It Looks Like It's Happening...

The River Runs Through's first Moon Gathering.

Of course, I shouldn't get ahead of myself. There's interest—granted, not the same interest as a Coldplay concert. 😊 But interest...and not just from our family members!

Clearly, there is something about getting together.

And getting together to give a little time and attention to observing the ebb and flow of the moon.

I remember the first time I truly observed the moon. Not that I hadn't seen it before (and, of course, believed it was following me everywhere—I'm still not entirely convinced it wasn't.), or noticed how bright it could be. But it wasn't until my first year of college that I really paid attention. One of our assignments was to track the moon through all of its phases. It was the first time I realized the moon shows up in the morning—and even in the afternoon. It was also when I first heard the words waxing and waning. I was captivated.

The next time I remember paying attention to the moon was just before my youngest son was born. My great-grandmother matter-of-factly told me, "Babies are born by the full moon." When I arrived at the maternity ward, the nurse smiled and said, "Full moon tonight."

Coincidence? Maybe.

But I remember thinking there was clearly more to the moon than simply looking up at it. Besides, if it can move oceans, it probably deserves a little more of our attention.

One of my favorite books in the store, Moon Magic, explores everything from moon phases and meditation to creating altars, manifestations, and even libations. It also reminds us that not every culture sees the moon as feminine. Some see it as masculine. I love that there isn't just one way to understand something so constant in our lives.

To me, the moon is an echo of life itself. Nothing lasts forever, yet very little is ever truly gone. The full moon gives way to darkness. The darkness gives way to light. The cycle begins again.

I use the moon in creating my Aura Spray. Partly because it's twenty-eight days, but also because every phase has something to offer. The herbs, flowers, crystals, and water quietly steep beneath the waxing, the waning, the full moon, and the new moon before the spray is complete. (This year's Blue Moon Aura Spray is available in limited quantities.)

Our Moon Gatherings aren't meant to teach you everything there is to know about the moon. Honestly, I'm still learning myself. They're simply an opportunity to slow down. Pause. Reflect. Notice. We'll spend time together, create something, drum or rattle if the spirit moves us, and simply enjoy being in community.

Rather like taking your cat for a walk...except this time you won't have to negotiate which direction you're going—or stop every six feet to inspect an especially fascinating blade of grass.

There used to be a phrase people said all the time.

"Let's get together."

We don't seem to say it much anymore.

Maybe we should.

So...

Let's get together.

Let's reconnect with ourselves, with one another, and with the beautiful natural world that surrounds us.

I look forward to seeing you beneath the moon.

Visit www.theriverrunsthrough.com/moongathering for more information and to RSVP.