New Moon

Today is the new moon, meaning that it begins to wax (or grow larger again) after its time of waning (diminishing) from fullness. The three days before and three days after this time also share the energy of this moon. In some traditions, such as Wicca or herbal craft, this moon is called the dark moon. In those systems, the energy supported at this time is that of banishing, releasing. One might set an intention that says "I release anger and ill will," and since "nature abhors a vacuum," any time we release something, we consciously choose what will take its place: "I cultivate kindness, patience, and good will." In other traditions, such as Tantra, this new moon is a time to begin, to create, to set in motion. This would be a time, then, to buy a house, start a business, or start a project. Thus, this would be a time of invoking, of drawing something closer: "I cultivate kindness, patience, and good will."

Interestingly, then, each tradition supports the same goals; the difference is mainly one of perspective. I'm not talking about a "glass half full/glass half empty" view because that suggests judgment; one is optimistic, one pessimistic. Instead, the difference is one of seeing the dark at this time or seeing the light. And, again, I'm not talking about this in a way that sees darkness as negative but rather as something that simply and literally is; we need both dark and light, both day and night.

Yet today I'm calling this the new moon, and I'm endeavoring (always) to cultivate kindness, patience, and good will. I can choose to begin something today, hoping to bring it to fruition at the full moon (more on that in a couple of weeks). My yoga practice today will be a lunar practice, which I just learned about in my weekend workshop at Bliss Yoga Shala: slower, quieter, with less sweat, longer holds. Regardless of what one calls it, this is a contemplative time, a time to still the body in order to still the mind, to focus on meditation.

So, what might you start today? And how will you move toward stillness?