Full Harvest Moon

The full Harvest Moon rises this evening -- obliquely, close to the horizon -- and remains big and bright for a long time, giving extra light to harvesters. This moon is called Atchiutchutin, the After-Harvest moon, by the Kalapuya of our area, because the big harvest in our area comes earlier. 

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.

1. Take a 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, and I might have some profound new understandings. 

This month, as I have explored my life-path, I've been swept into my own depths. I’m directed back at every turn into deeper waters within, to watch the unfolding of my purpose. I need courage, because the abyss is dangerous, the path is mysterious, and it leads to unexpected challenges and changes.

Like water, I am persistent and sincere, and I keep flowing. Today I'm going to settle into silence and access my intuitive mind - my connection to the Creator and the Inner Guide - and seek a leading of the spirit with an open mind and heart, using these queries:

When I grow up (when I reach my full potential), what kind of person do I want to be, and what kind of life do I want to lead? In what ways am I off that path now, and what small adjustments could I make to get on course? 

What is my framework or guidance system for my day-to-day priorities and choices? 

What are my highest values? If I follow them to the deepest place of love, joy, generosity, fulfillment and peace, what work do they point to that I am to do for others? 

 

What in my life is asking for the light of Truth to shine on it? What choices am I facing? What paths am I resisting? What are the risks? What are the benefits?

From my journal: I truly want to write a book that is a gift to everyone seeking a way forward that is in greater balance with nature. It's the calling that will fill the final years of my life. It will require me to be a bigger and better person; have the strength of my convictions and shift my own life in small and big ways. I will eventually need a council of friends to read and advise me, but for now I am picking up pieces and placing them in the altar of my document, turning them this way and that to see what fits. 

2. Celebrate depth:

My theme ​this month ​is Depth, discerning my true purpose and path in life, working on transformative practices, and committing to my priorities.

Today I remind myself of my intentions for the month, and then celebrate how far I've come, give thanks for the lessons learned and the blessings received, and reaffirm this theme for the next two weeks. Each month I choose a different way to celebrate the full moon, and I am ready to celebrate depth today in these ways:

1. Write about the gifts of water.
2. Paint more butterflies on the wall.
3. Meet with my Moon buddies to share my story.

3. Spiritual growth goal:

Last week I worked at Spiritual simplicity and order. This week my practice is developing the strength of my convictions. In my role as writer and teacher, I need to stand firm in my beliefs, and in my resolve to act with integrity and authenticity.

"Conviction is more than just believing in something. It’s the unshakable confidence that what you stand for is worth defending, even when it’s inconvenient or unpopular. The courage of conviction is the strength to follow through on those beliefs, irrespective of opposition, fear, or uncertainty."

Practices:

1. Know my core values
2. Practice self-awareness: understand my strengths, weaknesses, and triggers.
3. Set parameters for behaving with integrity, to reinforce my convictions.
4. Surround myself with people who encourage me to stay true to myself, to help strengthen my resolve.
5. Practice putting my values into consistent action to reinforce my sense of purpose.