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Virgo Full Moon:
September 13, 200020:38 GMT 13:380 MDT 15:38 EDT 12:38 PDT 14:38 CDT 6:38 GST (9/14)
Rituals lift us from mundane concerns and connect us to the greater flow of things. Our MoonCircles CyberRitual is a monthly experiment in collective attunement -- to each other and the moon. Across time zones, we collect our creative energies into a healing meditation, as a gift to ourselves and the world. At the New Moon we synchronize in real time "on the astral plane." At the Full Moon, one by one, we greet Luna at moonrise from our respective spots on earth. If you can't meet with us at these ritual times, feel free to harmonize at a time of your own convenience, so that our astral voices may continue throughout the moon's waxing and waning cycles, as in a round.
This month the Full Moon is in the water sign of Pisces (21.18 degrees), opposite the Sun in the earth sign of Virgo (also at21.18).
For North America, this lunation occurs at summer's climax - just one week before the Fall Equinox on September 22. Contemplating the season of the year and the pattern in the skies, we ask: How does Pisces, the Visionary, inspire Virgo, the Healer? Attuning to the intuitive energy of Pisces, we seek to open the inner eye in order to receive visionary guidance on healing the earth, humanity, and ourselves. Then, attuning to the practical energy of Virgo, we seek to pour the healing balm of that vision onto the careworn soil of the earth, the physical bodies of ourselves, and those we love.For this ritual you will need a cup of water, preferably a special container
that is beautiful, and can remain on your altar for the duration of the
month, as well as a small dish of soil.Preparation:
For your Full Moon ritual, choose a spot that allows you a good view of the
Eastern horizon, where the moon will rise just after sundown. You may wish to spend some moments preparing your moon altar: arranging the ritual container of water and dish of soil you will need; burning sage or a stick of incense; or lighting a candle to invoke the protective presence of the illuminated souls. Initiate your ritual by reciting a prayer or sacred phrase, then calm the choppy waters of your restless mind through attuning to the natural rise and fall of your breath. Soon, feel your inner focus begin to steady, becoming as reflective as the calm surface of a still lake.Raising the Energy:
In the still beauty of this hour, observe the moon as it slowly rises above
the horizon. Experience nature responding to the magic of this vision:
the wash of light, a soft luminescence, that pervades the air; the joyous
expectancy of the animals, trees, and insects as they rise up to greet their
goddess. Listen to the song of the wind in the branches of the trees, as well as the bird calls and the chirping crickets. As your soul expands in this spacious moment, even the sounds of civilization, such as cars honking and voices calling out, become woven into nature's full moon symphony. Feel the defenses that normally separate you from the container of nature melt away in the moonbeams; now you, too, are a part of all creation basking in this nocturnal light of the moon.Heart of the Ritual:
Now close your eyes, but this time experience the light of the full moon as
it penetrates your interior consciousness. For some minutes, allow yourself
to bask in this light, as if you are receiving a spiritual cleansing and
purification. Then, if you wish, concentrate on the image of the full moon in
the area of your third eye - the center spot on the forehead directly above
the physical eyes. As you stare directly into this inner vision of the full,
round moon, ask that the universe grant you a healing vision. With
non-judging receptivity, observe whatever images emerge upon the moon's
bright screen. Or, pay attention to those strong "knowing" sensations that
may arise in your body, as tides rise up from the ocean in response to the
full moon.Then, as the images and sensations begin to fade, imagine that your vision
has condensed into a holy, healing balm. Open your eyes and, picking up the container of water on your altar with your right hand, offer it up to the
moon as if her beams were raining tears of mercy and compassion into your upturned cup. Return the cup to the altar and pick up the dish of soil,
cradling it in your left hand. For a moment, vizualize the earth in her
despair over environmental degradation - the disappearing animals, the
vanishing rain forests. Then, dip your hand into the container of "holy
water" and sprinkle drops of it upon the dish of soil, imagining as you do
the healing compassion of Pisces watering the wounds of the earth. Still
holding your dish of soil, think next of a person you know who may be ill or
suffering....then sprinkle water upon them. Continue this healing moon
practice for as long as you wish, offering compassion to as many beings as
you have time and room in your spirit for.Closing:
Bringing your two hands together in the gesture of prayer, close your ritual
with a prayer of thanksgiving. Ask that your full moon visions and healings
be blessed by the Divine. Then extend your circle of blessings to yourself,
your close friends and loved ones, and the rest of the world. Extinguish
your candle. And bow to the moon.