Self-care: L is for…

is for lunar

Oh how I love the moon.  It’s not by accident that my mailart identity is Lunar Daughter.

I love working within the container of lunar cycles.   Each month (moon-th) ushered in by a new moon, and then a journey as it dances across the sky changing her dress every few days (now she’s a waxing crescent, soon she’ll be a first quarter…)  Paying attention to the phases is a reminder of the cyclical nature of all things – each month we move from seeding, sprouting, growing, budding, flowering, fruiting, harvesting, and then composting.   Each month a chance to align with the cycle, to participate in the journey, to deepen our relationship with ourselves and the world we live in.

In addition to the moon moving through phases during her cycle (new, quarter, full, balsamic…) approximately every 2.5 days the moon changes sign.  Whereas the sun stays in one sign for approximately 30 days (it’s now in Leo), the moon passes through all 12 signs during the course of her monthly journey.  So each new moon “starts” in the sign the sun is in – this month our new moon on August 6, 2013 was in the sign of Leo, and by the time we get to the full moon on August 20, she’ll have travelled half way through her journey and be in Aquarius.

So knowing what sign the moon is in, in addition to the phase, adds a layer of available information to play with and explore.

Here are some of the ways I work with the moon:

New moon –

• Set intentions, create a vision.  I like welcoming this time with a bit of physical creativity, so I often do a vision board/collage/or create something else tangible to hold my focus.
• If you like changing your altar frequently, this is a great time to start over or freshen up your existing sacred space.   I keep a moon altar, so this is where I put my monthly creation.
• As part of my work in the world, each month I send a newsletter to my subscribers which contains a channeled message from The Sacred Rose Council containing an energy broadcast and suggestions for how to navigate the energy in the month ahead.  (If this sounds interesting you can sign up for my newsletter in the sidebar on my website.) 

Full moon –

• This is literally a time of reflection – the full moon is reflecting as much light as she will during her cycle.  And so this is a time when you can see the shadows or hidden side of the vision you initiated at the new moon.  All really helpful info!
• Some people like to do collages at this time as well.   Jamie Ridler offers a topic each month to create a full moon board and then opens a post for people to add a link to show what they’ve created.
• This is a wonderful time to give yourself and objects a “bath” in the moonlight.   Let Mama Moon shine on you!  I like to fill a jar (or more) with water and let it charge overnight in the moonlight.   It delights me to then drink it and have that moon energy circulating in my body; and it’s also a wonderful addition to baths.

Balsamic moon –

• By the time we get to the balsamic moon, approximately 3 days before the next new moon, it’s time to release what the month has brought.  You might want to do an actual release ceremony, or simply imagine whatever is is being folded back into the Whole.  It’s composting time to nourish the next cycle.

Additional –

• Moon walks – I love taking moon walks.  It’s a wonderful time to converse with the Moon and welcome her blessings and send a dose of love back to her.   
• Jessamine Dana’s site Woman and The Owl offers a lovely little description of “Breathing the Moon” which is a perfect practice for moon walks.

Moon oracles –

• There are a couple moon-related oracles decks I like, and often use for a reading something during the moon.  There’s The Moon Oracle by Caroline Smith and John Astrop.   Here’s a link to Aeclectic Tarot where you can see a peek at some of the cards.
• I also use the Deviant Moon tarot which has somewhat dark surreal art.

Books –

I can’t resist mentioning The Moon Book:  A Lunar Pop-Up Celebration by Arlene Seymour.  I’m hopelessly in love with pop-up books, and one about the moon?!  Swoon.  It leans more toward the factual aspects of the moon rather than folklore, but it has pop-ups!

Moon Magic:  How to Use the Moon’s Phases to Inspire and Influence by Lori Reed is a helpful compendium of info.

WeMoon, the astrological moon calendar datebook I use.  It shows the phases and signs of the moon daily, plus is filled with lore and art.  I’ve used this for decades, and even with keeping online calendars now, I still cherish my yearly copy of this.

Finally here’s a peek at a few of the moons I have around my house:

What about you?  Are you more of a sun or moon lover?  Do you have a moon practice?  Have a moon story to share?  A pop-up book recommendation?  Do tell – you know I love to hear.