moonlight and magic

Written by guest author Kate Olivier. Kate is passionate about eco-living, nature, self-care and wellbeing. She loves writing about and sharing these interests and experiences to inspire others. Learn more @words.by.kate on Instagram.

The moon. Renowned for its illuminating silvery glow as it majestically reflects the sun’s light down upon the earth. Its orbital path simultaneously revealing and hiding different parts of its enchanting face for us to gaze up at and admire. Yet, beyond this beauty lies so much more. More than simply our natural satellite, the moon holds great powers of its own; an incredible force capable of moving vast bodies of water, as we see through the tides. But, have you ever contemplated how its powers can affect us?

Comparable to the earth’s surface, our bodies are mostly made up of water (around 60-70%).

So, just like our planet we too are susceptible to the influence of the moon’s mystical powers, especially the wild, intense energy of a full moon. Consider the word lunacy for example, an old-fashioned term, derived from the Latin word lunaticus meaning ‘moonstruck’ – insanity when affected by the moon. Whilst every encounter may be not quite so dramatic, history certainly points to the existence of an extra power at play.

Throughout the average 29.5-day lunar cycle, energy levels ebb and flow, akin to the tides. Each of the moon’s phases brings change and its own distinct traits, similar to the seasons of the year. A connection can be made between the four principal moon phases and the four seasons which I’ve summarised as the four R’s: Root, Realise, Release and Reset.

Spring | Waxing moon | Root

As the energy gently increases, seeds take root and begin to grow, and established plants bud and blossom. The flora and fauna awaken from overwintering and the gentle synergy between them begins.

A nurturing phase for us to lay the foundation; focus on our visions and goals, and put our plans into action.

Summer | Full moon | Realise

Reaching peak energy all has now come to fruition, an abundance of produce awaits, ripe and ready for harvesting. Nature feasts and nourishes itself in preparation of the darker, colder days ahead.

A final push sees you realise your goals; now is occasion to recognise these achievements, and to celebrate and be grateful for all that you’ve cultivated.

Autumn/Fall | Waning moon | Release

As the energy fades plants preserve what they need to survive, drawing vital nutrients back into their core and discarding any unrequired excess, such as leaves.

The perfect time to reflect and recharge; use this opportunity to restore order and let go of anything that stands in the way of your dreams. E.g., declutter your home or life.

Winter | New moon | Reset

The lowest energy point, a time to conserve energy and rest, plants lie dormant and many animals go into hibernation.

A period in which to simply slow down; take time to relax, set intentions and goals, and prepare for new beginnings.

I really love this analogy. It offers another way of connecting with nature and rediscovering our roots. Embracing each and every season, learning to accept change and impermanence, adapt natural rhythms, and simply live in harmony with the world around us.

As our ancestors did, we too can use this knowledge and harness these powers to select the best times to do things. Besides the personal effects there are numerous other ways in which to apply and benefit from the moon phases and influence.

Many people practice gardening by the moon, as plants (with their high-water content) and moisture in the soil are also affected by the moon. Here, the lunar cycle can guide the best times to plant and harvest crops in order to achieve optimum produce for use or consumption;

· Plant above ground crops (salad, tomatoes, courgettes) and flowers during the waxing moon, as the increasing moonlight encourages leaf and stem growth. Harvest these plants under a full moon as the gravitational pull moves the moisture content upwards therefore capturing the energy in these aerial parts.

· Plant below ground crops (potatoes, onions, carrots) and flowering bulbs during the waning moon as the decreasing moonlight encourages the roots, bulbs and tubers to grow. Harvest these plants under a new moon as the gravitational pull moves the moisture content downwards therefore capturing the energy in the roots.

In fact, the annual ‘Farmers’ Almanac’ for North America offers advice and guidance on just this and has been in continuous publication since 1818 – so there must be an element of truth!

Similarly, others believe in hair-cutting by the moon; for faster hair growth, cut when the moon is waxing. Whereas for slower but thicker hair growth and stronger roots, cut when the moon is waning. I’ve not yet tried these practices myself, so cannot comment on the effectiveness, but it does sound fascinating and I’m certainly intrigued to give it a go.

For even deeper interpretation and understanding you can also consider each moon phase in relation to the 12 signs of the zodiac. Since the moon passes through every zodiac sign within the lunar cycle and each one has its own unique effect upon that phase.

If you’d like to learn more about this, I recommend moon mentor Kirsty Gallagher’s wonderful book ‘Lunar Living’ and her beautiful Instagram @kirsty_gallagher for regular insights into ‘working with the magic of the moon cycles’.

I’d love to know what you think. Do you feel the changes in energy and do any of these practices work for you?