The women's new moon circle has been running now for 7 1/2 years. I was fortunate to join 5 1/2 years ago and I receive such fortification and support from this amazing group of compassionate, empathic, ambitious, empowering "sistas."! This was a lovely one which included kids (they happen once in a blue moon) so I was able to bring my girls. The format begins with a potluck style supper and then the ritual follows. A large bowl of sea salt is placed in the middle of the circle and flowers, essential oils and any natural items that persons bring to add to the bowl are included. There is a theme or intention and after a few stretching/breathing exercises, to bring down the party atmosphere - the directions/elements are called and we are invited to approach the bowl and offer our intention for the next 28 day moon cycle to the bowl. Everyone leaves with a jar of salts to bathe with on the full moon (14 days later). So you get a wonderful, fragrant, theraputic bath with all the blessings and intentions of the circle.
This is powerful stuff people! Ladies have conceived babies, found husbands/life partners - it is a powerful group energy that makes things happen. This moon was about what we have learned from the child within and what we take for the next 28 days from that inner child.

This one was hard - even as a child, I remember thinking like an adult. It has only been through having children that I re-explore the idea of the "inner child." But towards the end, after all these women and kids had approached the bowl. And after being inspired by my 9 year old who stated that she learned from her 1 year old friend, "To get up, when you fall and keep going," that her intention was to follow her inner leader. All the adults looked in wonder at this little lady. I approached the bowl. Having felt "stuck" and rather hopeless - mom's ALS is deteriorating very rapidly, I am in a state of loss/grieving - I embraced the inner child's ability to DREAM! That idea of HOPE in the face of any "reality" and the idea of potential and possibility - something that has always been easy for me but has drifted beyond my grasp over the last few months - I grab and embrace and so....Let the Inner Child Rule - let Dreams be the Goal and the let's fire the cynic (and stay away from the news and economic forcasts and impending forclosures and.....) and embrace the dreamer!
Namaste!