Dark Moon Phase a time for rest and meditation

Dark Moon

The moon is said to be in her dark moon phase when she has waned so much that she is no longer visible to us. This happens for 3 nights before the new moon. This is a time for quiet reflection and meditation in readiness for the new moon phase to follow.  The crone goddess is represented now and demonstrates to us her inner wisdom and knowledge.

You could find that you crave solitude at this time of the month. It is a time that encourages us to look inward; you may feel tired and have less energy than at other times. Treat yourself with love and understanding, allow yourself time to think and to meditate.

This dark phase of the moon is a natural cycle and as such we should learn to embrace it for all of it’s qualities. In this way, by tuning into these natural rhythms we are at one with nature and therefore at one with ourselves.

“There is less energy available for outer activities and meeting the expectations of others, because the purpose of the dark phase is for focusing on the inner dimensions of our bodies and minds. If we can learn to attune ourselves to the natural rhythms of ebb and flow in our lives, we can use the intrinsic function of the dark times for healing and renewal. When we resist this inward motion in our psyche, then anxiety, stress, and fear are more likely to take hold of our emotions.” [1]

Our ancestors knew how to read these rhythms of the moon and to alter their lives accordingly. This was often a period of rest. Women would often menstruated at this time for this is the natural cycle for women who live and sleep out in the open away from artificial light. Women would often get together at this time of the month in their huts or tents. They would spend the time in quiet activities, crafts, mending broken cooking appliances, story telling. Nowadays obviously this is not the case for most modern women whose natural rhythms are largely affected by artificial light. What phase of the month does your menstruation happen? If it occurs at the dark moon phase take this as an extra sign that life should slow down for just a few days.

Try and take a bit of time out for yourself therefore this dark moon. Spend some time meditating if you can and, without dwelling on any negative thoughts, look to your inner self for any answers you may be seeking.

References

Kindred, Glennie, Sacred Celebrations, Gothic image publications.

[1] Demetra George, Mysteries of the Dark Moon, The Healing Power of the Dark Goddess, Harper San Francisco, 1992.