The Book of Rituals: Personal and Planetary Transformation

By Carol E. Parrish-Harra

 RE-Printed by Demand: Book of Rituals by Carol E. Parrish-Harra 

You are INVITED to a journey of fun, awareness, and new friends…This original work shares enriching knowledge of the invisible energies around us. Rituals bless lives and provide assistance in challenges. Festivals and knowledge abound in the invisible world

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stratton Press
• Release date: Jun 21, 2019
• ISBN: 9781643455969

Book preview

Foreword

In the mystery schools and temples of times past, the students were instructed in the cosmic sciences of astrology and numerology, as well as the natural sciences.

It was from these intuitive sources that the intricate patterns of soul and personality were defined. As times changed and the mystery centers were destroyed and dispersed, these intuitive sciences were forced to go underground for safety’s sake to preserve these important teachings—lest they be obliterated completely by the violent nature of Western humanity. Guarded and protected by a chosen few, universal teachings and patterns were treasured until the time returned when humanity was ready for subtly and refinement. Now we search these wise sources for information about our part in the greater Plan and how to comprehend—indeed, even love—our fellow humans.

Astrology is returning to its place as a viable and valuable source of inspiration and hope. For many years, I have respected and studied astrology. My pursuit began as a way to better understand my family and myself. Eventually it evolved into a consuming interest, leading me on to become an astrologer. I was always amazed at its accuracy, and I came to depend on it as a source of help. In time, it opened the doorway to intuition for me.

Over the years, Carol E. Parrish-Harra and I have discussed astrology, consulting its ever-accurate wisdom together. Now this intuitive book, The Book of Rituals, has emerged from Carol’s creativity. It began with my suggestion to her to compile in book form the series of full moon meditation that she was developing for each sun sign. These lessons are unique, easily understood, and written in an esoteric style, especially for seekers on the spiritual path.

As Carol completed the twelve individual full moon meditations, more information began to come forth to enhance her new vision of astrology. Carol disavows that she is an astrologer; however, her ability to delve into its mysteries show that she is a Uranian astrologer-guided by quick perceptions that are different, unusual, and somewhat revolutionary!

The Book of Rituals has equal value for those who have not studied astrology and for those who have loved it for years. Universal in its appeal, sensitive in its approach, it is a book to study, to enjoy, to keep, and to give as a cherished gift.

Truth is continually reinterpreting itself as our minds and hearts develop deeper understanding. The vastness of the cosmic plan beckons us to look beyond the small and the ordinary and to seek the great wisdom revealed in the patterns of our birth. Observe the opportunities and challenges that emerge for you as you explore this book and its exciting, transforming insights.

—Barbara A. Everett, Minister

Astrologist and numerologist

Aquarian Light Church and Study Center

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Introduction

As you read this book, it is natural at first glance to read your own sun sign, trying to see if you fit that personality type. But as you come to seek a deeper appreciation of soul growth, you will look again. Herein are the lessons we are all learning, spread throughout the twelve zodiacal signs, helping us to comprehend all that is from the overview of the human group mind. We are each a part of the aggregate, and every sign influences some part of the whole of humankind. You will begin to recognize that some sun signs influence one area of your life and other sun signs touch you in a different sphere.

The purpose of the incoming zodiacal streams of energy is to build virtues within us. The energies made available to us throughout the year help us learn appropriate responses to life—the great school. Each candidate coming to school is trying to reach certain goals and is building certain virtues. Personality traits and incoming energies are designed to work together to enhance the qualities developing within each of us.

Our principal work is to build the virtues determined by our personal zodiacal trinity: the sun sign, the moon sign, and the ascendant (i.e., rising sign). Nonetheless, we are all building the twelve virtues of high consciousness—one for each or the zodiacal signs—whether we know it or not.

This book will help us see ourselves at work on the facets we are building—or have built, as the case may be. Not only will you notice that the person born under a certain sun sign is working to develop a particular virtue, but you will also see that whenever the influences of that sun sign are blessing the planet, we all work on that virtue.

Just as a gem has a number of facets—each one cut to best reveal the fire of the stone—so it is that each personality is designed to express the holy light in its own unique way.

You, my aspirant, are busy even now developing a facet of self—a virtue of the holy to shine through you. To understand that facet, its virtue and its challenge, is your goal, whether hidden or perceived. Learning how to work with the process is a golden key.

Polishing the gem so that the greater light might be revealed more perfectly through us is the process called the Path of Initiation. The angels of the hierarchies bless us and lend their aid. Rejoice as you receive their holy touch.

Shanti!

Editor’s Note

While reading this volume, you may come across unfamiliar words. Many of these words are defined in the glossary at the end of this book. The first time such a word appears in the text, it is printed in boldface type to alert you to the fact that the definition is in the glossary. Subsequent uses of the word, however, are not boldface.

Other terms that may be new to some readers may be found in The New Dictionary of Spiritual Thought by Carol E. Parrish-Harra (Sparrow Hawk Press, 2002), a companion volume of three thousand words, concepts, and symbols helpful to this work. The New Dictionary of Spiritual Thought II 2002, Christianity, astrology, metaphysics, ageless wisdom teachings, and more. Available from Carol E. Parrish Harra, Sparrow Hawk Village, 701 East Ridge Drive, Tahlequah, OK 74464, 918-453-0250 for $21.95, plus $3 shipping/handling.

Most biblical references are taken from the King James Version or the Peshita Bible, the classic version of the Holy Bible as translated from the Aramaic (Syriac) text—the language of Jesus—by renowned scholar George M. Lamsa.

Part 1

Secret Science at Work

1

Let There Be Lights

The numbers, the signs, the constellations, nature—all are connected with the secrets of the Christian religions.

—Johannes Kepler

If we believe that life loves us and that we are part of the greater universe, at some point it becomes important for us to understand our relationship to the rest of the whole. Many people have no awareness that we receive blessings from the vast universe. Only a few people perceive the possibility of beneficial interaction with cosmic forces and want to know every key for developing a right relationship.

Our awakening is a powerful point in time when we stir from a deep sleep and begin to know—in an inner and important, but perhaps illogical, kind of way—that we are influenced by many forces and forms of life. The trees, winds, animals, sun, stars, and moon have something to offer each of us, and in our own way, we can begin to realize these benefits.

The ancients taught about the power of heavenly bodies, but in modern times we are skeptical. It is easy for us to see the sun at work in the fields stimulating growth, we delight in using solar energy to heat water, we know that the heat of an aluminum reflector can cook eggs, and so we grant power to the sun scientifically and practically.

While we readily see the physical relationship between the earth and the moon, we must also come to understand that their powers are analogous to the physical and the subconscious, respectively, and they work together in a complex psychological interplay. The moon and its subtle body lie within the auric field of the earth and affect it in subtle but powerful ways.

As we explore subtle energies, we must realize that they blend together. They cannot be distinctly separated from one another the way physical forms can.

In addition to the dynamics of the physical realities of heat and light, the sun bestows a subtle influence upon our planet. Throughout history, many cultures have understood the influence that comes from the solar body as an outpouring that nurtures and maintains life. At one level, this sunshine is believed to be the blessing of the Creator, Higher Mind, the universal consciousness, or God (choose whichever term feels most comfortable to you), directed to the earth as a steady, beneficent influence to support the laws of life. A model that can help us understand the life-evolving influences of the heavens is the zodiac with its sun sign/moon sign cycles.

The sun directs to earth a rich stream of love and light and power day by day throughout the year, blessing our planet with first one influence and then another. Various areas of the earth receive the sun’s rays at different angles, and the life-forms in those areas respond by evolving in various ways. In a similar manner, each person receives solar influences differently and reacts by developing distinct aspects of human nature.

In mystic language, we speak of our sun as the heart of our solar system, and we speak of the central sun, or the Sun Behind the Sun, as the consciousness our physical sun represents. We recognize that our heart shines its transforming love through a sphere of influence and, like the sun, aids life around us in powerful ways.

Does the sun influence life? We readily respond, Yes. Does it impel human beings? As we enter consciousness studies of the effect of weather and light on human behavior confirm this. The light of the sun and the study of sun signs have intrigued humanity since earliest records. Those who seek a key to their personal journey around a yearly cycle can uncover many symbolic truths by examining the journey of the sun through the zodiac.

Constellations bestow their influences on earth in regular cycles. Our planet is under the influence of a given celestial hierarchy for a period of days. During this time, the constellation directs its stream of love—Lots of Vital Energy (LOVE)—to earth in order to stimulate growth. The human response to this stimulation is the development of a particular quality, or virtue.

While the sun delivers the energy of a constellation to our planet, we are in the sign of or under the influence of that sun sign (constellation) and its ruling planet. Each zodiacal influence seeks a response from those most sensitive to its energy. A constellation is a combination of stars uniquely arranged to direct its particular influence toward us for twenty-eight to thirty-one days. While earth is receiving these energies, we are stimulated in a manner consistent with the characteristics of that celestial influence.

The sun brings outer forms of life, stimulating certain processes and calling forth patterns from the seed pod. Mentally the sun’s influence awakens the seeds of consciousness that we carry within and calls us to produce qualities of mind that enhance the development of a Christ-Consciousness. Ancients called this clear state of consciousness enlightenment. The great Creator Mind can cast its light into its enlightened servants without distortion.

Teachers of ancient wisdom define the action of the sun upon the mental body as a spiritual light of clearing and cleansing. Learning to cooperate with the hidden spiritual influences of the celestial hierarchies will speed up your process of transformation as you move toward the Path of Initiation.

The earliest temple teachings were given almost from the dawn of civilization. None are lost but have descended through the age in the care of the mystery schools. They are still available to those who are ready to receive them. Two of the most beautiful and powerful related to the moon and were called moon rites in previous traditions. These two became a part of the Christian tradition and are known as Baptism and the Eucharist, or Holy Communion.

Held at the time of the new moon, Baptism was celebrated as a time of new beginnings, new life, or an introduction to rebirth through baptism into Christianity. Thereafter, the new moon was celebrated as a time to begin new disciplines or a time planting new ideas—making change in one’s earth-plane life in tune with the cycle of the moon.

At new moon, the unconscious part of self would accept the message symbolically given to it and participate in new growth. At the time of the full moon when the Eucharist, or Sacred Love Feast, was celebrated, the personality and soul sought greater alignment to the Christ. Those in training in the mystery schools were taught to use these two special times of the moon to help them bring the inner world and the outer together.

According to Corinne Heline, various books of the Old Testament warned against taking art in moon festivals—many of the religious ceremonies of the Taurean age had degenerated into sorcery and sensualism. Assemblies of the new moon had become dark, sinister conclaves. Full moon in this same distortion became periods of overindulgence and licentious revelry, described in the Old Testament as the worship of the golden calf (a Taurean reference). We need to realize that people express with clarity or distortion according to the level of their own consciousness.

So the new moon is a time of new beginnings, and the full moon is a time to appraise our progress.

Astrology is a divine psychology that gives definition to human types. Each of us is a blend of energies created by the birth matrix of our natal astrology chart. People who want to refine the facets of self, to master life and determine its purpose can accomplish a great deal by understanding these subtle but powerful influences.

Those who are ready for new experiences and great change can use the powerful tools of astrology to open to the quiet influences of the subtle worlds. We can construct a practice to help us see ourselves more objectively. Through this ancient, yet renewed, spiritual science, we can develop a discipline to assist our expansion of consciousness.

The moon, too, has a mystique with much to offer the aspirant of the spiritual path. The lunar body is a reflected light for humanity. The moon’s energies seem faint and delicate on the physical level, but they are intensely focused on our astral (emotional) level of self that we used the word lunatic to denote how absolutely out of control one can be at times when the moon’s influence is strong. We acknowledge the power of the lunar body to literally drive some out of mental and emotional control. The emotions may become so overloaded and the harness of the mind so detached that for a time havoc reigns.

We all are sensitive to this lunar influence—to a greater or lesser degree—which can be frightening to a society that identifies so strongly with its rational, intellectual nature. Perhaps that is why we attempt to deny that the moon has any power over us.

Esoterically, the moon is acknowledged as a feminine influence that controls the tides, the fluids of the body, and the emotions. By taking advantage of its power, we can enhance our spiritual reality and touch the hem of the garment: if our soul.

This so-called lesser light is a beneficent reflection that reveals influences and deities that we approach through the looking glass darkly. Perhaps we cannot yet look directly into the face of this light without producing such a trauma that we are thrown into denial. Ancients have always attributed much power to the light of the moon, particularly in regard to feminine force, fertility, sensitivity, and unconscious emotional power.

Devotion, love, and sensitivity are feminine forces that awaken as we seek oneness with God, the cosmos, or the deity of our choice. Many are inspired by their emotional-devotional natures to seek tools that aid their search for the hidden self.

Rumor is that the moon, in the quietness of its reflective nature, can aid us in this work of unfoldment. Since ancient times, initiates have been taught that there is a relationship between the heavenly bodies and humanity. Presented as the macrocosmic and microcosmic (as above, so below), astrology is a primary instrument to help us understand our tie to heavenly bodies.

Serious spiritual students adopt the identity of aspirant, initiate, or discipline. These terms awaken dedication and encourage us to use every tool for the pursuit of higher goals. The aspirant seeks to use expanded senses to perceive changes in her or his inner world. As she or he responds consciously to inner direction, refinement of personality, and recognizable patterns of spiritual growth gradually unfold. The development of self-direction, self-understanding, self-love, and self-sacrifice become important goals. Learning to respond to the subtle but powerful energies of nature, love, light, and spiritual influences is the work of aspirants.

We need not know traditional astrology to use the constellations’ energies and to attune to our evolving inner nature with more insight. The art of refining our nature can be clarified as we comprehend the influences of the heavens as streams of energy entering our spheres of activity. We receive into our lives energies, such as love, wisdom, and will, in specific currents to which we can respond.

There is need for a greater understanding of several simple practices aspirants an use to make giant strides in perfecting and adjusting their own natures.

In this book, I will explain how you can examine your actions and work with your personality to build the qualities needed for soul growth. You will determine where balance is needed and learn to bring your less desirable traits into harmony.

The concept of zodiacal signs as bestowers of particular positive influences can empower our lives and our spiritual progress. We can use these influences wisely and work consciously with our own human nature. We may find it exciting to create rituals pertaining to these influences that assist our inner development substantially and powerfully.

Aspirants who seek to understand influences working within the cosmos and themselves may begin with a study of astrological effects, individual charts, or significances of full moon meditations.

Ultimately, the aspirants will want to know which energies are available when in order to respond more constructively to the opportunities at hand. I will show you how to use these energies as cosmic blessings beamed to earth for all lives evolving upon our great planet. Traditionally, mystery teaching have depicted these celestial blessings with archetypal symbols of archangels and holy ones who bestow their blessings in God’s name. I like this concept and believe most of us can respond to it in a meaningful way.

The Holy Bible came from ancient Eastern manuscripts translated from the Perusha, the Authorized Bible of the Church of the East by George M. Lamsa. In the Old Testament, Genesis 1:14–19, we read,

Then God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heavens to separate the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years…and God made two great lights, the greater light to rule the day, and the smaller light to rule the night; and the stars also. And God set them in the firmament of the heavens to give light upon the earth…and God saw that it was good.¹

In Ecclesiastes 3:1–2, we read,

To everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under the sun: A time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up that which is planted.²

The New Testament also acknowledges our celestial relationship and its importance. In Luke 21:25 and Corinthians 15:40, we read,

And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars.³

There are also celestial bodies and bodies terrestrial; but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. There is one glory of the sun and another glory of the moon and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.⁴

People have always differed in their interpretations of the meaning of the influences of the planets and stars. My goal in recounting these references is to remind us that there are such teachings within Judeo-Christian scriptures, although we have lost much of the primary understanding of astrological influences. We now seek to recover this wisdom.

Imagine a stream of sincere aspirants moving forward step by step to be blessed by the representative of the hierarchy of each constellation throughout the solar year. Earth progresses through a cycle of influences annually. Esoterically it is believed that each constellation vibrates an energy to our planet, and life upon the planet responds. This response creates many actions and reactions, positive and negative, according various viewpoints.

Aspirants seek consciously to use this incoming energy, also known as a blessing, to aid them in their spiritual journey. The challenge is to accept the energy and then to shape a wise response. To be able to use incoming energy to propel ourselves requires experience, wisdom, and expertise. Love and will form the accelerator and brake as initiates navigate the Path.

Much of my work centers around ideas and practices associated with sun sign influences, full moon meditations, self-knowledge, and an intellectual understanding of the nature and goal of cosmic energies. While much attention is focused upon individual sun signs, the moon signs and ascendants are equally important to soul growth. Traditional astrology deals with the personality. In this book, emphasis is placed on the growth of the individual soul through the influences of the twelve major constellations. I also discuss the greater work of the celestial hierarchies within an evolving humanity.

Co-measurement is a name given in Agni Yoga to the balancing required for one to create an appropriate response to the situation of the moment. Think of yourself as a surfer gliding on a powerful wave, a current; poised on the surfboard, you compensate for every movement of wind and water. This skillful response to situations is called co-measurement.

To benefit from our opportunities, we need to understand the kind of energy the hierarchy of each constellation sends to earth, and then we need to realize the force our subconscious wields. We could say that the sun energy pulls and our unconscious self pushes. The moon energy seems to stir into action the subconscious influences that we carry out of sight.

A planned ritual is recommended for those wishing to receive the spiritual force each full moon delivers. It is beneficial for the vessel accepting this potent force to be prepared, pliable, aware, and grounded—not always easy for the overly sensitive or unstable. However, if one is involved in dedicated practices, the incoming energy becomes a wonderful monthly blessing. We know it is approaching, and each day we may observe emotional changes within.

Preparation and self-observation become the keys to expansion and to handling the incoming force appropriately and beneficially.

The hallmark of wise ones since ancient times, know thyself, is no empty command. As we truly know ourselves, we can prepare for the forces that magnify and challenge. With conscious mind made ready, we succeed.

Symbols have been, and still are, an important way to understand zodiacal influences. Wonderful archetypal symbols that preserve important concepts have developed throughout history. It makes no difference whether or not you accept terms used in the ancient teachings—the symbols reveal their secrets regardless.

Each of the twelve zodiacal hierarchies projects a part of the cosmic pattern of the planet as it will be when the work of all hierarchies is completed. A representative—or archangel—of each constellation directs its influence to earth life. Each says to the initiate who stands reverently eager to receive, I bless you and I bestow upon you these energies (influences) to utilize for a period of time (approximately thirty days). As that cycle ends, we move under the influence of the next archangel, then the next.

According to esoteric thought, this outpouring occurs monthly, year in and year out, for our planet and for humanity. When we come to the full moon time in each sun sign cycle, it is a period of increased potent influence. Part of humanity responds consciously (those whom we call awakened); others do not. When we know a challenge exists, we usually can shape a response and work more wisely with it than if we do not know what is happening.

As the moon increases light, disciples take this opportunity to receive a positive influence of light, love, and spiritual power. Having received, they then individually radiate their soul qualities to others with conscious acts of love and healing. They gather to do group work for the welfare of humanity, as well as for their own stimulated growth.

The light of the sun is reflected most strongly during the full moon period. Solar energy, beamed potently during the day, also is reflected at night from the moon, which has no light of its own.

Let us understand his teaching carefully. The lunar mysteries ruled the planet in its involutionary period. Humanity and all other kingdom of nature were guided unconsciously, influenced, and stimulated. Life on the planet was pulled more and more into the dense desire nature of the unconscious—passion and instinct. This lunar influence still affects all life in a powerful way but now more at the subconscious level.

Currently, however, the planet is moving forward on its path of evolution as it works on the solar mysteries, or coming to consciousness, the enlightened part of the planetary journey: to lift the subconscious to a conscious level.

Now these forces of human nature that conceal our potential must be mastered through conscious awareness. We are maturing souls learning to understand our divine nature and our relationship to one another at a soul level. This knowing will reveal to us that we are one body, the mystical body of Christ; we will know our oneness. Under the influence of the solar initiation, we will know that no one is an island.

2

Working with Invisible Energies

The consciousness of each of us is evolution looking at itself and reflecting upon itself.

—Teilhard de Chardin

At the full moon each month, it has been said a window opens in the heavens and the great light of Lord Christ and his higher assistants pours forth a blessing upon humanity to those who are prepared. The time of full moon may be a chaotic time of highs and lows, desires, passions, and suffering for those less ready to master the emotional nature. Suppressed feelings rock the highly stimulated personality at this charged time.

Aspirants must choose, invoke, and apply the assistance of the higher worlds and their own inner knowing to face the truth of their own nature. During the full moon, it is more and more common for dedicated ones to gather in devotion, invoking the presence of the Christ to guide them in building the Christ-Within.

While some Christian terminology is used in the rituals I teach, they can be used by people of all beliefs. The goal is to strengthen high consciousness. The only requirement is that participants have enough awareness to appreciate the heavenly offering.

Lunar days were always of great importance in ancient periods. The stirrings of individuals’ emotions and of the group mind were well understood. With the physical manifestation of the Christ, the planet completed its lunar mysteries and began its current work: the solar mysteries.

We now need to be more sensitive to the influence of the Solar Angel, our personal guardian who can guide us to our moment of freedom.

The Solar Angel is a complicated idea. Simplified, we could say each human is guided by a high consciousness that vibrates the Plan for an individual and humanity right at the edge of the developing mind. This high consciousness also assists with more advanced initiations. The Solar Angel is a member of the hierarchy with access to the Plan for humanity. Part of its service is to guide a human across the abyss—not by direct command or direction, but by vibrating the Plan and awakening love for the Creator. Humans must learn to perceive the game plan and bring individual will into harmony with the Higher Will they are discovering.

Whether we employ full moon meditations alone or in a group, we want to receive the available energies properly to maintain our progress and to serve our world: other human, other kingdoms, and the planet itself. We invoke, assimilate, and then distribute blessings through our lives to all life. Thus, we integrate the blessings for our spiritual cleansing and realizations, hold the influence inward, and then when appropriate, radiate the beneficent influences to the world.

For two reasons, a decided advantage occurs for students when they gather in a group. First, we are now in the Aquarian age, called an age of groups; anything done in group work magnifies—positively or negatively. This magnification is important in working with meditation and holy influences. Stability is more likely when one is anchored in a group. Spacey qualities, off-centeredness, oversensitivity, and astral adventures are less likely.

Even if alone, we can continue to do the meditation work and in the mind’s eye identify with our spiritual group—hook up, we might say. Then we can benefit from group stability.

A group has established an oversoul when three people reach the buddhic level, the energy called buddhic/intuitive/Christ-Consciousness, according to Eastern tradition. The outpouring is distributed to the whole group, and the little ones are fed. The Christ teaches, For wherever two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.¹

The conscious part of inner work realize we create channels, or hookups, between humanity and the higher worlds through specific efforts. We grow by developing spiritual sensitivity to the events in our daily lives. We gain merit for the assistance we render to the human race.

We must understand that we can link consciously to the higher world. Many are learning to distinguish sun sign energies (e.g., Sagittarian traits vs. those of Cancer’s). They study the influences to which they will be exposed and prepare to receive and respond in a manner appropriate to their sense of spiritual direction.

Conscious work develops the higher mind of the aspirant, stabilizing the emotional nature as it receives currents that can be used for upheaval or cleansing. In silent attunement to the inner world, we can receive needed impressions and inspirations to see ourselves as we are at the personality level. Then we can be inspired to keep up the good work of mastering the personality for the purposes of the evolving soul. All this effort is to help us attain the goal of soul infusion.

Any sacred act that concretizes our contact with the higher world can be added to our meditation times. Some do this with silent meditation and inner commitment. Others, particularly esoteric Christians, may choose to add communion, using the grace of that sacrament to anchor spiritual energies to the physical. In this way, we enhance the experience of uniting our inner and outer lives in a ritual of discipleship that inspires and intellectually acknowledges the importance of the gathering.

We welcome the opportunity for special work at full moon, not just for ourselves but also to envision that we stabilize and anchor energy for all people. We visualize ourselves as awakened representatives of humanity as we receive that incoming influence and learn to work with it. This dedication becomes part of our service as spiritually awakened ones.

What is our goal? The objective is to learn how to react from a spiritual perspective to whatever forces bombard us to have such a concept of ourselves as spiritually awakened ones that we dare to respond from a wiser level. We choose not to let personality, or the basic nature, dominate. We will be guided by our higher nature. We listen for this high point in consciousness and try to live in harmony with it. We question, and we grow under the guidance of the Inner Presence, High Self, the Christ-Within (choose the terminology most comfortable for you). We respond, knowing that life’s challenges are necessary to our growth, and these experiences provide ways for us to be more than we have been.

Each year, our planet (and all life upon it) passes through twelve zodiacal signs, and each month we stand to be blessed by the archangel of the hierarchy of each twelve constellations. We receive our bounty and struggle to utilize the opportunities that arise. Some influences bring great challenges; some induce pleasant opportunities. We know we go through periods that dare us to hold true to what we believe. We realized we are tested. We struggle to live up to our convictions. All this is part of our challenging annual journey. Sometimes we do well, and sometimes we weaken, but as we pass before each point of outpouring energy, we deal in some way with its unique influence.

At the end of a year, we again stand before the first representative. But now we are different; we have grown. We will never again be as we were. Each month’s challenges bring forth experience, wisdom, ups and downs. We change in spite of our hesitancy or even denial. Year after year, we proceed in our walk through this series of outpourings. As we experience these cycles of growth, we keep discovering opportunities for new growth and deeper insights.

Full moons, which occur twelve times a year—and occasionally thirteen—are extraordinary times for us to focus on that outpouring of spiritual bounty that fills and energizes whatever is within us. Spiritual seekers begin to realize, Here is a significant event readily available to me. We gradually glean an understanding of how to respond harmoniously to nature’s powerful influence.

Currently we are rediscovering how the lunar influence makes itself felt. For years statistics have validated the emotionalism expressed at full moon periods. When this is observed closely, most people note they are more sensitive or may have been less control during the days when the moon is full. Police departments, hospitals, mental health counselors, and school teachers attest to the peculiar and powerful emotions that surface during this period.

The esoteric approach teaches that the moon rules the subconscious and the astral body and its strong pull affects us by stirring hidden aspects of ourselves, bringing these aspects to the attention of the conscious mind. Our emotional nature feels full and tender. Our sensitivity often is acute—our feelings easily hurt or aroused. This response will be stronger if we have a significant astrological configuration being aspected.

The energy of the moon when it is partially full does not impact us as much as we when it is reflecting the sun’s light at its fullest. Thus, there is a growing potent influence for us several days before the full moon and a gradual declining but still heightened influence for several days after the day of alignment or contact, as the full moon day is called.

The time of contact on the full moon day is the point of its most powerful influence. Within twelve hours of that time, before and after, aspirants spend time in meditation envisioning themselves as