February 8 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.
The Moon is the only natural
satellite of the Earth and the fifth largest Moon in the Solar System. The Moon is in synchronous rotation with
Earth, always showing the same face with its near side marked by dark volcanic
that fill between the bright ancient crustal highlands and the prominent impact
craters. It is the most luminous object
in the sky after the Sun.
The time of
the new moon is a time of new beginnings. This period also represents the youthful
aspect of the God. In the form of the Warrior,
she represents youth, change and a fresh start. Children can be Named and Dedications can be
made. New Moons are great times to move,
start new projects or cast new spells. It
is also a good time to shed your past ills and to refresh yourself for coming trials.
The Wind Moon is a time to do magic for
fertility and strength in February. For
the Ancestors, it was a time of true hardship.
Some tribes also referred to this Moon as the Full Hunger Moon, since
harsh weather conditions in their areas made hunting very difficult. Plan a ritual to ask the Ancestors for help
in planning your future. Chinese New
Year occurs on the second New Moon after Winter Solstice.
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. To welcome the new cycle of the moon, you can
perhaps try out a new location.
What does Mani do when the moon goes
void-of course?
Does He hide His lovely face in the
lustrous curtain of His hair?
Does He calculate and plan, with
heavenly maps and astrolabes,
Whispering charms to the stars as they move from sign to sign?
Whispering charms to the stars as they move from sign to sign?
Does He recline, too beautiful for
the eye to behold
In some stately pleasure dome known only to the Gods?
In some stately pleasure dome known only to the Gods?
Or does He work some fabulous
alchemy,
Creating the moon anew
From the leaden dross of unrealized dreams?
Creating the moon anew
From the leaden dross of unrealized dreams?
Each month through days in
triplicate
He keeps His own counsel, His own shadowed ways.
Let us praise Him;
He keeps His own counsel, His own shadowed ways.
Let us praise Him;
For He is vast, His power mighty,
And He has many secrets
Which even the stars dare not know.
And He has many secrets
Which even the stars dare not know.
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.
Some people have preferences of which moon cycle they like
best so experiment to find out which ones you like best.
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