yoga

39

december 2018 / january 2019

yogajournal.com.sg

As you honor

land and

life during

seasonal and

lunar

changes,

realize that

every day

is a natural

cycle.

As the moon waxes, nurture what you began
during the new moon. For many, the full moon
is a powerful time to perform ceremonies and
healing work. This is when the moon’s energy
is strongest. During the full moon, people’s
moods change; hospitals and police stations get
busier. People do not know what to do with their
energy. A wonderful way to channel this energy
is to perform a ceremony to honor the full moon
with healing and blessing work. The abundance
of power makes the full moon a potent time to
gather groups through virtual ceremonies and
work together in service to the earth.
Once we move into the phase of the waning
moon, we can take a breath and relax before a
new cycle begins.
Many shamanic and spiritual practitioners
choose to perform their releasing and blessing
ceremonies during new and full moons and on
the equinoxes and solstices. Spiritual energies
are abundant to support ceremonies as we
release challenges, ask for blessings in starting
new projects, or face life transitions. As we ask
for assistance, we also celebrate the phase of
the moon, equinox, or solstice through our
invocations, songs, and dances.

Slow down
Most of us live fast-paced lives and are not aware
of how our physical energies and moods change
with the seasons and lunar cycles. When we slow
down and perform ceremonies to honor the flow
of life within and without, we learn how to follow
the cycles of nature. When we reconnect to the
lunar cycles and changes in the seasons, we feel
more embodied and attuned to our connection to
the earth.
Just as you honor the land and all of life
during seasonal changes and lunar phases,
realize that every day is a natural cycle. Each day,
you can integrate simple ceremonies to express
gratitude and respect for the land where you live;
all living beings; the elements of earth, air, water,
and fire; and your own life.^

Adapted fromThe Book of Ceremony

by Sandra Ingerman. Copyright ©

2018. Published by Sounds True in
      October 2018.