching, but nature shared her final full moon with us last night.
Last night’s full moon was in Cancer, a strong emotional water sign. Interestingly, we started 2020 with a full moon in Cancer and that’s how we are ending out this year’s final full moon.
I’m quite familiar with the sign of Cancer as I am one myself. When we think of this sign, we are reminded of the crab. This Maryland girls knows a thing or two about crabs, but let’s reflect on the sign for a moment. As it may be bringing up some energy as we close out this moon and move into a new year.
The crab represents a strong exterior with a soft inner core. Those with this sign tend to seek comfort and security in their home, space and areas where they can embrace comfort and safety. The Cancer sign is at the foundation, the core, the roots. The sides we may not expose to the world. This moon and nature’s gift is reminding us to go within to our deep self, to the root within us. If there is weight (not just the scale), negative energy, and past experiences or trauma that you’ve been carrying so heavily, this is a time to start releasing, healing, transforming and growing. It’s time to safely put it down and let go.
With the full moon beaming through this emotional and sensitive sign, we may experience a desire to take refuge at home, crate a safe space, snuggle up and get cozy or relax in a warm space. Rather fitting as it’s the cold winter season and we are in a time where we are home more and in our space.
This intuitive and possibly emotional full moon brings us full circle. Giving a gift to look inward, reflect and return to ourselves in a new light. Reminding us that so much of what we need remains within. The water in this sign is washing over, gifting us the ability to wash away excess.
It’s not recommended to fill your calendar, bombard yourself with a long to-do list or add tasks that may increase stress and anxiety.
Between this beautiful full moon and New Year’s Eve tomorrow, this is a perfect time to slow down, cozy up and reflect on what you’re ready to let go and make space for new. I am often reminded of this with the gifts of nature. Not just the moon, but the seasons and how they give us the gift of transition.
During the fall months, the trees shed their leaves. Releasing things that no longer serve while making space for new. Winter is a time where we want to rest more, slow down, sleep, restore and hibernate. Spring brings rebirth, growth and much beauty. Yet, we had to release things to make space for this birth and renewal.
What are you ready to release and make space for new as we embrace the gift of nature’s moon and the releasing of 2020? Where can you release old habits, patterns, toxicity, limiting beliefs and things that no longer serve you? Where can you slow down, restore and set some mindfulness practices?
(The moon outside of my home last night)
Below are some tips to help support you as we close out this last full moon, 2020 and make space for rebirth and renewal.
Releasing Rituals:
1. Take Time to Yourself: Time to release judgments, negative beliefs or internal dialogue.
2. Journal or Embrace Creativity: This is a great time to journal thoughts, emotions, reflections. A time to write down new intentions, things you want to manifest in the New Year and what you’re ready to release. Not a fan of journaling? I welcome you to try paining or coloring. Get creative and have fun!
3. Fire and Water: Burning rituals are very common around full moons and times of transition. I welcome you to write down a list of things you’re ready to release from this past year. When ready, safely using a fire pit, bowl or any other SAFE method, burn your list. You may want to use the water to fully extinguish the flames and cleanse over the things you are letting go. During this time, I am also (safety) clearing negative energy in my space with sage and palo Santo.
4. Hot Epsom Salt Bath: Epsom salt baths are wonderful for the body and mind. I personally prefer a hot (safe temps) bath with epsom salt and apple cider vinegar. It helps pull toxins and restore the body. To learn more: Boost Your Immune System with Detox Baths
5. Grounding: Depending on where you live, this may look a little different. I love to ground barefoot outside in nature. Soaking up energy from the ground, whether it’s dirt, sand or the ocean’s water. You can ground with the above bath mentioned and use grounding essential oils.
6. Meditation: Meditation and yoga are staples in my holistic toolbox. They are both great for slowing down, working on breath and stillness, calming the mind, improving psychological balance and help facilitate healing and overall wellbeing. If you’re new to mediation, I welcome you to try guided meditations. This is currently one of my favorites and one I’ve been sharing with clients: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nTYITNfKlRc&feature=youtu.be
7. Nourishing Foods: Since we are home more, we have seen that this year has given us time to cook more, get creative in the kitchen and embrace togetherness. This is a great time to cook up some nourishing, hearty meals. This is one of my favorites at the moment and it pairs well with different protein sources. Link: Harvest Apple, Sweet Potato and Brussels Skillet
8. Feel the Feelings (In a safe space): This time may dig up some old wounds, deep emotions and mental weight. We’ve seen a lot of self medicating and numbing through this year. I welcome you to reflect on healthier habits. Feel like crying? Great! It’s cleansing, releasing and healing. Opt for added self care, nourishing foods, rest and sleep. Stay hydrated, move and get out in nature to revitalize the body and mind. Feeling is healing. This time is bringing things to the surface to feel, heal and release.
9. Make Space: This is a great time to release things that we do not need anymore. Though it’s a time to slow and limit the “to-do” list, this is also a good time to gradually purge- clothes, unnecessary items, toxic behaviors, unhealthy relationships and anything else that does not serve you. Time to bless and release. Make that space for the new. Cancer seeks love, fulfillment and safety at home. This is a great time to create a healthy home environment, embrace the coziness of home and create space with things you love.
10. Gratitude and Love: We’ve all experienced hardships, stress, traumas and anxiety this year. As we close out this year, go within. Embracing gratitude, joy and love- for yourself and others. This emotional time is gifting us many blessings. It’s important to lean on the positive things we have learned and experienced this year. Leading into 2021 not with anxiety and uncertainty but curiosity, excitement, love and gratitude.
I welcome you to try some of these full moon and New Year exercises or embrace ones that you’ve discovered work for you. It’s time for us to drop what’s no longer serving us (past and present), while making space for new. It’s a time for renewal, rebirth, restoration, transformation and growth.
Do you feel like you’re ready for a transformation experience of your own? I welcome you to check out my Women’s Transformation Academy launching in January! https://kimwilson.me/nourished-academy/