Today is a big day. On this eve of 2010, we are experiencing a rare celestial occasion, with the combined forces of not only a new year upon us, but also the powerful energies of both a ‘blue’ full moon, and a partial lunar eclipse (at 2:12pm EST). The *astrological significance of a blue moon (the 2nd full moon in one month) falling on New Year’s Eve will not repeat itself again until 2028! Those of us already blessed with a conscious hoop practice have an additional powerful mandala (concentric geometric shape) upon which to meditate today and draw strength to carry forward into the new year. Astronomy, astrology, and ‘hoopology’ all share in common certain traits, such as: predictable cycles, geometric beauty, and the movement of encircling bodies, whether they be planets, the Sun, or your everyday human hoola hooper. During a full moon lunar eclipse, as well as on the eve of a new year, things have a tendency to come under reflection and to fruition, often in the form of letting go of that which no longer serves our greatest good. Examples are things like limiting beliefs, relationships, behaviors, or material possessions. On a day like today, we may likely feel more apt and able to make resolutions about living more healthily, ridding ourselves of tired habits, and intentionally committing to furthering our personal evolution. Furthermore, with the influence of a lunar eclipse like today’s, it marks a perfect time to reflect on how we feel about our contributions to the world~community at large, the legacy we are creating within it, and whether or not it is in alignment with our innermost wants and needs. Hooping, like the mandalic planetary patterns studied in astronomy and astrology, can also be used as a tool for this internal and external growth work. As you find yourself inside the circle, it is at once both a literal and symbolic effort to reunify the sense of Self. My own new year-blue moon eclipse’s resolution (and revolution) is to keep fervently focused on Self-Love and being gentle with myself. The constant hug of the hoop helps me do this everyday. And today, more than most days, I have a bonus boost in accomplishing this through such a rare and powerful lunar placement as mentioned above. If you should find yourself free this evening from 7:30 to 9:30pm, please consider joining me and others in the Greenbelt hoop jam to ring in the new year and reflect on living the way we want to live in 2010! More info about the jam on my CALENDAR page and on Greenbelt’s website. Happy New Year, Moon Power, and Hooping Powers to you today, this coming year, and always! With Love, noelle

~Accompanying photo courtesy of my friend Ricardo, shot in Chile last month, of me and my hoops and the moon high above!~

*Thanks goes out to Alison Yates for much of the Astrological data and suggestions referenced above~