Nicole Brenny presents ...

THE FULL MOON ‡ Survival Guide ‡

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

✵

WELCOME TO MY FIRST SURVIVAL GUIDE. I chose to write about the full moon, because I have always had a deep love for the moon. Maybe it is because in the tropical zodiac I am considered to be a Cancer (the only sign ruled by the moon)? Or perhaps it is because I have often had menstrual cycles that synced with the full moon? Another guess is the strong moon that sits pretty in my natal chart. Whatever the case, the past decade of my life has been filled with casual research and admiration of the moon.

I’ve learned a lot by studying the moon and its relationship to the female cycle. I interviewed experts such as Miranda Gray the author of the book Red Moon which I highly recommend! I published articles on the topic and continue to conduct research in this area. My curiosity has led me to a deep and devoted study of the moon via Vedic Astrology as well. My teachers have been gifted in imparting their knowledge of the planets to me. In fact throughout 2016 I was lucky enough to take an entire course on the mansions of the moon, anchoring my understanding of her power even further.

This guide will not be able to cover all that I have learned about the moon, but it will be helpful for those that want to begin to develop a relationship with the moon at her brightest. I hope that the wisdom I have gained through study, on the ground research and personal experience will help you. If you have any questions or want to deepen your relationship the moon & your divine cycle feel free to contact me .

A final note- I realize that women have a special relationship to the moon via their monthly cycles. I will be discussing these a bit in this guide, but I want to stress that in no way I mean to ostracize men. Men have an amazing potential to work with the moon as well. This is also an interactive text. Be sure to click on any links to explore more!

✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵✵

✵✵ ✵

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

The Moon (La Lune) The moon is best viewed through the lens of astronomy, astrology & tarot.

In order to optimize the energy of the moon it is necessary to understand her deeply. These sections are simply meant to get you to start thinking about the Moon on a deeper level, without going into volumes about her. As you read these descriptions of the moon allow your mind to flow freely and create any types of associations that feel natural. Pay attention as knowledge can easily turn to wisdom via the use of imagination- especially

during the full moon.

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

✵

ASTRONOMY + the moon . The moon is considered to be the only natural satellite of the Earth. Astronomically it isn’t even technically considered a planet, because planets orbit the stars whereas the moon orbits the Earth. Many people don’t consider what is actually happening in the sky during a full moon so I’ve included a diagram below.

During the full moon the Moon is actually opposite the Sun, with the Earth in between. The light of the Moon is simply a reflection of the Sun. It is as if the Sun is looking into the mirror and what we can see from the Earth at night is a mirror-image reflection of that light. Never forget that when you are looking at the full moon you are also looking at the Sun.

This is one of my favorite qualities of the moon- that it is reflective and receptive. During the new moon the Moon is actually closest to the Sun, but in this position it can not reflect the light of the Sun onto Earth. The Moon requires distance in order to soak up the light of the Sun. Is it any wonder that the Moon ruled sign of Cancer can often represent foreign lands in a birth chart?

ASTROLOGY + the moon . Speaking of astrology, astrologically the moon is more or less considered a planet. In Vedic Astrology we use the word “graha,” which means to to seize or lay hold of. Astrologers may have chosen this word as the planets quite literally seize or lay hold of us at the appropriate times to help us fulfill our karma. Graha is a much better word to describe the planets, because as I’ve just stated the Moon isn’t really a planet! However, the moon does have a profound impact upon us and the Earth. It is responsible for the ever-changing tides for example. Farmers would also use the moon to assist in deciding when to plant and harvest their crops. I am sure most of you over the age of 25 have seen a Farmer’s Almanac filled with suggestions for which day to plant what crop alongside Moon phase information. The Moon has also been related to the menstrual cycle. In times when electricity and birth control did not exist, the female cycle would align naturally with the new moon while ovulation would take place during the full moon. I personally think that the acknowledgement of the moon and

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

its relation to the female cycle, farming and the tides may have been the very foundation for intelligent humans to begin exploring the planets more intensely, eventually discovering astrology!

Karmic Secrets of the Moon in Astrology

While I have studied Western Astrology briefly, my background resides in Vedic Astrology. As I’ve stated, Vedic Astrology considers the Moon to be a graha. It also considers the north and south nodes of the moon (two astrological points that show where the moon’s orbit intersects the plane of the ecliptic-path of the Sun at the southern and northernmost points) to be grahas. These points are responsible for eclipses. They are also extremely important in astrological analysis. The south node of the moon Ketu shows our past life karma or the karma we are moving away from in this lifetime, whereas the north node of the moon, known as Rahu shows the karma we were born to fulfill.

With careful study of the nodes you can very easily see where someone feels most comfortable or perhaps complacent in their lives (Ketu) as well as where a person might be insatiable or obsessive (Rahu).

Due to the Moon’s association with these karmic nodes, I often find the moon cycles that happen each month to relate very closely to a build-up and release of karma.

The Menstrual Cycle as Symbolism

The female menstrual cycle follows the pattern of the moon as I mentioned earlier. The full moon phase is related to ovulation. Just like the Moon reaches its fullest growth and potential, the egg reaches its maturation during this phase in the female’s body. Generally the week leading up to ovulation through the day of ovulation are the most fertile days for a woman. These days align with the waxing of the moon. During the waxing phase of the moon the moon grows until it reaches its fullest. Isn’t it interesting that during this phase of the moon most activities are considered more auspicious as well?

It is important to know what the moon phase is to maximize this creative energy. If you are a woman it is smart to also track your cycle to make the most use of your own lunar

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

energy. I will be teaching that in future classes and giving you some tips in the sections below.

Manifestations of the Moon

Finally the moon rules over many things in astrology. I wanted to offer you a small list of them so that you may further discover how the Moon may be manifesting in your life:

music white ocean pearls mother adaptability

milk mind comfort fluctuation receptivity intuition

nourishing fertility feelings emotions psychiatry water

monday 2 heart memory chest manas

past lives jiva the public hospitality cows popularity

TAROT + the moon . . The Moon tarot card has always been a bit mysterious to interpret in readings. It is because it tends to come up at times when things are feeling cloudy for the individual. To understand this better let’s look at this card using numerology.

The moon relates to new emotional and material opportunities as it resonates on a certain frequency with the Ace of Diamonds and Ace of Hearts in a special card system known as the Cards of Truth system . These cards align with the Ace of Cups and Ace of Pentacles.

However, traditionally the moon is card number 18. In numerology this number can be reduced 1+8 =9. The number 9, resonates with the path of the the Fool.

Typically when the Moon card shows up for a client they are in a state of distress, because they do not know what is going on in their lives. It can symbolize a time of darkness where the only illuminating light is a reflection of something outside of themselves. What is brilliant about this card is that just like the moon waxes and wanes, these times of “not-knowing” tend to pass

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

quickly. They also often show times of deep potential. As mentioned, this card resonates with new emotional and material opportunities. Additionally, one may feel stuck as to how to proceed with these opportunities. In these cases the Fool card should be the energy to call upon. As the Fool one should be OK with going with the flow in life, unafraid of consequence and understanding that sometimes it is necessary to take risks and have faith that the universe will support you. You may not always know what lies ahead, but when the Fool’s energy is in the air it is not necessary that you do.

The Moon tarot card shows us that life isn’t always crystal clear. We can struggle sometimes to know what is happening in our lives. These are only passing phases. What is more important than always knowing what is going on- is always having faith that it will be OK. That there is a divine plan and that we must enjoy ourselves and grow this faith in order to make use of the abundance that is always available to us.

The full moons that happen during the year can also bring about this energy. Oftentimes full moons feel confusing. The energy can be all over the place and hard to discern. What’s important to remember whether you pull the Moon card or it is the full moon is that this confusion is happening on an energetic level. Most studies done to try to prove increase in hospital admissions or car accidents on full moons have turned up inconclusive. So, it may be safe to say that the biggest thing you have to worry about on a full moon is not really anything concrete outside of yourself, but what is going on in your mind and how the world is reflecting on your unique vision of reality.

YOUR GUIDE

THE FOUR LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE

Life is experienced primarily on 4 basic levels: the emotional, mental spiritual & physical. In order to optimize the energy of the full moon, I have included exercises, activities & rituals that speak to each of these levels. I have learned in my years of studying natural foods and healing that if we focus too much on one of these areas that great imbalances occur. In order to make the most of this and any full moon be sure to pay attention to each level, choosing activities from all of the following categories:

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

Satisfying the Emotional heightened emotions

In Vedic thought there is something called the Purusha or “cosmic man,” who is the manifested microcosm of the entire universe. The way he was created reflects the growth of the moon. The First five days after the new moon the 5 elements are formed. On the second five days the organs of action are formed and on the third five days the five sense organs are formed. This takes us to the full moon , after which the sense organs are withdrawn, followed by the other parts of the cosmic man.

If we pay attention to this progression and understand its energetic pulse in our own lives we can see that on the full moon our senses have the possibility of being their very strongest.

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

As our senses are fully developed (cosmically speaking) during the full moon, it can often be a perfect time to get in touch with our emotions. Whereas the new moon asks us to go inward, the full moon is much more interested in working things out with others. The moon does after all represent the public! It also represents one’s mother which is the first person we have a relationship with.

Tips

1 The full moon is a great time for relationship and communication. If you are in a

partnership, take time to do something intimate that allows for you to both communicate. Set up a date night on the night of a full moon or do something relaxing like cooking a delicious dinner together and perhaps taking a bath together, if you have a bath that can fit two! If you are going out somewhere nice consider wearing pearls if you have them. Order ice cream for dessert as Moon rules over milk. These are all silly and fun examples of what to do nurture the full moon energy, but they are also quite spot on.

2 For those that are single it might be a good choice to spend time in the company of

female friends. Spend time nurturing or being nurtured during this time. Perhaps you can take care of children by babysitting for a loved one that is in a relationship so that they can go out and work on their relationship to maximize the moon’s energy. You may consider ending your night drinking a glass of milk (or almond milk) in the bathtub while you let your mind relax.

3 Remember that the full moon can often bring about emotional excess and

self-indulgence for those who have not yet learned to tame their minds with proper meditation practices. Be mindful always, but especially during the full moon. It should also be noted that though the full Moon is not as internal an experience as the new Moon can be, it is still a time where it is best to conserve energy. Be sure that any plans you make during this time do are not too overly exerting. It should also be said that travel plans are best made for a day not falling on the full Moon.

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

Satisfying the Physical the fullest potential of the senses

Tips 1 Our senses are fully developed at the time of the full moon and so anything we

experience physically can be heightened at this time. The day of the full moon is a great time to go out into nature and experience the world around us making use of this increased sensitivity. We can take in the purity of nature using our eyes, nose, ears, skin

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

and even tongue. Developing a physical relationship to the world around us via the senses is a beautiful and simple way to engage the physical aspect of ourselves during this time.

2 The prana or vital energy in the body is also at its peak at the full moon. This is why

the waxing as well as the full moon is really great for healing. To physically empower yourself during the full moon it is an excellent idea to schedule a reiki healing session or any energetic healing session. Not only will you be able to be your most receptive during this time, your healer will also be able to offer you stronger healing energy.

If you can also set aside time to do yoga during the full Moon. Yoga in and of itself is a very healing activity. Please see my section on Spirituality below for more on yoga.

3 Finally, in order to take care of ourselves

physically during the full moon it is necessary to understand that the moon is nurturing. To maximize the moon energy be able to nurture yourself with delicious foods without overindulging. The moon rules over dairy products. However, this doesn’t mean you should be eating overly sweet ice creams and milkshakes. Sweet fruits and yogurt would be suitable for a full Moon treat. Even a delicious smoothie blended with sweet fruits and milk would be an excellent choice. For those with a more spiritual and disciplined bent- the full Moon can be a great day to fast.

Satisfying the Mental the peak of mental performance

It is known that mental power is at its highest during the full moon. While, I could come up with 108 things for you to do to flex your mental prowess during the full moon, I feel we live in a day and age where you likely have quite a long mental to-do list already. For me the full moon is an excellent time to get things done that have perhaps been difficult for me to get done previously. I know personally that the week leading up to the full moon as well as the full moon are very energetic for me. I can typically get quite a lot of work done.

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

Tips

1 Instead of giving you concrete tasks to do, I think it is important to assess projects

you already have going on in your life.

Are there any projects you have laying around that you could attend to? Spend time now getting as much completed within these projects as is possible. Don’t over exert yourself though.

2 If you are already on top or your to-do list then this is an excellent time to study one

of my favorite subjects- Astrology or any other spiritual subject of your choosing. If you want to learn more about the planets (including the Moon), I can highly recommend one of my favorite books Graha Sutras written by my teacher Ernst Willhelm. It is not an easy book to read by any means, but if you’re serious about understanding the planets better than don’t hesitate.

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

Satisfying the Spiritual Entering the central channel

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

The full Moon is most auspicious for spiritual work as the prana or vital energy is more able to move into the central channel. This energy moving into the central channel can assist in our spiritual development.

Tips

1 Set aside time during the night of the full moon to engage in meditation or yoga

practice. Many yoga studios offer classes specifically designed to maximize the energy of the full Moon days. One of my favorite studios is actually accessible online and offers free live streamed classes on some full Moon days. No matter your particular brand of meditation or yoga, be sure to engage in some kind of activity that gets your mind focused and centered. Any place is a good place to start- so if you are unsure of which yoga studio or meditation is the best, don’t hesitate. Remember the Fool card we talked about earlier in the Tarot section? Sometimes it is best to just go with the flow without worrying too much about consequence. When it comes to engaging in peaceful activities like yoga and meditation, you’re likely going to be better of for having done so.

2 The full Moon is also a great time for worshipping the divine. Many of us have grown

up with different faiths outside of Hinduism which promotes the worship of planets.

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

However, I feel it is special and important to acknowledge and pay homage to the divine feminine energy of the moon in whatever way you sense is suitable for your life and belief system. For some this will be the worship of Jesus’ mother Mary. For others it will be worshipping mother nature. Though I was raised Catholic, I feel comfortable chanting mantras for the moon. Which I will share at the end of this guide. You can worship in any way that you are most comfortable. Oftentimes on full moons I get together with female friends. We light candles, burn sage and chant or sing. We offer tarot and intuitive readings for each other and any kind of reiki or other healing modality we might have up our sleeves. We tend to engage in some kind of simple and meaningful ritual that we create that includes a creation of intentions. You can come up with some of your rituals using me and my friends’ as a template.

The Mantras of the Moon

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

OM SOM SOMAYA NAMAHA (pronounced “Om soam soamaya namaha”)

OM CHAM CHANDRAYA NAMAHA (pronounced “Om chum chandraya namaha”)

Bonus: The Day after the Full Moon

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

Just a quick tip for those that might benefit. The day after the full Moon is auspicious for starting new enterprises, learning, putting on gemstones (used in astrology as remedies), performing religious ceremonies and meditation, marriage, and dealing with house rites. It is unfavorable for travel.

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

✵ I am currently offering very special readings to help you align with the moon and

your moon cycle. These readings will set you up for an entire month of detailed insight and help you to maximize the energy of the moon for the long term. If you are a woman I will add depth to the reading by combining tarot and astrology with your personal cycle. If you are a man, no worries at all. This reading benefits you just as much (if not more).

SCHEDULE YOUR MOON CYCLE READING

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017

NicoleBrenny.com hi@nicolebrenny.com

Nicole Brenny is a Tarot Reader, Jyotishi & Healer. She has received an Ayurved Astrology Certification from Dr. David Frawley and currently continues her study of Jyotish as well

as the Cards of Truth System as taught by Ernst Willhelm.

✵

Credits:

The tarot card image is from the Cosmic Tarot. The image of Chandra is drawn by Jane Adams. Please support her work here. She is a fantastic artist.

All other artwork was drawn by me or is a photograph taken by me, Nicole Brenny. The Full Moon diagram is from ClayTransformations.

Information about the Cosmic Man derived from Dr. David Frawley’s Ayurvedic Astrology Course.

©nicolebrenny.com, 2017