Lunar Magic Rituals + Cocoa Rose Moon Milk Recipe
Lunar Magic Rituals by Karen Cleveland, Writer
Recipe by WILDWOOD
If the moon has the power to pull the world's oceans, surely it
affects us. It is no coincidence that women's bodies and the moon
share a similar cycle, something that wise women have always known.
When the Earth, moon, and sun align — which occurs during new and full
moons — we might feel a pull but not know what to chalk it up to.
The eight phases of the moon are new moon, waxing crescent, first
quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and
finally waxing crescent. New moons happens when the moon is located
between the sun and the Earth; full moons happen when the moon's face
is completely illuminated by the sun, when the sun and moon are on
total opposite sides of the earth.
When the moon is at its closest to the earth, we get gorgeous full
super moons. At its furthest point, it is called a micro-moon. When a
full moon passes through the earth’s shadow, we get a lunar eclipse
wherein the moon is a rich shade of red.
While marvelling at a bursting full moon or taking in the black sky at
a new moon might make you feel connected to the moon's ethereal power,
there are other ways to tap into this.
Track it
Once you start tracking the moon's cycle, it will become second
nature, like knowing the days of the week. You can download a calendar
to synch with your phone, write reminder notes for yourself or even
buy a moon phase calendar (Canadian artist Annie Axtell makes gorgeous
art-deco-ish ones).
Track yourself
Keep a journal beside your bed and make some quick notes for a few
months on how you feel (physically, emotionally, spiritually:
everything). Then, go back and overlay the moon's cycles so you can
look for patterns. Are you more energized for during new moons? Do you
feel more introspective or brave as the full moon approaches?
Keep up your journal to see how the moon is pulling you.
New moons
Once you have a sense of what the moon's cycles mean to you, start
working with them. New moons are great times to make new commitments
or start fresh on something in your life. The blackness of the sky
also beckons to explore the more shadowy sides of ourselves and draws
our intuition. This is a powerful time of the month to check our
intentions and hone intuition. Creative energies also run high at new
moons, so use that power to fuel the month ahead.
Full moons
This special time of the month might call for celebration. Maybe you
make a feast, pour something decadent to drink or have a languorous
bath. Full moons are also times to let go. As the moon bows out for
the month, you might feel a calling to say goodbye or end something.
If you can't do this literally, try using the moon's energy to do this
metaphorically: write a letter with your intentions and return it the
earth either by burning or burying it.
Make some extra special moons
While the moon guides us every night, all year round, make some extra
special and mark the occasion. The full moons to mark the change of
seasons are particularly beautiful and perfect for creating rituals.
The moon under which you were born is also cause for reverence. Search
for the full moon in your astrological sign and mark it in your
calendar. Honour it as a mini celebration for yourself.
———————
Karen Cleveland is a Toronto-based writer and perpetually curious
woman. Her writing has appeared in Fashion Magazine, Today's Parent,
The Toronto Star and more.
CREAMY COCOA ROSE MOON MILK
A warm, soothing and nutritive drink to help open the heart, calm the nervous system, and prepare the body for the lunar changes ahead.
Ingredients: (Yields 1 serving)
1 tbsp Organic Dried Rose Petals
4 Cardamom Pods
2 cups of Nut Milk (Almond or Oat are wonderful!)
A pinch of Vanilla Bean Powder or Extract
1/4 tsp Dark Cocoa Powder
1 tsp Raw Honey or Maple Syrup
Directions: Place all ingredients into a small saucepan, bring to a very low simmer and allow to infuse for 5-10 minutes. Strain using cheesecloth or sieve. You can enjoy this creamy drink right away, or place into a blender for 15 seconds to whip into a frothier texture. This is a great time to add a small drizzle of coconut or MCT oil if desired!
Garnish with additional dried rose petals and a sprinkle of good cinnamon.