“Thirst drove me down to the water where I drank the moon’s reflection.” -rumi

I am a true moon child. (I have three planets in the sign of cancer which is ruled by the moon. And my own moon is in Pisces.) Long before ‘Forestbathing’ became the hot new thing, I was spending cool summer nights under the Santa Fe sky, making heartfelt and fierce wishes on the luminescent crescent each time it appeared new in the dark blue sky.  At more than seven thousand feet above the sea the stars feel close enough to touch.

So with the Eclipse behind us and the new moon (getting rounder everyday) shines invitingly in the twilight sky, I am inviting you to try my ‘Two minutes to Bliss’ Engaging in Moonbathing  practice so that you can experience for yourself the magic of the Moon and of your own true nature.

Staying in touch with the cycles of nature, as well as my own changing cycles of creativity, energy and emotion is one of the ways I take care of myself. For instance when the Moon is waning or dark, I am reminded that waiting is part of creating. This makes it easier to wait patiently and trust those times when ideas and poems are germinating and haven’t yet taken the shape of words.

With the world as we knew it turning upside down, Gazing at and appreciating the Moon each month is a simple way to stay grounded and in touch with the universe. When the news brings us more and more ungliness, we can balance its effect on our systems through meditative and relfective practices like Moonbathing and gazing. 

As long as there is a sky above you and the ability to check your local ephemeris, or farmer’s almanac you have everything you need to begin experiencing moon-magic for yourself.  

Practiced with sincerity, Moonbathing is a kind of poetry.  A poetry that brings with it a glimpse into the true nature of reality and an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the Mystery and of the Moon. Close but distant, appearing and disappearing, ever-changing, and always the same. A perpetual reminder of “That which Is Always There” whether visible or not..  

By choosing to engage your senses in the experience of Moonbathing you take back your power from all those who seek to distract and attract your attention without giving anything back. 

Still wondering if moon bathing and or gazing will work for you? It may seem too easy. Where is the pain for your gain?  How can gazing at the moon as you stay with (and not try to change or dismiss) the sensations you experience in your body make a difference for the better? 

To that I respond by asking you – where your suffering is when you are not aware of or thinking about it?  

Want proof? Pay attention to the sensations in your body, especially your stomach, throat and chest when you are hearing or seeing disturbing news, or rerunning disturbing scenarios in your head.

Now practice the opposite. Imagine or replay pleasant and enjoyable scenario’s and sense the way your stomach, heart and throat relax and respond. Ahhh. That’s better.

Who knew it was this simple?  The Wise women and men past and present that’s who. So learn your limits and stick to them. 

I’ll be thinking of you  when the Moon is full and again when the Moon is new. Together we can align our hearts and souls with its cycle of endless surrender and renewal by symbolically offering up to it our worst fears and habits and asking to be supported in creating new patterns of behavior that support our deepest most heart-felt wishes!

These wishes for love,safety,health,happiness,joy,and peace of mind and heart are universal. In wishing on the moon for them, you join your wishes with the wishes of all humanity. Talk about a powerful way to reshape your experience of reality here and now.

Here’s how:

Two Minutes to Bliss Engaging in Moonbathing Meditative Practice

When -At or near the full Moon. Within the first 3 days after the new moon is visible.

Where – Anywhere that is safe when the moon is visible. Your back or front yard. A local park. A quiet city or suburban street.

What to wear –  I recommend soft comfortable clothes that keep you warm enough and allow you to expose some of your skin. cold shoulder tops are a good choice, as are button down shirts or if it is warm enough shorts or short sleeves. Keep in mind that this bath is symbolic hence without water and with clothes on. 

What to do – All you need to do is spend a short time 5 or ten minutes walking, siting or lying down under the moon appreciating its beauty and luxuriating in the percieved sense of its light pale blue light touching your skin.

What to do next  – As you walk, sit or lie bring all your attention into your body and become aware of your breathing while continuing to stay aware of the moon. Imagine the light of the moon is purifying you as you continue to breathe gently in and out through your nose. Continuing breathing in and out as you scan your awareness through your whole body.  Pay special attention to sensations and feelings especially in your solar plexus area, stomach, and throat, and what messages the moonlight might be revealing inside of you. When you feel complete return your awareness to the present moment reflecting on what you discovered. Maybe even writing it down in a moon-journal you can keep just for this purpose. 

Another option – according to an article in Yoga Journal you can “take your moon bathing to the next level by making it an all-night event. If it’s warm enough, take a sleeping bag or blanket and set it up under the canopy of sparkling stars and the glowing full moon. Take time to just bask in the light; you can meditate or pray, but just be sure to let the peace and beauty of the moon soak into your body and soul while you sleep. You’ll wake up refreshed and rejuvenated.”  

🌙

💜

🦋Sabrina