July
19 is the Full Moon. An Esbat is a holiday based around a phase of
the moon. Those who celebrate Esbats tend to do so either on the full
moon or the new moon (or both). Because a lunar cycle (the process of the
moon going from new – or dark – to full and back again) takes approximately 28
days, Esbats are generally celebrated regularly, either on the full moon, the
dark moon, or both.
The Full Moon Esbat is used
for banishing, protection and divination workings, also planning, releasing and
working with time. It is during this
time that the God becomes the strong Father figure who cares for the Earth and
all its creatures. The Father is the
ripeness of manhood and in his prime, a great leader.
Buck
Moon of July. It is normally the month when the new antlers
of buck deer push out of their foreheads in coatings of velvety fur. It was also often called the Full Thunder
Moon, for the reason that thunderstorms are most frequent during this time. Plan a ritual to decide what you will do once
your goals have been met.
You
will need:
- teaspoon of rosemary
- a view of the Full Moon
- a bowl of water
- white candle
Go
outside to experience the full moon or sit near a window where the full moon
shines. Light a white candle to symbolize the light of the full moon.
Cast
your circle , hold the bowl in your hands and light it above your head. Chant:
By the shining power of the Lord’s
light, this water is purified and made clean.
Set
the bowl down where the moon light or candlelight shines upon it. See the
reflection of the light on the water’s surface. When the surface of the water
is still hold the rosemary in one hand and chant:
Through the cleansing power of
the Earth, this herb brings purity.
Add
the rosemary to the water, dip a finger into the water and touch each part
of your body listed below and say:
Third eye (forehead):
may my intentions be pure
Lips: may
my words be pure
Chest:
may my love be pure
Hands:
may my actions be pure
Feet: may
my path be pure
Feel
the power of the full moon’s light and the cleansing rosemary move through your
body bringing light and purity into every cell.
Knowing
that this energy will continue to guide and inspire you over the next moon
cycle thank the God for his blessing. You can drain the rosemary from the water
and keep the consecrated water for future purifications and blessings or pour
the water into the Earth outside as and offering. You can ground yourself to finish the ritual.
Some people have preferences
of which moon cycle they like best so experiment to find out which ones you
like best.
