Basking In The Energy Of The Moon

For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved the moon. Every phase has its appeal from dark to new to cresent to full. When I stand under the light of the full moon, all is right in the world for those moments, regardless of what else may be happening. Even on nights when the clouds are thick and I’m unable to see her, or she is in the dark phase, the moon’s energy touches my soul.

Veneration of the moon has been part of the human experience from ancient times, guiding the rhythms of life by the gravitational force it exerts. According to Encyclopedia Britanica, “…the cyclical process of disappearance and appearance of the moon is the basis of the widespread association of the moon with the land of the dead, the place to which souls ascend after death, and the power of rebirth. The lunar governance of this cycle likewise leads to association of the moon and fate.”

Not unlike some of my ancient forebears, I’m drawn to the perceived feminine aspects of the lunar cycle. Goddess energy. The full moon will always be The Bright Lady in my eyes. She will always be Hekate, Selene, Artemis, Epona, Astarte. Reflecting a belief in the moon as divine feminine passed down from agricultural cultures throughout time.

For me, this feels natural, a concept understood from even before learning the Craft. However, not all people see or experience the moon in this way. Through the beliefs of early primative hunting cultures, the moon also became personified as male. Ode, as a Norse Heathen, understands the moon as Mani, while the sun is the female Sunna/Sol. In fact, Ode finds the concept of the moon as feminine to be strange and unfamiliar. While I find that difficult to parse, I honor that perception and experience of the moon for others.

So, why am I going on about the nature of the moon and basking in her/his light?

Just reflecting on my feelings, I guess, after toodling around in one of my online witch groups where somebody mentioned they had “missed” the full moon. You know how it goes. We’ve all been there. Busy life. Work, kids, etc. The person didn’t have time to set up a ritual or even felt like doing much. So she sat on her deck, sipping a beverage, and enjoyed the moonlight. Perhaps indulged in meditation.

I imagine we’ve all experienced such a time. In my practice, there have been days or nights where there is no urge to observe a ritual, cast a spell, etc. Even when I’m not busy, there are times when all I want is to sit in the back yard, or near an available window, without preparation or intention other than bearing witness to the sheer beauty laid out before me. For some people, not observing a moon, sabbat, or ritual can lead to a sense of missing out on something or not doing enough for their path, causing undue anxiety.

For me, such a quiet and unscripted moment is as powerful as any spell or ritual I might plan.

There is freedom to be found in the mysteries and magick of the moon. Throughout her lunar cycle, the energy can be peaceful and sedate to chaotic and powerful. Maybe that is why there are times when going with the flow can be as useful (or necessary) as an intentional act of ritual or spellcraft. Sometimes the thing to do is lift our faces, open our arms and just exist within the energy.

More than once, I have woken in the wee hours and catch a glimpse of the moon, whatever her phase. Doing so is like entering another space, time,  or plane of existence. Just for that moment of awareness, where nothing is required of me but silence and openness. And in that solitude, in the energy of the moon’s embrace, I believe one day the music of the spheres will be heard if I listen long enough.