First Full Moon of 2024: Release and Raise frequency

Namaste Moonchild :)

How is your January progressing? Were you able to uncover your purpose/set an intention with the last dark moon? How are you feeling today? Do you sense anything intensely or intuitively or differently with the brilliant Full Moon energy at play? :)

Pause, take a couple of deep breaths and reflect.

This Full Moon or Pausha Purnima* signals the end of winter and the beginning of light, joy, movement, intensity, courage, passion and action. That said, it is also a time to release the remnants of a wintry time and mood and whatever you might be still holding on to from the last year.

Only when you release, can you welcome new ways of being and doing.

You create space for fresh, new energy that translates into new ideas, insights, opportunities and more.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TODAY?

Set aside about an hour and create a sacred space with flowers, incense and anything else that holds meaning for you. Keep your journal 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 or Earthing 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.

B. MOVEMENT

You could go through a heart and hip opening movement practice to release and open up the body.

C. BREATHWORK FOR RELEASE

Sit with an upright spine and start observing your breath. Allow the breath to settle into a comfortable rhythm. Let the belly naturally expand as you breathe in and relax as you breathe out.

Ask yourself : What demands release from within me? Notice what surfaces.

Focus on the breathe again. Start making your exhales a little longer than your inhales. If possible, try a 4 in and 6 out count. Do this 21 times. Sense release with every exhale.

D. RAISE YOUR PRANA

1)Do a guided gratitude meditation. You could follow the one shared here or any other of your choice.

2) If you did the last dark Moon practice, bring to mind your purpose or intention. It is fine if you have not. Either ways, answer the following question in writing and read it.

WHAT IS THE THEME OF MY LIFE THIS YEAR?

Plan to do one small thing related to it right after the ritual that reinforces it. For example, if your theme involves making more time for yourself, pick a simple activity that you love and do it. If the theme has gratitude as part of it, express it to someone you need to. If the theme is in the area of health and wellness, make a meal plan or cook a healthy meal or go out for a walk or a jog. The examples are simple just for guidance. Decide based on your theme.

Once you choose, close by offering gratitude to the Earth, the Moon, your Gurus and ancestors. Then go ahead with your little activity :)

Wish you all a wonderful practice and year!

Hugs, love & gratitude :)

Sheetal

*Pausha or Paush is the 10th month of the Hindu Calendar that corresponds with December/January of the Gregorian calendar. The Full Moon day in this month is referred to as Pausha Purnima.