New moon paganism is a practice rooted in the beliefs and traditions of Paganism, which is a broad term encompassing various nature-based spiritual and religious beliefs. The new moon is a significant phase in the lunar cycle, symbolizing new beginnings, fresh starts, and the potential for growth and transformation. In paganism, the moon is believed to emit powerful energies that can be harnessed for different purposes. The new moon is particularly revered as a time to set intentions, manifest desires, and embark on new projects or endeavors. It is seen as a time to plant metaphorical seeds and nurture them as they grow and develop. During the new moon, pagans engage in various rituals and practices to connect with the moon's energy and align themselves with its cycles.
Try lighting a candle during your Mabon ritual and focus on its flame. As you meditate, pose your question or intention and observe the flame’s behavior.
The fifth element, Spirit, can be honored by setting an intention or dedicating a portion of your ritual to acknowledging the spiritual significance of Mabon. He believed the solstice and equinox holidays should also have names like the ancient Celtic fire festivals Samhain, Imbolc, Beltane, and Lughnasadh.
During the new moon, pagans engage in various rituals and practices to connect with the moon's energy and align themselves with its cycles. These rituals may include meditation, visualization, spellwork, divination, and gathering in community to celebrate and honor the moon's influence. The main idea of new moon paganism is to utilize the energy of the new moon to manifest desires and initiate change in one's life.
Mabon 2014: Six Ways To Celebrate The Pagan Autumnal Equinox
The autumnal equinox falls on September 23 in 2014, marking the official first day of fall as well as the pagan holiday, Mabon, in the northern hemisphere.
Mabon is a harvest festival, the second of three, that encourages pagans to "reap what they sow," both literally and figuratively. It is the time when night and day stand equal in duration; thus is it a time to express gratitude, complete projects and honor a moment of balance.
Advertisement"Mabon is a time to reflect on the previous year, when we can celebrate our successes (likened to bringing in the harvest) and assess which crops, projects, or dreams didn't come to fruition," the Los Angeles-based pagan leader Laurie Lovekraft told HuffPost.
The pagan website The White Goddess explains:
This is the time to look back not just on the past year, but also your life, and to plan for the future. In the rhythm of the year, Mabon is a time of rest and celebration, after the hard work of gathering the crops. Warm autumn days are followed by chill nights, as the Old Sun God returns to the embrace of the Goddess.
The holiday is named after the Welsh God, Mabon, son of Earth Mother goddess Modron.
Some pagans mark the holiday by enjoying rich feasts with seasonal foods like apples, pomegranates and root vegetables. Many also observe rituals honoring the goddess' transition from mother to crone.
Lovekraft offered six ways to celebrate that can be done in small or large groups or individually:
1. Create an altar. This can be on a dining room table, hearth, or dresser with apples, leaves, pinecones, corn, pomegranate, squash, and root vegetables. Add gardening tools (scythe, baskets, hand trowel) and objects that are the colors of gold, orange, red, bronze, and rust. Light an orange or yellow candle and give thanks for the blessings of abundance you have in your life. (Always remember fire safety when working with candles and never leave a candle burning unattended!)
Advertisement2. Ask for blessings. When lighting your candle, you can call to the Goddess in her Mother aspect and/or ask the Green Man to bless your harvest.
3. Do apple magic. Apples are often harvested in the fall. Cut an apple horizontally to reveal the hidden, five-pointed star (a pentagram) inside. Look for pentagonal forms around you (ex. five fingers and five toes, five petals of certain flowers, starfish, etc.)
4. Listen to music. Music is a wonderful way to get into the mood of Mabon! Songs by Lisa Thiel, the Reclaiming Tradition, and S.J. Tucker are especially evocative.
5. Meditate on balance. This is especially helpful if you are a family caregiver, but also if you have a high-stress job, pressure-filled commute, or have a lot of personal drama. Reflect on how you handle pressure, how you manage your and other people's emotions, and how easily your peace of mind can be disrupted. Think about ways you can reduce stress and bring more balance to your days. Consider going to bed earlier and waking up earlier to get a jump on the day, practicing non-violent communication, eating more healthily, and eliminating unhealthy relationships.
6. Pray for peace. In a world out of balance, praying for peace and stability -- including a stable climate -- can be especially potent during Mabon!
4. Listen to music. Music is a wonderful way to get into the mood of Mabon! Songs by Lisa Thiel, the Reclaiming Tradition, and S.J. Tucker are especially evocative.
This involves setting intentions, visualizing goals, and utilizing various spiritual tools and practices to tap into the supportive energies of the moon. New moon paganism is not limited to any specific tradition or belief system. It is a flexible and adaptable practice that can be incorporated into various spiritual paths. Some pagans may focus on specific deities associated with the moon, while others may draw upon their own personal beliefs and practices. Overall, new moon paganism offers an opportunity for spiritual growth, self-reflection, and transformation. It is a time to honor the cycles of nature, connect with the divine energy, and embrace the potential for new beginnings. Through the rituals and practices associated with new moon paganism, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of connection with themselves, the earth, and the greater universe..
Reviews for "New Moon Divination in Paganistic Practices"
1. Jane - 2 stars - While I appreciate the concept of paganism and how it can connect individuals with nature, I found "New moon paganism" to be a shallow and misguided representation of the belief system. The author seemed more focused on creating an edgy and mysterious atmosphere rather than providing accurate and authentic information. As someone who has studied paganism for many years, I felt disappointed by the lack of depth and substance in this book.
2. Tom - 1 star - "New moon paganism" was nothing more than a superficial attempt to cash in on the popularity of paganism in modern culture. The author's portrayal of pagan rituals and practices was stereotypical and cliché, lacking any real understanding or respect for the beliefs. The book seemed more interested in fitting into the trendy genre of supernatural fiction rather than providing meaningful insights into paganism. I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a genuine exploration of pagan spirituality.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - As a practicing pagan, I was excited to delve into "New moon paganism" and gain some new perspectives. Unfortunately, the book fell short of my expectations. The author sensationalized pagan rituals and seemed more interested in creating an atmosphere of mystique rather than providing accurate information. The information presented was shallow and lacked depth, making it difficult for readers to truly understand the essence of paganism. Overall, I was left feeling unsatisfied and unimpressed with this book.
4. Michael - 1 star - "New moon paganism" was a disappointing read that felt like a cheap attempt to capitalize on the popularity of paganism. The book's portrayal of pagan practices was shallow and lacked authenticity. The author relied on clichés and stereotypes, completely missing the mark when it came to providing a genuine exploration of paganism. I would not recommend this book to anyone seeking a deeper understanding of pagan spirituality.