Barley Moon    

    The barley moon coincides with the time of harvesting.  The message is different from that of the Wort Moon.  It heralds the reaping of the grain fields.  This is important, because grain symbolize the mysteries and cycles of life, death and rebirth.  Each kernel is the product of the first grain ever grown.  This life renews itself every year to lend its energy and nourish our bodies.  There is little on Earth that is as ancient or powerful.

    When celebrating the Barley Moon, remember that we have much in common with the grain.  We are each descended from the first pair of humans, and their blood still courses through our veins (albeit, diluted).  It sustains and energizes us.  It brings us life.  Remember, that we - each and every one of us - are products of this ancient and fertile life force.  And that even though personal ancestry plays a major part in our individual identities, we are all related, one to each other, and bound together for all of eternity.  Simply put, we each form a link in the chain of eternal life.

Things to Do for the Barley Moon:

• Dress in shades of yellow-gold, tan and warm brown to honor the grain harvest.

• Use yellow-gold candles and burn the Full Moon incense, or burn a patchouli incense.

• Decorate the altar with paper chains, ancestor photos or belongings, sheaves of wheat, and other grains of the season.

• Serve oatmeal cookies or sweet bread, and either alcoholic or nonalcoholic malt beverages for libation.

• Asperge the Circle with a sheaf of grain.  After Circle, place it on top of the outdoor libation spot and leave it for the birds.

• Write a thank-you not to one of your ancestors and burn it in incense, letting the smoke carry your message to its recipient.

• Set aside some time to meditate on the chain of life and Universal connection.  This is especially important if there are people in your life who you don't like right now.  Then try to make an effort to mend any relationships gone awry.  If you need help taking the first step, say the following prayer to the Mother Goddess:
                  Gracious Goddess
                  Who art Maiden, Mother and Crone,
                  Celebrated be Your name.
                  Help me to live in peace
                  Upon Your Earth
                  And grant me safety in Your arms.
                  Guide me along my chosen path
                  And show me Your great eternal love
                  As I strive to be kind to those 
                  Who don't understand Our ways.
                  And lead me safely to Your Cauldron of Rebirth
                  For it is Your Spirit that lives within me
                  And protects me
                  Forever and ever
                  So mote it be.