For a second time this season, the full moon is in earthy Capricorn, opposite the Sun in watery Cancer. A fine way to capture their gift is by inserting your hands into the elements: earth mixed with water makes clay. As told in ancient creation myths, stirring together the elements is what created the earth and all its creatures. Likewise: mix these two elements together in a sacred way, you can awaken the spirits of beauty, creativity and productivity within, just as, down through the centuries, skilled potters, builders, and sculptors have worked to produce beautiful bowls, urns, and inspiring sculptures.
GETTING READY
First, gather your materials: you need your moon journal and three bowls, one filled with water, one with earth, one that’s empty. Bring them to a quiet place where you’ll be protected from interruptions and distractions. Ideal would be a tranquil patio or a secluded garden beneath a tree, somewhere that allows you a good view of the eastern horizon where the moon will rise just after sundown. Draw an invisible protective circle around you, open your journal and write at the top of a page, “Why are you here?” Often there’s a yearning. But there could be a thousand reasons you decided to honor this particular full moon (how many whiz by without a thought). But here you are. Why? “Is there something you want to build?” Capricorn asks. “Is there something you want to feel?” asks Cancer. Sit in comfortable silence until an answer comes and start writing. But if it doesn’t, no matter. When it feels right, gently shift your attention from yourself to the surrounding world. Open to the vibes.
RAISING THE ENERGY
Can you sense the energy? Full moons wash their heightened sensitivity through all above-ground beings. Pay particular attention to the natural world. (Even if you’re inside, you can still call to mind the distant trees, streams, breezes, and flowers that surround you.) Breathing calmly, with awareness, watch for the moon’s rise–or if it’s cloudy, or the wrong hour, just imagine this. As the moon lifts above the horizon, experience the moonbeams pouring down on you like blessings. Sense the silvery blue light touching your skin, pervading your cells. Absorb the soft, loving particles of healing energy. Let yourself bask. Become one with the full incandescence of this moment.
THE HEART OF THE RITUAL
If it feels appropriate, recall your reasons for being here. Is there a wish you’d like to make? Or a prayer you’d like to recite? Now is the time. Then, scoop some dirt with the moonlit palm of your left hand. Marvel at the stability, strength and industry of earth. Imagine mountains and the farmers’ growing fields, roads, abodes, and towns. Next scoop some precious water into your right hand. Think of oceans, rivers, and streams, of rain falling from clouds, of emotions pouring from your heart. With pleasure, mix soil, water and hands together. Make clay. Hold your clay-soaked hands up to the moonlight and visualize your wish fulfilled.
CLOSING THE RITUAL
You seal the ritual with three grateful bows. Bring your palms together in prayer. Bow in thanks to the full moon. Bow in thanks to yourself for making this happen. Finally, bow to the wild world around you. Rinse your hands in the bowl of water. Then pour the water into the bowl of earth. Bring this to your altar or to a special place in your home or office, where its presence will have a calming effect, and remind you of the creative spirit at work within you. Sometime before the next new moon, when it feels right to do so, return your sacred clay to the earth.
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