Reflecting on the New Moon

The moon reflects the rhythms of life -

“A body which waxes, wanes and disappears, a body whose existence is subject to the universal law of becoming, of birth, and death. The moon (like man) has a career involving tragedy…but this ‘death’ is never final. This perpetual return to its beginnings, and this ever-recurring cycle make the moon the heavenly body above all others concerned with the rhythms of life.”

From the Dictionary of Symbols

The moon is the universal gauge that measures the rhythms of life. Every 29.5 days, the moon begins a new cycle, moving through “becoming” to “birth” to “death.”

The new moon signifies birth, renewal, growth, and openness.

We can use the lunar cycle as inspiration to harness a deeper sense of care, reflection, and intention in our lives. Just as the moon cycles through its phases, so, too, do we. We can find a linkage between the lunar cycle and our experiences over time. This linkage encourages us to be creative, to more deeply discover who we are, and to release (whether physical things or those non-tangible).

Since the new moon is tied to birth and growth, this can be a time to begin new projects, to explore new hobbies and routines, to set intentions, to revisit or create new goals, to reflect on past experiences and actions and plan for what you wish to come.

Finding a connection to the lunar cycle encourages grounding and direction. Because the moon acts as a universal gauge of the rhythms of life, its cycle can be used as guidance to set boundaries in life, to check in with yourself, to receive and manifest the new, and to rid the old. This allows us to grow and rediscover what is within our being. It allows us to evolve so as to not get stuck in the mundaneness of life.

—————————

Here are practices to guide the energy and symbology of the new moon to your journey:

• Moon salutations: practiced to cool the body and calm the nervous system.

  Extended mountain pose; goddess squat; triangle pose; pyramid pose; low lunge; low side lunge.

  Reverse the sequence and repeat on the other side. Explore time with respect to each pose - what pose feels extra comforting to you? What does spending a longer amount of time there feel like physically and emotionally?

• Breathing practices: alternate nostril breathing (in through both nostrils, out through one, alternate sides). This practice also calms the nervous system and reduces feelings of stress. It is beneficial to practice this technique before bed to encourage a calming in the mind and a sound sleep.

• Chant: compose a mantra; become still and repeat (aloud - although it may feel strange). Allow the words to emanate throughout each level of your being.

  Repeating a phrase/mantra/prayer creates a sensation of calmness throughout the body through the act of repetition, staying in the present, and sound. Sit with the vibrations that accompany your voice and feel those vibrations throughout your tissues, muscles, bones. Notice where else you feel the movement of the voice. Encourage your breath to lengthen; feel the words seep through you in connection to your breath.

• Set intentions: write your intentions in the present tense; create space and opportunity for the words to become alive; bury these intentions in the earth or in a plant.

  Another idea is to set your intentions near the space you practice. Create a space that is your own - maybe incorporate a photo, a bowl of salt water, a stone, or a seed in this space to encourage growth. Allow the energy of your practice + the energy of the space you created to allow a feeling of resetting within yourself.

• Reflect: what do you need more of? less of? where do you want to put your energy? what do you want to create in your life? how can you release fear and doubt to create that which you want?

  What practices help you reflect? Walking; running; playing; cooking; singing; writing; reading; painting…

• Eat well: nourish your body through the foods you eat.

  During this transitional time, listen to the needs of your body. On cooler days, eat warmer foods, on warmer days, eat cooler foods. This is one way to continue to eat with the seasons during the in-between period. Practice mindful eating to slow down, to truly taste the flavors, and to encourage healthy digestion.