guestpost // lunar wisdom

Hello everyone! My name is Marissa and I am over at Moondaughter. Polly has asked me to share some Lunar wisdom and I am so delighted to! Working with the Moon as a part of my spiritual path is such a passion of mine and is so rewarding. Today I will share with you a little intro into what it means to work with the Moon and why I think it is important. So sit back and relax with a nice cup of tea, you may be staying awhile :)

                                                                Source: raptureandthemuses.tumblr.com via Emily on Pinterest

To begin, the Moon is the closest celestial body to our planet. The Moon's pull on the Earth keeps us tilted on our axis, basically creating and keeping the seasons in balance for all living things! She also controls the tides and essentially all water on our planet, along with the water and fluid in our bodies. Before lights and other factors, most womens' moon-times were connected with the Moon phases; usually menstruating around the New Moon, and ovulating around the Full Moon, following the 28-day Lunar cycle.

Our ancient ancestors knew how powerful the Moon is. They relied on the Moon's power more heavily than we do now; it controls animals' migrating habits which is needed for hunting, plants' abilities to hold on to water which is good to know for planting, and it was the only light source in the night sky before the light bulb was invented.

What makes the Moon more mysterious is Her phases. I started to fall in love with the Moon on my bike rides home from school in the middle of the night. I  noticed that She always looked different and some nights I couldn't see Her and it made me sad. I definitely was intrigued, and as I delved into researching Her mysterious ways, I started to learn about Her phases and I couldn't believe I never noticed or knew about this phenomena in the sky before! I couldn't believe how much I took Luna for granted.

Since then, learning about the Moon and Her phases, I have learned so much about myself and my own behavior. I have learned to utilize and work with Her power, and in turn, it has become a sacred journey every month, and it is wonderful. I feel everyone, but especially women, should learn to work with the Moon and discover their own unique flow and rhythm. I feel apart of my purpose here is to help other women discover this sacred knowledge.

Below, is a little snippet about each phase, and what you can do to work with it! Enjoy loves :)

The New Moon is actually between the Earth and the Sun so it is hidden from view. This is the beginning of the Lunar cycle and is a rebirth and regeneration of energy. It is a more restful calming energy though and becomes more active closer to the Full Moon. This is a good time to explore new projects and goals you wish to see through. It is also ideal to rekindle or start new love (I actually met my boyfriend, not knowingly at the time, on the New Moon!) and if  you want your hair to grow fast plan a hair cut during this phase! New Moon energy lasts from the day of until 3 1/2 days later. This is also the time to plant new seeds.

Next New Moon: August 17th 2012

There are three different phases in the Waxing Moon phase:

 

The Waxing Crescent is right after the New Moon and lasts for 3 1/2 days as well. The energy is building up, so this is a great time to start gathering your ideas and research for your plans that you planted during the New Moon. Physical exercise is essential to help balance the building energy in your body, and be mindful of what you put in your body during the Waxing phase; the body absorbs more whether it is good or bad. This is a time for building a strong foundation- physically, mentally, and spiritually. Listen to your intuition and what your body needs, and do that. 

Next Waxing Crescent: August 20th 2012

The First Quarter Moon looks cut in half; half light, half dark. This is a time for balancing. You may feel a lot of energy at this time and it may feel overwhelming, but learning to balance and refocus this energy at this time is key. This phase is also the time of germination of seeds, breaking free of the shell and growing towards light. Break free of your fears and whatever is holding you back at the time and keep on toward your goals. Call upon Warrior Maiden Goddesses, such as Artemis, Diana, Athena, Brighit to help you give you that extra push and motivation.

Next First Quarter: August 24th 2012

During the Waxing Gibbous the Moon is more than half full, and this occurs 10 days after the New Moon. It may appear as though there is no movement or growth at this time, but like the shoots growing up toward the light, just because you can't see growth it is there. Stay hopeful and optimistic at this time as the environment is preparing for the Full Moon. You can prepare for the Full Moon by checking off your to-do list and tying up any loose ends. Patience maybe tested at this time.

Next Waxing Gibbous: August 27th 2012

The Full Moon is a gem in the sky. A perfect silver sphere brightening the night. Animals are more active at this time, taking advantage of the extra light. Take advantage of this energy by doing any major works or goals you have wanted to do, but haven't gotten around to now. The Full Moon is also the time of the Mother Goddess; Isis, Selene, Hera, Demeter, Inanna, Astarte, so the energy is a fertile and protective kind. The Full Moon is a great time if you are trying to conceive! It is also a time of celebration and gratitude. Be careful with your skin too, buts bleed more at this time. The shoots should be breaking through the soil if you planted seeds in the New Moon.

Next Full Moon: August 31st 2012 (The Blue Moon too! I wrote a post about this here)

There are three phases in the Waning Moon phase:

The Waning Gibbous is about 3 1/2 days after the Full Moon. The Waning Moon slowly decreases until its a New Moon again. The energy is more reflective; reflective of the things that have come to past and what is no longer needed. This is a good time to think about what you can release and let go of for the next Lunar cycle. Meditation and journaling is great for this phase. The Waning phase also represent the Crone Goddesses, such as Hecate, Morrigan, or Baba Yaga, who you can call upon to help you release and let go.

Next Waning Gibbous: September 4th 2012

The Third Quarter, or Last Quarter moon is a great time to do some sort of release ceremony to symbolize your letting go. It is best to release a negative habit, an addiction, a bad relationship, a fear, or just negative energy that has built up since the New Moon. Having reflected upon it earlier you should have a pretty good idea of what you need to do. Ways to release are going to a sweat lodge, guided meditation, yoga with a lot of twisting to detoxify, or you could also try this simple releasing ritual I wrote here. Whatever you decide to do, the Waning Moon asks of you to look within and see past the darkness, while the Waxing Moon asks you to make physical change in your life. Do not be afraid to do this work. All our fears just want to be loved.

Next Last Quarter: September 8th 2012

We alas come to the end of the Lunar cycle with the Waning Crescent before we come full circle to the New Moon. This is the time for rest and a little hibernation before the rebirth. You have done so much work to get here, you deserve a little break! Restorative yoga is great at this time. The animals are more calm, people are more mellow, this is usually a quiet period. Pamper yourself, and take that bath, or lounge in your pj's today, it's okay. Give yourself permission to rest without any feelings of guilt. Cultivate an attitude of gratitude for this past Lunar month you completed with awareness. 

Next Waning Crescent: September 12th 2012

And so the cycle thus begins again...

http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk/moon_phases

Mooncircles

You can also find my Moon Phase Poster here!

I hope this post has shed some light on the Moon and Her phases. Working with Luna in my daily life has made each day so much more sacred. It is such great info to know! If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at marissa(dot)moondaughter @ gmail(dot)com! And thank you Polly for asking me to share this on your space!

Love and Blessings,

Marissa Moondaughter


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