You may have noticed that Moon Circles have slipped into the mainstream!  Come on, admit it!  You thought they were for those hippies who wore flower crowns and didn't shave their legs (gulp...yep that was me).  But there is much research, anecdotal but powerful nonetheless, that the moon cycles have an influence on the earth and our human nature.  So what is it all about?  

The circles are an expression of the divine feminine and they seem to be centered around women.  Makes sense as we have our cycle which can be, when balanced, concurrent with the moon cycles.  My cycle was all over the place...but in retrospect so was I.  Pay attention to that.  So here we have a moon with cycles, women with cycles...and earth with cycles.  If you just sit and mull that over for a bit it is a powerful and beautiful thought.  And thus the power of Moon circles.

Let's start with the New Moon. The new moon is a time when farmers traditionally like to plant.  It is a time to plant a new thought or idea and watch it germinate!  So with ritual, meditation, group process and conversation, intentions are set and the group consciousness supports each member!  I add the energetic use of essential oils to my New Moon circles to expand the possibilities and support the process! Using essential oils energetically is very powerful!

A full moon circle has a bit of a different focus! It is a wonderful opportunity to express gratitude for your abundance and to release what no longer serves you, making room for future manifesting!  

Dr. Christiane Northrup, a women's health expert and author of the upcoming book "Making Life Easy: A Simple Guide to a Divinely Inspired Life," said, "Women gathering around the moon cycles is one of the most ancient things we could be doing. It's helpful and healthful." 

"Connection with other women is more important to our health than exercising and eating right," says Naama Barnea-Goraly, M.D., former Stanford brain researcher and founder of Telle, an app to improve female friendships. "Yet most women feel like spending time with their girlfriends is an 'indulgence' and don't make enough time to nurture the female friendships in their lives." According to the ongoing Harvard University Grant and Glueck study, people with solid relationships live longer than those who are lonely. And their lives may be better, too. Looks like Naama is correct!​ 

I was reading the above quote and for a brief, 'non-shining' moment, I felt self pity! "OH YEAH...well what about the bad that came to me". I was surprised and yet it was the perfect thought because it created awareness. I could tell you stories of my past that would bring tears to your eyes.  I could whine about the struggles of my childhood.  But I won't...because...I have come to realize that without those experiences I would not be who I am today.  Period.  Have you thought about that?  "What if I was raised in luxury?"  "What if I didn't get sick?" Blah Blah Blah.  I have come to a deep place of gratitude for not only every good thing that has come to me, as Emerson so eloquently states, but for EVERYTHING that has come to me. Consider that for just a moment.

Here is an example. My clothing was always second hand. Here I am in all of my mismatched glory! I do remember at times feeling shame or embarrassment but two truths remain: I always had something to wear and I do believe that my compassion for all beings was developed during my challenging upbringing. 

I encourage you to consider this: What events, past or present, pleasant or unpleasant, have had a deep impact on your life?  Take a moment to reflect what gifts you have received as a result of those situations. Greater commitment to serve?  Inner Strength? A push to seek answers? A new friend? A thirst for knowledge?  I know that gift is there for you! Back to Emerson, "And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude!" I know that I often forget to give thanks for my challenges. How about you?  

​I invite you to take a little journey with me right now. Let's give thanks for those times/things in our world that created angst, anger, worry, fear and other things that go bump in the night.  Right now...deep breath in...deep breath out...close your eyes...embrace those moments...in gratitude.