Movement as Medicine
Fall NeuroSomatic Embodiment Series: A New Moon Movement Playlist
The new moon is a potent time for renewal, introspection, and planting seeds for future growth. On Wednesday, October 2, 2024, we are given the opportunity to connect deeply with the moon’s energy, harnessing it as a guide for our inner journey. This lunar phase offers us a clean slate—a chance to align with our intentions and embody the fresh beginnings it represents.
The new moon falls in the sign of Libra. Libra is an air sign ruled by Venus, the planet of love, beauty, harmony, and balance. Astrologically, Libra energy is all about relationships, partnerships, and finding equilibrium in various aspects of life.
The Significance of Connecting with the Moon
Throughout history, the moon has been revered for its cyclical nature, mirroring the rhythms of nature and our own internal processes. Each phase of the moon offers different energetic qualities, and the new moon is particularly special for its symbolism of birth, darkness, and potential. Just as the moon disappears from view, it invites us to go inward, reflect, and tap into the quiet space within ourselves.
By consciously attuning to the moon’s phases, especially the new moon, we can become more aligned with natural cycles, encouraging flow and ease in our lives. Connecting with the new moon is an invitation to pause and reflect, set new goals, and release what no longer serves us. It is a moment of stillness before growth, much like the quiet of winter before the rebirth of spring.
How to Connect with the New Moon
There are several ways to intentionally connect with the new moon’s energy. Here are some practices to consider:
1. New Moon Intentions: Take time to sit in stillness and write down your intentions for the lunar cycle ahead. What do you wish to call into your life? What are you ready to let go of? This is an ideal time for journaling and introspection.
2. Meditation & Visualization: Visualize the new moon as a blank canvas. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and imagine planting the seeds of your dreams and desires in fertile soil. See yourself nurturing them over the coming weeks.
3. Sacred Space Rituals: Light a candle, use essential oils, or burn sage to cleanse your space. Invite in the energy of the new moon by sitting in a quiet corner and grounding yourself. Reflect on what this fresh cycle symbolizes for you.
Movement as Medicine for the New Moon
Movement, like the moon, follows rhythms that support both physical and energetic balance. For the new moon, soft, flowing movement practices can help us embody the lunar energy of quiet beginnings. This is a time to tune inwards, so the focus is slow, meditative movement that honors the body’s natural state of rest and renewal.
Create a movement ritual in alignment with the new moon:
1. Grounding Yoga Flow: Practice gentle, grounding yoga postures such as child’s pose, cat-cow stretches, and forward folds. These movements support grounding and relaxation, drawing energy inward.
2. Breath and Body Awareness: Use slow, intentional breathing to connect your breath with your movements. This helps to cultivate mindfulness and presence.
3. Fluid Movement: Engage in free-flowing, intuitive movement or simple swaying of the body. Let your body move in circles or spirals, reflecting the moon’s cyclical energy. This can create a sense of flow and release stagnation.
4. Moon Salutations: A gentle alternative to sun salutations, moon salutations help you connect to lunar energy through a sequence of movements designed to bring balance and calm.
5. Restorative Intuitive Movement: Put on soothing music and allow yourself to move freely, without structure or expectation. Focus on how each part of your body feels and let it express itself through slow, graceful movements. Below is a curated playlist to embody the new moon:
Embodying the New Moon
To fully embody the energy of the new moon, focus on rest, reflection, and gentle creation. This isn’t the time for pushing ahead but for turning inward, finding stillness, and listening to the subtle wisdom within. Honor this phase by being patient with yourself, nurturing your body with mindful movement, and setting the foundation for the dreams that will blossom as the moon waxes.
In this phase, less is more. The quiet of the new moon is where the magic happens—it’s the space where intention takes root, and in the darkness, all growth begins.
This new moon in Libra invites us to seek equilibrium, cultivate peace in our relationships, and embrace beauty in all its forms.
Let me know in the comments if you enjoy this playlist. Do you have a favorite song or playlist that connects you to the new moon or just to embody slowing down and being gentle with yourself.