New Moon Traditions
As the July New Moon is Monday, July 17, I thought that I would share some New Moon Traditions with you.
New Moon traditions vary across different cultures and folklore traditions. Here are a few examples of New Moon traditions from folklore:
1. Setting Intentions: In many cultures, the New Moon is seen as a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. It is believed that setting intentions during this phase can help manifest one’s desires and goals. People may write down their intentions, make wishes, or perform rituals to focus their energy on their aspirations.
2. Cleansing and Purification: The New Moon is often associated with cleansing and purification. Some traditions suggest taking a ritual bath or smudging oneself and the living space with herbs, such as sage or palo santo, to cleanse negative energies and invite positive energies into one’s life.
3. Divination and Prophecy: The New Moon is considered a potent time for divination and seeking insights into the future. Practices like tarot card readings, scrying, or other forms of fortune-telling are often performed during this phase to gain guidance and clarity.
4. Moonlit Gatherings: In certain cultures, people gather outdoors during the New Moon to connect with the lunar energy. They may hold ceremonies or rituals under the moonlight, singing, chanting, or meditating together. These gatherings are seen as a way to honor the moon’s influence and tap into its spiritual power.
5. Planting and Gardening: The New Moon is traditionally associated with fertility and growth. It is believed that planting seeds or tending to plants during this phase can enhance their growth and yield. Many gardeners follow lunar planting calendars, which suggest specific activities to be performed during the New Moon for optimal results.
6. Ancestor Worship: In some cultures, the New Moon is considered a time to honor ancestors and seek their guidance and blessings. Rituals may involve making offerings or performing ceremonies to show respect and gratitude to deceased family members.
7. Abstinence and Rest: The New Moon is sometimes associated with a period of rest and introspection. Some folklore traditions suggest refraining from certain activities, like starting new projects or making major decisions, and instead encourage taking time for self-reflection, meditation, and rest.
8. In some Wiccan Traditions, there is a custom of writing a “New Moon, or Increasing Abundance Check” to bring the blessings of the Waxing Moon into your life. A simple way to do this is to write yourself a “New Moon or Abundance Check” — There are many ways to write your Abundance Check. You can use a check from your check book or use the check shown on this page.
If you decide to use a check from your checkbook, take out a check. In the ‘Date’ area, write ‘Now’. In ‘Pay to the Order of’, write your name. As the dollar amount, write ‘Paid in Full’. Sign the Check ‘The Universe’, or ‘God’, ‘Your Angel’, ‘The Law of Abundance’, or whatever you are comfortable with. Place the check in your wallet or purse, and expect the increased bounty to manifest in your life within the next two weeks.
It’s important to note that these traditions and beliefs can vary greatly across different cultures and regions. The examples provided are general in nature, and specific New Moon traditions may differ depending on the folklore and customs of a particular community or individual.