The new moon is the start of the lunar cycle, a time of high energy and clear thinking. Historically, the new moon is when women took time to be alone; it's a time to retreat, set intentions, and initiate something new.
1. Journal queries
2. Choose a month theme
3. Set intentions
4. New moon altar and Harvest meditation
5. Retreat Day plans
1. Journal queries:
How well am I responding to the challenges of the year and the season (including the season of my life)?
In what areas is my endurance fraying?
In what areas am I out of balance, and how might I get back into balance?
From my journal: I feel energized and happy this week, as the days get generally cooler and shorter. The changes in our schedule and the season are invigorating me, and the projects I've taken on are mentally challenging and engaging. My best gauge of imbalance is to observe where I feel discontent or stress. Right now, my discomfort is with not finding the motivation to create with my hands - I'm too much in my head and cannot make the shift to physical manifestation.
2. Choose a month theme:
In feng shui, the center of the home is the area of Tai Chi, the great ultimate. The image is of the celestial ridgepole, the line that connects two sides; it's the circle around and the point between yin and yang energies.
The center is the place where my soul lives; it touches all other areas of my life. My life flows around the solid base of my center. Goals for balance at the center might have to do with grounded-ness, connectedness, finding clarity in chaos, embracing paradox, or allowing myself to flow with life’s changes. Remind myself to look at change as an adventure not a disruption, and to love life as it is. Also, this is the place of connection to Spirit, and enlightenment - I might seek a closer relationship with the Spirit outside myself.
My balance practices this month:
- Body and chakra work, to release blocks that keep me from creating.
- A "Hands On" list each day that brings attention to my physical tasks and projects.
- Verbal communication exercises.
3. Set intentions:
Last week I brainstormed some wild and crazy ideas for September, and today it's time to narrow it down a little, to the priority items that I could possibly focus on this next month. This isn't a list of the practical things I need to do this month; rather it's my top actions, studies, and growth goals that fit with the "taste" of this month of my life.
After I list my top goals for the next 30 days, I'm ready to set some intentions for action. I chose a few to write today - those I might act on today - then I'll work on a few more each day this week.
I intend to practice practical communication skills, in order to better describe my mission to others, invite them to join in my purpose-filled work, and ask for the support I need, because my main mission in life is to be a creative force for change, and witnessing with my voice is a crucial support to my other work (with writing, art, and the example of my life).
I intend to bring balance to my mental and physical selves by actually DOING physical projects (house projects, garden, art, lessons preparation, and kid crafts); I will make use of various " ✋ Hands On ✋" reminders to help with follow through, because being all "in my head" with writing and planning is a block to being the creative force for change I want to be!
- a sun - for clarity and yang energy
- a soapstone dog - for vigilance, and to remind me to stay loyal to my pack
- a golden candle - for balance in the center
- a God's eye - to watch over us
- dried corn - for the harvest
- a soapstone cat - for independence, mystery, agility, and balance
5. Plan a retreat day:
If at all possible, I schedule a day of retreat on the new moon, or near to it: I do less talking, less business, and more personal thought and action. I'll have a much needed day off from social and family obligations on Saturday, to regroup and recharge.
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