New Peony Moon

Beautiful peonies growing in my neighborhood.

The new moon rises tonight; 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 Balance-
What is the root of my contentment?
How can I consistently find the flow that carries me through?
What might give my life more wholeness?

From my Journal: I'm ready to say YES with vigor, and enjoy the surprises, confusion, and chaos. But I have good days and bad days... on bad days I can't find the spark and my mind is blank. If I could pause in that state of blankness and find one thing that motivates me: Like, "I love Sadie and she would like to go for a walk with me." Or "The sun is calling me to sit in my garden and pull a couple of weeds." Maybe that is the entrance to the flow.

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

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, and we won't be having any parties anytime soon, but I want to make my garden a visual pleasure for passersby.