Ritual 9: Monday, February 26, 2007

Waxing Moon

The moon reveals more of itself, night after night, as the cycle turns from new to full. An ever-changing but constant presence, the moon reminds us of our own cycles. We change, yet something core remains the same. Each one of us carries an essential energy signature. Without each of us, the world would be missing a certain flavor, sound, scent or color.

Take a moment tonight to call on the Roman moon goddess Diana, who can help you recognize your unique you-ness. Patroness of women, Diana was considered the lunar "virgin", which meant in her time "never married." As the archetype of the virgin, her energy is completely her own, unadulterated by the tumultuous twining of energy that comes through marital or maternal merging. In this respect, Diana is an excellent companion to call for assistance in revealing your own special essence.

Call on Diana in your own way or use this little invocation:

Diana, moon's own daughter
I call on you to help me discover
The essential soul that endures
Through all change and time
The core that is mine.

Reflect on a time when you were interacting with others in a group. This could be at work or school with your colleagues or peers. It could be at home with family. Select a recent memory that resonates with you in a positive way. That is, don't choose the memory of your last family fight or the contentious board meeting. It doesn't need to be a fireworks kind of memory. Just cue into a nice feeling of relating with others, and explore the details of when that occurred.

Ask yourself: "What did I bring to this interaction?"

This may be difficult to discern at first. If it is, try these techniques. Imagine how the event would have unfolded had you not been there at all. Would something not have be said or done? What quality or energy would be missing? Whatever the missing ingredients would be — those are you contributions. Alternately, visit the memory as if it were a play or movie. Who are the characters? What are they like? What does the character you're playing bring to the scene?

Ask again: "What did I bring to this interaction?" Jot down your reflections.

Now try another generally positive memory, and ask the same question. Record your thoughts on paper. Do it again for a few other memories, going further back in time. What rhythms and patterns do you notice? What word or phrase captures the essence of what you have carried through these experiences? Write it down. This is one aspect of the essential you who reveals herself through her actions.

If it feels good to claim it, say that word or phrase aloud and tap your chest. This gesture physically strengthens your relationship to your own energy signature.

If your discovery, instead, creates dissonance (which you'll recognize as an unpleasant feeling somewhere in your body), then write the word or phrase down on a piece of paper (like a 3x5 card) and write a question mark underneath it. Ask Diana and your dreams tonight to offer you insight into your relationship with this energy pattern. Be absolutely certain to record your dreams upon waking tomorrow.

Sometimes rituals don't have tidy, happy endings. Allow what is to be, and thank Diana for walking with you under the near-full moon tonight.

After the ritual, share your experience in our community section.