Ceremonies to Align with the Cycles of Nature
Begin by observing the natural world that surrounds you – the ebb and flow of the tide, the cycles of the moon, the periods of light and dark within each day and season. Nature seems to be communicating to us the importance of balance. It is up to us to model this balance within our lives, taking care to observe and respond to the natural cycles that the earth has to offer.
New Moon Ritual. This is a ceremony to engage energy in new beginnings. As the moon waxes, energy gathers and expands, and our intention to create guides us toward actions we need to accomplish. At the full moon, energy has waxed to its fullest point and is peaking.
Full Moon Ritual This ceremony honors the moon cycle’s completion by giving thanks for the gifts received during the cycle, and by heightening awareness of guiding energy that has been “working” for us. As the moon again begins to wane, we honor the energy by allowing it to continue to nourish and guide us through the completion of the entire cycle.
The sun cycle rituals begin with the Winter Solstice Ritual, where the cold seed is just beginning to germinate. In this ceremony we tend to our inner world while allowing an idea to take root.
The light begins to expand slowly toward the vernal equinox, which is the first day of spring. In the Spring Equinox Ritual new growth emerges – there is expansion from the seed idea, and a green sprout emerges from the earth. This is a time of expanding action and energy, and there are often mystical surprises that delight us in terms of manifestation during this season.
The days grow longer and peak at the summer solstice, where light creates the opportunity for the full blossoming of our wishes and desires. The Summer Solstice Ritual encourages us to share our gifts and express our appreciation as full flowering occurs.
The light now recedes slowly toward the first day of autumn, which is celebrated by the Autumnal Equinox Ritual. This is a time of settling in, enjoying the harvest, and returning to the earth and the inner life. In this time we allow reception – we take in another idea or an adaptation of an idea, and the seed returns to the earth to germinate again. The cycle is complete and begins again with promise of new life.
Rebecca Burns © 2007