Amāvásyā is often translated as new moon since there is no standard term for the Moon before conjunction in English. The dark moon is when the Moon is within the 12 degrees of angular distance between the Sun and Moon before conjunction. The enrgy of the Luna is decreased to the minimun level- the darkest night of the lunar month. This may leave us with feelings of fatigue, oppression or lack of motivation. On this day, give yourself plenty of grace to feel your feelings in whole without suppressing them. However, this is an important day for spiritual practice and for mindful and intentional planning for the upcoming lunar month.
Rituals carried out on the new moon have powerful energy charge that will empower you to fulfill the goals you focus upon. I do encourage you to tidy up and declutter your home and workspace the day before, clearing old to make room for the new. Be specific with your intentions for the upcoming lunar month.
Start your new moon ritual by purifying your home. Lighting a smudge stick or palo santo to burn is my favorite way to start, with the windows open throughout my home. Before I begin, I like to write down a few positive mantras that I will speak aloud throughout my home while smudging with sage smoke. Diffusing a cleansing + energizing essential oil like Peppermint with Lemon or Grapefruit is a great way to also purify and recharge the air in your home.
During my new moon ritual, I also might take the time to sage my gemstones and crystals. You can also recharge them with the new moon to harness the strong energy that comes with the new lunar month. It is important to note exactly when the new moon will be rising and to get your stones out with intention, and leaving them in a windowsill that recieves moonlight, for up to four day to really experience the full benefits of the energy of the new moon. When choosing crystals to use during meditation today, pick stones that align with your intentions of the new moon.
Playing music with or hearing bells or chimes during new moon ritual is a way to help purify the vibrational energy in your home though the essensce of sound. Take a relaxing detox support bath or a visit to the sauna. Take time to meditate and focus on calming your mind and clearing out past negetivities that might have bad influence on yout abilities to achieve your goals for the new lunar month. This makes for a great time to say goodbye to bad habits or addictions that have been oppressing you. It can be helpful to write down an unwanted desire you might have and burn it. This can be an empowering way to show yourelf that you have control of your actions and can choose which actions will move you towards achieving your mission.
Don't be afraid to get creative with your journaling today! Use bright colored pens and decorate your notes. Make time for art and creativity today! This is ritual for fulfilling wishes! Cross off old wishes that have come to fruition to make room for the new. They WILL be gradually coming true and forming your reality- this is why it is important to BE SPECIFIC!
I really am excited to practice my rituals today, and I hope you are too!
Love and light to you all!