Hail and Hello! Thank you for taking time to read my mental meanderings on Grandmother Moon.
The Moon has been a very influential celestial body through human history. My introduction to the Moon began as a teaching tool relating to the life and health of our farm. I remember we would plant certain seeds during different phases of the Moon. We would harvest during certain phases. Depending on when in September the full moon would make its presence known, was usually a sign of frost coming. We liked it when the full moon was at the end of the month, it meant a longer harvest time. We even castrated by the phase of the moon. It has always been a very integral part of my life. So much so, to this day (and I have lived many days) I am still surprised when people are unaware of what phase the moon, directly over their heads, is in.
The children’s rhyme, Jack and Jill, has roots in stories related to the waxing and waning of the moon. I have not, as of yet, discovered why Jill fell down and broke her crown. There is an Old Norse myth that tells us the story of the Moon, Mâni, who stole two children from earth, Hjuki and Bil, as they were collecting water from the well, Byrgir, in their bucket, Sœgr, suspended from their pole, Simul. The Moon as an archetypal kidnapper of children sounds eerily ominous and was perhaps told to keep children from wandering about at night.
There is a further twist to the tale. Hjuki actually comes from the Norse verb Jakka that means to pile up or increase. Bil comes from Bila, which is to fade, dissolve or fall apart. Is it likely that the old tale is actually about the cyclical waxing and waning of the moon? The fetching of water may have been a direct link to the Moon’s influence on the tides.
Each culture I have studied seems to have a creation myth relating to the Moon and its importance. It is no wonder it has such a Central Role in the Medicine Wheel. The gender of the Moon for the Medicine wheel I refer to, is Feminine. The moon, depending on the myth, can be Female or Male. Often the moon is a consort, or sibling to the Sun. I have read interviews with tribal Grandmothers and Grandfathers from the time of the first moon landing. A few of the interviewees had stories of how they had traveled to the moon. Equally fascinating, to me, were the descriptions of the moon’s surface, and how closely it corresponded to what the astronauts had reported.
Through the years of circling, sitting in ceremony and journey work I have had some of the most illuminating insights. Moon has been a patient teacher for me, helping me to sense my way into the physics of my own psyche. Not just the radiating qualities, albedo (reflective power) but also my edges and blends; my moon shadow. To consider the moon in these ways, to see one’s own radiating qualities, to polish those too with the brush of one’s heart.
Journey Suggestion:
Start off in your anchor spot (if you use one) with the intention of traveling to the upper world to meet the moon. As you journey to it, I would recommend you come with a gift. When we meet a presence so old, with deep abounding wisdom, it is respectful to offer a gift in return for its time. I travel with my magic pouches filled with all manner of offerings. Travel with intention. If you have never met before, perhaps you can simply absorb the energy it is sharing with just you. If you have made this journey before, perhaps it is time to begin cyclical work and you are seeking ideas and insights from the moon. Regardless of what you do, cultivating relationship with a Celestial Ancestor, is never a bad idea!!
Other resources you may enjoy:
- For more on the Medicine Wheel.
- Free shamanic music and drumming.
- Or if you’re new to journey work and wish to develop your own relationship with spirit, get started with journey work here.
- Our Meditations home page.
More resources on Moon:
- Articles:
- Podcast Episodes
Original post of the amazing photo of the moon by Seán Doran.
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