January 25, 2024

Full Wolf Moon

Photo by Alan Gillespie
Tonight is the full moon of January, called atalka - the "Stay Inside Moon" - by the Kalapuya of my area, and the Wolf Moon by others, because of the hungry packs of wolves that used to roam for prey at this time of deep winter. The full Wolf Moon is a good time to ponder what I am hungry for, and how to be resilient.

We are now at the peak of the strong-energy yang phase of the waxing moon, and will soon begin the quiet-energy yin time of the waning moon. The full moon shines her light on everything; use the full moon energy for creatively completing things, and for seeing your next moves, and also to CELEBRATE how far you've come and give thanks for the lessons learned and the blessings received.

Agenda for today:
1. Read "Root and Ritual"
2. Vision walk
3. Celebrate discernment
4. Inspiration Walk


1. Read "Root and Ritual":
Today I'm reading again from "Root and Ritual: Timeless Ways to Connect to Land, Lineage, Community, and the Self," by Becca Piastrelli (2021). I'm reading from Part 4: Self. "As much work as we do to nourish our roots with the natural world, with those who came before us, and with the community that surrounds us, if we do not take a thorough and lasting look at our relationship with our own self, we will rarely feel connected anywhere else in our life." 

Becca talks about a "seasonal way of living"  that includes moving slowly, leaning in to intuition, and listening to your body's needs. She says I don't have to be disciplined or in control, but rather clear on my intentions and devoted to the process. I like that thought!

Chapter 11 is You Are Worthy. "Living from a place of worthiness does not happen overnight. More often than not, the journey to finding belonging is abstract, imperfect, and full of surprises. But when you devote yourself to creating a life of connection that stirs your soul, uplifts the self, and honors the world around you the practice becomes the pleasure".

2. 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. 
I might see some ugliness - the full moon illuminates all the things I've left in the shadows, some heavy truths and some embarrassing mistakes.

Today I'm going to settle in to silence and access my intuitive mind - my connection to the Creator and the Inner Guide - by putting myself into a relaxed, trance-like state, and seeking a leading of the spirit with an open mind and heart.

"Today I call on the Spirit of Light to guide me, bring me clarity and open my eyes. 
 
What is the difference I want to make in the world?
How can I best seek the practical wisdom I need?
What is my inner guide saying to me?
Who is helping me towards clarity?
 
3. Celebrate discernment:
My theme for this Bitter Moon cycle continues to be discernment. I've been sitting with some big questions about how to best proceed in my life, and have gotten clarity on some of them. Today I get to celebrate my accomplishments and reaffirm this theme for the next two weeks.

To celebrate discernment I will:
  • Call a friend and set a date to meet.
  • Take a long walk, and practice my Inspiration Meditation.
  • Make a Mini-Vision Poster
  • Plan an Inspiration Retreat for Saturday
4. Inspiration Walk:
I've been practicing this walking meditation as often as possible in the last weeks, as I focus on discernment.

1. Attention: Concentrate on my feet as they touch the ground, the feel of my muscles, my breathing, my surroundings, the breeze, the sky. Continue this for 1-2 blocks. (Say: Feet / Path; In / Out)

2. Vision: Turn a corner, and bring attention to my path. Where is it leading me today? What is a top priority and how can I meet it with determination? Continue this for 1-2 blocks. (Say: Open / Focus)
 
3. Passion: Turn a corner, and focus on my tender heart. Feel the love that brings passion to my path, and allow it to build and overflow, for my neighbors, my family, my community, the world. Continue this for 1-2 blocks. (Say: Tender / Heart; Extend / Love)

4. Inspiration: Turn the last corner, and begin this inspiration mantra: "Love and serve; Simple life; Creative force; Celebrate the Circle."

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