The number of people across Planet Earth who watched the total full moon eclipse on December 20 or 21, depending on their locations, I shall not guess. However, it is obvious that many people, fascinated by this lunar eclipse that coincided with the 2010 Winter Solstice, watched the moon as it appeared to go through a series of changes in the span of  a few hours.

NASA reports that this is the first time an eclipse has coincided with a Solstice since December 21, 1638, and the next one won't come around again until 2094.

It was around 3:30 a.m., on December 21, 2010, when I observed the moon. It appeared to be dark-red. Before it disappeared about an hour or so later it had gone through a number of gyrations, briefly appearing and disappearing, while its colors were changing. Then suddenly, covered by the shadow of the earth passing between the moon and the sun, the moon totally disappeared. The sky was dark as far as I could see. I was reminded of a time when I was a lad growing-up in a rural area in Alabama. Occasionally, the moon was overtaken by clouds and no stars were visible. Of course, the changes and colors of the moon were not so spectacular as they were doing this lunar eclipse.

Also brought to my mind was the awareness that six months later the Summer Eclipse will appear bringing the longest day and the shortest night of the year just as the Winter Eclipse had brought the longest night and shortest day of the year.

When I returned outside about a little more than a hour after the  moon disappeared I was greeted by a full moon that was brighter than it had appeared in many months. Being a moon watcher, especially when there is a full moon I stood still for a long while and with rapt attention, gazing the full moon that brought joy and wonderment to my soul. Suddenly I felt that the moon and I were one. For that mystery I desired no explanation.

I know that I will remember this Full Moon Eclipse that coincided with the 2010 Winter Solstice as long as I am able to remember. Moreover, reflecting on this experience is likely to bring delight and beauty to my spirit. Although I may never go to the moon, with this lunar eclipse experience, the moon has come to me.

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An Invitation is extended to you to visit the website below and then click on "Mutuality World Community Church." There you will be able to read other writings of mine that can be empowering and spiritually gratifying.

Copyright 2010 by Uriah J. Fields