Part of the reason I love to share guest posts here is to open up the discussion to practices and perspectives different than my own. I'm thrilled to share a post today from Randi of Bunny Sunday. Since today marks the new moon, I thought it would be a good time to look forward to the coming full moon. Randi shares with us a full moon practice, which I found illuminating:
The moon is at the heart of most Neo-Pagan spiritual practices. Witches and other Pagans watch the moon the way most people watch the weather report. In fact, in many traditions each of the thirteen full moons (one each month plus the Blue Moon) have a name and a purpose. Witches regard the full moon as a time to cast spells and practice rituals in honor of the Goddess or, in broader terms, the feminine energy of the universe. This celebration is called an Esbat.
For me, a solitary witch, Esbats are a time for magic and reflection. Each month on the night of the full moon, I cleanse a sacred space, cast a circle and meditate. My rituals always involve introspection and planning for the future. It is a time to reflect on the events that occurred in the past moon cycle. What was accomplished in the past month’s time? What was left undone? What are my goals? If I need the help of one of my goddesses, I will call on a particular deity to guide me. If there is a matter of importance that can be helped by magic, I’ll cast a spell. Often, I’ll draw down the moon. This is the meditative practice of drawing the moon’s energy into your body, much the way a sunbather basks in the sun, receiving warmth and light. I finish my Esbat ritual with a moment of gratitude for the divine feminine and I toast her with a glass of wine.
Even if you’re not Pagan, an Esbat ritual could help you to create balance and clarity in your life. Many people, women in particular, are affected by the energy of the full moon. People have vivid dreams, pets begin to act strangely and children misbehave as the moon waxes in the sky. Incorporating the natural moon cycle into your life could help you get in touch with nature and be more aware of the passing time.
On the next full moon, why don’t you create your own Esbat ritual? Drink a glass of wine and reflect on the successes of the past month. Take a ritual bath with candles and essential oils. Go to bed early and fall asleep listening to a guided meditation. Your Esbat ritual could be an elaborate spiritual practice or a movie night with your sisters. Either way, it is important to take time for yourself and celebrate womanhood and the women in your life. The full moon, when feminine energy is at its peak, if the perfect time to get out of your head and listen to your heart. Step outside of your daily routine. An Esbat can help you to take stock of your life and think about your soul’s purpose.
Even if you’re not Pagan, an Esbat ritual could help you to create balance and clarity in your life. Many people, women in particular, are affected by the energy of the full moon. People have vivid dreams, pets begin to act strangely and children misbehave as the moon waxes in the sky. Incorporating the natural moon cycle into your life could help you get in touch with nature and be more aware of the passing time.
On the next full moon, why don’t you create your own Esbat ritual? Drink a glass of wine and reflect on the successes of the past month. Take a ritual bath with candles and essential oils. Go to bed early and fall asleep listening to a guided meditation. Your Esbat ritual could be an elaborate spiritual practice or a movie night with your sisters. Either way, it is important to take time for yourself and celebrate womanhood and the women in your life. The full moon, when feminine energy is at its peak, if the perfect time to get out of your head and listen to your heart. Step outside of your daily routine. An Esbat can help you to take stock of your life and think about your soul’s purpose.
Randi is a writer, tarot reader and Witch. She writes about creativity, spirituality and narwhals at BunnySunday.wordpress.com and can be reached on twitter @missbunnysunday or at missbunnsunday@hotmail.com.
