Why We Gather At The Full Moon
The Full Moon is a time for self-reflection, offering a chance to evaluate where you are in your life and how you can get to where you want to be.
Throughout history, mankind has used this time to gather, perform rituals and manifest. To track the cycle of the moon is to conjure the alignment of nature, bringing us closer to the divine innate rituals of the natural world. It is especially influential in the cyclical rhythms of the female body. In this article, we will dive into why it is key for women to gather together during a full moon, and how this age-old ritual can support us, even within our modern lives.
Nowadays, artificial light such as blue light from screens can knock our circadian rhythms off-kilter. There are many benefits, however, to reconnecting with the natural light of the sun and moon. The moon has roughly 13 cycles every year, each fully lasting around 29 days. When our ancestors lived in smaller, close-knit communities without electricity, they were more vulnerable to the elements and accustomed to living by natural light sources. The concept of ‘syncing’ with other women developed, as it was common for women to ‘bleed’ at the same time. The ‘bleed’ or Menstrual phase occurred at the New or Dark Moon, and would last around 5 days. The next stage, Follicular or ‘post-bleed’, coincided with the Waxing Moon and often lasted 6 days. Ovulation would then occur on the Full Moon for 4 days. Finally, the longest phase would then begin: ‘Luteal’, in alliance with the Waxing Moon
Our modern society offers less opportunities for living cyclically in large groups where women can gather. Therefore, much less syncing occurs. However, this individualistic way of living disrupts our inner alignments with nature, and more importantly, each other. It is possible to attempt to align your period with the phases of the moon, but of course, not always necessary.
It can bring about so many possibilities in our lives, however, to re-initiate the ritual of gathering at the Full Moon. Typically when we ovulate, we begin craving more social interaction, and for good reason. Through the Menstrual and Follicular phases we have an instinct to retreat from society, to nurture ourselves and opt for comfort and familiarity. This winding down makes for an eventual prime, when we emerge from our hibernation with a new lust for life and anurge to bond and create. We develop a new level of clarity and perspective on the world, and the Full Moon is a wonderful time to share this.
Communicating with like-minded women and sharing spaces for connection can allow you to manifest your future, shaping your dreams and forging new narratives. Now is the time to vocalise what you’ve been mediating on, share your vision and let your creativity blossom.
The Ovulation phase is sometimes called your inner Summertime. This August New Moon, The Self Love Lab is hosting two Sound Bath events to make space for gathering. Sound Bathing is an especially transformative practice during the Full Moon or Ovulation phase as it can help you to visualise your goals and dispel anything clouding your thoughts. The inner calm and tranquillity can relieve the stress of previous phases and focus your mind on how you will achieve your dreams.
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Camille is a writer and curator based in London. She specialises in wellness, art and creativity as a means of self-love and expression.
She has worked with a number of wellness brands and art galleries, creating written and social content and helping develop and run events, exhibitions and educational outreach schemes. She is passionate about the power of incorporating self love rituals into your routine to support wellbeing, balance your daily rhythm and find time to let your artistic spirit bloom.
Article written by Camille Leadbeater
Communications Lead @ The Self Love Lab
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