There are so many mysteries, facts, stories, and phenomena associated with the Moon. These ideas reflect both scientific knowledge and spiritual beliefs. For example, when listening to weather reports, meteorologists often talk about the Moon’s relationship to the intensity of an impending storm. During hurricane season, they warn that tides are expected to be higher so people should move inland. Or during winter they forecast blizzard conditions with record setting amounts of snow. On the spiritual side, there are traditions that associate women’s natural fertility cycle with the Moon. Women’s “Moontime” is honored as a reflection of our connection to the creative force and our sacred role among human beings.
The moon also has phases. These phases are associated with everyday activities. I grew up with the guidance that it’s best to cut your hair on the New Moon or First Quarter, if you want you hair to grow at a healthy or accelerated pace. Why? Because as the Moon grows, your hair will grow. This folk wisdom is a manifestation of the spiritual belief that human beings are intimately connected not only to each other but also to the very Universe that houses our world. I recently met a physician & spiritual teacher who developed New Moon healing rituals for women.
And let’s not forget all the different names for the Moon like Harvest Moon, Blood Moon, Blue Moon or Super Moon. The Neville Brothers had a song about the Yellow Moon. Some say emotions are expected to run high during the Full Moon so watch out for road rage. Astrologers study how the Moon’s placement in a particular zodiac sign is related to our emotions and behavior.
Yes, the Moon occupies quite a bit of our thinking as well as it stands out in our night sky. The Yoruba sacred text says, “Two hundred stars cannot be the moon”. This is a powerful bit of wisdom. Think about it for a moment. There are millions and millions of stars shining bright in the sky. Sometimes they’re shooting around, dancing all over the sky. But even if you put a group of them together, it could not be the Moon. It’s a reminder that there’s no substitute for you. You bring a unique set of talents to the world. This is your truth. Like the Moon, you may have phases when you’re growing and phases when you’re letting go to prepare for new growth.
You probably even have a few nicknames. Consider each one a reminder of some skill, gift or talent that you have. On the dance floor, you might be Smooth because of your rhythm and flow. In the office, you might be The Terminator because of your ability to see a job through from beginning to end in the most efficient manner.
To your father, you might be Sport because he enjoys sports with you or he noticed your athletic ability or because you’re a good sport whether you’re winning or losing or because you’re some combination of all of the above. To your mother, you might be Ladybug because you stand out in a crowd or just when nobody’s expecting it, you spread your wings and fly. Your nicknames remind you of your long list of super powers.
No matter what your talents, gifts, skills or powers may be, they are uniquely packaged within you. The truth is that the whole world needs your unique package. It’s a fact that spiritual teachers and business leaders agree is truth. I like what Marie Forleo of Marie TV says in her video about her program, B-School.
“You are here for a reason. God, the Universe, whatever you believe in does not make any extra people just for the heck of it…You have a purpose, a very special gift that only you can bring to the world. We’re just waiting for you to bring it to us.”
~ Marie Forleo~
© Sandra Y. Lewis