For those new to Moon cycles here is a very brief outline- As the Moon grows in size it is known as the Waxing Moon. The Waxing moon grows to then become a Full moon. The moon then gets smaller in the sky and this is known as a Waning moon. The moon wanes untill you can no longer see it and then become a dark moon/or new moon.
Esbats
Esbats are the lunar celebrations in pagan practice. Celebrations and rituals are often held on both the full moon and the New/Dark moon. Have you ever looked up at a new moon and been overwhelmed but how you feel- its energy is so intense! An esbat is a time to honour and say thank you to the Goddess. Drawing down the moon is a practice also performed to draw the moons energy down into yourself. Esbat rituals can be as complex or simple as you like. I have been to beautiful Esbats celebrations at the Roll Right stone circle, but have also enjoyed just sitting in my Garden looking up at her beauty.
Esbat dates 2013
January 27th- Wolf Moon
February 25th-Storm Moon
March27th- Hare Moon
April 25th- Seed Moon
May 25th- Dryad Moon
June 23th- Mead Moon
July 22nd- Herb Moon
August 21st- Barley Moon
September 19th- Harvest moon
October 18th- Hunters Moon
November 17th- Snow Moon
December 17th- Oak Moon
Other things you can do on the Esbats-
- Making Esbat cookies- I purchased a little moon shaped cookie cutter off Ebay for about 50p. Whilst baking them try to imagine them being infused with the moons power and energies.
- Put your crystals outside- they will become super cleansed and absorb the moons powerful energy.
- Make a list of everything you wish to achieve over the next moon cycle. I then out it outside held down by a rock or stone.
The New moon is great for starting new ventures or beginning something new. This is the perfect time to start that healthy eating programme you have been on about for weeks, or start giving to charity, or look into doing some volentary work perhaps. Anything new you choose to do will be greatly supported by the moon energies at this time.There is debate about the term New moon and Dark moon. Some (including myself) use it interchangeably. Some see the dark moon as the time when the moon is not visible in the sky- and use this as a time for preparation for the magik to be performed of the New moon when a slither of light appears in the sky. It varies greatly depending on tradition or personal opinion.
The waxing moon is an ideal time for bring things towards you or manifesting things into your life. This is the perfect time for love magik or for growth and development.
Magick to increase personal gain is popular at this time- for prosperity and good fortune perhaps. This is not a selfish thing- as long as you are harming no-one then go for it!
The full Moons energy's are very powerful and will support most kinds of Magik. This time is perfect to strengthen your psychic abilities. The full moon and the 3 days following are the most effective in performing most Magick.
The full moon has such an aura of mystery and beauty- it can be enjoyed by people from many cultures and practices besides paganism.
The waning moon is the time to get rid of all the negative things, its a time for banishing's for clearing out and making for for newer better things to come with the next moon cycle.
The waning moon is a time to release or reverse. Have a monthly clear out- get rid of any old clothes or items you no longer use, bag them up and take them to a charity shop maybe! The good will might just leave room other some good will to be returned to you to fill its place...
Celebrating the Esbats can be so fun and fulfilling and it can be so simple to do. Spend time outside connecting with her and appreciating her beauty...and you will quickly see the benefits in your life.
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