Ritual 38: Monday, September 17, 2007

Waxing Moon

We are in the tenth moon of 2007. What's that you say? September is the ninth month? Yes, in a 12-month calendar, September is the ninth month. But the lunar calendar counts 13 moon cycles from new moon to new moon. And we're currently in the tenth cycle of the year.

The number 10 marks completion. Completion always heralds the coming of the new. When we count our age, decades demarcate different phases in life. "Back in my twenties, I did this. My thirties were about that. My forties are in full swing." And so on.

As a numeral, 10 holds the key to everything that you're reading on your computer screen at this moment. Computers speak the mathematical language of binary codes. Binary codes contain strings of 1s and 0s. That's it. Ones and zeros. On or off. Yes or no. As a symbol, then, ten holds the power of choice. Carry the metaphor and we're standing in the moon cycle of crossroads. Multiply the metaphor by noticing that in Roman numerals, 10 is marked by X, the very symbol of crossroads.

X marks the spot for choice. We can hang out with all options at the crossroads. The one and the zero. But the moment soon passes, and to move forward you must choose one road or the other. This or that.

A pendulum is a handy tool for asking binary questions. Once you get the hang of it, you can get a swift yes or no in answer to your queries. As an extension of an ideomotor response -- that is, the way your body responds with subconscious information -- a pendulum is a user-friendly way to access inner wisdom.

If you already have a relationship with a pendulum, great. If not, you're in for a treat. Attach a length of thread to a paper clip. This is a rudimentary pendulum and should do the trick just fine. If you find that you like this technique, consider buying a more substantial pendulum at your local crystal shop, or making one of your own. Be warned, though. My own first pendulum was a fancy bit of jewelry... and never worked for me. Too much expectation. But my forays with the paper clip helped me release expectation. Who gets bent out of shape over a paper clip?

Easily soften yourself into a nice meditative state. Hold a bit of the thread and let the paperclip dangle with enough length to let it twirl. Just let it bob around. Try swinging it. Just for fun. Smile at it. (A smile is a natural ideomotor response. Used intentionally, a smile can guide the subconscious into an easy-going space.)

Ask your paper clip to show you "yes." Do this with ease -- it's just you and your paper clip kicking back. Just let it be, and it will show you yes. Excellent. Now ask it show you "no." Let it be, and it will show you a new movement that means no. Say thanks to your congenial pendulum, and ask it to confirm yes and no. After a few tries, you should have a clear sense of what yes and no look like from your pendulum. Don't worry about whether or not you're moving the pendulum, rather than it moving on its own. Essentially, you are. But from a deeper place inside yourself than your conscious mind. That's why it's a valid tool. I wouldn't stake my choices on what a piece of metal says to me. But what I say to me through the metal is worth attending to.

Go ahead and try out your new tool with some choice you're chewing on. Something you've been thinking about but to which reason has delivered no fruitful response. Phrase it like so: Should I choose X over Y? Check with your pendulum. Then switch it: Should I try Y over X? It's good to check from all angles, as there could be an option Z you haven't considered.

Based on this response, now what do you think about your choice? Even more importantly, how do you feel about it? Feeling is, after all, the domain of the moon.

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