Esbats are rituals performed using the different phases of the moon. 

Women and the Moon

The Moon has always been the primary symbol for female energy; its cycle around the Earth takes approx 29 days; same time as  average woman’s menstrual cycle. As the pull of the moon affects the waters of the world, so does its motion affect the body of woman.

The moon has special power for women; she represents emotions, fertility, sexuality, sensuality, gardens, animals, psychic powers, dreams and visions. Her gentle light softens differences and makes visible what is usually invisible, making it possible for us to see the shadow side of ourselves more clearly. The moon’s phases can be seen as either four or eight. In our culture knowledge of the moon is frequently ignored and suppressed. The lunar calendar was outlawed in 45BC by Julius Caesar and the concept of cyclic process was declared heretical in the 5th century CE by the Council of Constantinople. Rekindling the knowledge of the moons’ cycle enables us to celebrate life in a more holistic way, recapture our cyclical skills and bond together in sisterhood.

A woman’s cycle used to follow the ebb and flow of the moon; from new to full, estrogen increased leading to ovulation or maximum fertility. From full to new, the waning half of the cycle, progesterone predominated; women would therefore start bleeding right before the new moon in the dark of the moon. Now with the advent of artificial light, women bleed at different phases of the moon. Their bodies are out of sync with Grandmother Moon and her magick. One way to get back in harmony is by performing ceremonies and rituals at different times of the month and by honoring the time of menstruation or “moon time”.

Honoring Moon Time

When a woman begins her moon time, she has a very special vibration. The blood flow is cleansing as the old uterine lining is sloughed off, one monthly reproductive cycle is ended. At this time, women have the chance to rid themselves of old thoughts, habits and desires, and to be receptive to new visions and inspirations for the next cycle. If she continues her normal routine, then she loses a uniquely female opportunity for introspection. She may get more tired, irritable or upset because her physical rhythm has slowed down. She needs rest, more time for meditation and less time doing housework, cooking, working and taking care of children. PMS  has become a major modern health problem because as the hormones change, the level of minerals such as potassium, calcium and magnesium drop, along with B vitamins. This results in tension, sensitivity, anxiety and vulnerability - when they know they are expected to continue their daily routine during this time, cramps, headaches, low blood sugar and so on are the result.

PMS symptoms can be relieved by taking extra minerals during the month, increasing slightly the week before bleeding. Herb teas such as red raspberry, squaw vine and sarsaparilla root are also beneficial in balancing hormones; the Chinese herb dong quai is also excellent to use during the month a few times a week, either as a tea or in capsules. Evening primrose oil capsules also work well. Sarsaparilla simmered with licorice root or black cohosh is beneficial a few days before bleeding.

While these herbal remedies are a great help, they are not enough. The cycle has to be honored; time needs to be spent in solitude away from the regular routine. In many tribal cultures, a moon lodge was built where the women could go; since most would bleed at the same time, the grandmothers and fathers took care of the children and chores. Food was left outside the lodge and the time was spent resting, meditating and taking care of each other. Friendships deepen between women when they unite to honor their moon time; one advantage of forming a lodge is to have a supportive sisterhood which allows each woman some psychic space during the month.

Setting up a moon lodge is the ideal retreat; even if it can only be experienced by some for a few hours. If this is not possible, spend time near a personal altar or special place; a small amount of time honoring the process is something every woman owes to herself if she wishes to maintain physical and emotional balance. In return, she will be easier to be around.

When women follow ancient moon rituals and become attuned with their bodies, they know from dreams and physical  awareness when conception has occurred.  Many years ago, Louise Lacey, author of ‘Luncaception’, worked with 29 women to regulate their cycles. Noting the effect the moon had on the fertility cycle of animals, she perceived that women could regulate their cycle if they left some light on in their bedrooms; this would function like the light of the moon. They left a lamp on during days 14, 15 and 16 and this regulated ovulation and bleeding time.

Use these specially blended oils to help you focus on and tap into the energy of the Moon and in turn, the corresponding phases of your life.

New Moon

This is the first phase of the moons cycle; New to First Quarter. Rising energy, fresh impulses, forward movement. Corresponds to the East, sunrise and new beginnings. For women, estrogen increases, there is rising energy with emotional buoyancy. Moon and sun rise and set together; they are "in conjunction" (within 5 degrees). Can’t see the waxing crescent at exactly the new moon - appears a couple of days later; both moon and sun are on the same side of the earth and both in the same astrological sign, pulling us strongly in one direction. A time of mystery when the veil between the worlds is thinner and psychic powers heighten. Because it is the beginning of a new cycle of growth, it is a good time to “clean up your act”, begin new projects and plant seeds of whatever you would like to come to fruition during this moon cycle. New moon corresponds to the Maiden or Nymph aspect of the Goddess, going out into the world and finding her place; Artemis, Goddess of enchantment and the hunt, is an example. 

Ceremony can include wish making, goal setting (of things that can be accomplished by the end of this moon cycle), making a medicine bag to carry throughout the cycle, chakra clearing, cleansing of the four aspects of our being (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual), crystal cleansing and planting seeds. Candles are generally white and incenses are for purification, such as sage, sweetgrass or copal.