YUJ YOGA LAB
by vasiliki
moon Rituals
NEW MOON
The New Moon is dark because the Moon is so close to the Sun that none of the lit side of the Moon is available for us to see. Imagine that: a Full Moon just for the Sun to enjoy! Ah, but we bask in the magical shadow of dark moon time.
The New Moon is a time to plant seeds. This is a time of new beginnings—the start of the lunar cycle and a great starting point for intention setting! Reach out, start a project, dream big! Create rituals around that which you want to expand.
The New Moon—the fertile dark, from which life springs anew. Unseen seeds swell and crack in the moist soil of darkness, rooting toward deep growth...
This is a great time to manifest a dream, a longing wish, or to plant seeds of ideas for a new project. As the Moon grows in light, so will the intentions you set during this time.
The New Moon promotes new growth and gives you a fresh start to the lunar month ahead. Starting a garden or planting a houseplant cutting during this time helps establish strong roots in your plants and in yourself. Dirt work is always cathartic and grounding during this Moon phase.
Set goals or aspirations during this phase, that you would like to work towards or bring into your life. As the Moon grows, your actualization gains power to eventually root into your reality.
New Moon Goddess
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Artemis (Greek): The Huntress—She is a protector or animals and of nature. Her followers often worshiped her on the New Moon phase of the lunar cycle.
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Hecate (Greek): The Dark Goddess—Often associated with the dark Moon phase, she is often depicted as a hag, goddess of the crossroads, rebirth and death. She is often called the Goddess of Witchcraft.
Full Moon
It may sound like a conflict is brewing when we say planets are in opposition, and indeed, that is not unheard of, but for the most part, planets in this position (the farthest apart from each other in their respective orbit) some synergetic collaboration can occur. Ever hear the phrase "opposites attract?" Sure! This dynamic tension between the heavenly bodies have the power to pull the tides.
When the Moon and Sun are in opposition, the Sun is so far away from the moon that the full face of our nightly companion is lit up. Perhaps distance does make the heart grow fonder!
The Full Moon embodies self-expression and action! It represents completion, illumination and celebration. This is the apex of Moon phases, the mountain peak. We have traveled far, and now is the time to rest, and look back on our accomplishments, or at what we have left behind, as the case may be.
How much have you grown this past month, honor the small and large victories. What questions arose this past month, or need to be illuminated further? What losses need to be honored? Is it time to let go and move on, or should you build a shrine to remind us for a time of what is now in the afterworld?
The opposing energy of the Sun (ego, or self) and the Moon (inner-self, subconscious) can cause tension or even explosions of emotions. Because of this tension, this is a great time to express yourself creatively, and your rituals can reflect this.
Meditate under the full Moon to ground yourself, to illuminate burning desires or questions you might have. This is a time when answers and questions flow between inner and outer worlds.
Gratitude is important during this phase. Have gratitude for the culminations of the intentions you may have set during the New Moon, recognize your movement and yourself.
While the New Moon phase often feels solitary and independent, the Full Moon is a great time to gather and be with your community. The New Moon is a time to set your intentions, while the Full Moon is a celebration of your manifestations, however large or small.
Burning intentions in fire or letting go of emotions that no longer serve you are often seen as Full Moon rituals.
As the light of the Moon grows, we foster the things we hold dear, we tend the fires of our hearth. As the Moon grows dark, we release and let go. Cleanse the space, the mind and the body.
Full Moon Goddess
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Cerridwen (Celtic): Keeper of knowledge and intuition. She represents wisdom and inspiration. Also known as a Goddess of the Underworld.
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Selene (Greek): Mother Goddess linked to the Full Moon.
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Yemaya (Yoruba): Mother Goddess of the ocean, water and tides.