How to live in harmony with the phases of the Moon
We are already in the second week of September and I have just returned from a magical three days on Mount Olympus where the land there has already started to put on its autumn costume. The colours and scents of autumn have worked in me so therapeutically that today I made the decision to start this season with a theme that in my opinion is key to our overall health and balance. And you’ll see below what I mean.
We all know how vital it is to live in harmony with nature. But today I want to approach it with a deeper understanding, that rhythmic repetition through which everything manifests in nature and affects organisms that are connected to it as part of the whole.
Let’s talk specifically about the rhythm of the Moon!
The different phases of the moon, are a manifestation of this rhythm, perhaps some of us know how great an effect it has on water, creating phenomena such as high and low tides. This corresponds not only to the waters and oceans of our planet but also to the water that exists within our bodies.
In the alchemical approach, the water element corresponds to our emotional world and that is why the full moon is a special conjunction that we often recognize to experience tensions and concerns about issues in various areas of our lives that are pressing to be resolved.It is also important to notice, apart from your emotions, how each phase of the Moon affects other functions in your body, such as energy levels, breathing rate, heart rate, or the reproductive cycle in us women.
If you would be interested in learning the phases of the Moon and being informed what tasks are suggested daily in harmony with its energy, you can learn more in any of the many lunar calendars available online, or specifically see here.
It is important to note that the method I suggest below involves the use of only pure essential oils, and the way you can use them is up to your own inspiration:
- by inhalations
- by diffusion
- by directly applying to the skin
Also if you have access to the plant in question either in natural or dried form, you can use it at will, in your food, to drink a nice concoction, or just to beautify your jar for inspiration and connection with this cyclical flow of energy in nature.
Which are the Moon phases?
There are four main phases in the lunar cycle that we will look at today; these are:
- New Moon
- first quarter moon
- Full moon
- and the last quorter moon
Each of these has a characteristic energy that brings inner drives and supports our own activities based on these.
hat is, if we liken the lunar cycle to the growth of a plant, we can say that:
The New Moon is analogous to the moment when the seed is born from the plant.
The first quarter is the stage when the seed has germinated and is trying to come out into the light.
Full Moon the stage when the plant is growing and germinating and the first full moon is the stage when the seed is growing and germinating and
the last quarter corresponds to the ripening of the fruit, which falls back to earth to start a new cycle all over again.
New Moon
The New Moon represents a new beginning, ( it is the point when the moon is invisible) we are inclined to action and new plans. During the New Moon, we have a childlike enthusiasm, we envision new beginnings and have a more optimistic outlook on everything around us. And this positive attitude makes the New Moon a good time for anything new we want to blossom in our lives.
Suitable perfumes:
This time of year as the moonlight begins to increase, appropriate oils are those that calm the mind, in the excitement and drive to action, we can get lost and fail to focus on our goal. Such oils are Lemon, Eucalyptus, Vetiver, Mint , Bergamot, Jasmine, Ylang ylang, Rose, Frankincense, Lavender, Lavender, Basil, Marjoram.
They can be used alone or in a diffused or inhaled blend.
First quarter ~ascending moon
On the waxing moon, once you have set your goals, action begins to be taken towards realization. You will notice that you are more mobile, more active, more expressive, and have a strong desire to do what it takes to improve your life ( to bring the seed to light) .
Suitable perfumes:
At this stage, energizing fragrances are the ones that will support the process best. Fragrances such as Spearmint, Cinnamon, Ginger, Rosemary, Orange and generally all citrus fruits are suggested for use.
Full Moon
The Full Moon is a period of completion. During the Full Moon, our goals and our work come to fruition. We feel more experienced, outgoing, social and accomplished like the full moon we admire before us.
Suitable perfumes:
Citrus essential oils enhance the joyful activities of fruiting. Also very beneficial at this stage is the balancing effect of Geranium as well as the grounding effect of Patchouli, Vetiver and Cedar. If polarized emotions and very different goals create conflicts in relationships, Lavender, Manjurana, Myrrh, Neroli and Rose will soothe and create a peaceful heart. And if the extreme energy of the full moon causes insomnia, Roman Chamomile, Lavender, Jasmine, Orange or Ylang ylang can be used to encourage relaxation. The full moon phase lasts for three days as it relaxes towards the waning cycles.
Last quarter~rising moon
During the last phase, the waning moon, when the moon is waning and slowly fading away completing its cycle back to the new moon, we have the impulse to pass on our ideas and knowledge so that others can learn from our experience and we use communication to teach and pass on. Sometimes we become prone to nostalgia or melancholy so we need to put the past aside and focus on the future. This is a good time for closing accounts and anything negative we want to eliminate from our lives.
Suitable perfumes:
Again, citrus oils come in to spread their uplifting energy. In particular, we can turn to Bergamot for the desire to give generously from the heart and Lemon for spiritual clarity in communications. Spice oils such as black pepper and cinnamon, basil but also Sandalwood, Geranium, Manjurana, and lime add warmth and energy during the waning cycle, helping us to forget the past and let go of what no longer benefits us. Cedar, angelica, sage and elixir offer warmth and insight to see more clearly what we need to release, juniper, fennel, lemon and rosemary will help us to energetically cleanse our body to welcome the new again with the coming of the next new Moon.