Lorri@Mabon_House 11/20/24 Lorri@Mabon_House 11/20/24

Moon Energy in November - The Waning and Dark Moons

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As we move through the second half of November, we find ourselves closer to the beginning of winter. This year, the waning moon dominates this period, culminating in a new moon on December 1. During this two-week phase, the shorter days naturally encourage introspection and release.

The waning moon is a time to shed old patterns, habits, or mindsets, and November’s waning moon is particularly potent as it precedes the winter solstice—the darkest part of the year in the northern hemisphere.

This phase offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on what is no longer serving you, allowing you to prepare for winter with a lighter mental and emotional load. If you practice shadow work, this is an opportune moment to delve inward, confront your inner truths, and embrace the energy of transformation.

Here are some rituals and practices to help you connect with the waning moon and set your intentions for the next turn of the Wheel of the Year.

November Rituals and Practices for Letting Go

Journaling for Release

Journaling is one of the most effective ways to find clarity and identify areas of your life that need improvement. Whether you prefer a stream-of-consciousness style or guided prompts, journaling helps bring buried emotions and thoughts to the surface.

Here are some prompts to get started:

- What am I holding onto? (e.g., grudges, limiting beliefs, memories)

- What can I do in the next month to bring more joy or reduce stress in my life?

Recommended Tools

Journal Prompt Cards: These include over 100 prompts to guide your reflection throughout the year.

My Favorite Journals: I’ve shared my favorite journals before—perfect for long-term use and reflection!

A Cleansing Ritual

A cleansing ritual during the waning or dark moon aligns perfectly with the phase’s energy of release. To perform one, follow these simple steps:

1. Prepare your space: Choose a quiet area and gather your tools, such as cleansing herbs (rosemary, sage, or lavender), saltwater, or essential oils.

2. Set your intention: Focus on what you want to release, saying it aloud or silently (e.g., *“I release all energy that no longer serves me.”*).

3. Cleanse: Waft smoke from herbs, sprinkle saltwater, or diffuse oils around the space. Visualize negative energy leaving and positivity filling the room.

4. Seal the ritual: Welcome protective and calming energy, then express gratitude for the cleansing. Ground yourself with water or tea afterward.

Letting Go Meditation

Meditation is a powerful practice for cultivating inner peace and clarity, especially during this time of release.

- Guided meditations: Perfect for beginners or those seeking structure, these meditations often include calming visuals and verbal guidance for deep relaxation.

- Solo meditation: Focus on your breath, a mantra, or simply observe your thoughts, allowing a freer, more personal exploration.

Both approaches help reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and create a deeper connection with yourself, making meditation an excellent tool for emotional and mental release.

When I meditate or want to turn off any racing thoughts, I’ll listen to this creator on YouTube.

Recommended Tools

- Meditation Cushions: I would only buy a specific meditation cushion after meditating on a regular basis for while, to make sure that you will actually use it.

- Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, lavender, or frankincense are ideal for creating a serene (almost spa-like) atmosphere.

The waning moon and dark moon phases in November provide an ideal time to slow down, reflect, and let go. Through journaling, cleansing rituals, and meditation, you can align with the moon's energy to shed what no longer serves you and embrace the natural cycles of release and renewal.

What practices help you release and reset during the waning moon? Let me know in the comments below!

The November Moon

I always think of November as a transitional month between the busy short autumn days to the longer, slower winter evenings. For me the month is an invitation to slow down and breathe. While I’m reluctant to say goodbye to warmer days, there’s something deeply soothing about this seasonal shift.

The November Moon & Wheel of the Year

For those of us who follow a nature-based spiritual path, the November moon falls during Samhain, at the very beginning of the Wheel of the Year. This first full moon of the new wheel invites us to harness its energy and set intentions, seek clarity, or prepare to let go of the things that no longer serve us.

The November Moon & The Crone

Throughout history, cultures worldwide have named each moon, and November’s full moon is often called the “Dark Moon” or the “Beaver Moon.” The moon, embodying feminine energy with its 28-day cycle, has long guided planting and hunting seasons, seasonal celebrations and the ocean’s tides.

In the Triple Goddess tradition, the full moon represents the Mother, a symbol of fullness before transitioning into the Crone phase. I don’t think any other month of the year embodies the essence of The Crone like November. It is the end of the growing season, when everything dies. While at the same time it is a time for beginnings. If you are like me, mistakes have been made in the past twelve months. What can we learn from them? How can we grow? No matter what your age, tapping into your inner crone is tapping into your own innate wisdom - it’s like listening to the small voice inside - you know, the one that you might otherwise ignore.

If you’ve been caught up in the hustle of daily life, November is an ideal time to pause and reflect. Celebrating the November moon cycle can give you a framework to move from autopilot toward intentional practices and activities that will bring you joy and fulfillment.

Simple ways to connect with November’s moon:

Meditate under the moonlight, setting intentions for the new season. If you can’t catch the moonlight where you live because of weather/location, you could light a candle instead.
Journal about what you wish to release and what you hope to cultivate. These are my favorite journals that I have used for years.
Spend meaningful time with loved ones, enjoying the season’s warmth and connection. The holiday season is about to kick off. Rather than being stressed about dinners and gifts, how can you make this time of year feel easier and more enjoyable with the people you love?
Let go. During the waning moon period (the second half the moon cycle) focus on what you would like to release in your life. I dare you to get deep with this one - what is the thing, the habit, the relationship, the situation that you know you need to change?

November often gets a bad wrap because it signals the long cold months ahead (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Approaching the darkest month of the year with a sense of curiosity, reflection and intention can help you enjoy this time of year instead of dreading it. Following the cycle of the moon is just one way to find inspiration for slowing down and embracing this season of transition.

Will you follow the November Moon?

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Lorri@Mabon_House 8/19/24 Lorri@Mabon_House 8/19/24

Who is a Cosmic Witch

The term "cosmic witch" conjures images of stargazers, moonlit rituals, and a deep connection to the celestial bodies that paint our night skies. But who exactly is a cosmic witch, and what sets them apart from other practitioners of modern witchcraft?

At its core, a cosmic witch is someone who draws their power and inspiration from the cosmos—the stars, planets, moons, and all the celestial phenomena that reside in the vast expanse of space. This type of witchcraft is deeply intertwined with astrology, lunar phases, and the energies of the planets. A cosmic witch views the universe as a living, breathing entity, with its own rhythms, cycles, and influences that can be harnessed for magical purposes.

Connection to Astrology

Astrology plays a significant role in the practice of a cosmic witch. They often work with the zodiac, tracking planetary transits and understanding how these movements affect both personal and collective energies. The birth chart, a map of where the planets were at the exact moment of one's birth, is a key tool for cosmic witches. They use it to understand their strengths, challenges, and the unique cosmic blueprint that guides their life path.

Working with Lunar Phases

The moon is another central figure in cosmic witchcraft. A cosmic witch meticulously tracks the phases of the moon, using each phase's energy to empower their spells and rituals. The new moon is a time for setting intentions, the waxing moon for growth and manifestation, the full moon for culmination and celebration, and the waning moon for release and reflection. This cyclical rhythm is deeply embedded in a cosmic witch’s practice.

The Power of the Planets

Beyond the moon, cosmic witches work with the energies of the planets. Each planet in our solar system is associated with specific qualities and influences. For example, Mercury governs communication and intellect, Venus rules love and beauty, and Mars is linked to action and courage. By aligning their rituals with planetary movements, cosmic witches can enhance the effectiveness of their magic.

Practices & Tools of a Cosmic Witch

A cosmic witch's toolkit might include astrology charts, star maps, crystals associated with celestial bodies (like moonstone for lunar energy or amethyst for the spiritual connection to Neptune), and, of course, a telescope for stargazing. They may also use candles, incense, and herbs that correspond to planetary energies in their rituals. Technology can also be a part of their practice—astrology apps, online star maps, and even software for tracking planetary transits can be valuable tools for a modern cosmic witch.

Cosmic witches often align their rituals with celestial events. Here are some common practices:

Lunar Magic: Performing spells and rituals in sync with the moon's phases, from new moon intentions to full moon manifestations.
Planetary Days and Hours: Timing spells and activities based on the traditional associations of planets with days of the week and hours of the day.
Meteor Showers and Eclipses: Harnessing the powerful energies of these celestial events for potent magic and transformation.

A Modern Practitioner

In today’s world, being a cosmic witch doesn’t require a deep background in astronomy or astrology, although many are passionate about these fields. It’s about feeling a profound connection to the universe and allowing that connection to guide your spiritual practice. Whether through meditating under the stars, casting spells timed with planetary alignments, or simply finding peace in the night sky's vastness, a cosmic witch aligns their energy with the universe’s grand design.

A Universe of Possibilities

Cosmic witchcraft offers a universe of possibilities—literally. It’s a practice that invites you to look beyond the earth, to see yourself as part of a much larger, infinite cosmos. It’s about recognizing the magic in the stars, the power in the planets, and the guidance in the moon's phases. For those who feel drawn to the night sky, who sense the pull of the stars, and who want to tap into the cosmic forces that shape our world, the path of the cosmic witch may be the one for you.

Whether you’re just beginning your journey or are already walking the cosmic path, remember that the universe is vast, and your potential within it is limitless. Reach for the stars—they’re already part of your magic.