Yahoo News How you can take advantage of a full moon
For centuries, humans have acknowledged that the Moon has a powerful influence on all living things on our planet - from the tides to plants to animal behaviours. Learning to live in harmony with the lunar cycle can enhance our lives because we no longer swim against the tide. As the Moon moves through its phases, in a cyclical and rhythmic way, we too are drawn into this lunar drum beat. Interested in how this works? Read on, moonchild!
The Lunar Cycle
The Moon emits no light of its own, it reflects the light it receives from the Sun and as it circles the Earth, different parts of its face are struck and lit up by those beams. It takes 29.5 days for the Moon to orbit Earth, and this has been happening since time began. A Full Moon occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point away from the Sun in its orbit, and in direct opposition so that its whole face is illuminated.
The period of time from a Full Moon to a New Moon is called its waning phase (the Moon takes the shape of a C, as the light reflected onto it decreases), the waning moon phase is linked to activities associated with withdrawing, shedding and receding. It is not a time to begin anything new, but to draw things already in progress to a conclusion.
The New Moon (roughly two weeks after a Full Moon) is when the Moon lies between the Earth and the Sun so it cannot reflect any light. The period of time from a New Moon to a Full Moon is called its waxing phase (it takes the shape of a D, as more light is shed upon it). The waxing phase is associated with manifesting, increasing and enhancing activities. Most astrologers recognise the most important parts of the lunar cycle are New and Full Moon. We have 12 Full Moons every year, one each month (in fact, the word month comes from the old Germanic word for month which was moon).
Using The Power Of A Full Moon
The couple of days before, during, and after a Full Moon represent a good time to bring things to fruition, release old energy, and draw outstanding issues to a natural close. A Full Moon can form a kind of ~bridge~ linking the past and the future, an opportunity to step out of the present and close down your past, before activating your future. This bridging phase may feel ~emosh~, but you must temper your feelings with logic and rational thinking. Don’t fall prey to dwelling and overanalysing. Be firm and acknowledge the things you can’t control vs what you can.
A Full Moon is a time for reflection and completion, drawing projects or ambitions to a close, and shedding what is no longer needed to move forward. Putting new activities in motion during the two weeks following a Full Moon (its waning phase) is not the best move, you may find things never get going properly or are beset with gremlins. Don’t make any big decisions. Instead, use the New Moon and the waxing phase to initiate new endeavours and kick off fresh chapters.
Activities To Do On A Full Moon
The Full Moon is a time to reap the rewards from your efforts and hard work, so be sure to acknowledge, appreciate and even celebrate what you’ve achieved in the past month or so. And give a shout out to others too. Make this a time to ~pause~ and celebrate success.
During the Full Moon period, the Moon has a rejuvenating, soothing effect on our body. If you live near an ocean, lake or a pool then take a moonlit walk and feel that healing lunar energy shine through you. If you can swim in the moonlight, (somehow!) then even better.
A Full Moon bath is another rejuvenating ritual you can indulge in. Firstly, put a jug of water on the windowsill or take it outside, so that the Full Moon is reflected in the water. Let the water absorb the energy of the Moon for an hour or so. Make your bath, slightly cooler than you might usually take it, and pour the ~charged~ moon water in. Bathe before going to bed, feeling the radiance of the moon boost your wellbeing and sense of harmony.
It’s a great time to declutter, spring clean, organise and revamp your home, work space or garden. Less is more, more often than not, when we come to spruce up our surrounds. Throw out the old, and create space for the new energy that starts to flow as a New Moon comes into view.
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