Turning to Nature:
Moons, Elements, and Seasons
Mother Nature provides us with so many beautiful and wonderful creations, all of which can help us in a magical way. From the power of the moon and her phases to the elements and seasons, each one has a magical energy that can help release your negative emotions and replace them with positive energy. Just look at the moon shining in a dark sky sprinkled with stars, or stand in a meadow full of flowers with the sun on your face. Both these situations (and many more) can make your heart sing.
Draw upon the bounty that Mother Nature provides. She is more than happy to lend you any positive energy that you need in whatever form.
The seasons, the elements, and the planetary phases have a very strong effect on how we feel. Work with the ebb and flow instead of fighting against it. Learn how each one interacts with you and your emotions. Magic is out there; you just need to tap into it.
Working in Harmony with the Moon Phases
The moon is powerful; she possesses serious amounts of energy that will affect your mood and state of mind. I mean, the moon moves entire oceans, so messing with your emotions is pretty simple for her (although I don’t think she does it on purpose).
Try keeping a moon diary for a while and see how the different phases make you feel. How does it affect your physical energy? Your moods? Your emotions? Write it all down and then, when you have enough information, see if there is a pattern. Your findings will help you work with the energy and go with the flow.
I have included some correspondences below for each moon phase to help you get a grip on the ebb and flow. Try the meditations to help you ease your emotional issues, working with the corresponding moon phase to add to the power.
Waxing—New Beginnings
When the moon is on the up, beginning her climb from darkness to the crescent, your energy may echo hers. I often find this is the time when I get stuff done. My mood is usually quite good as well; I’m riding the waxing wave. The waxing phase is good for working with the planning stages of new ventures. This is the time for job hunting, house hunting, self-improvement, health, protection, courage, emotions, optimism, boosting your energy, communication, love, and any new beginnings.
• Goddess: Maiden
• Colours: green, orange, red, silver, white
Waxing Moon Meditation
Make yourself comfortable in a space where you won’t be disturbed. Light some incense if you wish. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in, deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself in a courtyard. There are stone pillars all around you. You look up to see that the structure has no roof; it is nighttime and you can view the inky dark sky, scattered with silver stars. There is light coming from just a slither of the moon, peeping into the courtyard where you stand. You hear an owl hoot in the distance. A warm breeze touches your skin.
There are flaming torches fixed to the walls so you can see clearly within the stone structure. Take a look around you.
At one end there appears to be a long stone table, so you head over.
On the table is a large, empty wooden bowl and lots of dishes. Each one contains what appears to be dried herbs, roots, plants, and flowers. Investigate and see what you find. Scoop up handfuls and take in the scent. Do you recognise any of them?
Select several of the bowls of plant matter and take them over to the empty wooden bowl. Scoop out handfuls or pinches of each one that you like and mix them together in the empty bowl.
What does the scent smell like once they are combined? Does it need anything else? If you need to add something, do so.
You realise the other end of the table is filled with dark glass bottles. Investigate … They are perfumes and essential oils of all kinds. Which ones are you drawn to?
Take the ones you like over to your bowl of mixed plant matter and add a few drops of each.
What does the final mixture smell like?
You hold the bowl up so that the light from the waxing moon shines down and fills the bowl with Luna energy.
This is a bowl of beginnings, of new and fresh energy. Feel it wash over you.
What areas of your life will you use this new energy for? State your intent.
When you are ready, place the bowl back on the table.
Look up and send your blessings of thanks to the waxing moon.
Take a last look around and know that you can return to this place at any time.
Slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.
Full Moon—Energy
The full moon can cause all kinds of chaos with your emotions. The word “lunatic” is derived from “Luna,” and this is no surprise. Not only does the full moon affect my emotions, I often find that it affects my sleep as well. Waking in the early hours and not being able to settle again is a regular thing for me during the full moon. The upside is that it also brings a big punch of power, so you may find this is the point in the month when you step into your superpowers. Work with the full moon for courage, luck, motivation, friendships, strength, progress, patience, protection, centring, relationships, family, changes, transformation, and goals.
• Goddess: Mother
• Colours: blue, orange, white, yellow
Full Moon Meditation
Make yourself comfortable in a space where you won’t be disturbed. Light some incense if you wish. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in, deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself in a courtyard. There are stone pillars all around you. You look up to see that the structure has no roof; it is nighttime and you can view the inky dark sky, scattered with silver stars. There is light coming from just a slither of the moon, peeping into the courtyard where you stand. You hear an owl hoot in the distance. A warm breeze touches your skin.
There are flaming torches fixed to the walls so you can see clearly within the stone structure. Take a look around you.
At one end there appears to be a long stone table, so you head over.
On the table is a large wooden bowl full of herbs and oils. Take the bowl and breathe in the scent.
On the end of the table is a candle; the flame flickers slightly in the breeze. Next to the candle is a large copper bowl filled with glowing charcoal.
Beside the table is a chair. You pull it close and sit down.
Take a handful of the herb mixture and throw it onto the hot coals.
It fizzes and sputters for a brief moment and then burns, sending up a dancing spiral of coloured smoke. The air fills with the most beautiful scent.
Sit quietly and watch the smoke. Look for any patterns or images …
Throw another handful of plant mix onto the coals and look up to the full moon.
This incense carries the energy of the full moon; ask for courage, guidance, and energy to succeed in your goals. Set your intent.
Allow the smoke to dispel and the coals to grow dark.
Look up and send your blessings of thanks to the full moon.
Take a last look around and know that you can return to this place at any time.
Slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.
Waning Moon—Releasing
As the moon slides from full down to the other side of the crescent phase, you may notice your energy levels waning too. The waning moon might also affect how you feel on the emotion front. Work with the waning moon energy for removing and banishing, letting go of old habits, and releasing unwanted emotions. This energy is lovely for dealing with changes, decisions, health and healing, self-improvement, enlightenment, and protection.
• Goddess: Matriarch
• Colours: blue, pink, purple
Waning Moon Meditation
Make yourself comfortable in a space where you won’t be disturbed. Light some incense if you wish. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in, deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself in a courtyard. There are stone pillars all around you. You look up to see that the structure has no roof; it is nighttime and you can view the inky dark sky, scattered with silver stars. There is light coming from just a slither of the moon, peeping into the courtyard where you stand. You hear an owl hoot in the distance. A warm breeze touches your skin.
There are flaming torches fixed to the walls so you can see clearly within the stone structure. Take a look around you.
At one end there appears to be a long stone table, so you head over.
There is a wooden bowl half filled with an herb mixture and a copper bowl full of ashes.
Take the bowl with the ashes and hold them up to the waxing moon.
This is a bowl filled with releasing and banishing, letting go of that which no longer serves you.
Tell the waning moon what you wish to release from your life. State your intent.
Then take the ashes over to the edge of the courtyard. You find a small stream of water running down the hillside. Tip the ashes into the water and watch as it carries them away. Let it take your troubles with it.
You go back and take up the bowl half-filled with herbs and hold it up to the waning moon. Ask for positive energy to fill the void left by releasing.
Then walk to the edge of the courtyard once more and tip the herbs onto the soil there.
When you are ready, place the bowl back on the table.
Look up and send your blessings of thanks to the waning moon.
Take a last look around and know that you can return to this place at any time.
Slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.
Dark Moon—Guidance
When you cannot see the moon in the sky at all (although she is still there, I promise), you are dealing with a dark moon. This is definitely a quiet time that is good for reflection and inner work (not really the moment for a big party). Work with the dark moon energy for breaking addictions, change, removing obstacles, letting go of the past, and self-love.
• Goddess: Crone
• Colours: black, blue, purple
Dark Moon Meditation
Make yourself comfortable in a space where you won’t be disturbed. Light some incense if you wish. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in, deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself in a courtyard. There are stone pillars all around you. You look up to see that the structure has no roof; it is nighttime and you can view the inky dark sky, scattered with silver stars. There is light coming from just a slither of the moon, peeping into the courtyard where you stand. You hear an owl hoot in the distance. A warm breeze touches your skin.
There are flaming torches fixed to the walls so you can see clearly within the stone structure. Take a look around you.
At one end there appears to be a long stone table, so you head over.
On the table is a copper bowl and a jug that looks to be filled with water. You pull up a chair and sit down.
Pour the water into the copper bowl. Watch as it ripples and shimmers.
Beside the jug is a small glass bottle. You pick this up and pour a few drops of the contents onto the water. It appears to be dark ink and makes patterns and images across the surface of the water.
This is a bowl filled with the energy of the dark moon. Look up to the sky and ask for her wisdom and insight.
Now look at the surface of the water. What do you see?
After a while, add a few more drops of ink to refresh the images.
If you have questions, ask them. Read your answers from the images on the water.
When you are ready, look up and send your blessings of thanks to the dark moon.
Take a last look around and know that you can return to this place at any time.
Slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.
The Elements
Nature not only provides a cornucopia of plants, flowers, and food to work with; she also gives us the elements. They are there to help—use them. When you invite them into your ritual, really see and feel them arrive. Use all your visualisation skills and senses. For earth, see dark rich soil, mountains, rocks, and caves in your mind. As you invite air in, feel a breeze on your skin and see trees blowing in the wind. Fire is an easy one to visualise; flames from a bonfire are perfect, but also smell the smoke and feel the heat on your face. Water is oceans, rivers, and waterfalls; feel raindrops on your face.
Work with the elements to help you deal with any issues.
Earth can bring grounding and stability but also assists with home life and finances. Practical exercises include putting your hands and feet in soil, hugging trees, gardening, and going for a walk in nature.
Air rules intellect and how your mind functions. Work with this element to help retrain your way of thinking. Practical exercises include focusing on your breath and your breathing and going outside in the wind.
Fire brings passion and creativity but also helps burn away the old and the negative to make way for new patterns of thinking and different habits. Practical exercises include having a fire pit or bonfire, soaking up the sun (not too much! And don’t forget sunscreen), or watching a candle flame.
Water is all about the emotions. Get a grip on this element, and it will seriously help you to rein in the wayward emotions and feelings. Practical exercises include standing in the rain, taking a bath or shower, going to the ocean, or washing your hands or face.
Meditation to Meet the Elements
Make yourself comfortable in a place where you won’t be disturbed. If you can sit outside to do this meditation, even better.
Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in and deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself standing barefoot in a field. The sun is shining and the sky is blue. The field around you is a dark, rich soil, recently tilled and ready for planting.
Wriggle your toes in the earth. Feel the warmth of the soil on your feet. Take a walk around the field slowly. Feel your connection to the earth.
The earth is grounding and stability, so tell it what you need. What areas of your life need stabilising? Talk and then listen for a response …
As you stand quietly, you feel a light breeze on your face, then on your arms and around your whole body. The wind has picked up quite quickly and is blowing gently but firmly.
Throw your arms out wide and allow the air to embrace your body. Let the wind bring clarity of thought and inspiration. Talk to the element of air. It will listen … and then it will answer you …
Just as suddenly as it started, the wind disappears and the sun warms your face once again.
You walk a little further around the field and see a bonfire in one corner. Lots of old, dead, and dry grass has been piled up to be burnt. See the flames and feel the heat of the fire as you approach. The fire has passion and creativity; it has the ability to tear down that which does not serve and leave a clean slate. Tell the fire what areas of your life you need to clear out. It will listen … and reply to you …
As you finish listening to the fire, you feel spots of rain on your skin … slowly at first, and then you look up to see the sky has filled with dark clouds. The heavens open with cool, refreshing rain.
Stand and allow the water to soak you or run about and splash in the newly made mud. The element of water has the ability to cleanse and refresh; tell it what emotions you need to clear. It will listen … and then it will reply …
Just as soon as it started, the rain stops.
The earth is muddy beneath your feet now, but the sky is blue once again and the air is fresh and sweet.
Take a long look around and remember all the wisdom that the elements shared with you.
When you are ready, slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.
Seasonal Effects
Outside influences can affect your mood and your emotions. The time of year, the seasons, and the weather can all have a huge impact on how you feel. Realising how you are affected by it all and learning how to work with it rather than fight against it can be really beneficial.
Spring is fresh and alive; the whole earth is waking up. Often we get clear blue skies and bright sunshine. All around us life is stirring. Seasonal energy can reflect upon us and hopefully bring a positive feeling. Go with it. Get outside and enjoy that energy as much as you can.
Summer energy can be extremely uplifting and powerful. The sun has an enormous amount of positive and passionate energy to share. This is the time of year to be outside as much as possible. Unless it is a heatwave—then perhaps enjoy it in short bursts.
Autumn has its own special magic: the turning of the leaves on the trees, the artist’s palette of colours across Mother Nature. This is the time to reflect, to plan out your downtime over the next few months, and to tidy up any loose ends or unfinished projects. Make sure you take the time to get outside and kick up those leaves!
Winter is one of my favourite seasons, but it doesn’t suit everyone. For me it is about staying in and keeping warm. One of my favourite places to be is curled up on the sofa under a blanket, reading a good book, with a mug of hot cocoa and a bowl of steaming stew. Winter is a time to work on your inner self, to look inwards, and to spend some solitary time with yourself. Pamper yourself. Look after yourself.
Work with the seasons using meditation or decorate your altar as each season changes. Bring nature indoors to help you connect. I’ve included some meditations and correspondences that can help.
Spring
The spring season is all about new beginnings, growth, and fresh starts. Work with that energy to create a clean slate and to set new intentions for your mind, spirit, and soul.
• Goddess: Maiden
• Element: air
• Colours: pastels such as light green, pale blue, pale pink, white, and yellow
• Symbols: chicks, daffodils, eggs, lambs, tulips
• Magic: clarity, communication, illumination, knowledge, movement, new beginnings, travel
Spring Meditation
Make yourself comfortable in a place where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in and deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself standing on a dirt pathway. The sky above you is a pale blue, flecked with wispy clouds. The sun is out but there is still a crispness to the air. To the left of the pathway is a wide-open field. The ground looks uneven and is covered with grasses of all kinds. In the centre of the field you can see sheep, and when you look closely you see that there are a few lambs springing around the mothers. Listening carefully, you can hear the sheep bleating to each other.
To your right is a river that stretches along and bends around the edge of the field. The water is deep and dark but flowing gently. Moored to the side of the river are several brightly painted houseboats. They bob gently in the water.
The other side of the river is banked with trees. The branches are dark against the skyline, but you can see they are all covered with beautiful white and pink blossoms. You watch as the breeze sends a shower of petals down onto the surface of the river to be carried away.
A noise catches your ears and you turn to see a mother duck swimming gracefully along the river, followed by several tiny ducklings all in a line. Watch as they come toward you and sail on past.
You are drawn to walk across the field, heading toward the sheep.
One of them appears to be lying down, so you investigate further.
She is about to give birth; she appears to be coping and not in any distress. She even seems comfortable with you being close by.
Watch as the energy of spring takes on its role and a baby lamb arrives into the world …
Spend some time watching the mother clean her lamb. It suckles for milk.
This is the energy of spring: new beginnings and the growth of new life.
Think about what you would like to birth—new ideas, projects, a new beginning, a fresh perspective …
Make your way back to the riverbank and sit on the edge. Take your shoes and socks off and dip your toes in the water. It is incredibly cold but so refreshing. Allow the water to wash over your feet, to cleanse and purify. Let it take any negative energy away with it …
When you are ready, come away from the river edge and stand up.
Take a long look around you … the ducks and ducklings; the trees with their blossom; the lambs in the field; the river as it meanders along, going with the flow of life; and the fresh, new energy of spring.
Give thanks for what you have and for the new adventures you are ready to embark upon.
Slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.
Summer
The summer season is bursting with promise. Work with the energy of summer to make things happen and to bring in power and energy to support you.
• Goddess: Mother
• Element: fire
• Colours: gold, orange, red, yellow
• Symbols: flames, flowers, sun
• Magic: change, courage, creativity, energy, passion, power, protection, rebirth, strength
Summer Meditation
Make yourself comfortable in a place where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in and deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself standing on a dirt pathway. The sky above you is a clear azure blue; there is not a cloud to be seen. The sun is out and feels warm on your skin. To the left of the pathway is a wide-open field. The ground looks uneven and is covered with grasses of all kinds, scattered with a beautiful array of brightly coloured wildflowers. You can hear the buzzing of bees and see butterflies flitting between each flower. In the centre of the field are some sheep, each of them looking a little naked, and you realise they have had their heavy woolly coats sheared to keep them cool in the summer heat.
To your right is a river that stretches along and bends around the edge of the field. The water is deep and dark but flowing gently. Moored to the side of the river are several brightly painted houseboats. They bob gently in the water. Each roof is covered with pots of cheerful summer plants.
The other side of the river is banked with trees. The branches are full of bright green leaves. You listen carefully as you hear the perched birds calling to each other.
Laughter sounds and you turn to watch a small boat with a couple of children in it, weaving its way downstream. They are having a huge amount of fun.
Turning back, you decide to walk into the field a short way and spy a clearing ahead. The grass here is flatter and looks comfortable so you sit down, then lie back. The clearing is surrounded by bobbing flowers and tall grasses. You lie quietly and watch the bees as they whiz across the clearing from flower to flower. Butterflies skip and hop across your eyeline.
Soak up the sun and watch the insects as they make the most of summer’s bounty.
This is the energy of summer: warm, laughter-filled days with nature showing us her very best.
Think about your life and the bounty that it offers to you. What can you do to jump on the wave of summer energy?
When you are ready, you stand up and walk back to the pathway by the river. The birds are still singing, and a warm breeze brushes past you.
Give thanks for what your life has to offer you.
Slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.
Autumn
The autumn season is ready and waiting for you to reap what you have sown. Bring in your own harvest and give thanks for all that has been provided.
• Goddess: Matriarch
• Element: water
• Colours: brown, dark green, orange, red
• Symbols: cornucopia, leaves, nuts, wheat sheaf
• Magic: abundance, balance, cleansing, gratitude, peace, protection, purification, relationships, transformation
Autumn Meditation
Make yourself comfortable in a place where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in and deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself standing on a dirt pathway. The sky above you is blue with a few scattered clouds. The air is warm but has a crisp feel to it.
To the left of the pathway is a wide-open field. The ground looks uneven and is covered with grasses of all kinds waving their seed heads in the breeze. In the centre of the field are some sheep lazing around munching on the grass.
To your right is a river that stretches along and bends around the edge of the field. The water is deep and dark but flowing gently. Moored to the side of the river are several brightly painted houseboats. They bob gently in the water. Pots of herbs adorn the roof of each one.
The other side of the river is banked with trees. The branches are covered in the most beautiful array of coloured leaves: reds, oranges, and yellows. A wisp of wind whips through them and shakes a kaleidoscope of coloured leaves down onto the surface of the water.
You take a walk along the dirt pathway, leaving behind the coloured barges and the sheep in the field. As you walk you look around at the scenery. There are so many trees displaying their autumn colours.
As you turn a corner in the pathway you come across a small wooden bridge that leads across the river, so you make your way over to it. Stepping onto the bridge, you walk to the centre and turn, leaning your arms on the rail to look over into the water. It splashes and bubbles as it tumbles over itself, weaving ever onwards.
A leaf from one of the trees on the bank is picked up by a gust of wind and delivered to your feet. Bend down and pick it up. What type of leaf is it? What colour? Make a wish on that leaf. What do you want to harvest from your own life? What are your true desires? Send the wish into the leaf and then drop it into the water.
Walk quickly to the other side of the bridge and watch as the leaf floats out from under the bridge. Watch it as long as you can. It bobs along, being taken on a journey by the water.
Spend a few moments thinking about the abundance you have in your life and what you can reap now from the ideas and plans sown back in the spring. What happened and what didn’t? Assess your situation and think about what changes you need to make, if any.
When you are ready, turn back and walk once again along the dirt path, back to the barges and the field of sheep.
Give thanks for what you have received in your life.
Slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.
Winter
The winter season is all about self-care and inner work. It is a time to hibernate, to withdraw, and to focus on rebuilding yourself so you are ready for when spring comes around again.
• Goddess: Crone
• Element: earth
• Colours: black, dark brown, midnight blue
• Symbols: bare twigs, pebbles, snowflakes
• Magic: abundance, grounding, manifesting, prosperity, protection, stability
Winter Meditation
Make yourself comfortable in a place where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing … deep breaths in and deep breaths out.
As your world around you dissipates, you find yourself standing on a dirt pathway. The sky above you is grey with a few heavy-looking
clouds. The air is cold and crisp, but you are dressed for the cold weather.
To the left of the pathway is a wide-open field. The ground looks uneven and the grass is covered with frost. Tall, dark seed heads stand up proudly here and there, spiking the skyline.
To your right is a river that stretches along and bends around the edge of the field. The water is deep and dark but flowing gently. Moored to the side of the river are several brightly painted houseboats. They bob gently in the water. Their roofs are covered in a layer of sparkling white frost.
The other side of the river is banked with trees. The branches are dark and bare, skeletons of their former selves.
As you take in your surroundings and the breathtaking beauty of nature in her winter slumber, you feel something on your skin …
Tiny snowflakes begin to fall. The snow is light at first but becomes heavier.
You decide to walk along the dirt pathway, your feet crunching on the crisp, fresh, snowy ground.
Watch as the snow lightly coats the branches of the trees and begins to make a perfect blanket over the field.
As you turn a corner in the path, you see a small wooden hut. It is closed in on one side with the other open to the field. You make your way over and enter.
Inside is a large wooden bench with a few cushions and a pile of blankets. You make yourself comfortable. Then you notice a large flask and a mug, so you help yourself to a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
Sit quietly in the warmth, watching the snow fall onto the field. There is quite a thick blanket now, covering the grass below. Think about all the life that lies below the surface of the soil … all the plants and insects in their winter hibernation, sleeping quietly, gaining strength and energy over the cold winter months so that they are ready to emerge renewed and refreshed in the spring …
Then think about your own life. What can you do this winter to nourish your spirit, body, and soul? This is a time to withdraw and replenish. What actions can you take to look after yourself more?
Take all the time you need. Then, when you are ready, leave the warmth behind. The snow has stopped falling now. You make your way back along the pathway to the edge of the field and the houseboats.
Give thanks for the friends and family in your life.
Slowly and gently come back to this reality. Wriggle your fingers and toes and open your eyes.
Eat and drink something.
Jot down any thoughts or images that came to mind during your meditation. It can be useful to refer back to them later.