Things To Do on the Full Moon - Artful Life Moon Circle Returns!

The Goddess Venus, from a fresco at Pompeii, which I was blessed to see in 2001. This fresco was part of  a fairly modest urban home, under an open colonnade, facing what was once a courtyard garden. Talk about an artful life!

Hello Beautiful,
It's moon circle time again! On the Artful Life we meet at each New and Full Moon to share inspiration and intentions, and to align our energies with the lunar cycles.

About the Artful Life Moon Circle:
Anyone is welcome to join the Moon  Circle! If this is your first Moon Circle, read this post to find out what it's all about. You can also click here for a printable (and pretty) guide to the moon phases, from me to you. If you'd like to read all the Artful Life Moon Circles, click here.

The May 2011 Full Moon:
From Anne Ortelee, who (in case you haven't heard) is my fave astrologer:

"We have the most fertile Full Moon of the year, the Scorpio Full Moon, Tuesday May 17, which is simply great for making babies, making love, planting things and encouraging things to take root and grow."

So there is your brief, beautiful!  It's a nice one, isn't it? Now is the time to plant the seeds for all those wishes, dreams, projects, and desires that have lain dormant over this long winter.

Not ready for the launch? Even just setting a strong heart-intention for what you want is a great way to sow seeds. All you have to do is conjure up your heart's desire, relax, and really allow yourself to FEEL it in your body. Say the words, then feel it in your body. You've sown the seed.

Can you share? I'd love to hear what seeds you want to sow this Moon...

Supermoon - The Artful Life Moon Circle

Tonight's Supermoon rising over Hornby Island

Are we really affected by the phases of the moon? Does the moon exert some magical pull on our watery bodies or our primitive minds? Maybe. What I do know for sure is that to flourish, we need to feel connected to the world around us. The practice of patterning our lives, even in small, symbolic ways, on the patterns of nature can be very affirming. For me, the cycle of the moon is a beautiful reflection of the cycles of increase and decrease in my own life.

Hello Beautiful,

It's moon circle time again! On the Artful Life we meet at each New and Full Moon to share inspiration and intentions, and to align our energies with the lunar cycles.

About the Artful Life Moon Circle:
Anyone is welcome to join the Moon  Circle! If this is your first Moon Circle, read this post to find out what it's all about. You can also click here for a printable (and pretty) guide to the moon phases, from me to you. If you'd like to read all the Artful Life Moon Circles, click here.

This March Full Moon 
This month's Full Moon in Virgo is a special one. It's called a Perigee Moon, or Supermoon, because it is as close to the Earth as it ever gets in its orbit. It looks extra big and bright, pulls the tides a bit higher, and possibly affects the weather, both meteorological and seismic.

My sweetie and I have just come in from the beach. We got there a bit before sunset and stayed til the moon was well up. It was cold, but so worth it... it was very still, the water was lapping quietly, a few seals popped their heads up to have a look around. A great blue heron flew over just after sunset. The air was rich with woodsmoke and marine smells. Our feet got cold waiting for the moon.

Finally the clouds over Hornby Island started to glow, then the thin, fire-bright edge of the moon crested the trees. She was huge! And so bright! We watched her all the way up, basked in the moonbeams for awhile, then came home to shake off the cold in front of the fire.

Today while reading about this special moon, I came across this simple but beautiful idea of the symbolic activity of the Full Moon in our lives:

Imagine the Sun as our conscious mind & rational awareness, and the Earth as our mundane life and activities. In our ordinary daily life, the Sun illuminates the Earth - our rational mind illuminating our mundane activities. Now imagine the Moon as our unconscious mind, our spiritual and emotional awareness. During the Full Moon, this light suddenly illuminates the Earth - symbolically, this is a rare opportunity to see our mundane lives in the strange light of non-rational awareness.

Tonight's big, bright, rare moon is an extra special opportunity. Can we allow our spiritual awareness to brightly illuminate our mundane lives for a moment? What would look different in your ordinary, daily existence if you allowed yourself to look at it in a different light? What would be illuminated? What would you allow yourself to know?

what to do on the full moon - the artful life moon circle returns!

Are we really affected by the phases of the moon? Does the moon exert some magical pull on our watery bodies or our primitive minds? Maybe. What I do know for sure is that to flourish, we need to feel connected to the world around us. The practice of patterning our lives, even in small, symbolic ways, on the patterns of nature can be very affirming. For me, the cycle of the moon is a beautiful reflection of the cycles of increase and decrease in my own life.

Hello Beautiful,

It's moon circle time again! It's been a while since we met under the light of the Full Moon, and I've missed it! So once again, on the Artful Life we'll be meeting at each New and Full Moon to share inspiration and intentions, and to align our energies with the lunar cycles.

About the Artful Life Moon Circle:

Anyone is welcome to join the Moon Circle! If this is your first Moon Circle, read this post to find out what it's all about. You can also click here for a printable (and pretty) guide to the moon phases, from me to you. If you'd like to read all the Artful Life Moon Circles, click here.

This February Full Moon
Earlier this evening I peeked out the window in hopes of seeing some Aurora Borealis as promised due to the solar flares. Instead, I saw the view above; moon and stars, clouds and trees, even a little moon-rainbow. Breathtaking! Out I went with my camera, into the frosty grass, much to Chloe's chagrin (she likes to keep her feet warm.)

Tonight's moon is bright and beautiful. And she's keeping me awake 'til all hours. Usually, the full moon asks us,

• what are you bringing to fruition? 
• what are you celebrating? 
• what, large or small, has reached it's culmination in your life?

This full moon is asking us "what do you need to release?"

Since October, every Full Moon has been at the last degree of the sign, indicating we are letting go.  On this Leo Full Moon, release things that you used to love that only bring you sadness now. Let the love you have release into the heavens to go create and grow in abundance. 

That's from my favourite astrologer, Anne Ortelee .

So, beautiful, what needs to go? What is that thing that you used to love, that has been weighing on your heart lately, feeling a little sad and sore? Can you let it go?

Artful Life Moon Circle - New Moon!

Are we really affected by the phases of the moon? Does the moon exert some magical pull on our watery bodies or our primitive minds? Maybe. What I do know for sure is that to flourish, we need to feel connected to the world around us. The practice of patterning our lives, even in small, symbolic ways, on the patterns of nature can be very affirming. For me, the cycle of the moon is a beautiful reflection of the cycles of increase and decrease in my own life.

 

Hello Beautiful!

It's moon circle time again! Here on the Artful Life we meet at each New and Full Moon to share inspiration and intentions, and to align our energies with the lunar cycles.

I love New Moon! To me it's like a mini-New Year's every month. It's a chance to begin a-new, reset the cycle, plant seeds, plant goals, be fresh. One night it's all in darkness; the next night there's this delicate sliver of silver, just a thread in the twilight, setting with the setting sun. It always takes my breath away. I get this little surge of hope, an affirmation that it is always possible to begin again, that we all, always, have a chance at a clean slate. I love that magic! It's a time for cleansing, renewal, setting intentions, and beginning anything to do with abundance, the emotions, etc.. Do you want something to increase? Then take steps towards it, symbolic and practical, on the new moon. Want some specific advice about how to set intentions on the New Moon? Read this post.

Powerful Venus

In researching the meaning of this month's New Moon, I came across these words from astrologer Lynn Hayes. (You can read the whole article here.)

Libra is ruled by Venus, and Venus is quite powerful right now since it's virtually stationary as it prepares to change direction to turn retrograde.  With four planets in Libra, and Venus stationary, we are seeing the more powerful aspect of the Goddess of Love.  I have always found it interesting that the truly ancient cultures (Babylonia, Sumeria, ancient India) have much more powerful representations of the goddess of love and sexuality than the Venus of Roman patriarchal culture.  Ishtar, Astarte, Ashtoreth, Innana - these were powerful ladies that instilled awe and even fear into the populace.  Venus has become a bit of a cartoon character in some circles - the Playboy Bunny of the zodiac.  But the instinct for love and attachment is one of the most primal archetypes in human experience, and it is this archetype that is at play in today's New Moon. 

Because of certain aspects of the planet Venus right now, this month's New Moon is kind of a big deal - especially in the places in your life that have to do with attachments and patterns regarding love and money. Wow. I think today is a really excellent time to clear some space for yourself to be in solitude, maybe in nature, under a big sky and near water. Use this time for prayer and meditation. Allow any inner wisdom to rise up. Now is the moment to acknowledge any secrets you may have been keeping from yourself, or truths you have known deep down but hesitate to acknowledge. This is a great time to break old patterns.

One last thing: I recently discovered this weekly podcast from New York astrologer Anne Ortelee. I've found it to be a really valuable resource.

Anyone is welcome to join the Moon Circle! 

If this is your first Moon Circle, read this Moon Circle post to find out what it's all about. Check out all the Artful Life Moon Circles here.

What patterns are you ready to break? Where do you need to see the truth in your life? Any intentions regarding love or money? (ha!) Set your intention now, by joining our comments circle.

p.s. You are welcome to post your intentions anytime during the waxing (increasing) moon - that is for the next two weeks. The most powerful time in the next two days.

Artful Life Moon Circle - New Moon Magic!

Are we really affected by the phases of the moon? Does the moon exert some magical pull on our watery bodies or our primitive minds? Maybe. What I do know for sure is that to flourish, we need to feel connected to the world around us. The practice of patterning our lives, even in small, symbolic ways, on the patterns of nature can be very affirming. For me, the cycle of the moon is a beautiful reflection of the cycles of increase and decrease in my own life.

 

Hello Beautiful!

It's moon circle time again! Here on the Artful Life we meet at each New and Full Moon to share inspiration and intentions, and to align our energies with the lunar cycles.

I love New Moon! To me it's like a mini-New Year's every month. It's a chance to begin a-new, reset the cycle, plant seeds, plant goals, be fresh. One night it's all in darkness; the next night there's this delicate sliver of silver, just a thread in the twilight, setting with the setting sun. It always takes my breath away. I get this little surge of hope, an affirmation that it is always possible to begin again, that we all, always, have a chance at a clean slate. I love that magic! It's a time for cleansing, renewal, setting intentions, and beginning anything to do with abundance, the emotions, etc.. Do you want something to increase? Then take steps towards it, symbolic and practical, on the new moon. Want some specific advice about how to set intentions on the New Moon? Read this post.

Some Folk Magic for the New Moon

A Romany verse for greeting the New Moon:

Here is the New Moon,
Welcome Moon,
The New Moon has arrived!


Be lucky for me, Moon,
Leave me rich and prosperous.


Leave us with abundance
Leave us with good health
Leave us with love!

A Little Love Spell for New Moon

When you first catch sight of the new moon, spin clockwise on one foot saying "Moon! Twist (name the object of your love) around me just like I'm twisting around you!"

Cut your hair on the New Moon (but not the dark moon just before!) for extra nice growth in the coming month!

*the above folk magic was gleaned from The Element Encyclopedia of 5000 Spells.

Anyone is welcome to join the Moon Circle! 

If this is your first Moon Circle, read this Moon Circle post to find out what it's all about. Check out all the Artful Life Moon Circles here.

The new moon this month is in the sign of Virgo, so set intentions or cast wishes regarding your health and self-care, or perhaps about serving others, or about spending time alone, in retreat and solitude. Set your intention now, by joining our comments circle!

p.s. You are welcome to post your intentions anytime during the waxing (increasing) moon - that is for the next two weeks!
p.p.s. Do you want more moon magic? Become part of the the Artful Women's Magic Moon Circle, coming soon!

Artful Life Moon Circle - Harness the Power and Magic of the Full Moon

Are we really affected by the phases of the moon? Does the moon exert some magical pull on our watery bodies or our primitive minds? Maybe. What I do know for sure is that to flourish, we need to feel connected to the world around us. The practice of patterning our lives, even in small, symbolic ways, on the patterns of nature can be very affirming. For me, the cycle of the moon is a beautiful reflection of the cycles of increase and decrease in my own life.

 

Hello Beautiful Artful Women!

It's moon circle time again! Here on the Artful Life we meet at each New and Full Moon to share inspiration and intentions, and to align our energies with the lunar cycles.

 How to Work With the Full Moon Energy

I live for those moments when the beauty of the world takes my breath away - moments like seeing a big yellow moon rising over lavender grey water at sunset. The full moon is the high point of the lunar cycle, equivalent to that little moment after we take a deep breath, before we exhale... now is the time to stop mindfully, and look around you to see what is coming to maturity in your life. Are there some creative successes for which you need to acknowledge yourself? Are there any bad habits that have crept up on you & taken hold? What is ripening? What is gaining momentum? What has become of that intention you set at the New Moon? Some things may need some nurturing to grow further. Some things may need to be weeded out so those good things can grow! Full moon energy lasts for three days - maybe take some time during these three days to sit down with your journal (at twilight?) and ask yourself that question "what is coming to fruition in my life?" Include the good and the not so good. What are your next steps? The energy of completion (fullness) is followed immediately by the energy of decrease (waning - a cosmic exhale) - so use the next two weeks for shedding what doesn't work. Clean closets, break habits, start a diet, be less busy, undo tangles of all kinds. Look honestly at what needs to go - and you'll be ready for the freshness of the next New Moon!

Last but not least, anytime during the three days of the full moon is a great time to meet with friends, celebrate, share, and set intentions. What could be lovelier than a circle of women and friends meeting under the full moon?

What's Special About This August Full Moon

The August 2010 full moon is in Pisces;  watery, creative, dreamy, deep - playing the line between deep truth and dangerous delusion. So, a dreamy and dramatic full moon. Go for a night swim, make love, write poetry, confess your deepest desires to someone you trust. Remember and record your dreams. Engage in spiritual pursuits. Don't dangerously overindulge in... anything! Surrender, enjoy, but be cautious and try to keep the frontier between discovery and delusion in your sights!

What I Did to Celebrate

It was well on into the evening when I finished putting together all of the above post. I'd been sitting at the computer for most of the day, even skipping my (and Chloe's) daily walk, choosing work instead. I poured a glass of wine and sat down with my sweetie for some dinner (raw "lasagne" and roasted sweet potatoes - YUM!!!). After, we cuddled up in our bed-sanctuary with another glass of wine and turned on the TV. Outside, the gorgeous northern summer evening was in full swing, complete with pink-amber twilight clouds and the cry of Canada geese. "Do you want to walk down to the beach?" he said. Well, I didn't, really. I was tired, and comfortable. The evening looked perfectly pretty from the window. But I'm learning - I'm learning what works, and what is good in life, so I said yes.

At the beach, the twilight was stretching out gloriously (here above the 49th parallel the dawns and twilights are magically, deliciously long and slow...). Silver pinky grey clouds were strewn about the sky, their smoky yellow edges in the southeast suggested the hidden Lady Moon. It was quiet, and warm, with just a few small black birds celebrating by skimming low over the glossy silver barely undulating water. The tide was full and the beach was empty.  We were alone. We walked quietly north, listening to the gentle swish of the softly moving swell. The sea looked delectable. It was still light enough to see through the clear water to the pebbled bottom; it was warm, it was still. I couldn't resist. Off came sweater, jeans, and skivvies, and I ran into the embrace of mother ocean. I revelled. I floated. I breathed in the briny air and watched the moonwashed clouds. Exquisite! And one big reason it was SOOO exquisite is, I wasn't always that woman. I just wasn't always the woman who would throw off her clothes and run into the sea. I was uncertain, and nervous, and cold; I was embarassed, and worried, and shy. I was scared of jellyfish, and the dark, and of my own self. I longed to be that woman, but I just wasn't her. These days are different. These days, somehow, I am finding it so easy to be her - to be that woman who feels safe enough and free enough to drop everything and run into the warm ocean, that woman who knows the world is there for her, there to rise up to meet her eager joy. So this full moon, I celebrate being that woman. My wish for you is that you, too, can find yourself becoming the woman you always wanted to be, and that whatever your version of running freely into the sea is, you will do it, and celebrate.

How You Can Join the Moon Circle

Anyone is welcome to join the Moon Circle! If this is your first Moon Circle, read this Moon Circle post to find out what it's all about. I've made a gift for you, a printable (and pretty) guide to the moon phases. Check out all the Artful Life Moon Circles here. To participate in the Moon Circle, just check in on the comments below. Tell us what you are doing this full moon. How are you celebrating? What are you dreaming of? What is coming to fruition in your life? What would you like to release and let go of in the time of the waning moon? What support would you like from the circle? We would love to hear your voice.

P.S. Something exciting is coming soon... more moon circle magic... stay tuned....

Artful Life Moon Circle - Full Moon Check In

About the Artful Life Moon Circle:

It's moon circle time again! Here on the Artful Life we meet at each New and Full Moon to share inspiration and intentions, and to align our energies with the lunar cycles. Anyone is welcome to join the Moon Circle! If this is your first Moon Circle, read this post to find out what it's all about. You can also click here for a printable (and pretty) guide to the moon phases, from me to you. If you'd like to read all the Artful Life Moon Circles, click here.

March Full Moon
The full moon is the time to celebrate what has come to fruition recently in your life, and to enjoy and take pleasure in the manifestations of fullness and ripeness in your life. So what is quickening, opening, blooming, and awakening this moon in your life? What has become of your new moon intention? And, what are you ready to release as the moon wanes? Let the circle hear from you!

As I type I am looking out on to the long Spring twilight. The edge of our woods is a haze of pale green; the alders are just opening their tiny new leaves, the daffodils are open, bright and regal at their feet. At this time of the evening the peacocks call, long echoing calls. Not everyone enjoys their strange cries, but to me they are the essence of romance; I think of walled palaces and gardens, in ancient India or Persia. I love my special place in the world so much - for me the lesson of this moon (my new moon intention had to do with abundance) has been about acceptance. Sometimes it is a greater challenge to accept goodness and abundance than to accept challenge or unpleasantness. When we open our hearts to the fullness of what we have, we must confront the fear of loss. So my continuing intention for this moon is to embrace what I love with gratitude, and gently release the fear.

What is this moon for you?

Artful Life Moon Circle - Full Moon Check In

About the Artful Life Moon Circle:

It's moon circle time again! Here on the Artful Life we meet at each New and Full Moon to share inspiration and intentions, and to align our energies with the lunar cycles. Anyone is welcome to join the Moon Circle! If this is your first Moon Circle, read this post to find out what it's all about. You can also click here for a printable (and pretty) guide to the moon phases, from me to you. If you'd like to read all the Artful Life Moon Circles, click here.

February Full Moon
The full moon is the time to celebrate what has come to fruition recently in your life, and to enjoy and take pleasure in the manifestations of fullness and ripeness in your life. This moon is a special one every year on our island; it is usually on this late winter moon that the herring spawn, bringing the Strait alive with barking seals, circling eagles, chattering shorebirds, diving gulls, and of course fishing boats. This exciting spectacle tells us that Spring really is coming. I can lie in bed at night and hear the seals barking and the frogs beginning to sing after the long, silent winter. I love it.

So what is quickening, opening, blooming, and awakening this moon in your life? What has become of your new moon intention? And, what are you ready to release as the moon wanes? Let the circle hear from you!