2004 Lunar Eclipse by Daniel James-Nottingham, Eng.
There is no date on the calendar that I look forward to more than the December solstice, and this year, I’m extra excited because it coincides with a total lunar eclipse. This is not just a once-in-a-lifetime event; its a once-in-several-generations astrological phenomenon. According to the Montreal Gazette, the last time this happened was 456 years ago in 1554. (The Gazette sited NASA as their source for that date, but I couldn’t personally verify it.) I wonder if it’s been calculated when in the future this coincidence should occur again? I feel so fortunate to get one in my lifetime.
The winter solstice generally falls on Dec. 21st or 22nd but is capable of happening as early as the 20th or as late as the 23rd (http://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/december-solstice.html.) Anticipation of winter solstice starts building within me right after we pass over the summer solstice in June, when my beloved daylight shrinks and nightlight grows. It’s not that I have a severe aversion to longer nights, it’s just that I prefer those glorious sun rays.
Because half of the year is weighted in the moon’s favor, I needed to and basically have succeeded in making peace with it. Nightfall draws me in; it’s time for pajamas, for curling up with a good book, for hot cocoa and contemplation. Contemplation, that’s where I get squirrely. Too much thinking time turns Terry Sue into a lunatic. I know this about myself, and I watch it. It’s ironic because, if the cosmos have anything to do with it, I should feel most in balance during solstice phases, but I don’t. I watch it that the long days don’t send me into manic territory, where I want to concur the world and then share it with my friends. Alternately, I watch that long nights don’t drive me into depression, where nothing makes sense and everything hurts. Mindful of these propensities, I thankfully stay a pretty even course.
I don’t think I’m very unusual in these susceptibilities, and that’s why we humans have so many effervescent celebrations during this time of year; they save us from the doldrums. I’m grateful for the colorful lights, the snappy tunes, the rich food and warm drink, the plays, ballets, and pageantry, the traditions that gather friends and family together, and the gift giving. It all helps brighten the day.
The history of “Yule” is long and varied. It’s celebrations are always during the days surrounding the winter solstice when joy and gratitude are expressed for the return of sunlight, warmth, and life sprouting anew (.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yule.) This year’s yule-tide includes a full-moon, lunar eclipse. In the spirit of yule-time gratitude, late Monday night and early Tuesday morning will have me admiring the moon with my binoculars. It’s an auspicious double-dip occurrence of light returning.
Happy solstice and eclipse. Have a great week. I’ll post again next Friday.