Full Plague Moon - April 2020

Tonight is the supermoon, the "biggest" of the year, according to its marketers. No, it is not a plague moon, it is a pink moon during the Covid pandemic. The virus itself doesn't look too sinister, rather like a small moon rock sprouting red velvet flowers.

Rob and I have been social distancing now since March 13, almost a lunar month. Hunkering down was at first an adventure, but now that events in June and July are being cancelled things do feel a bit more grim. Gone are Luminato, Fringe Festival, Through the Garden Gate. BPYC Launch is delayed from May and may not take place at all this year, which is the biggest "whaaaa?"

I can't help of thinking back in history to other plagues and pandemics: Spanish Influenza (1918), Black Death (1347), the Plague of Justinian (541AD). Although we tend to think of plagues happening as single events neatly contained within a defined period, the Third Plague Pandemic started in 1850 and lasted through to 1960, when fatalities dropped to 200 a year... killing literally millions across the globe, over decades.

Jokingly I am referring to times B.C as Before Covid. It is unlikely that a vaccine will be developed for at least a year. This will not be "over" for awhile, likely there will be a new normal. Masks will be a fashion statement. Berkas may become a sign of personal protective gear rather than sexual oppression.

From a newsletter I subscribe to comes this reflection: In the midst of a pandemic that we will remember for the rest of our lives, many are struggling with loss, fear, uncertainty, and loneliness. This may actually be our greatest opportunity to go within and gain clarity on what we value most and how we wish to spend any remaining days we are blessed with. (Dr. Ben Kim)

I came across a podcast where meditation guru Jack Cornfield was talking about using the time of social distancing to create a home retreat. Another search reveals he is partnering with Tricycle magazine to deliver free meditation and dharma talks on Zoom and offering other resources, which I may dip into for advice on staying grounded.

But right now, this moment, there is a light drizzle, and views of the full Pink moon are slim tonight.

The pink moon is a sign of rebirth, as are the green shoots and flowers poking their hopeful heads through the old dead leaves in my garden.