It is June already and summer has arrived here early in Alberta. The smoke from the wildfires is mostly gone and we had a few good thunderstorms this past weekend.
Tonight for some of us in the northern hemisphere, we will experience a full moon
A smoky red moon – charmedreflections.com
The Strawberry Moon
From the evening of June 3rd until the morning of June 4th, you may be able to catch a glimpse of this month’s full moon. June’s full moon is more commonly known as the Strawberry Moon. According to the Old Farmer’s Almanac, the local native Americans named the moon for its berry picking season.
In other parts of the world, this full moon is known as Honey and Rose Moon. In terms of spiritual significance, rose and honeysuckle are the flowers for June. So, pick yourself some roses this weekend if you can afford it. I can’t, so I settled on carnations instead.
Spiritual significance
The spiritual significance for this month’s full moon is to focus on new opportunities whether in love or business, renewal of energy, and creating abundance. This coincides with strawberry picking and ripening of other fresh fruits that you may grow in your garden.
With the rising cost of foods, it only makes sense to regrow foods where possible, to stretch your budget longer and also, to be more mindful of waste.
Blooming of flowers, pruning and gardening
Birth of new projects, ideas or relationships
Practicing pleasure (doing things that bring you joy)
Picking and eating berries you have grown
Ripening both in a physical and spiritual sense
Summer solstice preparations and meditations
Working with sun and moon energy
I’m not going to share ritual ideas this month due to low engagement. However, I did manage to take a few photos last night. So, enjoy. Unfortunately, it was pretty smoky and hazy last night – so they aren’t as clear as usual.
Looking for relaxing playlists? Check out Spotify!
I have numerous playlists for relaxation and sleep. Please follow & share with your friends!
Do you want to learn more about moonology or how I use gardening as part of spiritual practice? Then follow this blog for more posts like this. I share photography & music often.
On May 1st, fellow Pagans, witches and wiccans celebrated Beltane which marks the halfway point between Spring Equinox and Summer Equinox. Here, in Canada, spring is in full bloom and the trees and flowers have really started budding. The dry and brown grass is starting to turn lush green, and the birds outside my window, sing songs that wake me up early in the morning.
This has been a busy spiritual week and I’ve already shared how I celebrated Beltane which, for me, stretched over a period of three days. And now, it’s already May 05, and the full moon has arrived, which means it is time to honor the moon in all its glory, and spend some time with the moon tonight.
I’ve already completed my work for this month’s full moon and was able to capture this beauty last night from my balcony.
Flower Moon origins
That big glowing ball that lights up our night sky, has a different name for each month when the it is at its fullest. This full moon is called Flower Moon, which is a name that was given by our Native American ancestors who observed flowers in abundance. Other names include Budding Moon, Egg Laying Moon and Planting Moon.
Just like last month’s Pink Moon, the Flower Moon represents creation, abundance and growth. Growing things like flowers and plants from seedlings and nurturing them as they mature.
Dahlias PetuniasViolaPansies
Spiritual significance
In a spiritual sense, the Flower Moon is a time to focus on things that bring you joy and to celebrate what life has to offer. Go for a walk in nature and take a moment or two to literally, smell the flowers.
If you have a garden, spend time cleaning it up and preparing it for the growing season. Or if you have a balcony, sweep it with a broom, and get it organized for the plants or flowers you wish to have. While flowers and plants means some work – they really can bring “life” into your home. And for me, someone on disability, this is something to wake up to and do every day.
There are some areas in your life that you will need to pay attention to and take special care of. Where I live, we are in the midst of political elections and are surrounded by wildfires, so there is tension in the air. It’s important to take time for yourself, to ground yourself and protect your own energy. You can do this through mindfulness techniques such as meditation or yoga or just spending time with your garden and pets.
If you notice a surge of energy today, you are not alone. The full moon is powerful and now is the time to perform rituals of letting go, healing and welcoming abundance into your life.
Mother Nature can heal you in so many ways. My goal is to spend as much time as humanly possible outside on my balcony, going for walks, and even spending time with friends and family on the weekends.
Go out. Enjoy life and what it has to offer. And stop and smell the roses every now and then.
Magical Correspondences
Colors: red, orange, yellow representing the warmth and light emitting from the sun, allowing for growth and representing life.
Elements: fire (Beltane – Fire Festival), air and earth
Gemstones: ruby, garnet, and amber for fertility and celebrating the body of a woman.
Herbs: mint and fiery or spicy like chili flakes, or cinnamon
Pixabay Photo
Ritual suggestions
As a solo witch, I don’t really do anything elaborate for the full moon rituals. Mostly, I spend some time outside during the day with my flowers and plants. I lather myself up in suntan lotion and spend at least 30 minutes in the sun – otherwise I burn to a crisp.
At night, I will spend some time outside, usually for about an hour, or more if I’m reading – and I will stare up at the sky while listening to Celtic or meditative music and just try and clear my brain. The anxiety makes it challenging but it helps for overall well-being.
Writing in this blog monthly, is also part of my intention working and gives me something to do.
Altar Ideas – Pixabay
Solo practice ideas
Outdoors: Bring the candle with you outside and sit under the moon for a while. Just stare up at the sky and get lost in all the craters, dents and wonderful things to look at. Get your camera charged up and take some close up pictures. Take your journal with you and write down how you feel, what issues you are currently facing, and some ideas that may help you through the challenges.
Indoors: light a candle (if safe to do to so), journal entries, meditation, tarot readings, other forms of divination or have a full ritual bath with herbs, teas, oils, candles, etc.
Note: with the increase in wildfire activity, please do not light fires or leave candles unattended. Fires can spark easily in this dry heat. Please use caution and make sure the flames are properly extinguished. If you cannot use open flames – then consider LED candles.
Sorry, but I’m not feeling up to creating artwork today or printables. I’ll provide one next month. Thanks for understanding. For more information on moonology, please refer to the links below.
Spring is officially here and it is time to prepare for the upcoming full moon on Wednesday. Depending on where you are in the world, the full moon may start Wednesday night and last into Thursday.
The Growing Moon
More commonly known as Pink Moon, this full moon goes by various names around the world. The moon doesn’t actually turn pink, but the title refers to the blooming of the first pink wildflowers. It is also known as Paschal Full Moon and coincides with Easter weekend which officially starts on Thursday in some parts of the world with Maundy Thursday.
Spiritual significance
The spiritual significance can also vary for the Pink Moon depending on what you practice. I pulled the following information from various sources and picked what resonated most with me.
Awakening and illumination
Letting go of secrets or revealing secrets
Focus on prayer or meditations
Plant flowers or herbs for your garden
Connect with friends, build on current relationships
Make space for new projects and creating things
Here’s a playlist you might enjoy if you like choral music. This is music I tend to listen to in meditation on Good Friday morning, which is this week.
Ritual suggestions
Full Moon Circle: spend time outside and gaze at the moon, take pictures, perform a ritual outside to connect with nature
Raising energy, dance or play music, chanting – this all creates energy that can be used at the beginning of your rituals
Using incense to cleanse your space
Gather your crystals and charge under the full moon
Make moon water – use a jar or tumbler to charge water
Set intentions in a group or on your own
Release what no longer serves you purpose
Meditate under the moon (if safe to do so)
Explore deep breathing techniques
Draw 1 Tarot card for a reading and meditate on what it could mean
Pick and gather dandelions and either blow the leaves or prepare to use as dried herbs
Have a ritual bath with corresponding herbs, crystals and oils
Start preparations for Beltane/Beltaine on May 1st
This Sunday, we will experience the second full moon of the year. It is called the Snow Moon and holds spiritual significance for those who practice Moonology.
Snow Moon origins
The name Snow Moon dates back to the mid-1700s when Captain Jonathan Carver visited Naudowessie and chose the name because of the amount of snow that would fall in the area during that month.
Names for moon phases typically had connections to animals, which makes the Snow Moon more unique. Other names used for this moon include Hungry Moon and Bony Moon – giving a nod to lack of natural food sources available due to harsh winter climates.
The name Snow Moon also comes from Native Americans, Celtic and Nordic Paganism, and Colonial America.
Spiritual significance
The Snow Moon for February 05, 2023, falls in the sign of Leo which can aid in manifesting positivity and good energy. If you’ve been experiencing mental health issues like depression or anxiety, now is the time to focus on meditation, relaxation and practice the art of selfcare.
February 01-02 marked the sixth week of winter which means the days are a little longer and the moon rises a little later in the day. The weather is still bitterly cold in some areas and many people choose to travel to escape to warmer climates. Many people experience spring fever – I know I am. I’m so ready for winter to be over.
Spiritual focus
This time of year reminds us that if there is one constant thing in life, it is change. The weather changes so often in the northern hemisphere that it can seem like we experience seemingly all season on some days.
Imbolc, renewal and reusable energy
Imbolc is practiced from February 01 to February 07 in some cultures, and this is a good time to be mindful of what you use in your daily life and how much you waste. If you’re an environmentally friendly person, you may want to consider adopting practices such as recycling, renewing products or donating those items that may be collecting space in your home. The same goes for energy – both in our homes and our bodies.
This time of year, I often get into batch cooking and store food for the upcoming months. I will make things like soups, stews and chilis and freeze the leftovers. I use glass jars and food containers in an effort to waste less food which is a challenge as a single person. Being mindful of food waste is an important practice and gives nods to our ancestors who had to scavenge and hunt for food during long winter months where resources were barren.
In summary
if you want to work with the full moon energy this month, now is the perfect time to work on boosting up your own energy. Be creative. Practice selfcare. Do things that bring you comfort and joy – even if for 10 or 15 minutes each day. Meditate. Practice gratitude.
You will see positive changes if you incorporate these things into your daily life. I say this as someone coming out of a dark depressive episode who is finally feeling more like myself.
Work with what you have. You don’t need to go out and spend money on items. These are just suggestions to help you learn more about Moonology and spiritual practices. Find what works for you!
Ritual suggestions for boosting positivity
Brew herbal tea or calming tea before bed, light a candle while you drink it and listen to uplifting music
Meditate and focus on your intentions for the month
Practice gratitude and make a list of things you are grateful for
Charge your crystals and altar items by the light of the full moon if safe to do so.
Get creative – make something by hand, write poetry, paint a picture or build something new
Have a healing bath — see recipe below!
Correspondences and items you may use
Colors or candles: yellow, gold or orange
Crystals for positivity: tiger eye, aventurine, amethyst, rose quartz, malachite, clear quartz, blue lace agate
Planet association: the sun
Incense: patchouli, lemongrass or rosemary/rose, or sage for protection
Oils: lemongrass, orange or sage
Herbs or flowers for positivity and energy: rosemary, calendula, basil, spearmint, dandelion, honeysuckle, nettle, patchouli, lemongrass
Herbal teas: peppermint, chamomile, calming tea, green tea, lemon balm
Next month: March 07 – Snow Moon
Subscribe to this blog to keep up to date with monthly full moon ritual ideas or recipes for herbal baths that can aid in healing anxiety, chronic pain, depression and more.
This coming Saturday, marks the first new moon of 2023 and for some spiritual folk, it’s a significant one. I’m newer to the study of Moonology but sky-watching has always been something I love and done since I was a kid. It’s also one of the reasons I love my balcony in summer months.
New Moon: New Beginnings
Because it’s early in the year, now is a great time to work on self-reflection and introspect. Shadow Work is something I’ve done a lot of this past month, and it’s really been an eye-opening experience. It made me re-evaluate what’s important to me at this time, and the things I need to focus on for healing and letting go of trauma. I also realized that some things in life weren’t worth the struggle, while other relationships and things are.
The new moon represents the start of a new month. A new cycle. New beginnings. It’s a time where you can work on letting go of the past, things that no longer serve you well – and remind yourself of what it is, that brings you most joy.
During the new moon phase, you could make a list of things you want to focus on to help improve the quality of your life or relationships. You can start new projects and make a timeline so that you can see them to completion. Or perhaps this moon will help you pause and reflect on what you’ve learned over the last few years and what you can improve on for future events in your life.
Focus on positive things that bring you joy and gratitude
In an attempt to focus on positive changes, and practicing spirituality and gratitude in my daily life, I’ve noticed some really interesting changes. My main focuses are: health, sleep, reducing anxiety and writing as much as I can.
I’m also letting go of hurts and relationships that no longer serve me well. And learning to work with those who I can learn from, and hopefully help them on their journeys too. I’m trying to be a better friend. Depression has made this tough – but things are getting better.
For this new moon, I’m going to focus on journaling my intent for February. I might also include a ritual bath like the Anxiety Healing bath.
IDEAS FOR NEW MOON ENERGY
Bullet journaling: make a list of intentions for the month ahead
Crystal work: place your crystals in the window at night to charge under the light of the new moon, or outside if you have a safe space to do so. I love crystals – because they’re nice to touch and pretty to look at.
Divination: If you’re into Tarot, do a general reading to help you choose what your next course of action might be.
De-cluttering – maybe a goal could be decluttering your home or office or ritual space – I know I need to do this soon.
Manifestations: make a list of things you want to attract in your life – new love? new friends? new job?
NEW MOON RITUAL BATH
New Moon Intentions (for me)
The following is a list of things I want to achieve this month. These goals are for me and me only. You’re welcome to use them as inspiration for your own goal setting. My main concern – is the lack of ability to stick to something and see it through. I really want to be able to focus on one thing and actually get it done. That’s more of a feeling of accomplishment.
That meant, giving up some other things that I came to really love. Like my involvement in the kink scene. But it turns out, the involvement there is really bad for my anxiety. The relationships are hard. And I’m better off doing my own thing, and making my own rules as I go.
Finish the first draft of my book – I’m already 89 pages in and it feels good. I’m rewriting the entire series. This is just a hobby, and makes it feel like I’m accomplishing something.
Work on story ideas for other books and work on this blog daily, posting relevant articles that not only helps others but also brings me joy. Books will be free for now.
Create art or images for this blog and to share with friends. It’s therapeutic.
Focusing on the positive – keeping in mind I don’t always have to be positive or put on a mask.
Focus on sleep, exercise daily and get outside. It’s almost time for my daily break for stretches and vitamin D.
Keep in touch with new friends and be a good friend to them. I’m a good listener when given the chance to go do so.
See my dad weekly. I’ve been slipping and need to do better. See friends monthly. That’s all I can offer now.
Meditate more and continue to manage anxiety.
Are you a fan of Moonology? If so, what is your favorite moon to work with? Stay tuned for monthly tips on Full Moon meditations & monthly rituals.
Charmed Reflections 
You must be logged in to post a comment.