"When I admire the wonder of a sunset or the beauty of the moon, my soul expands in worship of the Creator" Mahatma Gandhi

I would have to admit that the one thing I truly long for, while living here in Florida, is autumn. Breathing in the brisk and clear morning air while visually feasting on a kaleidoscope of warm colors across the landscape, renewed me. I was surrounded by Farms and lots of old farmers that really seemed to come alive during these months of fall. Throughout a few particular seasons of change, I began understanding why. The Harvest Moon, somewhere between September 23-and October 10th, is the full moon that seems to be larger and more beautiful than other full moons and often has an orange or pink cast. This is the Autumn Moon which traditionally gave farmers a longer period of "Moon Glow", after sunset, to sow their Harvest crops well into the night.

The phases of the moon were understood as early as 500 BC by the Greeks. Spanning across time, cultures, and religions, the moon has held its place in the center of traditions, astrology, and folklore. Scientifically, the moon has proven power on its effect on the Earth and all living creatures. From the rising and receding of the ocean tides to the ebb and flow of a woman's cycle, the moon carries the energy of change. The gift and power of change is available to us not just at Harvest time, but all year through to sow and reap our self determined rewards using the moon.

Greek Mythology teaches of a Lunar Goddess called Diana, whose twin brother was Apollo, Lord of the Sun. Diana was known as a wild hunter, gatherer and protector of nature. She was also worshipped as the Goddess of fertility and creation, positioning her as the protector of midwives and childbirth. Greeks and Romans would call upon the Goddess Diana in drastic times of change for the most positive outcome.

Buddhist Teachings - There are number of special holiday observances in the Buddhist tradition that are celebrated on specific full moons during the year. The five most common holidays, Magha, Visakha, Asalha, Pavarana Day, and Anapanasati Day, are centered around the waning, waxing and full phases of the moon. These holidays celebrate the birth, life, enlightenment, teachings and death of Buddha through the practices of meditation, teaching, and prayer, physical work, creating and socializing.

Native American - Within Native American traditions, the Moon symbolizes feminine energy, the female Great Spirit, or Grandmother Moon (Neesa). Native American and Celtic traditions have honored the powers of a Woman's menstrual cycle with its relationship with the Moon by calling it "Moon Time". In many tribes or Clans, the Elders would create a special hut, tent or building that would be recognized as the "Moon Lodge". A place for those in the time of the "New Moon or Dark Moon" phase could go and replenish themselves with care from other woman and inner reflection of self. Special songs, meals and crafts hold their place in these "Moon Lodges" to honor the power of women.

It's more like the "Woman in the Moon" rather than "Man in the Moon"!!

New Moon - The new moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is invisible from the earth. The phase of the "Dark Moon" is for self reflection and inner nourishment. Using your energy wisely and not over exerting oneself unnecessarily. This is a time for reading, writing, music, and nutritional replenishment to balance your mind; body and spirit. The New Moon phase is the 7 days of the month you focus on a "New You" whether in your childbearing years or pre/post menopause. This phase commonly coincides with most women's week of menstruation.

On the New Moon make a list of what changes you'd like to draw into your life, and Dream Big! The new Moon is a moment to conjure what seems out of reach, and creating a vision is the first step to making a wish into reality. But these are not just words on paper. As you write them down as intentions, you are committing to doing your part to make them real. Some call it co-creating, since you're opening to universal energies to set dreams in motion. This list will serve as your guide through out the rest of the Phases.

Waxing Crescent Moon (Maiden Moon) "Waxing" means growing and refers to the size of the illuminated part of the moon that is increasing. The Waxing Moon represents new life, beginnings, youth, innocence, creation, and growth. The waxing moon indicates a period of increase, so you would preferably want to set the intentions of prosperity, healing, and relationships or love. Use this time to make deposits into your savings account, or place your business cards more abundantly around town. This is the time to go to a party or create that "Matchmaker" profile to bring that perfect love match into your life.

Full Moon (Mother Moon) The full moon is a very powerful time of manifestation energy. It represents sex, fertility, power, harvest, fruition, completion and wisdom. The three days of the full moon; day before, day of and day after; is the time to put the final gusto into your list. If the Waxing Phase is the "Sowing time", Full Moon is the "Reaping Time"!! These three days are the days you most confidently, put some lipstick and jewels on and go claim what is yours in the world! Sweet Success is at your finger tips. Allow the most divine essence of who you are as a woman to radiate just as bright as the Full Moon Glow. Get together with your friends for fun and laughter while howling at the Moon. Go make a deal of a lifetime for that new car, job or house. Do things that encourage and expand your Woman Power and Wonderfulness!

Waning Gibbous Moon (Crone Moon) "Waning" means shrinking. When the Moon is said to be waning, we see a little less of the Moon each day until it completely disappears when the Moon is New. The Waning Moon signifies endings, death, evolution, transformation. The waning moon is a period of decrease. This is the phase to work with decreasing or getting rid of things. Adjust your bookkeeping so that your bills are due and paid for during this time, decreasing debt and getting rid of bills. Most mortgage and credit card companies will work with you when requesting date changes. If it is a few pounds you wish to shed, implement a change of eating habits the first day of the waning moon. This can also be a good time to write that "Dear John Letter" or break the ties with that person, who's not such a balanced friend.

If the moon can lift and move trillions of tons of water from the mighty ocean, just imagine what it can do for your life?

Happy Harvest! Maureen