New Peony Moon (Lunar Leap Month)

Beautiful peonies growing in my neighborhood.

The new moon rises tonight; the Chinese call the fourth new moon the Peony Moon. 

Yes, I know I wrote about the Peony Moon last month; the Chinese calendar has a leap month every three or four years, and this is it! We get to celebrate two fourth-month moons in a row!

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- and we have such great abundance! My tiny Grandson, Aldo, was born this week (early bird)!!! I open myself to the receipt of this great gift, 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 Integrity-
Do I keep my word, follow through with my responsibilities, speak truth, and show loyalty? What can I improve?

From my Journal: We've been preparing for you, Aldo, for many months, but we thought we had nearly two more months to go... you are an early bird, and so precious. Despite how small you are (3 lbs. 12 oz.) you look sturdy. How can I live up to this great responsibility of being a grandmother? I have good role models to draw on!

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.