The December full moon, that is closest to the winter solstice, is called the Oak Moon. The oak leaf has long represented the male aspect. It is a full, cold, bright moon, to dream of renewal and rebirth, a timely reminder for us to slow down, breathe a little deeper, be a little more present. The oak tree represents the natural flow between the material and spiritual worlds; its trunk and branches grow and stretch toward our sky while the roots dig deeply into the hidden places of the underworld.
Settled into winter now, we become aware of the perfect silliness and solitude of cold wintery mornings and evenings. The world turns inward now, and the cold air grows thick with dreams. Stories are shared as we gather together. The dark and stillness allow for so searching; a time to reflect and resolve, to let go of what we no longer need to carry. Our stressors often come from draining or unhealthy relationships, tedious work, and poor lifestyle choices. These increase our anxiety, which in turn can manifest in physical illness and symptoms. The winter offers a chance for transformation, letting go of our stressors to make room for light to enter. Even the acknowledgement of what makes us anxious is a step towards change and lighter life. A regular yoga practice will provide the skills to foster this transformation.
Even in the dormancy of winter, the oak hosts the new life of mistletoe sprouting from its branches, a reminder that life cycles. Norse legend has it that Frigg loved her son Balder so much that she couldn’t bear the though of something bad happening to him. She made a pact with the four Elements that nothing in their realm would do harm to him. But Loki, another Norse God, was up to his regular mischief. He made an arrow out of mistletoe and gave it to a blind man, who then shot Balder dead. The flood of Frigg’s tears restored her son to life though, and Frigg declared mistletoe a plant of promise, luck, and love.
Little do we realize that our modern custom of kissing under the mistletoe was actually to receive Frigg’s blessings!
As you celebrate the fullness of the oak moon, remember that you play just as an integral a part of the workings of the universe as you do to the world you wake in each day. Find a kiss under the mistletoe, and light a candle to honour your own path of light.