Maybe you've never heard of the Moon's influence on our energy balance, and if so, let me tell you a little about it.
From our forefathers, there are stories about the phases of the moon, what we should or shouldn't do on a full or new moon, how we should balance ourselves during its different phases. Many of us like to recharge and clear our energy through rituals and intentions of renewal or release, to prepare ourselves for a new cycle with an energy flow aligned and balanced with Mother Nature and her energies. We know that the Moon exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth, which causes ocean tides. During a full moon, the Sun and Moon are in perfect alignment, causing a stronger gravitational pull and greater tidal variations. But how does this attraction affect us?
One of the most common phenomena described by women is a worsening of premenstrual symptoms during the full moon, and some women experience a synchronization of their periods with the phases of the moon. I can say that I also belong to this category. I never cease to marvel at these synchronicities and alignments with universal and natural energies. Some experience feelings of mental fog or insomnia, agitation, aggression or restlessness. We even find claims that hospitals see a higher number of injured patients during the full moon phenomenon.
Like the tides, our life force transforms with the lunar cycle. We experience a high flow of energy when the Moon is waxing, and when the Moon is waning, so do we, losing intensity. And so it happens every month. We are all a manifestation of vibration, of energy, and knowing that matter is made up of vibrational energy at different frequencies, it is fascinating to think about our own vibrational signature and how we resonate and are influenced by certain natural phenomena. In order to connect with the Moon, we must first become aware of the phases of the moon and its natural cycle. There are eight phases that we go through with the moon, and we see how it changes, transforms, in relation to the Sun and the Earth. In general, the New Moon is a yin, feminine time, and the Full Moon is a yang, masculine time. The eight phases are the New Moon, of new beginnings, the waxing Crescent, dream exploration and ascension, the First Quadrature, the time of commitments, the balance of new and full. It is an appropriate moment of release and healing, to let go of all the things that do not define us. The gibbous crescent moon, which appears 10-15 days after the New Moon, is about having the strength to go your own way, not to give up. And here we are at the Full Moon, the stage in which the energy becomes strong, passionate, correlated with the fire element, in which we let ourselves flow and allow ourselves to feel more intensely. This stage is about gratitude and forgiveness. The Waning Gibbous Moon, 3-7 days after the Full Moon, is a time of acceptance and relaxation, of stillness, an emotional time to remember to breathe and heal by letting the flow of life flow. The Last Square, 7-10 days after the New Moon, is about balance and acceptance, about making decisions, what helps us and what we have to give up. The eighth phase, the waning Moon, is about release and healing, about complete surrender, in which we prepare for a new cycle.
When we are in harmony Mind, Body and Soul, we feel balanced and in rhythm/flow with the Universe. During this time, it is much easier to float/to go with the flow or to be stronger during an increase or decrease in lunar energy and more difficult days. For example, when the Moon is in a square or opposition, our stress and anxiety levels can temporarily increase, creating a state of conflict and uncertainty, then naturally returning to balance. Sometimes we become overwhelmed, feel stuck or uninspired, and experience strong emotions that linger. Have you ever felt that way?
At times like this we can connect with our ancestors and their rituals, burn sage smudges to cleanse our energy and soul, clean our home, reflect on our emotions, in meditation, do yoga, or to take care of ourselves through other healing rituals, such as aromatherapy and essential oils.
Essential oils and Aromatherapy are a good way to recharge, release or clear our energy and vibration, enjoying feelings of clarity, well-being or grounding. We know that essential oils resonate with the Power of the Five Elements, but also with the Moon and its phases. We know that essential oils are Mother Nature's powerful tools that hold nature's wisdom, so when we use them, we tap into that very healing source. The unique scents of essential oils can create instant positive effects and influence the physical body at the cellular level. Citrus, herbaceous, floral or camphor essential oils create a synergy with the Moon and the natural elements.
New Moon or waxing Crescent periods are dedicated to personal path clearing, growth, soul warmth, progress and dedication. The essential citrus flavors of Sweet Orange, Mandarin, Bitter Orange, Grapefruit and the spicy ones of Cinnamon, Clove, Nutmeg nourish and invigorate our experiences during these phases. However, there are times when we need floral, grassy, resinous scents and essential oils to ground us, such as Patchouli, Tea Tree, Geranium, Palo Santo, Cedar essential oil. During the Full Moon, as energy rises, so do our emotional states, reaching their potential. Essential oils help us to balance ourselves hormonally and emotionally, they help us respond to emotional intensity. The essential oil of Frankincense, Frankincense, is the oil we turn to during the Full Moon, as it is a spiritual oil, but also because it matches any other oil and intensifies its power. Frankincense oil gives us balance and protection. Clary Sage essential oil is also an oil that balances both emotionally and hormonally and is used especially by women. It aligns with the energy of the Moon, promotes restful sleep and brings relaxation to all who use it. As the Moon wanes, the energy also wanes and is balanced by floral, herbal, menthol or camphor oils. If during this period we feel unmotivated, exhausted and completely unbalanced, menthol, Spearmint, Peppermint, Mint, floral, Neroli, Harshiangar, Rose and citrus oils, such as Bergamot or Lemon essential oil, manage to lift our mood and to energize us easily. Bergamot essential oil is renowned for rebalancing, so if we're feeling assailed by anxiety at the time of the waxing Moon, using it reduces tension and grounds us. We use Cedar and Sandalwood essential oils while meditating to connect with the Earth, while clearing our minds of intrusive thoughts, and the Full Moon is waning and it's time to let go.
To get over the insomnia we can have during a Full Moon, we can use the blend below to calm down before bed. The problem of lack of sleep may be due to moonlight, our body produces melatonin when it is dark. The pineal gland secretes melatonin and controls our circadian rhythm, so using essential oils that stimulate the gland helps balance our sleep. We add 5 drops of Sandalwood essential oil, 4 drops of Cedar, 3 drops of Vetiver essential oil and 3 drops of Frankincense in the diffuser, for a peaceful sleep.
If we are agitated, restless or feel like we are going crazy easily :), we can use a blend to calm down at any time. We can use it in the diffuser or put it in a roll-on and apply it on the wrists, behind the ears or on the temples to relax. This blend grounds us, gives us clarity, focus and relieves tension. We mix 8 drops of Ylang Ylang with 5 drops of Bergamot and 5 drops of Pine essential oil. If we use this blend in a roll-on, 10 ml of carrier oil of jojoba, avocado, almond, etc. are needed.
Instead of fighting these lunar forces, it would be best to harmonize with them. This blend helps us connect with the Moon. We mix 5 drops of Clary Sage essential oil with 2 drops of Jasmine, 2 drops of Ylang Ylang and 1 drop of Rose. If you are a vanilla lover, add 3 drops of extract. We can use this blend in a diffuser or mix it with 10 ml of carrier oil in a roll-on. If you are a crystal lover, you can add moonstone or carnelian to the mix.
As we enjoy this Full Moon, the first of 2022, let's mix 2 drops of Myrrh essential oil with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang, 2 drops of Sandalwood, and 2 drops of Frankincense. We can use this blend in a diffuser or in a roll-on, for calming, centering, grounding and cleaning energy.
Therefore, the Moon has a significant role in our lives, a pattern that embodies an eternal cycle of transformation, a spiritual alchemy. The ongoing transformation of the Moon can be seen as an archetype for the transformation of the self. In its journey from the New Moon, or Dark Moon, to the Full Moon and back again, it undergoes a monthly rite of passage: it grows to fullness and cannot maintain this position, falls into decay, and finally falls asleep as if be dead, for 3 days, only to be reborn once more in radiant light. Sound familiar? :)
Happy Full Moon! nJoy!