The moon cycles are a timekeeper, constantly teaching us about the mini-deaths we need in order to transform and rebirth. She dances amongst shadows and light as she dies to herself each month before being born anew once again. She can teach us about the process of going inward, if we allow her.

She follows the lead of the Seasons and the Elements, ever-changing and rich in metaphor for our growth. Everything in nature turns over and sheds in layers before rebirth; one only has to look at the simple expression of a flower to see this cycle play out.

The waiting period after death is fertile, an integration time. A flower doesn’t have to think about growing, she simply moves in relation to the Seasons and the Elements and breaks free when she is ready and not a moment before. She doesn’t worry about perfection as there is no such thing. She is essentially nourished by garbage that is mixed with dirt (fertilizer) which is going through its own death and rebirth. It was never about shifting to another’s cycle but of allowing her own pace and showing herself just as she is.

The Moon connects us to the larger universe and helps us to see both how big and small we are; we have power when in relationship because we are connected to something infinitely larger than we could ever imagine because alone we are but a tiny speck of dust. The moon understands that everything is in community and in relation to everything else. From the Moon, we can learn how to communicate from a place of power and authentic self-expression and being centered while we deliver the message.

She is closely aligned with the Water Element. The mystery of the Water and Moon make them sisters. The Water Element has a special connection to the Moon. The moon impacts us through its magnetic pull on water and gravity: the external water of tides and animal activity of rivers and oceans moves with the moon, it induces more births, impacts menstrual flow, and can create intensity of emotion (more people are arrested or hospitalized for mental health crises on full moons.)

The moon follows us and influences us even when sight is unseen. She journies along with you offering her constancy as you travel from Maiden to Mother and then finally to Crone. She helps us track the cycles in our lives regardless of how deeply you dive into the ocean of mysticism. You can be firmly rooted and walk on land and look up and still see the changes she makes.

We can draw down the energy of the moon, stars, and universe and draw up the energy from the core of the earth. The moon has a wisdom of the earth. She knows how to move the natural elements and draws things closer or moves them farther away based on her rhythm, not the other way around. This is a lesson in empowerment we could all take in.

The Moon Cycle is a sacred circle all on its own. Circles designate a sacred space that connects the earthly plane and celestial spheres. You can find them in most cultures as they are rich in symbolism and lend well to ceremony. They often signify the never-ending patterns and constant renewal energy of life as it has no beginning and no end. It can be a symbol for the seasons of life such as the cycles and shifts from light to dark as the moon and sun dance around their own circle. Gathering around the moon supports remaining tuned in to the flow of your life as a dynamic being rather than staying fixed to a construct that doesn’t allow for ebbs and flows of energy.

What needs to be cleansed that no longer serves us? What inner truths are illuminated that we want to bring forward in our lives? What do we need to commit or recommit to and what distractions pull us out of alignment? So, the Moon invites us to ask these questions, meet ourselves, and honor this rebirthing cycle in our own lives.