Red Moon - July 22 - August 23
I hang raspberry red cloth out today, in the sacred ground area of our forest to honor the Red Moon of July 23 – August 22. I place iron in its appropriate place in the Medicine Circle and a stone that holds garnets are in position in the circle I have made outside in one of the Rock Gardens.
Red Moon:
The moon widens herself so she can have more of the sun. The moon kisses the colors that are nodded off by a river where the sturgeon slumber against the banks. The second moon of the Southern Direction; the ripe berry moon lays in waiting. This time is closely watched by thunderbird and his influence is felt. Red berries burst in joy and a red flag resides on the sacred lodge pole. Iron strength may be needed at this time. Garnet reminds us that the source of that strength is our heart. The Raspberry reminds us to find the sweetness amidst the thorns.
Stone: Garnet can help to balance your sexual energies. Have you been a bit off? Remember how holy sexuality is, how good and honorable a gift it is. Garnet is associated with the heart and blood and you should carry this or wear it, so your emotions are more free-flowing, and this authentic. Garnet has also been known to be one stone that can warn you of danger. It should buzz or you feel it vibrating if it is trying to warn you of something.
Iron is paired with the garnet as mineral because it is good for the blood and heart. It reminds you that there are times you must be tempered by life to learn lessons, betimes. What are you made of? Are you as strong as you should be, are you walking your own talk? You may be about to find out.
Raspberries are the symbolic plant for this moon. This delicate medicine plant is medicine from its roots to its tips. They are good for digestion, can be used to help expel gallstones and kidney stones, and the roots are an astringent and antibiotic. The roots can be dried and ground and used as a gargle for sore throats and the roots can be steeped and applied to slow bleeding. The tea from the leaves help with diarrhea, cankers, and menstrual problems. Also, I was given raspberry leaf tea when I was pregnant for the uterus health, as well. The branches are dried and ground and used for colds, flues, breathing difficulties and to balance sugar levels. What an incredible plant; a gift.
The raspberry works in your life to remind you to be affection but to take care of your boundaries. During this time, expect these issues to come up in your life. Face your fears and be a leader not a follower. You may be called to develop your courage and personal power.
The sturgeon is the swimming being guardian during this time. Guard against being impulsive Beware of arrogance. Do not be tempted to dominate anything. You will be called to be determined and to persevere. At your very depths is the knowledge you need. During this time, consider sexuality problems and know you can say “No” when you feel like it. There will be unwanted energies around you and you need to be able to have the strength to say “No”.
You need not be thorny about it, but you may need to protect yourself. It is very good to eat the berries during this month, but do not overdo it. Remember, they are medicine first. You are apt to meet a few thorny people, people who can be ‘a thorn in the side’ that will irritate you, and cause you discomfort and worry you. Be aware of energies you do not need to waste. Clear away your energy through ceremony during this time. You will need your energy before too long a time; real energy for important things, not the little annoying things.
Carol, I have been photographing the red moon since it first started. I had no idea of it’s significance. When I saw your website, I was compelled to click, and there was my answer. WE truly are where we are supposed to be every minute at all times!
Thank you for such a wonderful explanation!
Much love, Linda
And you, friend. How are you doing? I hope you know why you have been so drawn to it now.
Very wise. Thanks for sharing your wisdom with us each day. BTW, I have a question - if you have the time, please respond; if not, I do understand. A bird visited where I live and he or she came back each evening and roosted on the mail box which is on our front porch for exactly 28 days. My parents used to say that birds are signs of something; especially birds that stay near our homes. Well, the bird did not come back on last Thursday. Needless to say, I miss the bird, although we had to clean up her or his mess each morning. Strange thing is the bird dissapeared on the same day my fiance’s daughter’s boy friend overdosed. Are birds sensitive to mourning? Can it feel the sadness in the home and simply decided to go where sadness was not so prevelant. What do you think of this.
Hi, dear heart.
If you tell me the type of bird, I will know better…but I can tell you crows, ravens, woodpeckers, are known to come to warn of something impending. All animals are sensitive to us and if the bird is an uncommon one for the area, it can mean even something more. You may email me, if you like, and tell me what bird it was, and I can tell you more. As well, the new moon has come, and the bird may carry symbolism of something to do with that. I await your answer. I always have time for one who asks.
Carol.
,That is very sad — I wonder if the bird relates in some way to the fiancee’s soul. Then again, I believe in those sorts of things and others may not.
Blessings
Thank you, Maefrey, for commenting. I have sent her an email and explained the symbolism, as I know it, in a Native American way.
Yes, many of us do! *hug*