I never used to think much about the moon cycles. I would blame a full moon when things seemed out of wack or people were acting crazy, but I don’t really know why. Isn’t that what people do? Or is that when Mercury is in Retrograde? I’m still not positive but it sounds like it could work.

I’ve been making a conscious effort to transition things in my life to a more organic, holistic and healthy approach, everything from using natural deodorant (it’s okay to sweat a little!) and nontoxic household cleaners to eating organic and working out more. The lifestyle changes have led me on a path to be more curious about all sorts of things that I didn’t necessarily even believe in before.

Last night was a full moon, traditionally called the Full Snow Moon, which is leading up to a total Solar Eclipse which will occur on March 8th/9th. This is representative of powerful changes and new beginnings that can begin before and continue after the process. Taking a cue from my more spiritual friends, I’ve learned that this is a time to set your intentions to help fulfill your highest potential. I figure that even if this is a bunch of nonsense, it can’t hurt to walk down a more positive path to become the best person I can be. Plus, I read that you weigh less when there’s a full moon, and who doesn’t like that?!

What’s the meaning of a full moon? It is supposed to focus our attention on relationships of all kinds. Emotions and instincts reach their peak at full moons so that you can take a more balanced look at your relationships. What are your own needs and intentions, and those of others? It’s time to come to terms with toxic relationships.

A full moon is also related to the previous new moon and next new moon; for example, something you started since the previous new moon can now come to fruition since it is “harvest” time. And the influence of the current full moon carries on until the next new moon, which will be the March 8 solar eclipse.

Each full moon is different and has a unique purpose. The full moon in February 2016 is about resolving conflict and releasing anger/stress that has built up. It is the climax point of a story that began months or even years ago. This is also the first full moon in the Chinese Year of the Fire Monkey. Balance your emotions, open your eyes to what you might have been blind to and listen to your own truth that’s in your heart.

Taking all of that into mind, it made me think of this morning mantra that I read: “When you are no longer able to change a situation, you are challenged to change yourself.  And that changes everything.”