Intention
Fall is the time of harvest, a moment of the year when we get to reap the rewards of the intentions that we planted earlier in the year. As the leaves fall, we intentionally ground down, get rooted and call our energy inward again. On the fall New Moon, we are invited to take a pause...and a deep breath. This time is influenced by the energy of ether and air, so during this phase of the moon cycle, we focus on the ebb and flow of the breath. The gentle movement of air through an inhale and exhale is one of the best ways to rejuvenate the subtle energies of our being.
Self-Care Practice
Nadi Shodhana is a simple pranayama, or breathing exercise, that deeply relaxes the mind and body. While your tub fills and your bath tea steeps, practice this simple pranayama to calm the mind as you pause to gather energy for the remainder of the year.
Start by holding your right thumb over your right nostril and inhaling deeply through your left nostril. At the peak of your inhalation, close off your left nostril with the middle finger of your right hand, release your thumb then exhale slowly through your right nostril. After a full exhalation, inhale through the right nostril this time, maintaining gentle pressure on your left nostril. At the peak of your inhalation, close off your right nostril with your thumb again, release your middle finger and exhale through your left nostril. Follow this same pattern of alternate nostril breathing for five minutes before or during your bath. Your breathing should be effortless, with your mind gently observing the inflow and outflow of breath. If closing one nostril causes fear or anxiety, or if one nostril is blocked, try doing the practice without blocking either nostril, and simply visualizing the alternating flow of breath.
Immerse Yourself
If it is early fall, and still hot out, draw a bath that is near body temperature, so on the cooler side. If it is late fall and a chill has set in, draw a warmer bath. While your tub fills with warm water, steep your New Moon Botanical Bath Tea in a French press or on the stovetop for fifteen to twenty minutes. Strain your botanical bath tea into the water, then add your Milk & Honey Infused Bathing Salt. During your Fall New Moon Bath ritual, consider listening to music that features the meditative tones of a wooden flute.
Journal
Being embodied helps us to connect to our deepest wisdom and feel grounded in our vision. Operating from this place of calm and clarity allows us to step forward on our path with confidence in our direction and breathe life into our ideas. The inward facing energy of the fall New Moon cultivates within us a reflective space of awareness as we witness our intentions coming to fruition.
Reflect in your journal on the following questions . . .
- What was an intention or goal I set for myself this year?
- What benefits am I now enjoying from this intention or goal?
- What can I do to maintain my energy while my ideas come to life?
- What kind of support do I need from my community to sustain my momentum?
Dive Deep With Moon Bath — Our Book!
Moon Bath is a beautiful guide that invites readers to immerse themselves in the healing powers of nature. It features 16 bathing rituals, aligned with the lunar cycles and the seasons, that inspire you to integrate calming and enriching self-care practices into everyday life. It’s a lovely companion for modern mystics, wellness enthusiasts, and anyone who wants to wash away the stresses of daily life. Take a look!
