Last time, in Part I, we discussed different ways to bring the rhythms of the moon into your body and life, at any point during the month. This time, we’ll explore what we can do during certain phases to maximize her power. By inviting the moon into our bodies, we can become more aware of what energies are present in each of her phases, and thus can call upon them to support our intentions, rituals, spiritual practices, emotions and life.
New Moon / Crone Moon
The night is dark, no moon in sight. She is alone, going deep within herself.
During the New Moon, our energy tends to be lowest, and it is a time to rest, restore, and find silence and solitude. It’s a wonderful time for self care like baths, massages, and nourishing sleep. Do less.
In our rituals, this is when to connect to the fertile darkness from which the idea of a seed can be felt. A good time for solitary magic, ritual and medicine making. Many say to set an intention and if one is clear to you, then by all means do it. Otherwise, be at peace with the wonder of the darkness – the void, the place before the seed.
This is also a time when “the veil is thin” and a time that women have gathered for hundreds of years in the “red tent”. A time to bleed together, pray, and connect to the psychic state that is most available to women when they are on their moon time. In the times of the red tent, women retreated away from community chores and family during their menstrual cycle. They would take the space they needed and connect to the power of the union between the bleeding woman and the new moon. By honoring this phase of going inward, they were able to bring back prayers and visions for the cycle ahead.
Today, the bleeding woman is expected to continue giving, doing and showing up as if in a permanent state of full moon. Perhaps the irritability associated with PMS would be avoided if women were able to go into silence and rest.
Waxing/ Maiden Moon
As the sliver of light appears, so does the light of the seed. An intention for this cycle becomes clear, or you may feel a premonition or energy associated with the cycle ahead. Just observe what is important to you now.
If you have a clear intention, the light of the moon increases your energy and enthusiasm and you begin to plan how to bring your plans into fruition.
This is a good time for investigation, reading and discovery.
Swelling Moon/ Mother Moon
As the moon begins to grow and you can feel her coming into her full self, you may feel energized and inspired to put into practice what you have been exploring.
This is a good time for performing rituals, doing exercises, and acting out your intentions. It is also when to make magical plans for the full moon.
Full Moon
She is FULL. Basking in her glory and sensuality, dripping in her light. You may feel like you too are overflowing. Emotions may be high, you may be sensitive, excitable, one with the alchemy. The full moon can be a good time for release, and for rituals of cleansing and letting go.
For the witch, this is a wonderful time to make medicine, do rituals, perform spells and gather with sisters. You may feel called to gather in a women’s circle or go on a romantic date with the moon. Swimming in the moonlight or moon bathing feels divine and charges you up with her luminosity.
Waning / Crone Moon
The peak of energy is behind us and we begin flowing back into ourselves. Slowly at first, we gather the knowledge of the full moon and integrate it. We apply the wisdom gained in this cycle and follow through on what we have released or what we have intended.
This is the perfect time to journal, reflect and come back to self care by assimilating the lessons of this cycle. Allow yourself to begin to slow down and prepare for the journey inward, a little lighter this time, no longer carrying what we have released.
Just as any relationship requires mindfulness, being present and aware of how you relate to one another will be your greatest teacher. Keep track of how you affect one another in your moon calendar and look to her lovingly each night in the sky, as you feel her presence in your sacred waters.
Enjoy your new bond with the Moon! No two unions are ever alike, as this one will be unique and magically yours. May it open gateways of mystery and magic and may she become an ally for you on this sensual dance of wholeness and holiness we call life.
New Moon Blessings,
Marysia
A multilingual and multicultural devotee of Pachamama, Marysia has traveled extensively studying earth wisdom and ancient healing practices from different cultures around the world. She is the director of the California branch of The Gaia School of Healing and Earth Education and teaches workshops on herbal medicine, plant shamanism and earth magic. You can follow Marysia on instagram @thegaiaschoolofhealingca and on facebook by liking The Gaia School of Healing and Earth Education California Branch. For more information on the Fall 2015 apprenticeships please visit www.thegreenwoman.com
One Response
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