Ritual 24: Monday, June 11, 2007

Waning Moon

At this point in the season, the sky remains suffused with the remnants of the sun late into the evening. The increase of summer's light communicates a sense of expansive energy that invites possibility. Possibility asks you to follow inspiration's lead, to stay out later than you should, to talk louder than you should, to do a whole lot of things "er" than you should.

Tonight's magic liberates personal possibility from the chains of so-called propriety. The waning moon cycle helps you release the energetic shackles that come in the guise of modesty. How often do you respond, "I couldn't possibly" when a juicy notion crosses your mind. Your mission, if you choose to accept it, is to make "I certainly can!" your resounding refrain.

It will take passion and will... and you'll need some string. Depending on how constrained you feel in life, you may need a lot of it.

Begin by centering yourself comfortably in your own skin.

Think of something you've really wanted to do but haven't allowed yourself. Circle yourself in string and tie a knot. This is the symbolic chain you have created for yourself.

What else have you wanted to do but you've held yourself back with an "I can't"? Ask for a raise? Buy a new dress? Tell your friend a secret? Go on a vacation? Ask that cutie on a date? Make a piece of art?

For everything you've truly deeply wanted to express or experience or create that you've said "I can't" or "I couldn't", bind yourself in string.

Hang out for a bit, all bound up. Try to move. Not a lot of room, huh?

Now, take a deep fiery belly breath and let out a roar as you stretch your arms and legs outward tearing through your symbolic shackles. (If the string proves tenacious, locate a pair of scissors and snip your way to freedom.)

If you're inclined, you can chant:

Waning moon witness me
By my own will, I am free
I can I can I certainly can

"I can't" holds an entirely different energy from "I can and I choose not to." Now that you have ritually freed yourself, you have choice in your actions. You know in your body when something's a choice and when it's a chain. Dare to put your new freedom into practice. Take a risk.

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