Patzin: Abuela Luna and the Cycles of la Mujer
By Patrisia Gonzales
Column of the Americas (c) March 5, 2007
Patzin (Nahuatl for Respectworthy Medicine): a monthly feature on Indigenous medicine
Abuela Luna exerts a powerful force on the Earth, particularly on
women. La luna affects the tides, and therefore also the waters in our
bodies. Water is also associated with emotions and human beings are
significantly comprised of electricity, or light, and water. As women,
it is important to understand our cycles, both physical and emotional.
From the moon, elders can detect rain, harvests and seasonal
occurrences. While the moon reveals herself in fours or an eight-fold
cycle, la luna's major faces of new moon, full moon, and dark moon is
often described as the maiden, mother and crone.
The moon, like la mujer, is an astral body that goes through numerous
changes in a cycle. La luna es la reflexión cosmica of our emotions.
In recognition of Women's History month, I offer some moon teachings
to honor this grandmother pouring her olla of waters from above. In
many ancient symbols of our ancestors, the woman's uterus is the same
u shaped figure that signifies the pot of waters of a full moon.
In recent years, elders have encouraged native peoples to gather on
the full moon, when its energy exerts the greatest force on Earth.
Elders encourage us to on honor our Abuela either through ceremony and
prayer or by simply gathering our family and friends together to share
a meal and friendship. This serves to strengthen the feminine energy's
protective influence on Mother Earth. Because feminine energy and
women have been disrespected for so long, Mother Earth's energy is out
of balance. "We've been disrespecting that energy for hundreds of
years – we as women," says Melinda Garcia, a Chicana community
psychologist and keeper of a moon ceremonial tradition.
Many elders also encourage us to begin to align our lives with the
moon cycle. I watch the sky, check the weather pages and keep a
Farmer's Almanac to track the moon time or use calendars that track
the moon.
In "Women's Medicine Ways," Marcia Starck explains the moon phases as such:
In the four-fold phase from new moon to first quarter, energy is
initiating, there is movement forward, new beginnings. From first
quarter to full moon, energy builds, form takes shape and perfects.
In the third phase, full moon to last quarter, energy is distributed
and meaning revealed in the form.
From last quarter to new Moon, forms break down and meaning gathered
in the dark of the moon to be "injected" into the new moon.
On the Full Moon, offer water, flowers and stones, and the sacred
materials that help bring us sight by leaving them to bathe in moon
light. Based on my own meditation and intuition developed by
connecting with the moon, I sometimes offer roses and pink quartz in
water and drink it the next morning to nourish self love. Pray and
offer energy to Grandmother Moon. One of my native sisters prays that
the moon be kind to her on her next moon cycle, or menstrual period.
Garcia says the full moon allows us to become more aware of the
"physical energies of the Earth and how it affects our bodies."
The following is a general guide to align your lives with la luna:
New Moon – it's the time of preparing our semillas—intentions, goals. The energy is within. Rest.
Crescent Moon – seed is attempting to move forward. 3 1/2 to 7 days. Prepare for new projects.
First quarter Moon – new projects take form, or initiated 7 to 10 1/2.
Till your earth, physically or spiritually. Clean out closets. Cut
your hair for it to grow faster. Fast and cleanse your body.
Half moon – a time to analyze and perfect projects, plans, goals.
Full Moon 14-171/2 days before new moon. Full meaning is revealed.
Meditate, journal. Gather in women's circles or communally.
Disseminating moon – meaning spreads and is reflected, 3 ½ days to 7
days after full moon.
Last quarter moon 7-10 ½ days after full moon, breakdown, dissolution.
Dark Moon – track your dreams. Dreams are strongest then.
(c) Column of the Americas 2007
Gonzales can be reached at: Column of the Americas PO BOX 5093
Madison WI 53705 -- Patrisia Gonzales or 608-238-3161
It is archived at: Archived
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March 2007 Reports
Last updated on March 06, 2007