Actually, the original definition of a blue moon is a fourth full moon in one season, but I'm going with the newer definition - the second full moon in a month - because I don't have any better name for this moon. Both are correct, because it's folklore, and folklore is fluid.
In India, this is also the Festival of Raksha Bandhan, which means “knot of protection.” Traditionally, girls tie a braided thread called a rakhi around the wrist of each brother-- a symbol of a sister's love and prayers for her brother's health and happiness, and to remind him of his life-long vow to protect his sister. Now it is also common for girls to trade rakhis with sisters, and with friends.
Agenda for today:
1. Take a vision walk
2. Celebrate depth
3. Make rakhis
4. Send love and prayers
5. Make Kayla Halwa (Banana fudge)
1. Take a vision walk:
The full moon shines a bright light on everything, and I might experience intuitive and creative breakthroughs. I might be shocked by the clarity of my insights, and I might have some profound new understandings. This month, as I have explored my life-path again, I've been swept into my own depths. I’m directed back at every turn into deeper waters within, to watch the unfolding of my purpose. I need courage, because the abyss is dangerous, the path is mysterious, and it leads to unexpected challenges and changes.
Like water, I am persistent and sincere, and I keep flowing. Today I'm going to settle into silence and access my intuitive mind - my connection to the Creator and the Inner Guide - and seek a leading of the spirit with an open mind and heart, using these queries:
When I grow up (when I reach my full potential), what kind of person do I want to be, and what kind of life do I want to lead?
What is my framework or guidance system for my day-to-day priorities and choices?
What is foggy on my path, and what is the clarity I am seeking?
What are my highest values? If I follow them to the deepest place of love, joy, generosity, fulfillment and peace, what work do they point to that I am to do for others?
From my journal: When I grow up I want to live in Unity with all, at peace with who I am, present in the moment, and open to messages from God, people, the earth, and ... everything.
2. Celebrate depth:
My theme this month is Depth, discerning my true purpose in life, working on leadership skills, and choosing my next missions.
Today I remind myself of my intentions for the month, and then celebrate how far I've come, give thanks for the lessons learned and the blessings received, and reaffirm this theme for the next two weeks. Each month I choose a different way to celebrate the full moon, and I am ready to celebrate depth (over the next few days) in these ways:
- Indulge in extra writing time.
- Start a new Long-time Sun painting
- Plan fun classes for the fall.
- Take a train trip to visit my Mom!
3. Make rakhis:
A rakhi is like a friendship bracelet, made with braided embroidery floss, silk thread, and with a decoration shaped like a flower in the middle. Before the festival, the markets in India are filled with dazzling rakhis, in different sizes, colors and shapes, embellished with beads, gold or silver threads, or satin ribbons.Rhakis are traditionally red and gold: Red symbolizes protection, strength, and a promise, and gold symbolizes good luck. Many girls like to make their own rakhis for sentimental reasons, and the materials and methods they use are endlessly creative. If you do a search online for "how to make a rakhi" you will see some great ideas!
Supplies: Embroidery floss, a ruler, scissors, a bead, button, foam or cardboard flower
1. Choose two colors of embroidery floss- any colors that are meaningful to you- and cut them to 24-inches.
2. Now tape one end of both the threads to the table and twist them together.
 |
| The strands are twisted and folded... |
 |
| and now you have a cord! |
Let go of the center and let the two sides twist together- it will look like a crumpled mess, but just pull the folded end out until it's straight.
3. Rakhis traditionally have a flower shaped center. One year I found some sparkly foam flowers ... we threaded on a bead, then put both ends through the flower.
Other options: Cardboard covered with glitter, sequins, or jewels, or a nice button.
3. Send love and prayers:
The rakhi is given with great ceremony. On the morning of Raksha Bandhan, each sister sets out a tray with flowers, diya lamps, incense, sweets such as halwa, and the rakhi. The sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead, then she ties the rakhi on his right wrist, and then offers him blessings to guard him against all harm.
The notion that brothers should protect their sisters might seem old-fashioned; many sisters might say, "I can take care of myself," which is probably true. However, the thought of an expectation of protection makes me happy. I'm not sure how my brothers feel about it.
Today I spent a few minutes during my morning meditation sending blessings, love, and prayers for health and happiness to each of my siblings, picturing them at peace in their distant homes. Then I expand my prayers to the rest of my family, my friends, my community, and to nature.
4. Make Kayla Halwa (Banana Fudge) :
The rakhi is given with great ceremony. On the morning of Raksha Bandhan, each sister sets out a tray with flowers, diya lamps, incense, sweets such as halwa, and the rakhi. The sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead, then she ties the rakhi on his right wrist, and then offers him blessings to guard him against all harm.
The notion that brothers should protect their sisters might seem old-fashioned; many sisters might say, "I can take care of myself," which is probably true. However, the thought of an expectation of protection makes me happy. I'm not sure how my brothers feel about it.
Today I spent a few minutes during my morning meditation sending blessings, love, and prayers for health and happiness to each of my siblings, picturing them at peace in their distant homes. Then I expand my prayers to the rest of my family, my friends, my community, and to nature.
4. Make Kayla Halwa (Banana Fudge) :
The rakhi ceremony ends when the sister offers the brother sweets, such as halwa, an Indian candy made from vegetables or fruit.Halwa is usually served in small squares, and comes in bright colors- carrot halwa is orange, pistachio is green, mango is red, and banana is yellow! This banana halwa like soft caramel, with a strong banana flavor and nice cashew crunch.
Ingredients:
1-2 ripe bananas (1 c. mashed)- 2 Tbsp. cashews
- 2 Tbsp. ghee or butter, plus some to oil the pan
- 1 c. sugar
- 2 Tbsp. rice flour
- 1/4 tsp. powdered cardamom
- yellow food coloring (optional)
1- Peel and mash the bananas. Roughly chop the cashews. Butter a small cake pan.2- Heat ghee or butter in a saucepan and fry the nuts until golden. Scoop the nuts out and set them aside.
3- Add the banana mash to the same ghee and fry for 1 minute.
5- Add the cashews, rice flour, cardamom, a bit of yellow food coloring (optional).
7- Quickly scoop the mixture into the buttered pan and press to shape- you probably won't fill the pan with such a small batch, but it should hold it's shape anyway. Allow it to cool completely before cutting into small squares.
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