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Viewpoint
Your Mirror to the Moon
by Marijayne King
In the darkness of the new moon, the sun sets on the horizon. The pale blue sky becomes veiled with stars. A young couple stands in the soil, their feet planted in the moist earth. In this time of visions, dreaming, and growth, they have planted seeds, as our ancestors have always done. It is an auspicious period for new beginnings.
In the fullness of the moon the sun has set and the silver wheel of radiance rises high above the Earth to greet its children. A group has gathered around the fire to honor the moon. In this time of completion, celebration, and reaping the rewards of the seeds that have been planted, they dance.
As our generation is reclaiming nature and the wisdom of the old ways are being called back, I would like to take a moment to help remind all of us to thank the moon. Do you remember the last time you saw its presence in the night sky? Do you have a favorite cycle of the moon? We all are drawn to it—as beings of water and earth, we are pulled toward its gravity and magic, always.
In ancient times, we seemed to remember to praise the moon’s presence more often, as it is our planet’s most obvious and predominant example of the need for balance. As the Earth rotates and cosmic energies shift, our bodies shift as well. The waxing and waning of the moon remind us to give and receive equally. The fullness and darkness of the moon show us to appreciate the polarity of light and dark.
The effect it has on the living beings of the Earth is not just emotional. Amphibians mate only under the full moon. Wolves have learned to call to the moon as it rises over the sky. Flowers such as evening primrose and jasmine unfold their petals to the glow of the moonlight.
Out of the 240 moons in our solar system, planet Earth has the only moon that can fully eclipse the sun. Every culture has a legend or story to explain the moon to help their children’s children remember to embrace the ebb and flow of life, just as the moon and oceans control the ebb and flow of the tides.
In Old England and in Europe, the people disbelieved in the Julian and Gregorian 12-month calendar. The lunar calendar, a 13-month calendar with 28 days per month totaling 364 days a year, had always been used. No one believed in disregarding the cycles of the moon. The people fought to use this old way until the Tudor times.
Some of the old ways have not changed. To this day, people leave food out overnight to absorb the healing rays of the moon. They believe that this will cure disease and prolong life. Although pagan historical relics are very rare, archaeologists believe that their burial mounds in the shape of a disc are tributes to the moon. Medicine people of several cultures still make herbal remedies by the moonlight. The Islamic moon calendar is also based on 13 moons and is still in use today. Many moon gods and goddesses are currently worshipped around the world and have specific months which relate to their cultural legends.
I am honored every month to come together with people to celebrate the moon, whether it is a ritual with friends or a simple gesture of thanks as I look above. We are also celebrating the culmination of events and changes that take place on a very personal level within all of us. It is important to realize that as every month has a beginning, the moon returns full circle to the beginning as well. This gives us, as beings sharing this planet, the opportunity to change aspects about ourselves and our lives.
I carry a very personal tribute to the moon inked on my chest. I feel that my connection to the moon has led my growth and evolution. This began with my first word: moon. I have always enjoyed knowing that a simple symbol that carries so much meaning and importance to me can inspire someone else to look up to the stars. As a woman, my cycles correspond to the moon, as with many other women. I have also noticed that important events in my life have aligned with the lunar phases.
In our society as a whole, we seem to have lost many of our connections to the moon. However, there are some who remember the knowledge and ways. Through ritual, dance, prayer, or devotion, you, too, can open your arms and heart to the silvery glow of our moon.
I hope that as the sun sets tonight, you will gaze up to the sky, and feel the moon’s influence on your life. Know that even in its darkness, there is a message. Honor the symbols in life that surround us. Give thanks to nature for the balance that it gives us. As the moon casts its glowing rays of light, let us remember to reflect that light to all and spread the moon’s message of balance and healing in every moment.
Marijayne King lives on four wheels, traveling and exploring the beauty of California. She is an artist, and co-owner of The Crystal Deva, a crystal and jewelry-based traveling company which can be seen at the Ocean Beach Farmers Market in San Diego, CA. She would love to hear stories of your experiences with the moon at marijayneking@gmail.com.