(Short note from Juliet:- There are many theories abounding concerning the existence and integrity of the moon – and whether her cycles that our female bodies respond to are either natural – or a pre-programmed response from a manmade fabrication. It’s a HUGE and interesting question – and one that I am not 100% sure of either way right now – but if I’ve learned one thing from 2020, it is to question EVERYTHING! (If you are interested, you can check out more info on this subject here). At the same time, one thing I also know for sure is that – however it works – our hormones and the behaviour of us as women, as well as the behaviour of our oceans and our perception of time and seasons, is very closely aligned with the phases of the moon. Regardless of where it came from, the moon has a massive effect on all life on earth).
So, with that knowing, I’ll let Montana take things from here….
With the exception of one new moon night, our midnight experiences are shared – explored beneath the same, constantly transforming orb. However we decide to spend our night time hours, our glowing mothering moon is there, holding space from her slice of star-smattered sky.
At her most mystical, she is one of shadows, sweat and tears, sprinkled with dreams and eros. Her presence in the sky waxes and wanes (but is in no way diminished), as she undergoes her own cyclical changes. Perspective is everything, whether we view her waning as forced submission or a graceful and welcome retreat, her time spent in those darkened nights allows her to return with a glow that seems even brighter than before.
Lessons from the Moon
Her rhythmic nature is akin to our innate menstrual cycle, full of pleasure and vibrance as well as obscurity and the patience to hold space. When she is bright and brimming, she is the epitome of ovulation. Imagine how it might feel with the sky as your stage when you’ve got the confidence and strong sense of self to command attention and revel in it. During this time, we might be more collected, energised and extroverted. This phase is, quite literally, the time to shine.
And then, as the days pass, during some cycles, it might feel as though darkness is eating away at us and only when we bleed does that stress give way to embodied sensation. Blood and tears, serving our integration of shadow and light. The moon is our cyclical companion throughout. We may not always be in sync, yet her lessons and presence become intensified as we embrace her transformation.
Another great lesson we can learn from her is that her lustre is not her worth. She is innately worthy, her presence alone is an inspiration. A very good understanding for us to apply to ourselves too! Some might not connect with her as intimately as others, for we each have individual desires which pull us in various directions. Our unique interests are to be celebrated. But someone’s disinterest in her will, in no way, impact her glow. From this, we learn that to bend to another person’s expectations takes us on the route to “People Pleasing” and that, while the reward for this may be linked to a lifetime of programming, those directions take us away from our true self. Instead, when we follow the path paved with intuition, trust and awareness, we become unapologetically true to ourselves. Selfish, not self-centred. We retreat, pause, integrate our shadows, fill up our cup and return in alignment with an awareness of our own innate worth. Knowing that who we are is way, way, waaaay more than enough.
Connection Via Ritual
Whether we grew up surrounded by magic or we’ve come to discover its ways, our moonbeam dreams, intentions, wishes, spells and rituals bring us closer to our innate connection with the moon. Throughout her phases, there are ways to integrate her presence into our lives – sometimes it’s about letting go, and other times the focus is on inviting in.
The following ritual is steeped in womb wisdom, guiding us as we honour both the moon phase and our life-giving blood. If your period is absent, you can place your intention beneath a glass of moon water and follow the same process below:-
Moon Menstruation Ritual
While bleeding, if you wear a menstrual cup or use sea sponges or tampons or pads, or if you’re able to collect your blood in any other way, transfer it into a small sacred bowl. You can also rinse out your (hopefully organic!) tampons or pads too and use a bowl of blood-infused water instead. Choose an affirmation or intention you want to integrate. Write it both on a small piece of paper and in your journal – or somewhere you will be able to keep it in your awareness. (Some other ways to keep it in your immediate awareness are post-it notes or as your phone background or computer wallpaper/screensaver).
Once written, slip the piece of paper underneath the bowl of your menstrual blood. Allow it to energetically charge the liquid. In the meantime, dig a small hole in your garden or a pot plant. You can also just fill a small bag or pot with soil and use this instead. Place the piece of paper, folded, in the hole before pouring in your menstrual blood. Give thanks to Mother Gaia and those who guide you, and request your intention or affirmation manifests. Once done, this is then the time to release any expectations and surrender to the process (a vital part of any ritual!).
Moon Water Recipe
What you will need:
- Glass Jar
- Cheesecloth or lid
- Spring or distilled water
- Crystals (optional)
On a full moon night fill your glass jar with water and add in your chosen crystals or talismans (you can also use a yoni egg as your crystal if you like). Cover it with the lid or cheesecloth and leave it out in direct view of the full moon. This water can then be used for rituals and invocations.
May the moon’s magic be with you!
