Ritual 16: Monday, April 16, 2007

Waning Moon

It's the middle of April. The moon reaches its point of total darkness tomorrow, pausing for a day at new, before beginning its monthly cycle of growth. April is all about growth — the sudden burst of green from the earth, buds opening into blossoms. The name of the month "April" is thought to come from the Latin word "aperire" which means "to open."

You may have felt your energy beginning to open or expand as the days have lengthened and the Earth has awakened from cold slumber. What are you opening to? What newness is about to spring forth in your life?

Prepare for your own awakening by taking a waning moon April shower. As the adage goes, "April showers bring May flowers." A shower on any waning moon is a symbol of cleansing. Add April to the mix and you create a sense of preparation, as if you were cleansing yourself in anticipation of the beauty that will flower in the garden of your soul when Spring later ripens into Summer.

In the month of April, ancient Romans celebrated ludi, or sacred games, in honor of Magna Mater (aka Great Mother). The Roman poet Ovid also associated April with Aphrodite. The Romans sure loved their goddesses! Take a cue from them and make your shower a ritual that honors yourself as the embodiment of Mother Earth or the beloved Aphrodite — whichever feels more "you."

Run a warm shower. Before you step under the stream, say a prayer of gratitude for your plumbing. What a miracle to have running water at your fingertips. And you didn't have to lay the pipes!

Take time to enjoy the feeling of the water on your flesh. This ritual is very much about flesh. It is the flesh of the Earth that brings flowers and fruit. It is the flesh of your body that holds presence and pleasure. Mother Earth is round and generous. Aphrodite is soft and sweet. Hold only generous or sweet thoughts for your curves or planes. No body bashing allowed in this shower!

With the power of your intention, imagination and words, the water washes away remnants of whatever is old or outdated, preparing you for the new. You visualize-ers can see it wash down the drain. You sense-ers can feel it cascade off of you.

I prepare myself with this sacred shower
and open to magic that's about to flower.

Towel off, and tuck into your jammies. Go to bed early tonight, and awake fresh for the new moon that greets you tomorrow.

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