Many people across human history have paid reverent attention to what they see of the moon in the sky at night. Almost every indigenous tradition has sacred stories about the moon, some of which attempt to explain why it is forever changing, sometimes a sliver, sometimes as if cut in half, other times shrinking or growing. Of course, there is always (once a month, sometimes twice!) that glorious full moon. My Papaw planted his garden by the moon, and harvested it by the moon, too (thanks, Farmer’s Almanac).
We know that the moon doesn’t change. We know that what changes is the position of the moon, earth and sun to create light and dark portions on the moon from our perspective. Those who pay attention to the moon phases these days as part of our spiritual practice notice that the moon spends roughly half the month increasing in what we can see, and half decreasing in what we can see.
From our perspective. An increasing moon can be a call to use our energy for creative, good and hopeful things. A decreasing moon can be a reminder to clean up, take care and secure things in our lives. Both are important processes.
And, those moon phases can be reminders of life. Every encounter with every other human being is a moment that we filter through our perspective. I have an encounter with someone, and I immediately think I’m seeing half light and half dark. What do I make of that? Is this person on the increase (growing more light in themselves) or on the decline (in need of space and support)?
The moon phases can remind us that everything is always changing, and everything is always relational. Every moment is an opportunity to respond and engage, to be better, to do better.
~Bob Patrick
