This week is full of celebrations and commemoration - wrapped in a harmonious blend of feminine and masculine energies!
Today, July 20th, we celebrate National Moon Day, commemorating the historic lunar landing on July 20, 1969. This day reminds us of humanity's potential to reach for the stars and achieve the seemingly impossible. Take a moment to honor this achievement and reflect on your own aspirations and dreams. What will your next "one giant step" be?
Then, tomorrow, 7/21, the Full Buck Moon is at her fullest at 3:17am PDT. This Moon draws her inspiration from the animal kingdom. During this time, male deer, or bucks, are at the peak of their antler growth. Native American tribes observed this phenomenon, which led to the naming of this powerful Full Moon. Bucks grow their antlers in preparation for the mating season, symbolizing strength, dominance, and growth.
The Buck Moon is a time of abundant vitality in the natural world. Plant life flourishes, and wildlife, including deer, thrives, gathering essential resources for the months ahead. Traditional preservation techniques like smoking and drying meat were crucial for survival, making the Buck Moon a vital marker in the seasonal cycle.
The Buck Moon’s energy embodies authority, ambition, and change. As you bask in the warmth of summer days, this Full Moon encourages you to harness your masculine energy to pursue your goals with determination and vigor. It symbolizes a time for setting ambitious long-term goals and embracing leadership roles in our personal and professional lives.
This period invites us to strike a balance between productivity and relaxation. With longer daylight hours, there’s a natural inclination to accomplish more and progress significantly. However, the Buck Moon also reminds us of the importance of taking breaks, enjoying leisurely activities, and replenishing our energy amidst the hustle and bustle. It’s a gentle reminder that balance is key to a fulfilling spiritual journey.
As we approach the midpoint of the calendar year, the Buck Moon serves as a checkpoint for reflecting on our achievements and recalibrating our ambitions. It’s a time to tap into our inner strength and resilience, aligning our actions with the natural rhythms of growth and renewal symbolized by the antlered bucks preparing for the challenges ahead.
A Few Ritual Suggestions:
1: Refresh Your Sacred Spaces
Creating spaces that inspire you to embrace your inner power and assertiveness is a lovely way to honor this lunar cycle. Use this energy to take charge of your life and make confident decisions. Use crystals, candles, colors, and symbols that represent your intentions.
2: Create Moon Water
As with most Full Moons, it is an excellent time to charge all of your favorite baubles, crystals, and creative tools and brew a batch of Moon Water! Make sure your vessels are clear glass - no plastics for this one.
In addition to water, I set out skincare, essential oils, favorite crystals, jewelry, and other baubles… I also set out creative tools I use, like my pens, journal, paints, glasses, and current favorite mug.
Why charge water under the moonlight?
The close connection between the moon and water allows for the infusion of lunar energy into the liquid. You can use your moonbeam water for various things, including ritual baths, crafting cocktails, and conducting dissolving rituals. To brew your own batch of moon-infused water, fill a container with filtered water, position it directly under the moonlight, speak an affirmation or prayer over it, and allow it to sit overnight in the moonlight. By the morning, the moon water will be ready… be sure to bring it inside before the sun comes up and store it in a dark, cool space.
3: Write It Out
Reflect on your journey, goals, and the steps you need to take to achieve them... then journal your thoughts. The Buck Moon is an excellent time for deep introspection. Here are 5 prompts that weave together this Moon’s mood.
Reflect on a time when you demonstrated strength and determination in your life. How did it feel to harness your inner power? What goals or dreams are you currently pursuing that require this same ambition and vigor?
Consider the areas in your life where you seek growth and renewal. What old habits or beliefs need to be shed to make room for new possibilities? Write about the steps you can take to cultivate this transformation.
How do you currently balance productivity and relaxation in your daily life? Are there moments when you push yourself too hard or neglect self-care? Create a plan to harmonize these aspects, ensuring your drive and need for rest are honored.
As we approach the midpoint of the calendar year, take a moment to reflect on your achievements so far. What milestones have you reached, and what challenges have you overcome? How can you recalibrate your ambitions for the rest of the year to align with your highest intentions?
Think about the roles of leadership and authority in your life. In what areas are you called to step up and lead, personally or professionally? How can you embody the qualities of a compassionate and confident leader, inspiring others while staying true to yourself?
4. Plan a Mini-Vacation or Staycation
Embrace the leisurely spirit of summer by planning a mini-vacation or staycation during the Buck Moon. Create a relaxing atmosphere at home with incense, soothing music, and indulgent treats. Take this time to unwind from daily stresses, recharge your energy, and reconnect with yourself. Whether exploring nearby attractions or simply lounging in your backyard, prioritize self-care and rejuvenation during this magical lunar phase.
Lastly, Monday, 7/22, is Mary Magdalene's Feast Day!
In 2016, Pope Francis elevated this “memorial” to a full feast day, making St. Mary Magdalene the only woman besides Mary, the Mother of Jesus, to have a feast day at this level in the Catholic Church.
Mary Magdalene is the Patron Saint of Women and symbolizes divine feminine energy. Her feast day powerfully reminds us of women's strength, resilience, and spiritual depth. Honor the women in your life on this day and reflect on the qualities of compassion, courage, and wisdom that Mary Magdalene represents.
Ways to Celebrate:
- Prayer and Meditation: Spend time in prayer or meditation, seeking guidance and strength from Mary Magdalene.
- Acts of Kindness: Perform acts of kindness in honor of Mary Magdalene’s legacy. Support and uplift the women around you.
- Reflection: Reflect on your own journey and the ways in which you embody the qualities of Mary Magdalene.
This week, allow the Moon's energy, the spirit of celebration, and Mary Magdalene's wisdom to guide you. Embrace a week of divine feminine and masculine energies in harmony! Pursue your dreams with determination and nurture your soul with love and care.
Let this be a week of transformation, inner power, inspiration, and connection with these profound energies surrounding us.
Wrapping You in Love + Light,