New Moon Ritual for Intuition
Jill Amison • September 13, 2023
Connect to your magic!
In class this week we have been working with practices that align us to this Friday's (15th) New Moon In Virgo.
The new or dark moon is traditionally the time for introspection. An opportunity to move into the dark within and receive the magic and wisdom that resides there.
Virgo is the earth sign of the Goddess and the Divine Feminine
which brings the energies of great discernment, intuition and allows us to discover our innate power and the gifts we were born to share.
Of course, we may or may not know what those gifts look like but we most certainly know when we're not aligned with that power or when we are not living it's truth.
We might feel that internal nagging from our hearts wisdom, like we're yearning for something more or different from the life we're living.
The new moon is the perfect time to stand at that crossroads and set new intentions for changing the course.
This Virgo moon gives us the choice to decide... Do we continue living life as it is now and perhaps never really discover our potential or do we listen in, do the work of self discovery and align truly with our hearts desire.
In doing the latter we also are more likely to be able to rest in our worthiness rather than the mind set of 'not being enough'
or totally satisfied with the life we are creating.
Here's a short ritual that you can work with through this new moon cycle (Thursday through Saturday)
that will help you connect to your powers of intuition which you can trust to guide you at this crossroads place:
- Create some quiet sacred space where you wont be disturbed. You can adorn it with nice smelling essential oils, flowers, crystals, images that evoke happiness for you, anything really that resonates with the energy of love, confidence and trust
- Light a candle or burn incense if you'd like to begin your ritual in this way
- From a tarot deck chose a card that corresponds to your intuition (The High Priestess is generally my go-to, but other cards that speak to intuition are any of the Queens or Aces, the Star, the Fool, the Empress, the Hierophant, the Chariot, the Hermit, the Hanged Man or the Moon) Just choose one that you're really attracted to.
- As you hold and look at the card get clear about what this ritual can help you with. What do you need to know as you sit in this dark moon energy? Turn this enquiry into an open ended question.
- Get relaxed in your body...perhaps a body scan to relax any holding of nervous tension. Close your eyes for a few minutes and focus on your breath. Let your breath flow with ease and simply observe the ebb and flow.
- Pick up the card, open your eyes and really take in the image. What do you love about it? This is what you love about yourself. What qualities does it embody for you? These are your qualities too. Trust this truth. Trust your intuition
- Place the card in front of you and close your eyes again. Come back to your breath. Silently ask your question of the universe that you created earlier. Invite in any messages. Listen inwards. They may well come as words, sensations, a whole mind movie or feelings. Sit and listen. If nothing arises, don't panic!!!! Simply repeat your question and keep listening. Do this until you feel the energy shift a little.
- Thank the energies of this card and the universe for her guidance. Know that you are now carrying the energies of that card and trust that this intuitive power will guide you to align with your hearts calling.
& So it is xxx
Navigating Conflict and Creating Boundaries on the Spiritual Path Conflict is an uncomfortable yet inevitable part of life. As someone deeply immersed in the practice of yoga and spiritual growth, I’ve often found myself wrestling with how to navigate disagreements, especially of late, while staying true to my values. Yoga teaches us to ride the highs and lows of life with grace, but that doesn’t mean we always get it right. For me, conflict has been a difficult terrain to navigate, but over the years, I’ve learned to stand up for myself with right action—an approach deeply rooted in both Buddhist philosophy and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. Sitting with the Feeling Before Reacting One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of sitting with my emotions before reacting. The Buddhist principle of mindfulness encourages us to observe our thoughts and feelings without immediately acting on them. In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna is faced with an internal struggle about going into battle. Krishna advises him not to avoid the conflict but to engage in it with wisdom and righteousness. Similarly, I’ve realised that avoidance doesn’t resolve conflict; rather, thoughtful engagement does. There have been times when I’ve failed at this—when I’ve reacted instead of responding with intention. But with practice, I’ve learned to pause, breathe, and compose my words with clarity and without hostility. This is not always easy, especially when emotions run high, but it is essential for maintaining inner peace while asserting healthy boundaries. Boundaries: The Bridge Between Compassion and Self-Respect Brené Brown, in Atlas of the Heart, speaks about boundaries as an essential component of healthy relationships. She reminds us that we can agree to disagree, but boundaries help define what is and isn’t acceptable in our interactions. For instance: It’s okay that we have different beliefs, but it’s not okay to belittle mine. It’s okay that we are upset, but it’s not okay to yell or swear at each other. It’s okay to set limits, but it’s not okay to disregard or disrespect them. Boundaries are not about controlling others; they are about protecting our own well-being while still allowing space for connection. They help us navigate relationships with integrity, ensuring that we can hold space for differing perspectives without compromising our values. Healthy Ways to Navigate Conflict on the Spiritual Path So how do we engage in conflict in a way that aligns with our spiritual practice? Here are a few approaches I’ve found helpful: Pause Before Responding – Take a breath, feel the emotions, and respond with intention rather than impulse. Practice Non-Violent Communication – Express needs and concerns without blame or aggression. Hold Compassion for Yourself and Others – Recognize that everyone is navigating their own struggles, and approach conflict with an open heart. Stand Firm in Your Truth – Speak your truth with clarity and confidence, knowing that setting boundaries is an act of self-respect. Accept Disagreements Without Forcing Resolution – Some conflicts may not have a perfect resolution, and that’s okay. Agreeing to disagree while maintaining respect is sometimes the best outcome. Know When to Walk Away – If the other person is unable or unwilling to communicate without crossing your boundaries, it may be necessary to disengage. Protecting your peace is just as important as standing your ground. This could mean ending the conversation, limiting contact, or, in extreme cases, removing yourself from the relationship altogether. Choosing to walk away is not a sign of weakness; it is a testament to your self-respect and emotional well-being. Navigating conflict is not about winning or proving a point; it’s about showing up authentically while maintaining inner peace. It’s about finding the balance between openness and self-protection. It’s a practice—one that, like yoga, requires patience, awareness, and a willingness to grow. As I continue on this journey, I remind myself that I won’t always get it right. But I can keep practicing, keep learning, and keep striving to meet conflict with wisdom and compassion. After all, the goal is not perfection but presence.
