Minister’s Column
I have been enjoying beautiful views of the full moon this week, which I have just learned is called the Beaver Moon because beavers retreat to their winter dens at this time of year. As one holiday weekend—Thanksgiving--was ending, I was reflecting that another holiday—Christmas—is four weeks away. The next full moon will be on December 26.
The time of the full moon invites us to think of what is coming to fruition and fullness in our lives. This may be especially relevant to the holiday of Thanksgiving with tables full of food and also full of loved ones for many of us. What is in fullness in your life right now?
The monthly cycle of the moon takes place within the yearly cycle of the sun: by the time the moon is full again on December 26, the shortest day of the year will have just passed. As the sun wanes and the moon wanes for the next two weeks, we may reflect on what is receding in our lives as well. What is passing on, disappearing, or slipping away?
The holiday season is upon us with Christmas lights appearing. With Thanksgiving behind and the month of December just ahead, what intentions do you have between now and the next full moon?
As I reflect on these three questions for myself, first I celebrate that my life is full of love: seeing my siblings and my grandchildren this week remind me of that. Second, in this dark time of the year, I acknowledge that time is passing, that the elders I love are aging—time and years are slipping away, never to return. Finally, my intention for this month by the moon is to regularly take quiet time to read and meditate, to stretch my body and relax my mind.
May the light of the moon bless you, wherever it finds you. May your fullness and your waning and your intentions be blessed.
PRAYER
Divine Goddess, beautiful Moon, you come and go; you change every day. May we remember that we are changing too. May your light shine upon us and bless us with joy and inspiration.
May we find you when we seek you; may we be surprised by you and delighted by your presence in all of your phases.
May the light of the moon bless all people on this earth. Blessed be.
Rev. Drew Frantz
November 28, 2023