For as long as human beings have lifted their eyes to the night sky, we’ve been awed by the pockmarked mirror of the moon. The fastest-moving celestial body, the moon, and her cycles govern tides, menstruation, migratory patterns, and time.
A full moon occurs when the moon is directly opposite the sun in its orbit around Earth. Spiritually speaking, that opposition — between yin and yang, light and dark — makes for a potent time for surrender and a heightened sense of emotionality.
As such, full moons are synonymous with closure, culmination, revelation, and endings of cycles, habits, and relationships.
It takes the moon about 29.5 days to venture through all of its phases, and each month hosts, on average, one full moon.
“Full moons are known to affect our bodies and minds. I believe that lunar energy creates a low-grade electromagnetic field that heightens our human magnetic field. This amplification of our electromagnetic waves can also amplify our mental states and our physical vigor. It is a little like a vibrational, adrenaline rush,”
Iosellev “Josie” Castañeda, a modern-day curandera, healer and author of “Latine Herbalism: A Beginner’s Guide to Modern Curanderismo, Healing Plants, and Folk Traditions of the Americas,” tells The Post,
Castañeda maintains that if directed toward self-inquiry, lunar energy can become a ceaseless source of power and knowing.
Technically, the Full Moon is a moment that coincides with the Earth, the moon, and the Sun in exact alignment. However, the moon appears full for three days, and depending on your energetic relationship, lunar work can be done on or around the day of the full moon.
In astrology, the moon represents intuition, things felt but not seen, nourishment, and the divine feminine. The sign and house placement of the moon in the birth chart indicates how we are formed and fed by shadow and light.
Castañeda notes, in kind, that in many indigenous cultures, the moon is representative of the Grandmother archetype.
“Her brightness allows us to see our ancestors, the stars. When we approach the full moon from this perspective, we can begin to set aside the idea of a magnification of energy and connect more to the contemplative state that the full moon can foster. In effect, the child, reaching out to Grandmother for soothing and loving advice.”
In her book, “Latine Herbalism,” Castañeda notes that the experience of sitting under the Full Grandmother Moon brings coolness and a softness that correlates to a relaxed nervous system that is ready to receive.
“When your nervous system is relaxed, you can ‘see’ inward. You have the mental space to contemplate thoughts and emotions from a detached point of view. All contemplative practices are meant to free you from the mundane patterns of reaction. The connection to Grandmother Full Moon can also free your mind by allowing this state of discernment.”
Castañeda suggests keeping company with supportive friends and family in the days before and after the full moon to fortify yourself with positive, affirmative energy.
To prepare for the power of the main event of the full moon, Castañeda recommends conscious clearing of the literal and metaphorical variety.
“Keeping in mind the quiet you want to cultivate, declutter, tidy & clean your personal space, altars, and sacred areas two or three days before a full moon. Prepare your areas in a way that they are ready to welcome the full moon, and your efforts will be… effortless. This looks like having everything in the right place, flowers, incense, candles, etc., ready to be used without hassle.”
Castañeda suggests bathing the body and washing hair 3-4 hours before the full moon reaches its peak.
“This lowers the electromagnetic resonance. It is important to keep your own vibrational energy calm and receptive without extra stimulation.”
To aid and abet cosmic contemplation, Castañeda recommends a fasting protocol.
“Fasting 4-6 hours before peak helps clear the organs both physically and energetically of stagnation. You can break the fast with an herbal tea that deepens relaxation an hour after peak. During the fast, move slowly, do breath work, or restorative Yoga.”
During both full moons and eclipses, Castañeda suggests covering any mirrors in your home. “Reflective surfaces can ‘attract’ electromagnetic energy that is super magnified and overwhelming. If you are looking to contemplate during this heightened time, make the effort to cover large mirrors and reduce the bouncing energies.”
She also advocates for a digital detox during a full moon, powering down phones, TVs, wi-fi, Bluetooth, and other electronics.
“While the electromagnetic waves of these devices are not seen or heard, at least by human ears, you will feel the difference when you disconnect from the power grid. Again, we want to reduce as much of the electric noise as possible to tune inward.”
To that effect, Castañeda says that for those with an established meditation practice, meditating during a full moon can take you to surprising heights and depths.
“For those who do not have a set practice, you can connect to your breath, noticing the inhale and exhale as a kind of meditation. Take deep inhales where the chest rises and the lungs fully expand, maintain slow, long exhales where you fully release the breath.”
In the wake of the full moon, Castañeda reaches for gentle, easy-to-digest foods like kitchari & congee. “Simple meals that move through the body with ease, bringing both the body and mind to the present moment after quiet and self-awareness of meditation.”
She also recommends bathing in a moving body of water like a river or the ocean.
“This supports the removal of any electric static and grounds the body with negative ions.”
With wet hair and a full belly, put pen to paper.
“Journaling acts as a reflection after contemplation. It is a place where you can express and explore any insights revealed during your time with the Full Moon.”
While many recommend manifesting during a Full Moon cycle, Castañeda believes the magnification of the moon is best directed at internal work.
“These practices are meant to illuminate your own power. With this coming full moon, the time is ripe for testing these out.”
Astrologer Reda Wigle researches and irreverently reports on planetary configurations and their effect on each zodiac sign. Her horoscopes integrate history, poetry, pop culture, and personal experience. To book a reading, visit her website.