This month I waited until after the eclipse energy had waned to do my usual Bright Moon ritual, and I wondered if I might be allowed to skip this one because of the strange occurrence… but the answer was a resounding NO! (Oops, sorry I asked!) So here is this moon’s message from Bast and Sekhmet.
You have come through a recent trial, and like the moon in eclipse, your power seemed uncertain. But you, like the moon, prevailed, and victory is both nearer and surer than you think. We are coming soon to the time of the waning light, the longest night, and even then the mighty power of the sun cannot be ignored. Honor us as we go, and praise us as we return, we Wandering Eye Goddesses.
Those who were following along last year will remember that I was given instructions about how to celebrate The Eye Wanders/She Is Led Back festivals, and I was given timing that corresponded to the full moons closest to the solstice on either side. I asked last year what to do if the solstice was very close to the full moon, and I got told to worry about that when it happened. Well, this year the longest night is December 20-21, and the full moon is just before midnight on the 18th, which is then pretty much within the usual allowance I’m given for schedule difficulties. So this year I’ve been given a new timeline: the Leave-taking is to begin on the first quarter moon (December 10th), lasting the usual 3 days, with the last day (December 12) being the day they “disappear” from my altar. And then the return is to happen beginning on the morning after the longest night (so, starting the morning of December 21st), and lasting for the usual 5 days.
I’ll post my prayers and more information about that shortly before it begins, so check back!
The next full moon ritual, on account of the holiday outlined above, will be January 17th. If you have any questions, or if you would like to request a personal message or heka for January, please email the shrine here. And if you are interested in supporting the shrine, I have a tip jar set up here. Thanks!
Image for this post is of my home shrine, featuring two 6-inch statues of Bast and Sekhmet in gold and bronze patina painted over modeling clay. They stand on a box painted red and black with red origami flowers at their feet, surrounded by other implements: offering dishes, a burning candle, unlit pillar candles, ritual jewelry, an incense burner, an unlit oil lamp, and a small found-object sistrum.