Salutations for the Full Hunter's Moon ~ October 2012

October is the month of the Full Hunter's Moon (September 2012 was the Harvest Moon).
This was the time to hunt in preparation for winter. This full Moon is also called the Travel Moon and the Dying Grass Moon.
Moon Salutations offset the common and powerful Sun Salutations. During a full moon, the lunar energy is most strong, but the benefits from Moon Salutations can be felt at any point in the cycle. The sacral chakra, Swadhisthana, is balanced through this series of asanas as the feminine side of our energy or yin is honored. In Sun Salutations, the masculine side of our energy, or yang, is honored. Moon Salutations are good for either sex, however, as we need that balance of both sides of energy.
October 29 the moon will be most full. Let the lunar energy fill you with peace and calm. The moon is cooling and luminous and these Salutations work to celebrate and promote all the magical gifts that the moon has to give.

Enjoy moon salutations to mirror this energy, calm the mind, relax the body, promote healing, feel empowered, uncover wisdom and creativity and grow in peace and balance.

 These are the asanas for the Yoga Moon Salutation:
Prayer Pose - palms together overhead
Crescent Moon Pose - arching to the left
Goddess Pose - squat, arms at sides in an L-shape, palms forward
Transition Pose - star pose, the body is like a 5-pointed star
Triangle Pose - extending to the left, right arm up Head to knee - left leg Lunge to the left
Forward Facing Lunge - right leg extended
Squat Pose - Malasana, hands in prayer position
Forward Facing Lunge - left leg extended
Lunge to the right
Head to Knee - right leg
Triangle Pose - extending to the right, left arm up
Transition Pose - star pose
Goddess Pose
Crescent Moon Pose - arching to the right
Return to Prayer Pose - palms together overhead.

Moon Facts & Folklore

• The crescent Moon hovers to the right of Venus on the 12th
• On Halloween, the Moon's in its spooky football-shape gibbous phase, floating above Jupiter.
• Corn planted under a waning Moon grows slower but yields larger ears.
• Babies born a day after the full Moon enjoy success and endurance.
• A new Moon in your dreams promises increased wealth or a happy marriage.

Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Falling on Grace

               There comes a time in life that you begin to see things differently, and this new insight is not always considered an attribute.  Consider it as a form of enlightenment from the vast experiences you have acquired throughout the years.  Our journey often takes different paths, unexpected paths, and it is this acquired insight that allows us to manage each new experience with more ease and Grace than before.

                It brings a heavy heart to mind, however, to use this new found grace when the path becomes dark and cold once again.  Somehow the pain and affliction build upon each other at the same moment and any hope for a life of light seems distant and almost obsolete.  Everywhere you turn negative energy and karma are directing spears of ice at your innermost being (the spirit of your beautiful beating heart) chiseling away at the surface, while slowing eroding your protective barrier. 

                How can those who you have loved most suddenly turn into harsh, bitter souls with vengeance as the only path left in their core?  Where they wronged so profoundly that they cannot see beyond hope? Or perhaps the present reality and the option of admitting fault is a burden just too large to carry?  Is loving another so cumbersome that choosing an anxiety laden life and regression to infantile actions  more appealing? Love cannot be turned on and off like a switch.  It evolved through positive actions and words forming a foundation to share throughout time.  If it truly ever existed it cannot be abandoned nor forgotten. 

                Falling on Grace  is the only solution that deems worthy in any circumstance, especially paths of cruel and unusual punishment.  The role of the servant and practicing submission is an arduous role, but one that proves rewarding at the end (I keep telling myself).  As we reflect on the past and the myriad of poor choices made is it possible to consider present day challenges as continued punishment? Absolutely not!  This is when you come back to Grace and understand in our hearts that if we are truly remorseful we can justly walk on paths of peace.  The speed bumps along the way are merely reminders that all energy is being attracted and repelled at the same time and it is our choice to choose love, gratitude and humility vs. vengeance, deceit and pain.

                A life without love is not the intention of this earthly world.  With this in mind, do we actively seek this love out or allow it to gently fill our lives in divine timing?  How long do we live without this innate quality, this love?  To watch selfishness vs. selflessness is heartbreaking and often a lonely road for many.  Where do we find strength to walk our walk of Grace each day when those that mean the most are on a self destructing path?  We can walk with open hearts through prayer. 

                Solace can come through formal prayers, breath prayers, and in the comfort of nature.  Let the soothing sound of the leaves gently falling bring peace as they drift through the branches onto the crisp, frosty grass only to be met by the glistening sun.  Allow the bursts of color warm your heart and bring a sense of comfort as thoughts of this new path of darkness attempt to taint your soul.  What lies ahead is unforetold, but the power of Grace will take you past the pain and into a sea of light.     

                      

Reality or Fantasy?

Find a guy who calls you beautiful instead of hot,

Who calls you back when you hang up on him,

Who will stay awake just to watch you sleep.

Wait for the guy who kisses your forehead,

Who wants to show you off to the world when you are in your sweats,

Who holds your hand in front of his friends.

Wait for the one who is constantly reminding you of

How much he cares about you and lucky he is to have you.

Wait for the one who turns to his friends and says, “…that’s her.”