For as long as I can remember I’ve always been fascinated by the moon and large bodies of water. My earliest spiritual experiences were beholding the beauty of the ocean or lying under the stars on a camping trip. A little over a year ago I started tracking the moon and aligning my life to flow with her cycles. In the process, I’ve become even more taken by the fact that no matter how much or how little we see her in the sky, she still directs the tides to come in and go out like clockwork.
Whether she’s revealing just a sliver of her beauty or shining bright for all to see, she always shows up. Gazing up at the moon or looking out over a large body of water feels like church to me. It nourishes my soul in a way that words couldn’t accurately explain. I am in awe of the way she consistently moves the water on this planet every single day. And if she has power over the water on this planet, you can bet she has a similar effect on the water within your physical body. Do you ever think about that? Because I think about it all the time.
Recently I've begun a new process of trying to sync up my life and my regular activities with the phases of the moon. I started this journey by observing her timing and what was happening in my life during those key transitions. I noticed a desire to pull inward and reflect, conserving my energy around each new moon. However, when the moon was full, I was often in a social and/or celebratory mood. There were typically projects or things in my life that had reached their peak. Sometimes I even found myself releasing something out into the world, like the publishing of a new blog article or movement video.
During certain cycles, I would feel pulled to create some moon water. Which is simply setting some jars of purified water out underneath the moon so that the water becomes "infused" with her energy. Many people will argue the science of that, but for me, everything is about energy and intention. My belief in something is what makes it a meaningful practice in my opinion.
If you've never made moon water, I would encourage you to try! It can become a beautiful monthly ritual that helps you cultivate a deeper connection with our cosmic mother. Here are the steps I'd recommend:
- Find a clear glass jar and remove any stickers or labels. I mostly use mason jars or empty Patron bottles (yes I mean the tequila) because they look extra magical
- Give the jar(s) a good washing and sterilize if needed (especially if you intend to drink this water - which many people do)
- I also like to do a smoke cleansing with any purifying herbs I have on hand such as sage or rosemary. To do this, carefully run the herb over a flame until it catches fire. Blow out the flame on the herb and it should begin smoking. If not repeat the process until it produces the desired amount of smoke. Then turn the bottle upside down and allow the smoke to fill it. I also like to visualize the bottle filled with an intense white light.
- Fill the jars with purified water (again, if you're going to drink the water make sure it's safe for that purpose)
- If you'd like you can add a clear/rose quartz or amethyst crystal to help amplify the energy. Please do your research here, not every crystal is safe for drinking water. Alternatively, I've set my crystals on a tray around my moon water jar.
- I would also recommend a sheer fabric covering or some plastic wrap to keep insects out.
- Walk out after dark and find a location where your moon water will receive the most light.
- Before placing your jar down for the evening take a few moments to connect with your jar. Speak your intentions directly to the water and hold it in your hands, visualizing how you will feel when your intentions are manifested.
- Leave the jar in your chosen location overnight
- Retrieve it in the morning before sunrise, thanking the moon for sharing her wisdom and healing powers.
Your moon water can be used in so many different ways such as watering your plants, adding some moon energy to a ritual bath, making infused room spritzes or cleansing sprays, or for hydration during your meditation or journaling times. I also have a sacred vessel on my water altar that I like to keep filled with moon water.
I firmly believe in sovereignty and autonomy in your spiritual practices. I know people who prefer to make moon water only during the new moon phases. I also know people who warn you not to make moon water during eclipses. I would tell you to follow your intuition and seek wisdom from spirit on that matter if it concerns you. I highly recommend reading up on the specific lunation you plan to work with - and see if the energy is something you feel could benefit you. If the full moon is a particularly good one, I will often place my moon water out the night before and after the full moon as well so that it gets three full nights of soaking with her.
