The new moon. It brings a deep subtly to the night sky. A wonderful time for stargazing. I have always found the time of the New Moon extremely peaceful. This strange sense of calm washes over me and the night just seems 10 times quieter than usual. The New moon is a time of reflection and starting anew. A fantastic time to start planning for the coming cycle of the moon. While the new moon is in the sky and we are reflecting on the past cycle, and the things we have accomplished and things that need a bit more help and time. The new moon is the perfect time to begin planning for the coming moon cycle. While deep in the mist of reflecting on yourself and the things you may need to or want to work on. You can write a list of all the things that come to mind. If nothing is really coming to mind, you can always meditate and communicate with your higher self or deity. With this connections easily accessible with the new moon. Take advantage of the opportunity. Just write about all the things you want, goals, life lessons, achievements, or even things you need to work on. Obtainable or otherwise. My current list looks like this:
Seems simple enough right? Sometimes the biggest challenges, the biggest things that will change our lives the biggest, the greatest, are so simple. I know many people talk about loving the body the Goddess provided, but I can definitely use to be healthier in the one She gave me. Now that you have your goals listed out, you may only have one this month, and that's fine too, but as long as you have one to work on, no matter how small, that's a good start. What do you do next? Well, I suggest taking your list and do a New Moon Ritual. It can be insanely similar to your full moon ritual, but in the name of the new moon. Now in your ritual, plan out how you're going to reach your monthly goals. You also need to keep in mind some goals may require more than one lunar cycle. For example, my weight loss goal is going to take more than one lunar cycle, I have plenty to work on in that department. My blog schedule on the other hand, can easily be mapped out and followed through on in one month. By the end of your ritual you should have a game plan in place. Like this: This month I will drink and extra glass of water a day and eat at least one vegetable with every meal. Once you have your plan set and made, rest. Yup, you read that right, you have about a night or two before it is time for action. Follow up with you soon!
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Here is a list of frequently used terms that you will come across in your journey. Keep in mind I used a very general definition for many of these words. Keep in mind, paganism is a personal practice, if you feel certain words mean something different to you, comment below!
Charm - A specific object that holds your specific intent by ritual, meditation, or other means. Spell - A ritual with a specific outcome that is not honoring a higher power. Ritual - The steps you take to perform different specified things. Each path has their own outline, you personally can have your own way of doing this. Pagan - Someone who follows a nature-based religion. It is extremely broad and fits most people that do not identify as Christian, Jewish, or Muslim. Elements - Earth, Air, Fire, Water, and often Spirit Magick - No, this one isn't spelled wrong, the "K" changes it from slight of hand tricks, to what happens when we do ritual. Sabbats - The 8 holidays in a year. Yule, Imbolc, Ostara, Beltane, Lithia, Lammas, Mabon, Samhain Esbat - Full moon celebrations Talk about a fabulous time of year! Tulips are starting to grow, birds are returning by the dozens, and pastels are prominent everywhere. Now, this also brings around a very popular Christian holiday, Easter. I can see the eyebrows raise right through my computer screen. Why do I mention this? I do because we all have Christian friends, colleges, and family members. It is a rather common religious belief. How do I handle it? I celebrate along side them. Ostara and Easter have a ton in common. Bunnies, egg hunts, egg decorating, and I do enjoy pastels. This is one of the Christian holidays that is nearly identical in celebration so joining in the festivities with friends and family is not against your Pagan beliefs. For me, it makes combining my spiritual and mundane lives easier. I can wear the cute bunny ears and wear decorated egg earrings and blend in with everyone else celebrating Easter. All while being blatant about my Pagan Pride. Over the years I have learned to allow myself to celebrate my holidays along side the Christian ones, mostly for the sake of my Grandmother. I decorate eggs and leave an offering for the Goddess at the crossroads to celebrate spring. I always do this after spending time with my family. I have always made the offering after family time, because I feel that the egg contains some of those happy together feelings that only a pleasant time with our family and friends can offer. Spring is about new beginnings and the growth we have obtained thus far. So, while everyone is wishing you a happy Easter, feel no shame while celebrating too. Post your experiences below.
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