Join us in reverence!

a  Aries/Libra Full Moon  April 7, 2001 4:22 GMT (4/8) 21:22 MDT 23:22 EDT 20:22 PDT 22:22 CDT 13:22 GST (4/8) August 14/15, 2000

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. 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.

THE GODDESS WITHIN, THE GODDESS WITHOUT

Full moon in Libra:  the goddesses gather! 

The Aries sun is conjunct Vesta, goddess of the hearth and keeper of the sacred flame; also Venus, goddess of beauty.  Juno, goddess of marriage and archetype of "the wife" joins the Aries line-up.  Uranus in Aquarius is conjunct Hygeia, daughter of the Greek 
healer Aesculepius and the goddess of healing; while Pluto in Sagittarius is tightly coupled with Pallas Athene, goddess of wisdom. Ceres, goddess of the harvest and symbol of feminine nurturing, exactly squares the Sun and Moon. 

Reflecting on this astrological event, we wonder: what is the meaning of the Goddess as she seeks to integrate herself into our everyday lives? Meditating on her presence within and without, we contemplate the mystery of God as woman. We allow our souls to be illuminated by the full-moon-light of her knowing wisdom. 

One way to honor the many faces of the divine feminine this full moon, is to arrange a crescent circle of candles on your altar: Vesta, Venus, Hygeia, Juno, Pallas Athene, Ceres and, at the center of your crescent circle, the Moon.  As you light each candle, contemplate its meaning... and note if one candle seems to call your attention more than others.  This could bring the message you most need to hear this full moon. 

As you kindle a light for Vesta, evoke the quality of spiritual protection and safe haven. This quality is symbolized by the sacred fire priestesses faithfully tended in temples centuries ago. It is the hearth fire diligently maintained in the center of the home by housewives and mothers everywhere across time. As you meditate on Vesta, ask for her protection within your home, bringing into her embrace all those who fall under your protection, as well.

As you kindle a light for Venus, evoke the quality of beauty. Celebrate the veil of loveliness covering the earth at springtime; revel in the resplendent beauty of her creation. If you are a woman, honor your own unique beauty cast in the image of her loveliness. If you are a man, honor Venus' beauty in the woman or women you love. Draw beauty forth from those around you. Herald the beauty in your artistic creations.

As you kindle a light for Hygeia, evoke the quality of healing compassion. This quality is at work whenever you may be called upon to tend a loved one who is ill, dying, or suffering emotional wounds. You may wish to concentrate on Hygeia's compassionate energy pouring through your hands as you bring healing balm to someone in need of such soulful care. You may also evoke Hygeia as a source of healing for your own suffering. 

As you kindle a light for Juno, evoke the quality of the feminine in equal partnership. Meditate on the long historical journey of woman as "the wife," and how her role within the institution marriage has evolved over time. Contemplate those sacred duties of being a wife that still remain true: devotion, commitment, and faithful integrity within a dyad of love. 

As you kindle a light for Pallas Athene, evoke the qualities of wisdom and insight. Go to the place within your soul where there resides a place of strong and steady feminine "knowing." Feel guided by the hand of Athene's clear-sighted knowledge and intellect as you contemplate the problems you face in your everyday life. Ask for her guidance. Let your confusion clear in the light of her diamond-mind. 

As you kindle a light for Ceres, evoke the quality of nurturing. Imagine the goddess in her Great Mother aspect: filled with abundance and confident with the fullness of life, Ceres is the positive mother who fulfills our every need-both spiritual and physical. Her lap is wide; her smile is joyful; her hands are strong, busy, and capable. Ask for Ceres' blessings in your kitchen. Feel her spirit filling your cupboard with earth's fruits and grains. When loved ones turn to you for sustenance, feel her presence within you as she meets their needs. Imagine your own hungry soul nurtured by her love. 

Finally, as you kindle a light for the Moon, evoke the quality of the Divine Feminine. Pay tribute to the goddess as she appears in all her glorious aspects. Dance, sing, or pray in celebration for her re-emergence in our time. Bathe in the light of her pearl beauty. And last, bow to the moon in thanks for her ever-present light softly illuminating earth's creatures. 

© 2001 Dana Gerhardt

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