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FULL MOON REFLECTIONS
If the veil that divides the visible world from the realms of the invisible could be parted this full moon, what sight might greet us? Perhaps a bevy of swirling astral spirits known as "Jinns" said by Sufi mystics to govern the mental realm. Like the genie in the magic lantern in the Arabian tale, Jinns put strange thoughts and magical wishes into our heads. That sudden thought, that puckish idea, that brilliant insight-all the work of the lively Jinns. And this full moon the Jinns are out in full force: with Pluto conjuncting the moon in truth-telling Sagittarius opposite the sun in mental Gemini, Mercury stationing in the last degree of Gemini opposing Mars and Chiron, and a total of 10 planets in air and fire signs the atmosphere is fairly crackling with mental activity. Yet as I approached writing this column, taking into account the astrological configurations, I noticed that I felt strangely tired and lacking in inspiration. Even with this lunation directly aspecting the angles of my chart, there seemed no energy in the well for me to draw upon. Feeling stuck, I contemplated the waxing moon - then suddenly realized that I wasn't drained of creativity. Rather, I was brim FULL of ideas - lots of them, colliding and banging around in my head like so many crazy atoms, each one pulling me in a different direction. I was tired because my nervous system was overloaded from all the tantalizing possibilities, potentials, and enterprises the muse-like Jinns were dangling before my entranced soul. Swept up by the exhilarating whirl like a teen at her first dance, I had become ungrounded and disconnected from the slower rhythms of my physical body. Taking my cue from the moon herself, I began to understand that containing one's own creative fullness without spilling over into giddy chaos is a delicate art. Each month, the moon gradually builds from a slender crescent, then, at its peak, empties out, beginning the creative cycle all over again. For artists, writers, spirit warriors, and entrepeneurs, the moon in its full phase is nature's example of equanimity and poise. A feminine holding of powerful energy. A living image of grace under pressure. A symbol of harmony and balance. The pregnant, peaceful Great Mother in the pause before birth. How to handle the highly stimulating energy of this full moon? How to bear the inner chaos of rich creativity? For one thing, the ordinary activities of daily life - making the bed, folding the laundry, caring for children - can help to anchor the potent forces at play in the atmosphere. Working in the garden, walking in nature, or simply talking to a common-sense friend can help to keep your soul from being blown about by the winds of spirit. The breath - the bridge between body and spirit - can also help. Try this practice: first, bring to mind the three phases of the moon. While contemplating the waxing moon, inhale on a count of four, drawing in with your breath all the excitement and energy generated by the momentum of your creative projects as they build toward completion. Then, as the moon reaches fullness, hold the breath for seven counts, concentrating on being stillness. Practice holding the energy of peaceful equilibrium as, just like the moon holds the light of the sun, you contain the energy of your fiery solar spirit. Then, concentrating on the image of the waning moon, exhale four counts. As you do this, let go of all your work, detaching yourself from any desired outcome, and consecrating your endeavors to the will of the gods and goddesses. As the breath begins to work its magic, imagine that both your mind and physical body are restored to a state of calm balance. Like a tuning fork with perfect pitch, the rhythmic breathing crystallizes your being into a whole and elegant pattern of meaning. This full moon, don't allow your creative energy to dissipate into confusion and disorientation. Instead, learn to move in harmonious rhythm with the mischievous Jinns who are romancing your soul. Like a Sufi dervish, or the full-light moon who circles the earth, whirl round and round in cosmic harmony with these lively mental energies, becoming a still point at the center of the dancing universe. Look for a special MoonCircles celebrating the June 20/21 Solstice & New Moon Eclipse!
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