New Dragon Moon

Tonight is the new moon; The Chinese call the fifth new moon the Dragon Moon. 

Chinese dragons are a symbol of cosmic Chi, good fortune, and new beginnings, but the time around the Dragon Moon is strongly yang, with bright sunlight and moist heat. The Chinese consider this to be a dangerous and unhealthy season.  

Agenda for today:

1. Journal:

The new moon is my monthly time for “seeding” intentions. I write down what I hope to focus on in the next 30 days or so, and then give my ideas a period of gestation, like seeds in the soil, before I take action. Having this regular time each month to focus my goals has helped to give me clarity of purpose.

What are my next steps in life?

How am I manifesting yin and yang now?
What might give my life more balance?
How can I better open to the abundance of my life?

2. Set intentions:

My theme this month is abundance. I know I have great blessings in my life, but sometimes I forget to appreciate them. Sometimes life begins to feel the same, day after day. I want to feel the gratitude and joy of just being alive in this beautiful world. I want to be present for the richness of each day.

List my intentions for the next 30 days in these areas-

Self, Friends and Family, Teaching, Artwork, Writing, Home and Garden, Work/Business, and Volunteer work.

3. New Moon Meditation:

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

4. Slow Down:

I feel strong and effective when I am able to harness my yang energy to get stuff done, but I like to remember that yang's best aim is to protect yin, and yin's best function is to nurture yang; life is good when I have balance. 

The Chinese have many customs to help to protect against the excessive yang energy of this season. I will make an effort this week to find ways to bring a balance of restorative yin energy to my life: Slow down, rest well, drink more water, and practice ‘discipline of purpose’.