Creating and Walking a Moon Circle
A moon circle is a place to receive message about your future. You can build one for yourself, or with others. It is a circle created by the use of shells, rocks, stones, bricks, pinecones, or anything else you choose. The reason a circle is used is that the energy comes up faster within a circle and continues to turn, creating a vibration that will allow you to tap into your future more readily. The circle is divided into four major compass directions, each one having a specific meaning and insights.
The moon circle provides a place sincere people can resolve problems and come to a better understanding of situations, as well as foreseeing future events. With a moon circle, you can draw from the Universal life force energy to receive messages and to prevent disharmony from coming into your life. It is a magical mirror that looks into the future.
Native American traditions show the use of a medicine wheel, which have some basic similarities, but is far different. I have great respect for the Medicine Wheel, as I myself am Cherokee Indian, it is a powerful tool for balance and healing. However, these two should not be confused – the Medicine Wheel is more complex and requires an understanding of Native American beliefs.
How to Create a Moon Circle
You can style a temporary circle, or make a permanent one if you live on a piece of land that is spacious. If you have the capability to make your circle outside among nature, you will receive the extra Earth connection. However, if you do not have the opportunity, you can create one in your living room or another appropriate indoor space. Choose the spot where you will create your circle. “It can be carefully chosen based on available space, or an area that just “feels good” to you. You will mark off the four compass points – north, east, south, west - with stones or some other sort of indicator. If making a more permanent-style Moon circle, then add connecting stones, acorns etc. to form a full circle with the compass points. Next, make a small circle in the center that will surround your power crystal, stone, etc. The center circle is the highest energy point. You may opt to create a third, largest circle that encompasses the two inner circles. This provides a walkway around the inner circle keeping the energy contained. As indicated in the illustration, remember to leave a gateway in the east from which you will enter and a gateway in the west through which you will exit.
If forming the bare minimum temporary-style Moon circle, you will need 5 stones, crystals, shells, bricks, or whatever you have available to mark the designated spots. First, place a stone at each compass point and one in the center. Although this may look kind of like a cross, you must visualize and etheric circle connecting the outer stones.
Keep in mind the size of your circle. If you are working your magick/energies alone, then a small circle will do. If you intend to work with someone else or a group, you will need to make the circle large enough to accommodate all those involved. Also, consider how you will sit. Not everyone is able to bend or move freely. Be practical by placing chairs, stools, or pillows to sit on within the circle before you start ceremony if necessary. Large logs is also another suggestion.
How to Walk the Moon Circle
Once the circle is in place, enter the circle from the East, as this is where the Sun rises and is the direction that opens all passages. You will exit through the West, where the sun sets. If you created the 3-circle layout then you have already created your doorways to pass through.
Next, you should cleanse yourself and the circle. You may want to use a smudge stick of white sage as a form of purification. Light the sage stick and then let is smother so there is only the smoke. Once the smoke begins to come forth, bathe yourself in the smoke, passing it back and forth in front of, and around, your body. If others are joining you, do the same for them. (You can also use practice of putting loose leaves in an abalone shell to burn – with a small amount of sand under the leaves to protect the shell – and then using a feather to spread the smoke. I personally have a very small cast iron cauldron with a handle that I burn in and use the handle to swing the pot to spread the smoke. Do whatever resonates best for you.) Next, smudge the circle in the same manner, spreading smoke throughout to release negativity. If you do not have sage available, or do not care for the smell of sage, you can also use cedar, palo alto wood, sweet grass, or copal. If none of these are available or desired, then you can simply pass your hand in a sweeping motion over the circle and visualize any remaining negative energy leaving the circle. (I also have a “broom” technique that works great as well and combined with a traditional circle rising it helps build the energy. Will post separately.) This is the quick and simple way, but I do recommend the smudging if possible.
Now you are ready to walk the circle. Start from the East and walk around clockwise at least 3 times. It will take a cycle of 3 to bring up the energy of the circle, as 3 is the number of energetic abundance. If, after 3 times around, you do not feel the energy in the circle shifting, continue to walk until you feel it is time to stop. You may also consider walking around 9 times for an extremely powerful shift as this is the three times three law.
If others are joining you, they should follow with you. Some may need to walk around more times than you until they feel the energy has shifted for them, this is ok. When you are done, walk to the direction you feel compelled to and be seated. When working with others, they may not choose the same direction to stop at, or they may want to walk until they find their own special place of energy. Someone may choose to sit in the same direction as you since it is where Spirit is leading them, and others may want to sit opposite. There is no right or wrong. Sharing a space with someone will not take away energy from you or deplete the messages you are receiving.
You may sit with your hands in a receiving position with palms up, or you may decide to cross your hands and concentrate in a contained manner. Some people feel, when meditating or becoming in tune with Universal forces, it is not good to cross hands or legs as it “crosses” your energy. I personally do not cross during meditation or during a healing, but have crossed my legs during a circle because comfort is the most important issue so that you may be relaxed and open to receive for this particular ritual. Go with what resonates best for you.
Always sit facing inward, facing the toward the center power point. In other words, you may be sitting in the North position, but you are in fact facing South. The message you will receive will be of a southern nature with crossovers of energy from the North. It is not necessary to know the direction of the space you have ended up in, you can determine this later.
Once you are seated in your direction or message point, calm your mind and relax. Allow the messages to come to you. Ask silent questions if you like, and see what answers you intuit. Once you feel you have received your messages or answers from the collective consciousness, take your time to slowly come back to awareness and rise when ready. Give thanks to the energy of the circle by saying something to yourself or aloud such as “I give thanks to the Earth and to the life force for guidance.” Make up whatever thanks resonates for you. Acknowledge the power from above that has visited to help you and guide you. Leave the circle from the West, where the Sun goes down, as this gives closure to the ceremony.
Meaning of the Four Directions
North
From the North springs forth wisdom and completion. It is a time of delivery and freedom from things that may have been a challenge in our lives. It is a call for balance in all things. Its message is to find answers here and now using practical solutions and common sense. As we travel upward, moving in a northerly direction, our journey may become more difficult as we are nearing the end of a cycle. It is this direction that instructs us that this is not the time to give up when we are close to completion. This direction can have difficulties attached to it, but the trip will be well worth the result. Here is where things are concluded and you may feel the most equalized. Noth represents power, organizing, insight and justice. Whenever in doubt, turn North.
South
Everything emotional comes from the South. Symbolically, South is a time for preparing for the future. It is a place of emotion and affairs from the heart. This point represents passion and fullness and reminds us to learn to control our bodies. Here we learn self-control of our emotional selves and how to express feelings without hurting others. It is the South that we learn to release feeling sof hurt and anger. Creativity stems from the South as well, and we can make the connection to artistic pursuits and issues dealing with the imagination and inventiveness.
East
The day begins in the East. It is renewal, birth, and rebirth. It is with this direction that we find spontaneity, innocence, hope and trust. The first light enters from the East, providing leadership and guidance. We learn many lessons from the messages from the East. We learn to believe in what we cannot see, feel, or touch. We learn to be more open-minded to things we do not understand. This is a place where a new venture or a different path through life may be awakened. It is also form this direction we must recognize that in order to proceed to the future, we must accept and deal with the present. Once we have accomplished this, we can move in a different direction. This is the conception of all things, including love, career, health, spirituality and balance. You may have already been through many of life’s tests, but when Spirit moves you to try yet again or venture out to do something new, you will find yourself in the direction of the East.
West
The Sun sets in the West and brings the night, mystery, and dreams; it is the gateway of the unknown. The direction of West signifies completion of a situation or goal. It can suggest to you that it is time to complete something you have been procrastinating about. Power and strength generate in the West. This compass point prescribes determination and development. The West tells us to go within ourselves for guidance where the energy is calmer and your level of tension sets like the Sun. We find acceptance of who we are; and if we don’t like what we find, we must change it.
Note: If you are not looking for a specific answer or message within a Moon circle but feel you need the connection to a specific direction, walk your circle and intentionally sit in the direction from which you feel you need to draw and absorb its energy through meditation. Example: If you do not know whether to interview for a new job, sit in the East and concentrate. Be careful meditating too often in the northern compass point, because like the Winter, you may loose your warmth. Use all directions in moderation.
Written By: Diane Ahlquist and Edited by: Brandi Baer-Adams
A moon circle is a place to receive message about your future. You can build one for yourself, or with others. It is a circle created by the use of shells, rocks, stones, bricks, pinecones, or anything else you choose. The reason a circle is used is that the energy comes up faster within a circle and continues to turn, creating a vibration that will allow you to tap into your future more readily. The circle is divided into four major compass directions, each one having a specific meaning and insights.
The moon circle provides a place sincere people can resolve problems and come to a better understanding of situations, as well as foreseeing future events. With a moon circle, you can draw from the Universal life force energy to receive messages and to prevent disharmony from coming into your life. It is a magical mirror that looks into the future.
Native American traditions show the use of a medicine wheel, which have some basic similarities, but is far different. I have great respect for the Medicine Wheel, as I myself am Cherokee Indian, it is a powerful tool for balance and healing. However, these two should not be confused – the Medicine Wheel is more complex and requires an understanding of Native American beliefs.
How to Create a Moon Circle
You can style a temporary circle, or make a permanent one if you live on a piece of land that is spacious. If you have the capability to make your circle outside among nature, you will receive the extra Earth connection. However, if you do not have the opportunity, you can create one in your living room or another appropriate indoor space. Choose the spot where you will create your circle. “It can be carefully chosen based on available space, or an area that just “feels good” to you. You will mark off the four compass points – north, east, south, west - with stones or some other sort of indicator. If making a more permanent-style Moon circle, then add connecting stones, acorns etc. to form a full circle with the compass points. Next, make a small circle in the center that will surround your power crystal, stone, etc. The center circle is the highest energy point. You may opt to create a third, largest circle that encompasses the two inner circles. This provides a walkway around the inner circle keeping the energy contained. As indicated in the illustration, remember to leave a gateway in the east from which you will enter and a gateway in the west through which you will exit.
If forming the bare minimum temporary-style Moon circle, you will need 5 stones, crystals, shells, bricks, or whatever you have available to mark the designated spots. First, place a stone at each compass point and one in the center. Although this may look kind of like a cross, you must visualize and etheric circle connecting the outer stones.
Keep in mind the size of your circle. If you are working your magick/energies alone, then a small circle will do. If you intend to work with someone else or a group, you will need to make the circle large enough to accommodate all those involved. Also, consider how you will sit. Not everyone is able to bend or move freely. Be practical by placing chairs, stools, or pillows to sit on within the circle before you start ceremony if necessary. Large logs is also another suggestion.
How to Walk the Moon Circle
Once the circle is in place, enter the circle from the East, as this is where the Sun rises and is the direction that opens all passages. You will exit through the West, where the sun sets. If you created the 3-circle layout then you have already created your doorways to pass through.
Next, you should cleanse yourself and the circle. You may want to use a smudge stick of white sage as a form of purification. Light the sage stick and then let is smother so there is only the smoke. Once the smoke begins to come forth, bathe yourself in the smoke, passing it back and forth in front of, and around, your body. If others are joining you, do the same for them. (You can also use practice of putting loose leaves in an abalone shell to burn – with a small amount of sand under the leaves to protect the shell – and then using a feather to spread the smoke. I personally have a very small cast iron cauldron with a handle that I burn in and use the handle to swing the pot to spread the smoke. Do whatever resonates best for you.) Next, smudge the circle in the same manner, spreading smoke throughout to release negativity. If you do not have sage available, or do not care for the smell of sage, you can also use cedar, palo alto wood, sweet grass, or copal. If none of these are available or desired, then you can simply pass your hand in a sweeping motion over the circle and visualize any remaining negative energy leaving the circle. (I also have a “broom” technique that works great as well and combined with a traditional circle rising it helps build the energy. Will post separately.) This is the quick and simple way, but I do recommend the smudging if possible.
Now you are ready to walk the circle. Start from the East and walk around clockwise at least 3 times. It will take a cycle of 3 to bring up the energy of the circle, as 3 is the number of energetic abundance. If, after 3 times around, you do not feel the energy in the circle shifting, continue to walk until you feel it is time to stop. You may also consider walking around 9 times for an extremely powerful shift as this is the three times three law.
If others are joining you, they should follow with you. Some may need to walk around more times than you until they feel the energy has shifted for them, this is ok. When you are done, walk to the direction you feel compelled to and be seated. When working with others, they may not choose the same direction to stop at, or they may want to walk until they find their own special place of energy. Someone may choose to sit in the same direction as you since it is where Spirit is leading them, and others may want to sit opposite. There is no right or wrong. Sharing a space with someone will not take away energy from you or deplete the messages you are receiving.
You may sit with your hands in a receiving position with palms up, or you may decide to cross your hands and concentrate in a contained manner. Some people feel, when meditating or becoming in tune with Universal forces, it is not good to cross hands or legs as it “crosses” your energy. I personally do not cross during meditation or during a healing, but have crossed my legs during a circle because comfort is the most important issue so that you may be relaxed and open to receive for this particular ritual. Go with what resonates best for you.
Always sit facing inward, facing the toward the center power point. In other words, you may be sitting in the North position, but you are in fact facing South. The message you will receive will be of a southern nature with crossovers of energy from the North. It is not necessary to know the direction of the space you have ended up in, you can determine this later.
Once you are seated in your direction or message point, calm your mind and relax. Allow the messages to come to you. Ask silent questions if you like, and see what answers you intuit. Once you feel you have received your messages or answers from the collective consciousness, take your time to slowly come back to awareness and rise when ready. Give thanks to the energy of the circle by saying something to yourself or aloud such as “I give thanks to the Earth and to the life force for guidance.” Make up whatever thanks resonates for you. Acknowledge the power from above that has visited to help you and guide you. Leave the circle from the West, where the Sun goes down, as this gives closure to the ceremony.
Meaning of the Four Directions
North
From the North springs forth wisdom and completion. It is a time of delivery and freedom from things that may have been a challenge in our lives. It is a call for balance in all things. Its message is to find answers here and now using practical solutions and common sense. As we travel upward, moving in a northerly direction, our journey may become more difficult as we are nearing the end of a cycle. It is this direction that instructs us that this is not the time to give up when we are close to completion. This direction can have difficulties attached to it, but the trip will be well worth the result. Here is where things are concluded and you may feel the most equalized. Noth represents power, organizing, insight and justice. Whenever in doubt, turn North.
South
Everything emotional comes from the South. Symbolically, South is a time for preparing for the future. It is a place of emotion and affairs from the heart. This point represents passion and fullness and reminds us to learn to control our bodies. Here we learn self-control of our emotional selves and how to express feelings without hurting others. It is the South that we learn to release feeling sof hurt and anger. Creativity stems from the South as well, and we can make the connection to artistic pursuits and issues dealing with the imagination and inventiveness.
East
The day begins in the East. It is renewal, birth, and rebirth. It is with this direction that we find spontaneity, innocence, hope and trust. The first light enters from the East, providing leadership and guidance. We learn many lessons from the messages from the East. We learn to believe in what we cannot see, feel, or touch. We learn to be more open-minded to things we do not understand. This is a place where a new venture or a different path through life may be awakened. It is also form this direction we must recognize that in order to proceed to the future, we must accept and deal with the present. Once we have accomplished this, we can move in a different direction. This is the conception of all things, including love, career, health, spirituality and balance. You may have already been through many of life’s tests, but when Spirit moves you to try yet again or venture out to do something new, you will find yourself in the direction of the East.
West
The Sun sets in the West and brings the night, mystery, and dreams; it is the gateway of the unknown. The direction of West signifies completion of a situation or goal. It can suggest to you that it is time to complete something you have been procrastinating about. Power and strength generate in the West. This compass point prescribes determination and development. The West tells us to go within ourselves for guidance where the energy is calmer and your level of tension sets like the Sun. We find acceptance of who we are; and if we don’t like what we find, we must change it.
Note: If you are not looking for a specific answer or message within a Moon circle but feel you need the connection to a specific direction, walk your circle and intentionally sit in the direction from which you feel you need to draw and absorb its energy through meditation. Example: If you do not know whether to interview for a new job, sit in the East and concentrate. Be careful meditating too often in the northern compass point, because like the Winter, you may loose your warmth. Use all directions in moderation.
Written By: Diane Ahlquist and Edited by: Brandi Baer-Adams
Here is a beautiful page that provides medicine songs, mantras and more <3 I use it quite a bit personally. http://sacredvalleytribe.com/medicine-songs/_
