yoga

38

december 2018 / january 2019

yogajournal.com.sg

In shamanic teachings, every spiritual act

we perform is a ceremony. When we recognize

the sacredness of eachmoment, miracles

happen. During the early 1980s, as I explored

the many facets of shamanism, I was drawn to

creating shamanic ceremonies to heal my past

and to manifest what my soul desired.

Creating sacred ceremonies during seasonal

and lunar transitions helps us navigate changes

within and without. It is important to celebrate

the sunrise, sunset, new and full moon, and

seasonal changes as connected rather than sep-

arate. When we observe changes in the quality

of light between the sunrise and sunset, or the

changing phases of the moon and seasons, we

reconnect to a sense of organic flow—how all

life experiences arewoven together.Here are

some simple practices to get you started:

Connect with nature’s flow

Stand in nature. Close your eyes, and notice

in your body how everything is moving and

flowing.

When I was growing up, I used to watch

cartoons of the sun, trees, and plants singing

and dancing gracefully. This is actually what

occurs in nature. Every season, lunar cycle,

and transition is part of a great flow. Feel this

flow as you rock back and forth and from side

to side.

Once you enter this state, you can join

the flow of life rather than trying to control

it. Nature’s flow cannot be controlled. Once

you learn how to surrender and move with

it—when you walk with the flow of life instead

of against it—health returns on all levels.

Bringing a ceremonial frame of mind to your

time in nature infuses the simplest acts with

sacredness.

Observe the seasons

No matter where you live, you experience the

four phases of the changing seasons. You can

observe alterations in the landscape, migration

patterns of birds, and appearances of certain

animals. Witness the death of older life forms

in autumn and winter giving rise to new plants,

trees, flowers, and baby beings in spring and

summer.

Become attuned to times of the year when

nature is more expansive and expressive

and times when growth around us slows

down—when nature lets go of the old and

turns within for regeneration. Discover how

the light changes at these different times of the

year. Notice how the texture and quality of the

air feel different as the seasons flow into one

another. This will help you to reflect on your

personal cycles so you can align with seasonal

changes, within and without.

During seasonal changes, bring your

ceremonial work to your favorite place, and

sing, write letters to the earth, and receive

messages of deep wisdom. For example, if you

live near an ocean, try performing a ceremony

on the shore. The ocean is a powerful source

of love and wisdom. There is so much to learn

by watching the ocean, listening to the sound

of the waves, smelling the salt in the air, and

feeling the humidity. Standing with bare feet on

the sand while performing a ceremony in which

people sing to the ocean, talk to it, and listen for

messages is heartwarming and inspiring.

Honor the cycles of the moon

As the moon transitions from newness to

fullness, become aware of how this cycle

deeply affects you physically and emotionally.

Our bodies are mostly water. Just as the lunar

phases change the tides, you can feel changes

happening inside of you.

When you tune in to the phases of the

moon, you may notice that during certain times

your creativity and activities are better support-

ed. We are all unique beings, and your cycles

may be different from anyone else’s. Be open

to discovery as you explore how the phases of

the moon support your needs.

The new moon is a time of beginnings. It is

a time to experience rebirth and begin working

on new endeavors such as welcoming a new

relationship, starting a project or job, or moving

into a new home. Imagine yourself looking up at

the night sky and seeing the sliver of the new

moon. Feel the strength of rebirth.

As the moon

transitions from

newness to

fullness, become

aware of how

this cycle deeply

impacts you

physically and

emotionally.

Our bodies are

mostly water.

Just as the lunar

phases change

the tides, you can

feel changes

happening

inside of you.