February Full Moon - Settling within, preparing for times ahead

Hello Moonchild :)

We have a Full Moon rising on Sunday, the 1st of February, one before the eclipse season begins (New Moon Solar Eclipse on 17th February). This one is therefore significant in terms of preparing for the changes the time is likely to bring our way.

This Moon does bring with it a sense of playfulness and light-heartedness which some of you may sense. Acknowledge this and celebrate it in a way that resonates with you. It could translate to spending quality time with yourself or loved ones, amplifying and spreading the cheer :)

In preparation for the eclipse season, there is a beautiful body conversation ritual that you can do. The idea being to be fully present in the body as a way of grounding, settling, coming home. I like to refer to this state as Ground Zero, the beginning from where you watch the eclipse winds blow, a place of intense awareness, of calm and acceptance, of innate strength that resides in each one of us.

HOW CAN YOU GO ABOUT THIS?

Set aside about an hour. You can do this anytime, ideally post moonrise. Try not to take it too close to your sleep time.

(Please check Moonrise/Moonset timings, I use the My Moon Phase app.)

Start by creating a safe and sacred physical space for the ritual. Choose a room that you feel comfortable in and will not be disturbed. You can decorate the space with flowers, incense and anything else that holds meaning for you. Keep your journal/some papers and pen handy. Light a ghee lamp (preferably) or a candle. Sit down and close eyes. Offer gratitude to your Gurus and ancestors. Visualize a Full Moon in your eyebrow centre, take a few breaths asking the lunar energies to guide you.

A. GROUNDING

Grounding by consciously placing your palms or feet on the bare earth/floor or being aware of the parts of the body in touch with Mother Earth is a powerful practice on Moon days. Visualize taking in energy from the earth as you inhale and releasing energy (energy that doesn't serve you well) into the earth as you exhale. Do this for 14 breaths

B. MOVEMENT

You could do a few stretches to ease the body out. As you do so, be aware of all the parts that are calling for your attention. Notice the sensations in the body as you go through the movements.

C. CONVERSATION WITH THE BODY

This is a deep, intimate and precious ritual. Take your time with it, keeping all judgements and inhibitions aside. You will be talking to your body as if you would to someone dear to you. Be curious about you, your body. Be kind and compassionate.

Body Tracing

Sit or stand in any comfortable position, being aware of the connect to Mother Earth. Close your eyes and take a few breaths. Then with eyes open or closed, touch yourself from head to toe, covering every inch of your body. Breathe easily and be acutely aware of the sensation of touch, the prana that it transmits and how it is nurturing you.

Tell different parts of the body, "I see you" as many times as you need to, while you touch. Notice that some parts may be seeking a longer touch or a touch with more pressure. Let the body guide you.

Once you are done, take a paper or page of your journal and draw two outlines of your body, one showing the back and the other the front - this need not be perfect at all! I am sharing my quick, basic drawings, so you know how imperfect and rough it can be :)

Enquiry, Listening & Nurturing

You could be seated/standing for this (can change positions in-between too, make sure you are not too rigid and stuck in one position. Be fluid, loose, flowy).

You will be visiting different body parts, spending time in each. You will call out to these parts endearingly. Use any words of your choice, in any language. Think what you would call your loved ones - dear, love, regional words for daughter/son/a child, pet names or even words without any particular meaning in a loving tone.

Touch your head region all over and start having a conversation with your head.

It can go something like this:

Dear, how are you? How have you been lately? Are you receiving my touch? What are you telling me? What can I do to help you? Will you feel better if I lay down and you could touch the floor? How can I make you feel cared for? (And more questions as they come to you. These are just guiding questions for you to get an idea)

Keep pausing and listening after each question. Then note these down next to the head in your sketch.

Once done, hold your head lovingly, smile and say the affirmation,

"You are well and healthy, I nourish you and thank you."

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Here are a couple of indicative-only observations :)

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Then move on to the next body part, having an intimate conversation again, repeating the process. Remember to end with the affirmation.

You could follow the sequence given below.

Head

Face (eyes, nose, ears, mouth)

Neck

Shoulders

Arms and Palms

Heart

Stomach

Abdomen

Upper back

Middle back

Lower back

Womb region for women

Genital region

Legs and Feet

Any smaller parts of the above that come to your attention in the process

Finally lie down on the Earth in silence, releasing whatever need to be released, into the Earth.

D. SITTING WITH THE EXPERIENCE OF BEING IN THE BODY

Sit in a meditative posture with your spine erect (use props if needed).

Rest your palms on the knees, palms facing up, fingers relaxed.

Focus on your breath and witness it flowing in and out effortlessly for a few breaths.

Keep your awareness in the heart space.

Touch this area with your dominant hand.

Say this out aloud:

I am in my body. I am grounded. I open myself to what is coming.

Truly feel it and smile.

E. CLOSING

Close the ritual by offering gratitude to your ancestors, Gurus, the Moon and Mother Earth.

Wishing you a very grounding practice and a conscious, awareness-raising eclipse season ahead!

From my heart to yours

Lots of Love & Gratitude

Sheetal