cindygrogan14 My given name is “Cynthia.” Which I’ve always hated. The family story goes that my sister picked it out of a baby name book ‘cause she thought it “sounded funny” (bitch). But my parents liked it and I was stuck with it. That’s what sucks about being a newborn – no say in anything.
Anyhoo, I’ve since done some research and found that the name means “Of the moon” which, given my metaphysical bent, seems appropriate. I’m fascinated by the ancient, timeless passage of this glowing orb through the night sky. It has its own rhythm and definitely its own power. Anyone who’s worked with the public can attest to the effects of the “full moon” – people get crazy, irritable, a little nuttier than usual, amiright? So Moon Energy is a real thing.
Wiccans and pagans drill way down into the subject of moon cycles. But for the rest of us, a simple working knowledge of the energy that’s right over our heads is enough. Check the weather report for the current moon phase. Let it help you with the daily workings of life. And you get a do over every 28 days!
THE NEW MOON
The dark of the moon is the perfect time for planting the seeds of something new. It’s that empty space where a project, plan, dream can begin to take root. The New Moon gives a little “oomph” to anything that’s just beginning. It’s a good time for planning a project, making a move or learning something new.
Here’s a little ritual to try. On the night of a new moon, write out your goal on a piece of paper. Light a candle and visualize it coming true. Look up at the moon and ask that it be granted, then burn the paper in the candle flame (be careful!). Repeat this over 12 nights (if you miss one, you have to start over).
THE WAXING MOON
As the moon “grows,” so does the energy of anything you want to “increase.” This is a great time to try to get pregnant, look for a new lover (or start counseling with your existing one) or ask for a raise.
To “grow” more money, cut out a picture of a frog, tell it what you need, then keep it in your wallet.
THE FULL MOON
The moon is at its most potent, so when you need extra power, this is the time. The full moon helps with legal issues, looking for work or healing. Because the light of the moon is so bright, this is also the time to focus on anything spiritually-related (like developing your intuition or praying for world peace).
To help someone (or even you) heal from an illness, take a white candle, a sprig of rosemary and a photo of the person. Light the candle and envision its healing light streaming into that person’s body.
THE WANING MOON
As the moon begins its journey back to the dark, use this dissipating energy to let go of something. I once timed a surgery to the waning moon to help the doctor rid my body of an unneeded tumor. This cycle will help you gracefully wrap up any relationship that’s run its course, or a part of your life that no longer works.
I like this little ritual for ending a bad habit: take a piece of black string and tie four knots. The first is the mental aspects of the habit, why you keep it. The second represents the actions around this habit. The third is the emotions around the habit, how you feel about it – and about giving it up. Finally, the fourth knot represents the practical aspects of the habit – like how much it cots for those cigarettes. During a waning moon, untie one knot each day, symbollically ‘releasing’ the habit. Then destroy the string when you’re done.
Any questions? Hit me up in the Comments section. And remember to check out the website.
Now to sing us out, Karl Wallenberg and the Waterboys with one of my faves.