Ritual 46: Monday, November 12, 2007

Waxing Moon

The moon winks down from her nocturnal perch. Her domain has perceptibly expanded as nights have stretched further into the territory left by the sun's annual retreat. In the style of Mona Lisa, the moon's subtle crescent smile hints at secrets. What does the moon know that we do not? What do you know that no one else does? Is there a secret — sweet or sour — that you would never shout at noon, but might whisper at midnight?

Between Samhain and Winter Solstice beckons the dreaming time — the magical time of the unknown, of what is yet-to-come. It is a time for incubation more than action. When Solstice comes in late December, a spark — some possibility — is born in each of us. We are called to nurture this tiniest of dreams until Candlemas in February (See Ritual 5), when we may breathe it into life with the power of our commitment.

This means that now is the time for cultivating possibilities, for stirring the cauldron of dreams, so that when the sun turns its cycle on Solstice, we are ready to say a small and quiet "yes" to the spark that leaps out of the cauldron-fire and into our hearts. Nurturing possibilities is the art of holding space for "the many," without needing to commit to "the one." During the dreaming time of near-winter, within the sacred space of night, this is a private art. Secrets are safe to be named without needing to be shared.

Is there something you yearn for that you would never admit? Is there a goal you would never set because it seems unfathomably unattainable? Is there an identity you wish you could claim, but are afraid to name in public?

Scour your home (or go outside) and collect several little objects that will stand as symbols for the secret passions you harbor and the tender possibilities you wish to dream on before Solstice next month.

Place each object into a bowl (or even better, a cauldron) and name the dream it symbolizes. You're not committing to these. You are just daring to dream.

Holding the bowl between your hands, whisper these words:

Quiet dreams, I call to you.
Show me what's in my heart to do —
What is best
To manifest
When the time is right
Come Solstice night.

Cover the bowl with a cloth and place it under your bed. Leave the bowl under the bed for a full moon cycle and pay attention to your nocturnal dreams. Even better: write them down each morning!

You may be pleased at what your heart guides you to cultivate when the sun returns to its waxing cycle in December.

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