New Peony Moon

Beautiful peonies growing in my neighborhood.

The new moon rises this afternoon; the Chinese call the fourth new moon the Peony Moon. Peonies are the flower of riches, romance, and honor, called sho yu in Chinese, which means "most beautiful." Their lush blooms are an omen of good fortune, and also foretell a happy marriage.

This is the season of blossoming into abundance; I open myself to the receipt of gifts, and try to be fully awake to all that each moment holds.

Agenda for today: 
1. Journal queries 
2. New moon meditation
3. Prepare for a garden party
1. Journal queries: 

The New Moon invites us to start a new cycle, to renew promises, and set intentions. Today I will write down the dreams I have for this next few weeks, and then give my dreams a period of gestation, like seeds in the soil, before I take action.

My focus has been on Joy-
What is the root of my contentment?
How might I be more awake to the gifts each moment offers?
What might give my life more wholeness?

From my Journal: My intention for May is to take baby steps forward in my involvement in climate activism: I will attend city council budget meetings and speak on the need for bicycle infrastructure; I will gather interested friends for a climate information meeting; I will create a new bicycle banner and go to some biking events.

2. New Moon Meditation:Light a small white candle. Center, and feel myself fill with thankfulness for all I have now in my life.

Picture life as a large gift box, and see myself opening the box, reaching in, and pulling out a new moment- What do I hold?

Butterfly lavender in my front yard.

3. Prepare for a garden party: 

As the moon waxes, I expand-- plant seeds, make connections, and begin new projects. Today I will plan my first small steps.

In China this is the start of the season of garden parties, especially for the purpose of peony viewing. I don't have any peonies to view, but I want to get my garden ready for my brother's birthday gathering at the end of the month!