Monday, December 7, 2015

Esbat New Moon


 

December 11 is the New Moon.  The phases of the Moon can be seen to reflect the aspects of the Triple God.  There are Esbat rituals to celebrate the Lunar changes in relation to the God and to utilize the distinctive energy that accompanies each phase.  Most Practitioners are familiar with the Esbats performed at the Full Moon, honoring the God as Warrior and Father, and at the New Moon, honoring the God as Sage and Darkness.

https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/aa/e7/ff/aae7ff8382550503225fbd21230a2b1e.jpgThe new moon is sometimes tricky to work with because you can't always see it during this phase - it will appear as a very faint crescent of silver low on the horizon, if you can see it at all.  For approximately three days during each lunar cycle, after the moon has waned, it goes dark before waxing again.  In many magical traditions, this is considered a fallow time, in which one rests and rejuvenates before beginning more intense magical workings again.  In other traditions, it's a time to do magic related to wish fulfillment.

The time of the New Moon (the first two or three days the new crescent is visible) is a good time for celebrating new beginnings or doing magic, which involves growth (starting a diet, beginning a new course of study, etc.).  This is the time when the Sage is transformed into the Warrior.  It is a time of renewal and new beginnings.

The Cold or Long Night Moon of December.  The Cold Moon is a time for hope and healing.  This time of the year the Moon has reign over the Earth, because there are more hours of night than day.  Our thoughts turn to rebirth of the light and the longer days that are promised after winter solstice.  Plan for a ritual to help you remain steadfast in your convictions.  Let go of the negative and let the light of longer days shine inside you.

Take the time to ritually purify the area by smudging.  A hammer rite or circle would also work.  This will establish the space as sacred.  Light the altar candle and the altar incense.

Perform this ceremony outside if at all possible - it's the best way to get a good look at the sliver of new moon.

"Bring us your wisdom, your guidance,
your protection, in the coming month.
You are behind me at every step,
watching and guiding me,
and I am thankful."

"Blessed Be."

Spend several minutes observing the darkness.  Meditate on new ideas or focus on the candle light.  When you are ready, close and end the ritual.

 

 









 


 

 

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