Ebb and flow with nature’s
heavenly celestial calendar – the magnificent pendants that hang from the skies above.
In the gentle embrace of the cosmos, where the sun and moon perform their eternal dance, there lies a rhythm—deep and profound. This sacred rhythm, guided by the subtle pull of light and dark, orchestrates a celestial ballet, connecting heavenly bodies and earthly life in a timeless symphony.
Each sunrise and sunset, a kaleidoscope of colours, serves as a sacred reminder of the delicate balance on earth. Mother Nature breathes through her forests, flows through her oceans, and thrives through her creatures, harmonising with the cycles of light and dark. She maintains life through the changing seasons with a grace that predates our ability to understand it.
Through the journey of the seasons, nature illustrates its ease with change. Each season imparts its own lessons in resilience and renewal. When we tune into these natural rhythms and observe the natural world, we start to change too, moving from ordinary thinking to magical thinking, where even everyday moments feel like clues to a bigger mystery. Allowing nature to lead, we learn to release our anxiety and embrace uncertainty.
This connection cultivates a sacred awareness—a sense of the sacred. Recognising ourselves as part of a grander organism the distinction between the divine and earthly blurs. Every creature, every season, becomes a chapter in a larger narrative of growth and rebirth.
We are all a part of this miraculous weave, from galaxies far beyond our reach to cellular whispers in our bodies, everything is connected, bound in the fabric of existence, each component conspiring to sustain the whole.
So as the earth spins its graceful dance with the sun, we are invited to take part in this rhythm. To find solace and inspiration, and to bravely shift our perspectives. To discover and put in place catalytic mechanisms woven into everyday practices that allow you to live in flow with your sacred rhythm. This will elevate how you operate by paying attention to the profound influence of solar, lunar, and stellar cycles on all things that have life.
Illuminate your sacred calendar of ceremonies, rituals and special events, regular recurring occasions, daily, seasonal (solstice and equinox) and annual practices and arrange your live in connection with the cycles and optimal times.
Our ancestors lived alongside the sacred rhythms
Since ancient times our ancestors have observed celestial influence on the earth spirit. They looked to the magical calendar in the sky to predict and plan for these influences. They noticed a relationship between the positions of different celestial objects and their bodies and the world around them. They found power places across our planet that resonated and amplified the incoming celestial forces. We know these today as sacred sites, spiritual temples, pilgrimages, and ceremony sites. Interestingly, there are simple but accurate astronomical observation devices found at many of these sites and many of the structures have a relationship with the movement of the sun, moon, planets and stars. There are more than a thousand stone rings in the British Isles that are both astrological devices and ceremony centres.
The early star gazers wanted to know in advance when these occasions of charge and potency were coming, and they began to look to the night skies with great attention. They gave meaning to these cycles of heaven by harmonising their life rituals with the movement of the heavens. Their sophistication in observing the heavenly pendants and their consciousness of the influence endures through the mythology, stories and zodiac astrology that remains, and it is found in the understory of religions. The celestials became divine beings, gods and goddesses and had power over their lives. The sun was worshipped as a deity. There are carvings of sun and moon observations dating back to 28,000 BCE (this is not a new concept!) and stone arrangements for record keeping all over the planet. Many of the early observations were used for the calculation of auspicious solar days like solstice and equinoxes that were very significant celebrations.
The Earth is immersed in a constantly changing flow of magnetic, electric and gravitational fields from the celestial bodies and it has a powerful effect on every living thing. In cycles, our moon circles the earth, our earth rotates around the sun while spinning on it’s axis. And then there are all the other heavenly bodies. The latest researchers are saying there is nothing living that is not triggered by celestial cycles, the science just can’t quite be explained yet.
Our nervous system is profoundly responsive to changes in the cosmic environment. “Thousands of interrelated rhythms in body chemistry are cyclically orchestrated with geophysical and celestial periodicities – such as the blood and the urine, the levels of sugar, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, corticosterone and adrenocortical outputs, fibrialytic activity in the plasma, deep body temperature, blood pressure, cellular division, and the hormonal patterns of growth and maturation, as well as many neural patterns. Additionally, transformations in gene structure, oxidation cycles in cellular energy systems, heartbeat and fertility rates are all linked with the cyclic movements of the Earth, the moon and other celestial objects.” Robert Lawlor comments. Well that about covers it!
In yogic practices, the sky is a calendar and attention is given to deepen the experience within ourselves and to gain awareness of how our body responds. Practices and rituals were crafted to make the best use of the energy, the directions and aspects of the cycles. These practices aren’t the same for everyone, they aligned with you taking into account your lifestyle as everyone’s bodies are attuned in different ways according to how you spend your days. I read that exposing your spine to three full moons in a particular way can completely and wholistically reset your health.
The earliest sailors looked to the sun, moon, planets and constellations to navigate their way when they couldn’t see the landmark. Our farming ancestors observed the skies as their agricultural calendar knowing when to plant and harvest. Farming in tune with the lunar cycle increases the crop yield said to be because moonlight stimulates leaf growth, and the gravitational pull of the moon impacts the moisture in the soil. Fishing by the new moon and the full moon is when the tides are bigger, and the fish are more active. All of these are practices are still in use today.
The Sun
At the crown of our celestial chandelier is the sun, a symbol of a day, a sunrise and sunset and our icon for our daily practice. Our devotion to our daily practice fans the flames of our intention. This sacred opportunity each brand new day, and each brand new night, is our opportunity to practice – to play and pray everyday, our own way.
Sunlight keeps us warm. It keeps the planet warm. It makes us feel good. It grows our plants. Sunlight is how we maintain our optimum level of the essential nutrient Vitamin D, lower blood pressure, improve our immunity, heal our wounds, and it how we feel a sense of well-being. Believe it or not, it reduces our risk of cancer! Our sleep is improved as it regulates our levels of serotonin and melatonin resetting our circadian rhythm. UV rays causes our skin to produce hormones that reduce pain. We can find a healthy balance spending time in the sun while being cautious not to overexpose ourselves.
We see the sun rise and set at different positions along the horizon over the year. The endless passage of north, then south, then north again. The most north and south positions are the Solstices, which is Latin for “sun stands still” and for the early observers, this is what happened. In the ancient world, many mythologies speak of the energies being more present during these phases of the shortest day and the longest day of the year.
Midway between the two solstices, are the equinoxes which is Latin for equal night. It is the time occurring twice each year when the day and night are of equal duration. A great time of reflection and asking where we can be more in balance.
So the solar cycle divides into four almost equal periods – the seasons and from this was born the festivals, celebrations and ceremonies based on the effect of the fluctuating energies. They are symbolic occasions for renewal and regeneration, and although our modern-urban based life may have disconnected us from the subtle realm where these energies are felt, we can engage with the celebration and restablish that connection.
The Autumn Equinox invites us into a sacred space of
reflection, a time to honour the harvest and celebrate the blessings of life. It is a season for gathering with family, making strong the bonds of home, and feasting in gratitude for earth’s generous gifts — a thanksgiving.
The Spring Equinox is a period of awakening and
rebirth, as we emerge from the cocoon of winter. It the time to
plant seeds both literal and metaphorical, setting intentions for growth and renewal. Time for fertility, joy, celebration and flowers.
Solstices are profound moments to honor the elements and
express reverence for Mother Earth.
The Winter Solstice, with its long night
and shortest day, calls us to reflect and retreat, to honor Grandmother Moon. It is a time for nurturing yourself, and preparing our spirits for the rebirth to come.
The Summer Solstice celebrates the zenith of light, honoring
the Sun in all its glory. This time of longest day and shortest night is a
festival of light, love, and gratitude for the abundant blessings as the year
matures. It prompts us to reflect on our own abundance.
Each of these sacred junctures in the wheel of the year command a unique energy, inviting us to set intentions, nurture connections, and delve deeply into the spiritual potential they embody.
The Moon
The moon is lit by the rays of the sun.
We have known for thousands of years that our behaviour is influenced by the cycle of the moon and these ancient theories are being validated. Lunacy is Latin for “moonstruck”, and some of the findings are that it effects our sleep, our mood and our mental health even a switch from depression to mania coincides with the lunar tides. People’s sensitivity to the fluctuations in the magnetic field of the earth influenced by the lunar cycle is one idea. There is no other way to explain how we can respond to the cycle of the moon even if we have no ability to sense the moonlight. Leading up to a full moon, we sleep later and less because the moon is in the early evening and it extends the day. This could come from our ancestors finding the light useful to extend the day. Nowadays we use artificial light to extend the evening activity.
The Moon holds the Earth in its trajectory of revolution around the Sun. It peaks in full moonlight every 29.5 days, and followed by a new moon 14.8 days after that. The moon’s gravitational pull creates tides that rise and fall every 12.4 hours the height of which follows two-week cycles driven by the pull of the Moon and Sun. The oceans of salt water are effectively big electrical conductors and as the move around there is a magnetic field associated.
How stimulated, active, and balanced our neurological system is, is directly related to the phases of the Moon. Humans are now considered to possess a magnetic sense finding that when we are exposed to magnetic field changes (found in our local environment) our alpha brain wave (awake but not doing anything specific) activity strongly decreases. Is this evolution or environmental? We have a magnetic sensor in our body Cryptochrome and is the main ingredient in our molecular clocks that drive our 24-hour “circadian” rhythms in our body and brain. When solar flares or coronal mass ejections hit the Earth’s magnetic field, this induces invisible electric currents strong enough to knock out power grids, and which some say affect electrically sensitive cells in the heart and brain.
Humans are made out of water. The population of females and the menstrual cycle has forever been synchronised with the cycles of the Moon. Are we responding to the moon’s gravitational pull in the same way the oceans do: through tidal forces? Water molecules respond to gravitational change from the moon and will move in and out of cells effecting the whole organism. Some land organisms may still have the machinery to predict the tides, even if it’s no longer in use.
BRAND NEW MOON
Lunar gravity is increased which enables germination. New Moon is the time of creation. We ask for her blessing as we plant seeds, vision quest, set intentions, and cleanse and elevate our being. The time of beginning again, gathering our thoughts, resetting goals, making fertile plans, and broadcasting our desires to the world. The SUPER new moons are extra potent when setting intentions. Be very clear with your words and actions, with laser sharp vision.
WAXING MOON | FIRST QUARTER
The increasing moonlight promotes leaf growth. This is the time to use your organisation, determination and strength to push forward and take the action you need to take to tend to your goals. Don’t hesitate or faulter. You will feel your energy be renewed as momentum builds. As the full moon approaches, finely tune your desires to align with your source.
FULL ON MOON
Lunar gravity increases and the moonlight peaks and begins to decrease. This is the time of illumination. The healing light shines on what is hidden, on what needs to be released. Charge up. The time for divinity. The time for ceremony. The time for celebrating what your heart desires. We take time to take care and rejuvenate, to turn inwards and consider our goals and to be grateful. The full moon pushes our energy in a certain way. Whatever we are being at the time is enhanced. If we are being loving, then there will be more love. If you are imbalanced, then there will be even greater imbalance.
WANING MOON | LAST QUARTER
Both moonlight and lunar gravity decrease. This is the time to harvest, and to clear and release the energy of anything unwanted. A quiet and calm time of transition to balance and contemplating what is next. Surrender and rest.
Eclipses
Our ancestors mapped the precession of the equinoxes and various cycles of the moon, which allowed them to predict eclipses accurately.
A solar eclipse always falls on a new moon.
Lunar eclipse always falls on a full moon
The energies of the moons are amplified during the eclipse season, becoming even more potent. In the span between a solar and lunar eclipse, known as an “eclipse sandwich,” life can experience sudden upheavals, profound shifts, and transformative changes. This period calls for heightened mindfulness in all our actions—though every day merits awareness, these times are particularly powerful.
Eclipses are cosmic catalysts meant to shake us from complacency, calling us to evolve, ascend to higher states of being, and transition into new phases of our lives. They provide opportunities to propel forward. Setting a strong intention during the new moon solar eclipse, and releasing anything that does not serve your highest good during the full moon lunar eclipse, can harness this transformative energy. The events surrounding eclipses are often monumental, laden with significant coincidences and fateful encounters that can direct the course of your destiny, bringing profound insight, revealing truths, and initiating new beginnings.
During lunar eclipses, be particularly mindful as they tend to stir deep emotions, magnifying the inner work and spiritual insights they bring.
Days of the week and ruling planets
The concept of days being ruled by specific celestial bodies stems from ancient astrological traditions that associate each day of the week with a particular planet, each influencing our activities and emotions in distinct ways:
Monday, ruled by the Moon:
Astrologically, the Moon governs emotions and intuition, making Mondays naturally inclined towards heightened sensitivity. This day is ideal for introspection and nurturing activities that can soothe the emotional ups and downs.
Tuesday, ruled by Mars:
Mars is known for its fiery energy, often associated with assertiveness and decisiveness. On Tuesdays, this influence can make it an excellent day for tackling challenging tasks. However, the aggressive aspect of Mars could make negotiations and calm discussions more challenging.
Wednesday, ruled by Mercury:
Mercury governs communication, thinking, and information exchange. Therefore, Wednesdays are well-suited for discussions, learning new things, and handling correspondence. It’s an optimal day for any tasks that require clear communication.
Thursday, ruled by Jupiter:
Jupiter is associated with expansion, luck, and growth, making Thursdays an auspicious day for beginning new ventures, making important decisions, and seeking out new opportunities.
Friday, ruled by Venus:
Venus influences harmony, beauty, and relationships. Fridays are thus conducive to activities that focus on personal relationships, artistic pursuits, and creating a balanced environment.
Saturday, ruled by Saturn:
Saturn is linked to discipline, responsibilities, and long-term planning. Saturdays are effective for focusing on work that requires meticulous attention to detail and setting the groundwork for future projects.
Sunday, ruled by the Sun:
The Sun is associated with vitality, self-expression, and vitality. Sundays are great for recharging, engaging in recreational activities, and celebrating life’s joys in the light of the Sun.
These astrological associations offer a framework for planning your week, aligning daily tasks with the planetary energies believed to be most active each day.
Other influences to consider
Moon’s Influence: The position and proximity of the moon can greatly influence its effects on Earth. Events such as super moons or black moons—when the moon is especially close or far from Earth—can amplify these effects.
Constellations and mythology: Historically, certain stars have been linked with specific deities. Is it possible that celestial bodies, through their unique movements and cycles, exert subtle influences on human behavior and evolution?
Astrology: Astrology is based on the belief that the alignment of stars and planets influences an individual’s mood, personality, and environment, shaped by the specifics of their birth date and time.
Chinese Astrology: Chinese astrology offers a unique way to engage with the year’s energies, interpreted through the characteristics of different zodiac animals, providing insights into personal tendencies and cosmic influences.
Retrogrades: During retrograde periods, it’s a time for reflection— to review, reword, rework, and reassess our current situations. These phases are conducive to clarity and letting go of what no longer serves us. However, they can also bring about technical glitches, and issues with communication and travel. It’s advisable to double-check all actions and, if possible, to take a pause and embrace stillness during these times.
Look to the skies….
In loving service 
