I love Celtic spirituality! It is my heartland. Anyone who knows me, even a little, will probably roll their eyes and and say with a sigh that I go around listening and singing Celtic songs (often in Gaelic), how many of my jewellry and clothes are Celtic-inspired, that I'm found reading amazing books penned by authors well-versed in the language and rich spiritual wisdom of those mysterious people, and wondering about the next time I will visit the South West of England that has SO many ties to some of the most enduring, enticing and thought-provoking stories about the sacred Isle of Avalon and her Priestesses, Merlin, King Arthur, his Queen Guinevere, the Knights of the Round Table and Camelot. I have always loved these stories, and always will. I just wanted to say this now since in this blog I talk about a phase of the moon known as a Waning Moon, and as I find such profound spiritual wisdom, love and understanding in my Celtic heritage and homeland, I feel inspired to share some of this knowledge in relation to some gold ol' fashion astrology (also something I love!). I have many interests that I am so excited to share with you in my blogs, that I thought with the current Waning Moon this is a perfect time to write about this, combining my love of Celtic spirituality and esoteric wisdom with a current celestial event, which in itself, professes a mystical great power.
In the ancient Celtic times, nature was reflective of life itself. People lived and worked in cooperation with nature and the celestial and seasonal rhythms. Everything meant something, whether it was a reflecting pool, trickling stream, bleeting deer or circling hawk. Likewise, the phases of the moon also represented intensive meaning. Waning Moons were a symbol of the third stage of womanhood. Often referred to as the Crone or Matriarch, this phase represents endings, transition, and times of change. Just as the moon itself shrinks into the quiet starry sky, she tell us of the journey back to the beginning - from where we came, were will go, and where we will emerge from again. Some may correlate this moon phase with the element of endings, however it's key to remember is that to the Celts (and for many people today, myself included), there are no real endings, but a simple change, a swiftness of movement from one area to another. Transition brings with it a time for growth and renewal.
Also, the phrase "it's always darkest before dawn" can be taken into our context here. What does this mean? Is it implying that so-called "darkness" comes before carefree times? In other words, after a transition there is a sense of bewilderment in the most fine sense - choosing to be happy and rejoicing in the attainment of our chosen path (in other words, our goals). Makes sense, doesn't it?
I am fascinated by these ancient symbols; and I find it amazing exactly how relevant they STILL are in today's world. Maybe it's because in a so-called modern world of racing against a mechanism (clocks, that is!) and in technology, we need this fusion of old, time-honed and honoured ancient knowledge to help keep connecting us to the most beautiful truth of all - that Life, as we live and breathe it, is fine, and a most gorgeous example of Divinity.
Night, true Mysteries of Life, Universal Oneness and compassion, Light-working, Understanding. All of these words (and more) are used to refer to the Waning Moon. It is also a time for honouring yourself, and the Divine Feminine in her role as a speaker or teacher, attainer, Wisewoman, healer, esoteric spiritual wisdom as well as honouring the elder members of our family and society.
Another thing to know when talking about Celtic endings and new beginnings is that to these people of old, their days did not begin in the morning, as it does for many, if not all, of us. Instead, their day started at night. Interesting, isn't it? This is not correlating darkness with evil however - FAR from it. Darkness is the quiet of night. It is where the sleeping child rests, how we prepare for the following day. It is where the next phase or transition of life begins. It is our resting time, and where we get ready for new starts.
So, next time you are finding yourself peering into the beautiful, gently left-leaning silver crescent moon in the night sky, remember the ancient wisdom gracing the starry dome above you, and remember the respected Lady who always smiles upon, knowing the beloved secrets of your heart.
Open your arms to lovingly accept and graciously receive infinite blessings from the Universe. We are always here together; we are never alone with Divine support that surrounds us.
Until next time, take care and God bless,
Sarah Adamson
*Sarah Adamson. All rights reserved.