Moon rituals?

[bluewave193]

Not really sure how to phrase this. For a while I have been thinking about adding rituals to my path. (Up until now it has simply been charging my chakra's and sporadic meditations) I know I want to incorporate the moon in my rituals (that have yet to exist) but not quite sure how.



For a little back round info, I consider myself an animistic pagan. I believe that there is energy throughout everything and we connect with that energy by doing the things we love (which for me is playing my oboe) and being around things we love. I also acknowledge chakra's and will use them to help center and ground me before any serious meditation. Oh... and I am aslo trying to do small self-taught yoga sessions 3 times a week.

Any suggestions?

[DaraD]

Any suggestions?

First, do you want to do rituals for all phases of the moon or specific phases? Each phase of the moon can symbolize something different and will bring a different energy to that particular ritual.

[The Grumble]

First, do you want to do rituals for all phases of the moon or specific phases? Each phase of the moon can symbolize something different and will bring a different energy to that particular ritual.

Also, what does the moon symbolize to you? That could help come up with ways to express yourself ritually.

[bluewave193]

First, do you want to do rituals for all phases of the moon or specific phases? Each phase of the moon can symbolize something different and will bring a different energy to that particular ritual.

Also, what does the moon symbolize to you? That could help come up with ways to express yourself ritually.

DaraD: I want to at least honor the full and new moons. I'm not sure if my schedule will allow me to do the quarters.

Grumble: Will think about/meditate on this and get back to you

Thanks for the help

[OpenHands]

Not really sure how to phrase this. For a while I have been thinking about adding rituals to my path. (Up until now it has simply been charging my chakra's and sporadic meditations) I know I want to incorporate the moon in my rituals (that have yet to exist) but not quite sure how.

For a little back round info, I consider myself an animistic pagan. I believe that there is energy throughout everything and we connect with that energy by doing the things we love (which for me is playing my oboe) and being around things we love. I also acknowledge chakra's and will use them to help center and ground me before any serious meditation. Oh... and I am aslo trying to do small self-taught yoga sessions 3 times a week.

Any suggestions?

I agree that you should determine what the moon phases mean to you and then figure out how to honor that symbolism. Also, don't feel like your observances have to be long or involved if that might cause you to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it's best to start simply and build from there. Your practices may evolve as you explore different ways to honor the moon phases.

My religion follows a luni-solar calendar so my practices are about observing the progression of the lunar months and, ultimately, the yearly religious cycle. New moon is a time to mark the beginning of the new month with an offering of incense and prayers of gratitude to my gods. I also touch base with the state of my relationships, projects, and goals so that I can regularly tweak as needed. I'm also starting to incorporate some light housework as a way to bring that sense of renewal into my living space too. Full moon is a time for celebration- again with incense and prayers- and doing something fun or relaxing.

Don't know if any of my practices will be of use to you, but I figured it couldn't hurt to share in case it sparks an idea. Start small and see what blossoms from there.

[bluewave193]

I agree that you should determine what the moon phases mean to you and then figure out how to honor that symbolism. Also, don't feel like your observances have to be long or involved if that might cause you to feel overwhelmed. Sometimes it's best to start simply and build from there. Your practices may evolve as you explore different ways to honor the moon phases.

My religion follows a luni-solar calendar so my practices are about observing the progression of the lunar months and, ultimately, the yearly religious cycle. New moon is a time to mark the beginning of the new month with an offering of incense and prayers of gratitude to my gods. I also touch base with the state of my relationships, projects, and goals so that I can regularly tweak as needed. I'm also starting to incorporate some light housework as a way to bring that sense of renewal into my living space too. Full moon is a time for celebration- again with incense and prayers- and doing something fun or relaxing.

Don't know if any of my practices will be of use to you, but I figured it couldn't hurt to share in case it sparks an idea. Start small and see what blossoms from there.

thanks. I really like the idea of touching base with various goals in life. I am a VERY goal/list oriented person and it's a good way to combine my path with my daily life. Although I personally don't (lacking the right word here) follow? any gods, i do burn incense regularly and think it would be a good place to start.

Is there a way I could incorporate the zodiac symbols associated with specific moon positions (sorry if this is the wrong terminology, I recently found this and it intrigued me) into the ritual?

(this would be my first formal ritual if that wasn't clear in the original post)

Thanks for all the help!

[OpenHands]

thanks. I really like the idea of touching base with various goals in life. I am a VERY goal/list oriented person and it's a good way to combine my path with my daily life. Although I personally don't (lacking the right word here) follow? any gods, i do burn incense regularly and think it would be a good place to start.

Is there a way I could incorporate the zodiac symbols associated with specific moon positions (sorry if this is the wrong terminology, I recently found this and it intrigued me) into the ritual?

(this would be my first formal ritual if that wasn't clear in the original post)

Thanks for all the help!

Happy to help. Your question about incorporating the zodiac into lunar cycles is interesting, but I'm afraid I don't know much about astrology. That would be a good question to pose in a new thread, I think.

[Silverlight]

thanks. I really like the idea of touching base with various goals in life. I am a VERY goal/list oriented person and it's a good way to combine my path with my daily life. Although I personally don't (lacking the right word here) follow? any gods, i do burn incense regularly and think it would be a good place to start.

Is there a way I could incorporate the zodiac symbols associated with specific moon positions (sorry if this is the wrong terminology, I recently found this and it intrigued me) into the ritual?

(this would be my first formal ritual if that wasn't clear in the original post)

Thanks for all the help!

I don't know if this is what you are talking about, but when I do "moon rituals", I call upon the cardinal gaurdians, which are of Buddhist origin I believe. They represent north, south, east, and west; black tortoise, red pheonix, blue dragon, and white tiger, respectively. There are also a set of constalations that correspond to each "realm" that the gaurdians keep. I call upon these powers for protection in my ritual circle/area. Is this the type of thing you mean, or are you referring to a different/western zodiac? ^^ I hope I was somewhat helpful.

[bluewave193]

I don't know if this is what you are talking about, but when I do "moon rituals", I call upon the cardinal gaurdians, which are of Buddhist origin I believe. They represent north, south, east, and west; black tortoise, red pheonix, blue dragon, and white tiger, respectively. There are also a set of constalations that correspond to each "realm" that the gaurdians keep. I call upon these powers for protection in my ritual circle/area. Is this the type of thing you mean, or are you referring to a different/western zodiac? ^^ I hope I was somewhat helpful.

I was originally thinking zodiac as in Gemini, Taurus ect. But your zodiac symbols(?) sound really interesting. I'm planning on looking into Buddhist/Zen religions/philosophies. Do you have any good resources for a beginner?

thanks!

[Silverlight]

I was originally thinking zodiac as in Gemini, Taurus ect. But your zodiac symbols(?) sound really interesting. I'm planning on looking into Buddhist/Zen religions/philosophies. Do you have any good resources for a beginner?

thanks!

Sure!

This site seems to have some good, basic information.
http://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/ssu-ling.shtml

I don't work with them a lot, but they are strong gaurdians for rituals, especially if you are opening up your energy to the cosmos.