Moon Exercises
December’s Cold Full Moon, also known as the Long Night Moon, marks the arrival of winter’s chill, a time when the nights are at their longest and the earth retreats into a state of stillness. The name “Cold Moon” comes from Native American traditions, signifying the deepening cold that envelops the land as winter takes hold. It’s a time of introspection, rest, and preparation for the renewal that lies ahead in the coming year.
This Cold Moon offers a moment to pause and honor the season’s quiet energy, and there are various rituals one can perform to connect with its essence. Because of its name we are going to perform a ritual that has to do with cold and warmth. Like everything in life that has a positive and a negative, a Yin and Yang, a plus and a minus.
ONE - Embracing the Cold
Begin by stepping outside, if possible, to feel the crisp air against your skin. Allow the cold to awaken your senses, grounding you in the present moment. Breathe in the cold, crisp air. Hold your breath for a bit and then exhale with the thought that your inner warmth is going back into the world. Try this invigorating practice of breathing for a minute or two and you will be fully energized.
TWO - Warmth of Gratitude
Once you’ve connected with the cold, return indoors and prepare a warm drink—tea, cocoa, or mulled wine, I call this the warmth of gratitude. As you sip, reflect on the warmth in your life, both literal and metaphorical. Think of the relationships, experiences, and moments that have brought you comfort and joy throughout the year. This act of gratitude helps to counterbalance the cold with a sense of inner warmth.
THREE - Gather and Preserve
In this step, focus on gathering and preserving what is valuable to you. This could be as simple as collecting your thoughts in a journal, or more tangible, like preserving herbs such as mint and chamomile that will make lovely teas in the cold months to come. Make a list of goals to nurture over the winter months, simple things like taking out your sweaters and airing them out and making them season ready. These simple yet powerful acts symbolize the Cold Moon’s role in guiding us to conserve and protect what matters most.
FOUR - Silence and Solitude
Spend a few moments in complete silence, either through meditation or simply sitting quietly. Let the stillness of the season wash over you, allowing any thoughts or emotions to settle like snow on a quiet night. Imagine you are a snowflake drifting gently to the ground after being released by a cloud. You are coming back down to earth to become once again one with your sister snowflakes forming a blanket of white snow. Even though you are unique, for no two snowflakes are alike, you are still interconnected to everything else. This period of solitude honors the introspective nature of winter, offering a chance to listen to your inner voice.
FIVE - Moonlight Reflection
Finally perform a Moonlight Reflection. Take a moment to gaze at the Cold Moon itself. Whether you stand by a window or venture outside again, let the moon’s light bathe you. Reflect on the past year and envision what you wish to bring into the new one. This final act of reflection under the Cold Moon sets the stage for renewal and growth as the year comes to a close.
Past Moon Exercises
This month’s ritual is about being a great host, being a great guest, and being ready for both (like a beaver ready for winter). We will create a ritual that will linger throughout this season...because from a BuDhaGirl perspective, this ritual is not only about mindful preparation, but also about embracing the holidays with intentionality and grace.
ONE - Prepare Time for Your Lists
Intentionally set time aside to prepare two lists that will look a bit like a family tree. You can download a template here.
TWO - Set the Scene
When beginning to prepare your lists, light a candle, make yourself a nice cup of tea, play some beautiful background music.
THREE - Label Your Lists
Label one list “Host” and one list “Guest”.
FOUR - Work on Your Host List
On the “being a host” list, decide if you will host any holiday events between November and the end of the year. What are those events? Fill in the boxes designating: location, number of guests, budget, theme, invitations, food, drink, help, décor, and any other details that will pop up. Be realistic and make sure that you really WANT to do this. Being a host and being stressed does not play out well. You need to enjoy the process as much as your guests will enjoy the party. This is a perfect example of the journey being as or more important than the destination.
FIVE - Work on Your Guest List
On the “being a guest” list, make a list of events that you will probably need to attend. All of us have two kinds of events, the ones we are looking forward to and the ones we have to attend out of duty. How you tackle both is important and an absolute must if you are to be remembered as a great guest! Fill in the boxes of events you think you might need to attend. One side shows the ones you want to attend, the other side shows the ones you need to attend. Now decide what your role will be at these events, active participant or simply an observer. What do you need to bring? What do you need to wear? Do you need to bring a plus one? Is there anything you need to think about before going, such as topics of conversation or pitfalls that might occur…there might be someone there that does not flow with your own energy. Preparing for these situations and deciding what we can control is crucial to having a great time and not being led into an uncomfortable discussion or situation.
This autumn and winter preparation ritual is a gentle, holistic way to align with the season’s energy, fostering a sense of peace, purpose, and readiness as you enter the colder months. And remember to always breathe. Remember that commitments are important but your health is even more important.
ONE - Prepare Your Pantry
Autumn and winter are times of rest, but it’s also important to maintain your physical and mental well-being. As part of your ritual, prepare your body for the colder months by stocking up on nourishing foods—root vegetables, warming spices, and herbal teas. Make a list of your favorite comfort foods and make a trip to the store just to buy these items and nothing more. Be intentional about this shopping experience. Once home place these items in an area where they are accessible and bring you great joy and comfort. This might be a great time for a pantry cleanse. Maybe place some cinnamon sticks or star anise in an open container so that your pantry is invitingly fallish.
TWO - Exercise & Wellness Practices
Autumn and winter months are wonderful for creating indoor exercise and wellness practices. Consider starting a daily practice of yoga, Tai Chi, floor Pilates, dancing, or a moving meditation to help keep your body active and your mind calm. This preparation phase is about fortifying yourself, ensuring that you have the energy and resilience to thrive during the colder months. A mere 10 minutes twice a day will make a huge difference both physically and mentally.
THREE - Create a Cozy Space
As the days grow shorter and colder, create a cozy space in your home where you can retreat and recharge. Fill this space with soft blankets, candles, and comforting scents like cinnamon or cedar wood. This sanctuary will serve as a haven for rest, reflection, and relaxation throughout the autumn and winter months. Whenever you feel the need for warmth and comfort, return to this space to rejuvenate your spirit. Add books and a journal to inspire and comfort your imagination.
FOUR - Light a Candle
Honor the season’s transition by acknowledging the passage of time from summer to autumn and winter. On the evening of the full moon, light a candle at sunset keeping in mind the symbolism of light in the darker autumn and winter months.
FIVE - Acknowledge & Recognize
After lighting your candle, spend a few moments in silence, acknowledging the shift in energy and setting a personal commitment to embrace the autumn and winter season with grace and gratitude. This act of recognition helps you to connect with the natural cycles of the earth, grounding you in the present moment and preparing you for the introspective journey ahead.
The Harvest Full Moon beckons a time for abundance and reflection. This lunar event, occurring closest to the autumn equinox, symbolizes the completion of the harvest cycle and offers a time for introspection and gratitude. Integrating a ritual around this moon with BuDhaGirl’s philosophy of mindfulness and intentionality can elevate the experience, aligning it with our emphasis on living purposefully.
A Harvest Full Moon ritual with BuDhaGirl at its heart would begin with:
STEP ONE - Find a Quiet Place
Find a quiet place to sit where you can prop-up a mirror and observe your reflection. This space could be your vanity or even the floor. The purpose of the mirror is to reflect back the abundance that you have received.
STEP TWO - Setting Your Sacred Place
Adorn your space with elements that represent the season—pumpkins, apples, and autumn leaves—to ground yourself in the energy of the harvest. Place objects that have brought you joy and prosperity so far this year, if objects are too large, use images.
STEP THREE - Light Candles or Incense
Light candles or incense to invite a calming atmosphere.
STEP FOUR - Moment of Silence
As the Full Moon rises, begin with a moment of silence focusing on your breath and the light of the moon. BuDhaGirl’s All Weather Bangles® (AWB®) can be incorporated into this ritual as a tactile reminder of your harvest ritual. Each bangle can represent a different area of your life where you have harvested joy, and you have found deep gratitude for yet another year of transformation.
STEP FIVE - All Weather Bangles® Ritual
Hold each bangle, close your eyes, and reflect on the abundance you’ve harvested this year—whether in your career, relationships, or personal growth. As you slide each bangle onto your wrist, state an affirmation or a gratitude statement. This act not only aligns with BuDhaGirl’s concept of mindfulness but also infuses your intentions with the powerful energy of the Harvest Moon.
STEP SIX - Observe Abundance
Once all your bangles are on, take a moment to observe the abundance around you and that which is reflected back in the mirror.
STEP SEVEN - Journal Reflections
To close the ritual and make it even more powerful, take a moment to journal your reflections, capturing the insights and intentions set during the ritual. This practice mirrors BuDhaGirl’s emphasis on the power of words and thoughts in shaping our reality. As the Harvest Moon illuminates the night, let your intentions shine just as brightly, guided by the elegance and mindfulness that BuDhaGirl embodies.
To harness the transformative energy of the Blue Moon, a ritual centered around the blue throat chakra (Vishuddha) can be profoundly healing and empowering. The throat chakra, located at the base of the throat, is associated with communication, self-expression, and truth. This chakra governs our ability to speak our inner truth and express ourselves authentically.
STEP ONE - Preparation
Begin by creating a serene space where you feel comfortable and undisturbed. Light a blue candle to symbolize the throat chakra and the Blue Moon. Place a piece of blue lace agate or aquamarine, stones known for their throat chakra healing properties, in front of the candle.
STEP TWO - Meditation
Sit in a comfortable position and close your eyes. Focus on your breath, inhaling deeply and exhaling slowly. Visualize a vibrant blue light at the base of your throat. As you breathe, imagine this light growing brighter, cleansing and balancing your throat chakra.
STEP THREE - Affirmations
Once you feel centered, speak aloud affirmations that resonate with your true self. Examples include: "I speak my truth with confidence and clarity," "I am open to listening and being heard," and "My voice is powerful and impactful."
STEP FOUR - Release & Manifestation
Write down any fears, doubts, or obstacles that hinder your self-expression on a piece of paper. Under the light of the Blue Moon, safely burn this paper, symbolizing the release of these blockages. Then, write down your intentions for authentic communication and self-expression, placing this paper under the blue candle.
STEP FIVE - Closing
Conclude the ritual with a moment of gratitude, thanking the Blue Moon and the universe for supporting your journey towards truth and self-expression. Allow the candle to burn out naturally.
If you haven't noticed, the earth is becoming hotter, and this July promises to be a scorcher almost everywhere. On July's full moon, why not reconnect with our origins in water and celebrate this life-giving substance? Our bodies are about 60% water, so it's no wonder we're naturally drawn to it.
This July, I invite you to treat yourself to two enchanting water rituals. The first is creating Moon Water, and the second is performing a Moon Bath Ritual. Both are especially powerful during a full moon, but you can perform them anytime your spirit calls you.
For the Moon Water, try to perform this during the full Moon phase when the moon’s energy is at its peak. Find a large, lidded glass container and place it outside where it can soak up the Moon’s beams—your yard, balcony, porch, or even a windowsill that gets moonlight. For an extra magical touch, take it into the forest and find a moonlit spot on the forest floor. Fill the container with spring or distilled water, cover it with plastic film, and let it absorb the Moon's light. By the next day, your Moon Water is ready. Label and refrigerate it. Use this enchanted water to brew tea, add a splash of lemon, cleanse your crystals, or refresh anything that needs a burst of clean energy. Let the water’s memory of the Moon's energy flow through you and your surroundings.
Immersing yourself in water under the full Moon is a divine way to soak in its heightened energy. While a bathtub is most accessible, don't limit yourself—it could be a pool, a pond, or even the ocean's edge. Here's a guide for a bathtub or shower ritual.
First, create a serene space. Light candles to set the mood, play calming music, and light some incense. Prepare bath salts with coarse salt and essential oils, or use pre-made soaking salts from a store. Sprinkle flower petals or herbs into the water. Surround your tub with crystals—rose quartz, clear quartz, moonstones, and amethyst are perfect for this ritual. Water-friendly crystals can even join you in the bath.
Now, immerse yourself in your liquid sanctuary. Close your eyes and let the warmth of the water envelop you, feeling the full Moon's energy merge with your own. Breathe deeply, taking in the fragrant air. Relax and let your senses be soothed by the water's embrace. When the water cools, step out and express gratitude to every element that was part of your ritual. Always end with thanks, feeling refreshed and renewed by the Moon's magic.
In June, we invite you to rediscover moments of surprise and delight, approaching life with the wonder of a child. Embrace the newness of experiences, even those that may have been forgotten but once brought joy.
Sight is a dominant sense, but this journey is about experiencing with all our senses, creating strong, memorable sensations. Here are some suggestions for experiencing something old as if it were new again. There’s no right or wrong way—it's all about re-discovery.
“Everything Old is New Again”
This is one of my favorites because it reminds me of the independence I felt when I peeled and ate my first orange. Here’s how to recreate that experience:
ONE | Take an orange. Wash it. Dry it. Decide you are going to eat it.
TWO | Sit quietly in a place where you can fully enjoy this orange.
THREE | Approach it with the anticipation of a child tasting an orange for the first time.
FOUR | Peel it with your hands. What’s it like to remove the first peel? Notice the aroma and texture of the orange. Where will you put the peel? Do you want to taste it? Are your hands becoming sticky? Is there too much pith? What do you do next?
FIVE | Break the orange and delight in its fragrance. Take one segment, feel it, smell it, and pop it into your mouth. Savor the sensation. Are you smiling? Finish the orange. Where do you put the pits? Reflect on the joy of doing something so simple yet so complex. After all, you didn’t just take a bite out of the orange…
This exercise brings back memories of childhood when liquid soaps weren’t common. Use a bar of soap, preferably a beautifully scented, triple-milled one:
ONE | If the soap is new, unwrap it. If it’s wrapped in paper, save the wrap for a drawer sachet.
TWO | Go to your sink and mix the water temperature to be pleasing—cooler than your body temperature but still refreshing.
THREE | Wet your hands and start making lather with the soap. Feel the transformation.
FOUR | Keep lathering until you form a soap cream. Bring it up to your face and inhale deeply. Experience the joy of cleansing, but also have fun with it.
FIVE | Linger as long as you want in this sensory experience. Then, sadly, bring it to an end by rinsing your hands and patting them dry.
SIX | Reflect on the experience. How long did it take you? What did you discover? Was it worth your time?
This exercise is about reconnecting with the beauty and simplicity of nature. Choose a flower, any flower that appeals to you. Here’s how to rediscover the magic of a single bloom:
ONE | Pick a flower that catches your eye. It could be from your garden, a local park, or a florist. Bring it to a quiet, comfortable place where you won’t be disturbed.
TWO | Start by simply looking at the flower. Notice its color, shape, and texture. Is it vibrant or soft? Are there any patterns or unique features? Spend a few minutes just observing it.
THREE | Bring the flower close to your nose and take a deep breath. Notice the scent. Is it strong or subtle? Sweet or spicy? Try to identify any specific notes in its fragrance.
FOUR | Gently touch the petals, feeling their texture. Are they smooth, velvety, or delicate? Touch the stem and leaves too. How do they differ from the petals? Feel the weight and balance of the flower in your hand.
FIVE | Think about where the flower came from. How did it grow? What kind of environment did it thrive in? Reflect on the process from seed to bloom and the natural beauty that resulted.
SIX | Finally, find a special place to display your flower. Each time you see it, let it remind you of this moment of mindfulness and the joy of rediscovering the simple beauty of nature.
As we enter the brighter half of the year, our energies shift outward, focusing more on the external world and our physical selves rather than the introspective soul-searching of the darker months. If you've been following BuDhaGirl Full Moon Memos, you'll remember our recent themes of assessment, organization, cleansing, and letting go. Now, we stand at the threshold of blooming (opening), ready to share our inner light with the world.
DOWNLOAD MAY MOON EXERCISEBurning symbolic items as part of a release ceremony can be a powerful and cathartic experience. Fire has long been seen as a cleansing force, capable of transforming and purifying.
So, to begin this Shadow Burn Release exercise, let’s first create a ceremonial space where you can release shadows such as old emotions, beliefs, or habits that no longer serve you. You can write these shadows down on paper and then burn them in a fireproof container, symbolizing the act of letting go and making space for new energy and opportunities.
Here is a step-by-step guide to the Shadow Burn Release Exercise:
Materials Needed:
Paper
Pen or Pencil
Scissors
Tweezers or Tongs
Matches or Lighter
Fireproof Bowl
Water (for safety)
April's Full Moon (for symbolic release)
STEP ONE - Begin with Gratitude
Start by acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the journey that has brought you to this point. Recognize that even challenging experiences have contributed to your growth and readiness to release.
STEP TWO - Write Down Shadows
On a piece of paper with ample spacing between each line, write down the shadows you wish to release. Be specific and heartfelt in your writing, expressing your desire to let go of these burdens.
STEP THREE - Cut the Paper
Cut the paper so that each shadow is now an individual piece of paper.
STEP FOUR - Light the Papers
Carefully and intentionally, light each piece of paper over a fireproof bowl. Use tweezers or tongs to handle the paper to avoid burning yourself. As the paper burns, let the ashes fall into the bowl.
STEP FIVE - Release Under April‘s Full Moon
Once all the papers have been burned and turned into ashes, take the bowl outside under April's full moon. Release the ashes into the air, symbolically letting go of the shadows and allowing them to be transformed by the moon's energy.
STEP SIX - End in Gratitude
Conclude the ceremony with a moment of gratitude. Express thanks to the elements, the moon, and any spiritual guides or energies that supported you during the release process.
In January we set intentions, in February we cleansed our life to allow those intentions to expand and become outcomes, in March we are going to take an inventory of the resources we control. Our internal wealth inventory. These internal resources are of time, energy, health, wisdom, beauty, kindness, and love. How we make use of them is what makes us wealthy.
Take a moment to assess your internal inventory. What’s inside?
ONE | How are you in the time department? Do you need more time for yourself? Where are you wasting time? What would improve your time by 10%?
TWO | How are you in the energy department? Do you have enough fuel to get you through your day so at the end of the day you can rest in gratitude? Where can you source more energy? Or do you need to remove excess energy?
THREE | How are you in the health department? How are you feeling physically? Do you need a check-up? Do you need to modify things to improve your health? How about sleep?
FOUR | How are you in the wisdom department? Think of something that has turned out right for you because of your knowledge and experience? Can you replicate those steps in other things? Can you share with others?
FIVE | How are you in the beauty department? This is self-love. Are you happy with yourself? What are your strengths? Can you highlight those? Do it for YOU (not for everyone else)!
SIX | How are you in the kindness department? When was the last time you did something for someone without any strings attached? When was the last time you gave yourself a break?
SEVEN | How are you in the love department? Do you need more love? Can you give more love? What does love mean to you?
Download our Internal Inventory Exercise so that all these questions regarding your internal well-being have a place to live. By performing these exercises, you just might discover some things about yourself that have lived in your subconscious and now are coming to light. The key is always to move forward. If some of these questions are difficult, let that discomfort appear, and with a neutral and loving approach, see if you can understand why you feel uncomfortable and with gentle kindness, see if you can modify your thought and behavior to better things. Remember we can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used to create them. Like I like to say: “Half of being smart is knowing what you are dumb about.” Go forth now with a wonderful, clean, and objective arsenal of strength.
DOWNLOAD MARCH MOON EXERCISEIn January we set our intentions for the year; in February, we will cleanse our space and our spirit, so that our intentions have a path of least resistance. We will create rituals to declutter our lives so all the new, budding ideas and desires can travel towards us without hindrance. We are going to “Marie Kondo” it.
A life well lived is not one of excess. It is receiving joy from the “Goldilocks” theory…when things are just right, perfectly enough…no more no less.
First, let’s begin by making an easy and quick three project list:
The first project should be something small, like cleaning out the catch all drawer (we all have one). This task will not take long but it will give you a feeling of completion. Be prepared. Find three containers: one for the items you will toss, one for the items you will keep, and one for the items you will recycle or donate. Do not skip this step. Then, with a critical yet neutral eye, go through the items and see what you still need, still want, and what is no longer of value. Take a cloth and wipe the inside of the drawer, remove any stagnant energy. If you have leftover wrapping paper, line the drawer and add a couple of spritzes of fragrance to the paper. Now you are ready to put the items you want back into the drawer. Use little boxes or containers to keep things in order. Smile. Next time you open that drawer it will bring joy and energy to your day.
The second project is your medicine cabinet/toiletry cabinet. This is something most of us use every single day, multiple times a day. I find that we become blind to what is actually there, almost a kind of denial that we have things we will NEVER use again or are out of code. Be prepared. Find three containers. Empty your medicine cabinet or toiletry drawer. In one container place medicines that are out of code (you can toss these at your local pharmacy). Please do not flush them or run them down the sink…that’s dangerous. In the next container place all the items you can safely discard of at home like sunscreen, old mascara, that makeup base that didn’t work, even old cotton swabs. The third container is what you will keep. Using a damp cloth perhaps with a bit of all-purpose cleanser, wipe down all the items you are going to keep. Wipe down the inside of the cabinet or drawer. Then, find some glassware you do not often use and place in cabinet to hold the items, perhaps also little boxes, or containers, making the inside of the cabinet a fun collage of items. Smile. You will so enjoy your cabinet now.
These first two projects are simple and take virtually no time if you have prepared. The third project is a “pick your battle” project. What will give you the most joy if it was in order? Is it your closet? Your refrigerator? Your desk? Your garage? I bet any of these are good candidates. Again, for this cleansing ritual to be successful you must prepare. Do not tackle this without setting intentions. Trust me on this. Once you have determined the area you are going to cleanse, then find containers that will hold: items to be discarded, items that can be recycled or donated, items that are still of value in your life. You can also light a candle and pick a favorite playlist while you are performing this cleansing ritual. Remember, this might take a minute to complete so make sure you have plenty of time or be realistic and divide it into steps. The sense of renewal that takes place after completing a difficult task where you are focused on constantly asking yourself: Do I still need this? Will I ever wear this? I can’t believe I bought this. This could be of service to someone else. Once you have removed all the items you no longer wish to have in your life. Cleanse the area by lighting a candle or burning a bit of sage. Think about how this area will give you joy. Make it fun. Make it a visual feast. Make it trigger a smile next time you are in this space.
Being aware about intention flow is important. We need to recognize that at times our intentions don’t happen as quickly as we want or on what I call: “on our time.” However, if your intention has been set with clarity, serenity, and gratitude, the universe is simply giving you more time to prepare. Keep in mind that you can’t control things other than your thoughts and actions, the more you relax and let go of expectation, the more the universe will align with you and bring opportunities your way.
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