Why you Should Begin a Lunar Practice
Are you curious about how to begin a lunar practice? It can be confusing if you are new to working with the moon. However, if you trust your intuition it may be easier than you think.
Your body is likely tracking the lunar cycle whether or not you are consciously aware of it. Think about it this way: the moon controls the tides. Our bodies are roughly 70% water. If the moon can control the ocean does it stand to reason she can move us too?
The Beginning and The End of a Lunar Practice
If you want to follow the cycles of the moon it is best to start at the beginning. The new moon marks the beginning and end of each lunar cycle. How can something be the beginning and the end?
Your lunar practice will be cyclical unlike your other goals, timelines or milestones. This practice is continuous and never-ending.
The moon is a constant in the sky. However, she simply changes the way she presents herself to us. At certain times, she is full and bright. Other times, she is dark and hidden.
Do you see yourself reflected in those statements? The moon is a beautiful metaphor for our own lives. It is important to begin understanding metaphor, symbolism and energy if you want to learn how to begin a lunar practice.
How to Begin a Lunar Practice
It may start to feel overwhelming if you attempt to learn everything at once. I would like to simplify this process as much as possible for you.
Learn the Moon Phases
To start, learn the phases of the moon and their order. My blog post, The Spiritual Significance of the Moon Phases breaks them down in order. Additionally, I explain the spiritual significance of each moon phase.
This can also be a lot of information. Try not to get overwhelmed. You do not need to be an expert. To begin, just familiarize yourself with the information.
Track Your Energy/Cycle with the Moon
Everyone will have a different relationship with the moon. While it is commonly believed that the full moon brings heightened energy this is not always the case.
Begin to take note of the moon phases. You can do this one of two ways. First, you can simply look at the sky each night. Second, you may choose to note the lunar cycles on your calendar (most calendars are printed with the full and new moon dates).
Make it a habit to notice the moon and pay attention to your energy, focus or mood. You may begin to recognize patterns between these things.
I want to empower you to use your intuition. My understanding of each moon phase is based on my unique cycle. Instead of telling you how you should feel, I want to help you notice how you do feel.
The Feminine Cycle and The Moon
Women’s hormonal cycles follow the moon. Tracking your cycle with the moon is a natural method of family planning (or birth control depending on your fertility goals).
I am a white moon. I am energized on the full moon and reflective on the new moon. Your cycle is unique and may be completely opposite or different.
If you are not on birth control you might be surprised how accurate your predictions become when you track your cycle with the moon.
To learn more about this specific topic, read my blog The Feminine Cycle and the Moon: It’s More than a Phase.
Keep a Moon Journal
To track your energy around the lunar cycles, keep a moon journal. Note the moon phases at the top of each page.
Pay particular attention to these things:
- What is my energy level?
- What are my major goals, areas of focus and/or accomplishments?
- Am I in need of reflection, action or something else?
- How does my energy or focus align (or not align) with the current moon phase?
Try to journal at least with the two major moon cycles: the full moon and the new moon.
Know Your Reason for Beginning a Lunar Practice
People want to learn how to begin a lunar practice for a variety of reasons. For example, maybe you are practicing natural family planning and want to follow the lunar cycles. Alternatively, you may be interested in becoming wiccan or practicing witchcraft.
These are two fairly different reasons for entering moon tracking. Yet, both people’s goals will be amplified with a lunar practice. Nevertheless, knowing your why will move you forward in different ways.
How I Began Developing a Lunar Practice
I became interested in the moon during my yoga teacher training. I began to notice how my energy shifted during the lunar cycle. In order to harness my energy potential, I began setting goals and intentions around the moon.
I have been working with the moon for many years. There is constantly something new to be discovered. This practice has also helped me uncover a great deal of self-awareness.
How to Begin a Lunar Practice? Just Get Started!
I love writing about and working with the moon. Its such a fascinating topic. The more I have worked with the moon the more influence I realize she has over my energy, mood and especially my feminine cycle.
This blog is simply a guide to get you started. However, there are so many directions you can choose to go. I would love to hear your thoughts, questions or progress. Feel free to comment below.
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This post was written by Olivia Schnur. For more blog posts, click here.
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