Shamanism has always been deeply connected to the natural world. The cycles of the moon, the changes in the seasons, and the ebb and flow of nature’s energy all play pivotal roles in shamanic practice. Unlike the modern, linear approach to time, shamanism honours the cyclical nature of life, recognising that we are not separate from the rhythms of the earth and sky, but rather integral parts of these cycles.
In this blog, we’ll explore how shamanism works with lunar and seasonal cycles, and how you can use these natural rhythms to deepen your connection to the earth, yourself, and the spiritual world.
The Lunar Cycle: A Map for Inner Transformation
The moon has long been a symbol of intuition, emotion, and the hidden realms in shamanic traditions. The lunar cycle is a powerful tool for understanding the inner workings of our emotional and spiritual lives. Just as the moon goes through its phases—from the dark new moon to the illuminating full moon—so too do we go through phases of growth, rest, reflection, and illumination.
- The New Moon: A Time for Setting Intentions and Reflection
The new moon marks a period of darkness, where the moon is not visible to the naked eye. In shamanic traditions, this phase is seen as a time for introspection, setting intentions, and planting seeds for future growth. It’s a time to reflect on what no longer serves you and to begin the process of letting go. Much like the earth in the winter months, the new moon offers an opportunity for rest, quietude, and preparation for what is to come. - The Waxing Moon: A Time for Growth and Building Energy
As the moon begins to grow toward fullness, it’s a time of expansion, action, and building momentum. In shamanism, the waxing moon is seen as a time to work with the energies of manifestation. This phase encourages you to take action towards your goals and start nurturing the seeds you planted during the new moon phase. It’s a time to step into your power and bring your intentions into the physical world. - The Full Moon: A Time for Illumination and Completion
The full moon is the brightest and most expansive phase of the lunar cycle. In shamanic practice, it’s considered a time of illumination, when the energies of the universe are at their peak. This is the moment for clarity, insight, and powerful spiritual work. Many shamans will use the full moon to perform rituals of release, letting go of what no longer serves them. It’s a time to see things clearly, gain wisdom, and make necessary adjustments to your path. - The Waning Moon: A Time for Rest and Reflection
As the moon moves toward darkness once again, it’s a time to slow down, rest, and integrate the lessons learned during the full moon. The waning moon is a time for letting go, shedding old beliefs, and making space for the new. In shamanism, this is often seen as a time for spiritual cleansing, healing, and reflection. It’s a period of quiet retreat, where you can reflect on the changes you’ve experienced and prepare for the new moon’s energy to bring fresh growth.
Seasonal Cycles: The Earth’s Rhythm and Its Influence on Shamanic Practice
In addition to the lunar cycles, the seasonal cycles play a significant role in shamanic traditions. The earth’s seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter—represent the cyclical nature of life, from birth to death, and everything in between. Just as the moon goes through its phases, so too does the earth, offering opportunities for different kinds of work and reflection during each season.
- Spring: The Time of Birth and Renewal
Spring is a time of new beginnings, growth, and renewal. The earth is awakening, and so are we. In shamanic traditions, spring is seen as a time of planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically. It’s a time for new ideas, new projects, and fresh energy. As the flowers bloom and the trees bud, we are encouraged to tap into our own creative potential and begin the work of manifestation. - Summer: The Time of Action and Expansion
Summer is a time of growth and abundance. It’s a period of vitality, energy, and outward expression. In shamanism, summer is a time to work with the energies of manifestation, expansion, and abundance. Just as the sun reaches its peak, so do we. Summer is a time to take action, show up fully in the world, and bask in the fruits of our labor. It’s a time of joy, celebration, and connection to the earth and each other. - Autumn: The Time of Harvest and Reflection
Autumn is the time of harvest, when the fruits of our labor are gathered. It’s a time for gratitude, reflection, and letting go of what no longer serves us. In shamanism, autumn represents the culmination of efforts and the transition from growth to rest. It’s a time to reflect on what we’ve created, give thanks, and release anything that no longer aligns with our path. It’s also a time to prepare for the quieter months ahead and honour the lessons of the year. - Winter: The Time of Rest and Inner Work
Winter is a time of rest, retreat, and introspection. Just as the earth lies dormant, we are invited to slow down, reflect, and nourish our inner worlds. In shamanic traditions, winter is seen as a time for deep spiritual work, healing, and rest. It’s a time to connect with our inner wisdom, to rest and replenish, and to reflect on the lessons learned during the year. Winter invites us to release any old patterns that no longer serve us and prepare for the new growth that spring will bring.
Integrating Lunar and Seasonal Cycles into Your Shamanic Practice
Shamanism is about living in harmony with the natural world, and one of the most powerful ways to align yourself with these natural rhythms is by working with the lunar and seasonal cycles. Here are a few ways to integrate these cycles into your practice:
- Create Rituals for Each Cycle: Set intentions and create rituals that align with the lunar phases and the seasons. For example, during the new moon, meditate on what you wish to release or create. During the full moon, use this time for powerful healing work and illumination. In the seasons, create offerings and rituals to honour the changes in the earth’s cycles.
- Track Your Energy and Emotions: Keep a journal that tracks your emotional and spiritual energy according to the lunar phases and the changing seasons. This can help you understand how these natural rhythms affect your inner world and guide your shamanic work.
- Align Your Projects with the Seasons: Just as nature goes through cycles of growth, rest, and renewal, you too can work in alignment with these energies. Plan new projects during the spring and summer months, while using the autumn and winter for reflection, rest, and refining your work.
All our offerings at Embracing Shamanism explore understanding cycles in everyway but especially our Shamanic Teacher Training here.