Friday, March 18, 2011

Assessing the Super Moon of March 2011

Just a couple of months after "Ophiuchus-gate" 2011, astrology is finding itself back in the mainstream news once again as March 19th, the date of the next super moon approaches. In light of the recent 8.9 earthquake in Japan, the resulting tsunami that extended its reach as far as the West coast of the United States, and all this talk of even more aftermath involving Japan's nuclear power plants, it's probably only natural that people are asking: "What next?"

What is a "super moon" anyway?

The term "super moon" was first coined in 1979 by noted astrologer Richard Nolle in an article he published on the subject at the time. It refers to a full moon that is at perigee, meaning it is closer to the Earth at that time than it is at any other time.

How often do super moons occur?

Although some are saying that the super moon of March 19, 2011 is the first in 18 long years, that's really a bit of a misconception. In truth, this will be the second super moon this year with the first super moon period having occurred on February 12-21 of this same year. The last extreme super moon similar in effect to this one went down on January 30th of 2010, just a couple of months over a year ago. Super moons in general occur between 4 and 6 times every year.

What makes a super moon so special?

We're all already familiar with the effect our moon has on the tides, especially when it's full. Some even strongly believe that full moons affect the human psyche and human behavior. Professionals with experience dealing in catastrophe such as police, fire personnel, and emergency room doctors report a noted increase in mishaps and emergency situations around the time of the full moon each month. The moon is also strongly associated with natural disasters and earth phenomena of all types.

That said, one must consider the possibility that when the moon is at perigee the way it will be on the 19th of this month, the likelihood of earthquakes, tsunamis, and similar happenings is greater than it might otherwise be. Many astrologers feel it's no accident that the recent earthquake in Japan occurred so close to the date of an extreme super moon. Extreme coastal tides, volcanic eruptions, and even increased tension within our own selves are also thought to be more likely right now thanks to the current lunar situation.

What other astrological factors affect this particular super moon?

As is typically the case, there are other factors at work in the cosmos at this time that modify the intensity and effect of this particular super moon. For one thing, the super moon will be taking place a mere day before the advent of the Spring Equinox, a key event in regards to the change of seasons and the wheel of the year at large.

Also, the sun will be entering Aries at that time while forming a powerful conjunction with Uranus. It is important to note that Aries is a fire sign. Many astrologers feel this means a greater than average likelihood of wildfires, turbulent weather patterns, and unusual geographical activity than usual. Phenomena such as explosions and similar occurrences are also more likely now than they would be at other times.

What can I do to protect myself?

Well, in the event of an earthquake, tsunami, or any other such thing, there's not a lot you can do. You certainly can't stop it from happening. However, this is an excellent time to go over proper procedures for disaster preparedness with your family and to make sure you all know what to do in the event of anything unexpected. It's always a good idea to stock up on canned goods, clean water, batteries, and so forth as well. You really never know when life will throw something unexpected at you, super moon or no.

Because of the involvement with Uranus, the planet that rules unpredictability and surprise, I would take a little more care than usual when it comes to just about everything. Possible earth effects aside, this is also an excellent time to think twice about what you say before you let it come flying out of your mouth. Don't make any long-reaching decisions around this time until you've thought them through. Because of the possible Aries effect, be especially careful of anything that involves fire, explosives, or combustibles. In other words, just practice some common sense while being a little more vigilant than usual.