Full Red moon and Raksha Bandhan

Tonight is the full Moon, called akupiu, the end of summer moon, by the Kalapuya of our area, and the Red moon by others, because it often appears reddish as it rises through the sultry haze of late summer - and in our valley, a sultry haze is the norm! One lovely (possibly Native American) explanation for the redness is that the moon is blushing after being kissed by the sun.

The sun is at the peak of its power, lighting all corners with its radiance, and burning away all non-essentials, and we are now also at the peak of the strong-energy yang phase of the waxing moon, the time to harvest what was planted and nurtured.

In India, this is also the Festival of Raksha Bandhan, which means “knot of protection.” Traditionally, girls tie a braided thread called a rakhi around the wrist of each brother-- a symbol of a sister's love and prayers for her brother's health and happiness, and to remind him of his life-long vow to protect his sister. Now it is also common for girls to trade rakhis with sisters, and with friends.

Agenda for today:
1. Full moon shift
2. Celebrate balance

3. Make rakhis
4. Send love and prayers
5. Make Kayla Halwa (Banana fudge)

6. Projects for the week

1. Full moon shift:

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.

This month, as I have explored balance and flow, I've gained clarity about my authentic self and how to stay present throughout the day. Also, I've reached a new level of equanimity and awareness.

Today I access a shift of my spirit: I begin by reviewing my progress on the intentions I set at the new moon, asking "why?" and "why not?". Do I need to clear or release something (emotions, beliefs, junk?) in order to open space for the new?

Then I settle into 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, and perhaps writing a new intention.

Also, because it's the Hungry Ghost Festival. today, I say a little prayer to my inner hungry ghosts-- the cravings I have for comfort, cookies, and getting my way in life.

Full moon journal: I can feel that I am just on the edge of a better flow; I think when I can internalize my priorities and next steps, and poke gently at the brick wall of inertia, I will be able to trickle my energy through. 

I've got a good handle on anger management, understanding from whence it comes, and taking responsibility for it. I'm noticing my body tension, slowing my breathing, and taking the moment I need to make wiser decisions.

The thing I want to release is mindlessness, when I go in to an hour long zone-out. The shift I want to make is towards smaller breaks - maybe I need to set an actual timer?

2. Celebrate balance and flow:

My theme this month has been Balance and Flow: I think about balance as "being in unity with the universe", the feeling that I can let go of my opinions and wants, and let God work through me, and feel calm and centered in that. 

And flow comes from intentionality; I take the time to be thoughtful in word and deed, so that they truly reflect my beliefs. I proceed "as way opens", and the willingness to “be” with a question or decision rather than jump to a rash action out of panic or pressure.

Today I remind myself of my intentions, and then celebrate my accomplishments and reaffirm this theme for the next two weeks. Today I am ready to celebrate balance in three ways:

1. Practice an intentional flow throughout my day; concentrate on each next tiny step, and on a balance of Doing and Being.
2. Actually DO a clearing task and a creative task in the studio: Sort wood and wood tools, and prep a new sign board.
3. Write about my success in my Calm journal

3. Make rakhis:

A rakhi is like a friendship bracelet, made with braided embroidery floss, silk thread, and with a decoration shaped like a flower in the middle. Before the festival, the markets in India are filled with dazzling rakhis, in different sizes, colors and shapes, embellished with beads, gold or silver threads, or satin ribbons.

Rhakis are traditionally red and gold: Red symbolizes protection, strength, and a promise, and gold symbolizes good luck. Many girls like to make their own rakhis for sentimental reasons, and the materials and methods they use are endlessly creative. If you do a search online for "how to make a rakhi" you will see some great ideas!

Supplies: Embroidery floss or yarn, a ruler, scissors, a bead, button, foam or cardboard flower

1. Choose two colors of embroidery floss or yarn - any colors that are meaningful to you- and cut them to 24-inches.

2. Now tape the pieces to the table and twist them together. 

The strands are twisted and folded...

When the twist is very tight, double the strands over, holding on to the center point.

and now you have a cord!

Let go of the center and let the two sides twist together- it will look like a crumpled mess, but just pull the folded end out until it's straight.

3. Rakhis traditionally have a flower shaped center. This year I found some sparkly foam flowers... we threaded on a bead, then the flower.

Other options: Cardboard covered with glitter, sequins, or jewels, or a nice button.

4. Send love and prayers:
The rakhi is given with great ceremony. On the morning of Raksha Bandhan, each sister sets out a tray with flowers, diya lamps, incense, sweets such as halwa, and the rakhi. The sister applies a tilak on her brother's forehead, then she ties the rakhi on his right wrist, and then offers him blessings to guard him against all harm. 

The notion that brothers should protect their sisters might seem old-fashioned; many sisters might say, "I can take care of myself," which is probably true. However, the thought of an expectation of protection makes me happy. I'm not sure how my brothers feel about it.

Today I spent a few minutes during my morning meditation sending blessings, love, and prayers for health and happiness to each of my siblings, picturing them at peace in their distant homes. Then I expand my prayers to the rest of my family, my friends, my community, and to nature.

5. Make Kayla Halwa (Banana Fudge):
The rakhi ceremony ends when the sister offers the brother sweets, such as halwa, an Indian candy made from vegetables or fruit. 

Halwa is usually served in small squares, and comes in bright colors- carrot halwa is orange, pistachio is green, mango is red, and banana is yellow! It's like soft caramel, with a strong banana flavor and nice cashew crunch. The recipe is here!

6. Projects for the week:

The projects I see as priorities now are:

1. For my substack: Better photos, including project samples, and watercolor illustrations (a new moth logo).
2. Craftivism and nature projects to support my Nature-Culture shifts: Hangers, signs (a "Native Plants" sign for Meeting).
3. House and practical fix-it projects: (my Earth coat).
4. Sharing skill and fun teaching projects (Batcave, fairies and painting).

This week:

• Th: Paint a bat cave + prep sign board; 
• F: Design sign on paper and transfer, start wood burning
• Sat: Cut sleeve, lining, cuff + Finish moth and post
• Sun: Sew sleeves + paint sign
• M: Sew sleeves + paint sign
• T: Make fairies
• W: Make ?
• Th: Watercolor fishes

Doing the smallest thing is a great way to make courageous creative work less frightening; also finding the "minimum effective dose", the amount of work that keeps me challenged and joyful, and if I keep at it will get me to the finish line on time.