claiming moon

Full Claiming Moon Esbat Ritual

July - Affirming the truth of what we are During July, evidence of the waning of the Sun God's strength becomes apparent. The berry harvests begin. During the last Full Moon Esbat, we recognized the work of God, Goddess, and Spirit in our lives. This month, we affirm that we are deserving of the fruits of our labors. This is a good time to deal with any fears of success, and to affirm that we can accept the good things in life that come to us.

Just as the plant is a creature of Spirit, which grows through the grace of Spirit, so are we. We can, and must, contribute our efforts, but much of the growth that occurs is the result of grace. At this Full Moon, we affirm that we are deserving of the effects of grace in our lives.

As the times of the Waxing and Full Moon are most commonly used for attacting, rather than banishing, energies, this ritual is designed to convey to the God, Goddess, and Spirit that we are deserving of their grace, and willing to accept the rewards and responsibilities of our growth and maturity. I designed this ritual for the July, 2000, Full Mead Moon Esbat.

Purpose: To affirm the presence of Spirit in my life, in the lives of my loved ones, and in the lives of all beings. Tools

A small silver candle inscribed, "The best for me. The best for my loved ones. The best for All." A small gold candle inscribed, "The best for me. The best for my loved ones. The best for All." Sandalwood oil (a Waxing Moon correspondence), with which to anoint the candles One or more offerings The Working[i] Prepare the candles. Carve the inscription into each, and anoint them with the sandalwood oil.

Oh Full Claiming Moon, Mother Moon, you are the aspect of the Triple Goddess that represents fertility and nurturance. You give birth to new choices and possibilities, as well as to the food and resources that nurture our physical bodies. During this lush time of summer, when the harvest is ripening, I wish to affirm your presence in my life, in the lives of my loved ones, and in the lives of all beings.

By the power of my love of the Holy Spirit, Goddess, and God:

I affirm the presence of Spirit in my life. I know that I am loved and cared for, and that all that is in my life is for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned. I know that in this year of my journey, the work of self-change is progressing in my life. As it does so, I allow my inner voice to guide me on my path. I affirm the presence of Spirit in the lives of my loved ones. I know that they are loved and cared for, and that all that is in their lives is for their Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned. [Include here an affirmation for the well-being of any particular loved ones about whom you are concerned. I affirm the presence of Spirit in the lives of all beings. I know that all beings are loved and cared for, and that all that is in their lives is for their Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned. In honor of the Full Mother Moon Jana, as the Claiming Moon of affirmation, I offer these things:

Present offering or offerings for personal and/or others' well-being, and place on the offering plate Sending the Energy[ii] She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.

As I light these candles, may the God and Goddess hear my faith-cry: For me, for my loved ones, and for all begins. Give to each of us what is best for each. I cannsot tell what it is. But Thou knowest.[iii]

Light gold and silver candles.

After the Ritual Let the candles burn out.

After the candles have gone out, take bolline, offering(s), and any remaining wax from the candles outside. Use the bolline to open the Earth. Put the wax and offerings into the Earth, and re-cover with soil. Thank the Earth Mother for accepting this offering under the light of the Moon.