I snapped this shot the night of the Virgo Lunar Eclipse, through the trees lining my street, last Wednesday night. The time leading up to the eclipse felt like a big energetic balloon being blown up, the pressure and tension growing to undeniable proportions until at last the bubble popped and those around me seemed to break free of their moorings. Tables turned, opinions changed, I experienced my own perspective suddenly shift on things I hadn’t previously been aware were bothering me.

Such is the gift of full moons. They shine a beacon in the darkness awakening us to all manner of things we’d otherwise be oblivious to. On those couple of nights each month when the moon is full we are given an opening through which to gain insight into what we really feel. We are naturally more attuned during full moons to the emotional guidance system in each of us that is always on but that most of us have been taught to disregard because it is inconvenient, makes us uncomfortable or might be something we’ve learned others don’t want to be bothered with.

When I was growing up I was told repeatedly that I was too sensitive. As if I could control how much or little I felt and experienced. As an adult I have come to realize that it is just this sensitivity that allows me to know what I know, first hand, and to do what I do best. Rather than my sensitivity being a burden, a flaw or a curse, as I saw it when I was younger, I now realize it is a great gift for anyone who wants to experience what it is to truly be alive.

I believe we all have these gifted parts of ourselves that we are either misunderstood or unaccepted by those around us, that are not only part of what makes us unique, they contribute to the genius we each are born with. Only by recognizing and realizing who we really are can we share the gifts that no one else can offer.

When the moon is full we have greater access, by way of increased sensitivity, to the deeper parts of ourselves that hold the keys to knowing exactly who we are and what we are here for.