The New Year is starting out strong with a potent Full SuperMoon (Snow Moon) which culminates on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2018 at 9:24 PM Eastern Time (January 2 at 1:24 AM Universal Time). SuperMoons occur a few times a year when the Full or New Moon is closer to the Earth than normal (perigee). This SuperMoon on January 1 is the largest one of 2018! SuperMoons are known to create larger than typical ocean tides, and they also heighten our emotional energy, for “good or bad.” One theory behind this so-called “lunar effect” is that an enhanced release of neurohormones is triggered by the Full Moon’s electromagnetic radiation and/or gravitational pull.

The Full Moon falls in Gemini constellation, Ardra nakshatra conjunct the fixed star Alzirr which is considered to be a star of affliction and illness, especially for travelers. The higher evolutionary nature of Ardra Moon will shine potently through ardent feelings and deep perception, but the less favorable expression can be revealed through potential for literal or figurative stormy conditions and arduous events in the coming days.

On January 2 at 9:11 AM Eastern Time (1:11 PM Universal Time), Uranus will station direct at the potent Zero Point of sidereal Aries, after having been retrograde since August 3. This event along with the concurrent SuperMoon could possibly foretell of a seismic event or some stormy weather patterns ahead, including strong windstorms, heavy precipitation (snow, ice, and rain), or flooding, in the coming days or weeks.

Uranus as a higher octave of Mercury can actually act like Mercury when it retrogrades or stations, and the effects may be experienced as technological and transportation and travel snafus and a sense of restlessness and unease. We can feel the Uranus station for up to 10 days before and several days after the actual time of station. Some of us may feel a bit erratic or aggravated. We might expect some tempestuousness, grave shocks, big surprises, or miraculous epiphanies around the time that Uranus goes direct, so “hang on to your hats” now and in the coming days. On the positive side, this energy can reflect a big release, an awakening, and rebellious or revolutionary acts such as what is happening in the Iran protests as we speak.

When a planet stations, it appears to halt and then move in the direction opposite to what it was before, which triggers and stimulates the planet and also the area of the zodiac where it is located. For some, depending on how this aligns with our natal chart placements, we can expect some big change and probably some forward momentum in the areas of the natal chart that are being activated. The U.S. Kelleher chart has Mars at the zero degree of Gemini, so this station could possibly be a trigger for a terrorist event or some kind of accident or violent situation in the U.S. or elsewhere.

Full Moons are like spiritual and emotional check-points when we are meant to stop, take stock, and deeply appreciate and celebrate life. Healing and spiritual energies are at their strongest on Full Moons, so December 31 and January 1 are great days for healing and contemplative practices and spiritual rituals. Starting the New Year with a Full Moon is an auspicious sign in Vedic astrology, and represents a fortunate opportunity to begin anew with positive energy and new commitments to ourselves and others. Making these commitments on a Full Moon gives them an added boost for success.

On the night before the Full Moon (New Year’s Eve) and really for the first several days of the New Year, our “Spiritual Sun,” the fixed star Sirius, the “Sun Behind our Sun,” will be overhead at midnight, shining a very profound divine light upon all of us to activate us with truth and remind of who we really are as spiritual beings having this human experience. Even amidst the intense turmoil, changes, and losses that are always occurring in our earthly realm, we must remember we are eternal and that all is happening as it must. We are divine and there is nothing to fear!

Considering numerology, we can also glean some important information for the year ahead. The old Year 2017 which we are fast leaving behind has been a 1 Year, which means a year of many new beginnings. Year 2018 will be a rare 11 Universal Year (2 + 0  + 1 + 8 = 11). The number 11 is a Master Number, which means this can be a year of tremendous adventure, learning, growth, and development for many of us. The 11 Year is related to Aquarius and Rahu, thus indicating exciting scientific, technological, and humanitarian innovation and discoveries ahead.

Besides being an 11 Year, 2018 will also be a 2 Year (1 + 1 = 2). The 2 year is a Yin Year connected to the Moon, who teaches us to flow with change, listen within, and to honor our deepest cycles of nurturing and creativity. How amazing that we start the 2-Moon Year with a FullSuperMoon! She is calling us! The last time we had an 11 / 2 Year was 2009 when the financial markets finally began to correct themselves and President Obama took office. The time before that when we had an 11 Year was 1910 when the first public radio broadcast took place.

Happy New Year, with love and light to all!