In the past, the people lived very close with the cycles of the Earth, Sun and Moon. The people had a very strong connection and understanding with and of these bodies, and listened carefully to what They sang to them. The seasons and moon cycles were often reflected in their religious ceremonies. The Modern Pagans, heirs of the ancient folk religions of pre-Christian Europe, still live with a strong connection with such cycles, and these cycles are ever still reflected in their ceremonies.
The full moon is the symbol of the Mother Goddess, fertile and shining. With the full moon goes all the symbolisms of the Mother Goddess: the chalice (the ritual cup,) the cauldron of life, blood (especially menstrual blood, as it is a symbol of fertility,) horns, mirrors, and all liquids. The Full Moon is the full power of the feminine secrets and mysteries. The colors most often associated with the Full Moon are Silver and white, such is the great shining Full Moon.
The full moon is a time of great power. This is one reason that many Pagan groups gater to celebrate this day, for the full moon is a time auspicious for its great magickal power. See my page about the influence of the moon on magick.
The Full Moon occurs about every 28th day. The Celtic Year was once divided into thirteen months, one for each moon occuring during the Solar Year. It began with the moon nearest Yule. To calculate each of these months, simply start with the Birch Moon on the moon nearest Yule and travel the cycles to the next "moon month," Rowan. Each of these "moon months" had a different magickal symbolism:
The Tree Calender
Birch Moon (feminine) Moon of Inception, Beginning
Rowan Moon (masculine) Moon of Vision, Spirit Moon, Astral Travel Moon
Ash Moon (feminine) Moon of Waters, Emotions
Alder Moon (masculine) Moon of Utility, Efficacy, Self-Guidance
Willow Moon (feminine) The Witches' Moon, Moon of Balance
Hawthorn Moon (masculine) Moon of Restraint, Hindrance, Summer Moon
Oak Moon (masculine) Moon of Strength, Security, Bear Moon
Holly Moon (feminine) Moon of Encirclement, Polarity
Hazel Moon (feminine) Moon of the Wise, Crone Moon
Vine Moon (androgynous) Moon of Celebration
Ivy Moon (masculine) Moon of Bouyancy, Resiliance
Reed Moon (feminine) Moon of the Home, Hearth, Winter Moon
Elder Moon (masculine) Moon of Completeness
Coming soon... a sample Esbat Ritual
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