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Health & Fitness

Moon Magic

Volumes have been written about the Moon—everything from scientific data, poetry, legends and lore.

Yesterday was the Full "Flower" Moon, and this month's Moon is in Scorpio.

Trust me, even hidden from our view by the heavy rain clouds, the Moon is there weaving magic on all of Earth. Have you ever stood on the shore at night, enchanted by a full Moon and the path it creates on the dark waters? Maybe you have been wakened from a deep sleep as the Moon poured its bright light through the window. If so, then you have had a tiny sampling of Moon magic! Ask any police officer, emergency room nurse, farmer or lover—they will vouch for the power the Moon has.

Ancient civilizations believed that Goddesses gained their powers and influences from the cycles of the Moon, partly because the rhythm of the Moon mimics that of our creation and fertility. The Moon also signifies transformation and change: we bear witness to that transformation each month as it continues its never-ending cycle. On the religious path that I follow, the Moon represents the Goddess, a practice as old as time itself. Each phase of the Moon corresponds to a different aspect of the Goddess. The new Moon (or waxing) represents the Maiden Goddess, her power and strength increasing. The full Moon is the Mother aspect of the Goddess, at her most powerful and fertile. Lastly, the waning Moon represents to Crone aspect of the Goddess, decreasing in strength and power, yet still strong in age old wisdom.

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Early farmers and agriculturists relied totally on the Moon and its cycles for planting and harvesting. They knew as many of us today still practice that each cycle brought with it certain influences. For instance, the 1600s herbal " The Garden of Eden" wrote that 'gilly flowers ( he old term for Carnations) doubled in size if transplanted three days prior to a full Moon. Indeed, planting should be done during a waxing Moon, with weeding and ridding the garden of pests done during a waning Moon.

We can incorporate these principles in every day living, too. When beginning a new project or venture, the ideal time is a new and waxing Moon—with endings, of course, being addressed during a waning Moon.

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Also: did you know that rainbows are a symbol of the Moon on Earth? And, it can be a great predictor—if the rainbow appears in the West it is a good omen, but if it appears in the East it is less than positive. An old fallacy on the tropical islands was that of Moon Blink: the belief that temporary blindness could be brought on by sleeping in Moon light. For luck, carry a piece of Moonstone, a whitish feldspar gem that is said to carry the image of the moon. Try holding it up to a Full Moon and watch what happens. Hindu's believed this feldspar was formed by the congealing of the Moon's rays. And its magic is familar to lovers both old and young, as this gem evokes tender passions. If you still need further inspiration, just stand outside under a full Moon, make a wish and open yourself to the magic and mystery of the silvery orb that hangs in the sky.

Until next time, remember... Magic happens!

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