Shabbos Table

I didn’t always know how the moon affected my body and mood, but I took control of my life since I became aware of it.

A few years ago, I realized my mood would change during the full and new moon. My womanly body would also go through some changes.

And why won’t the moon affect our bodies? It moves the tides of the ocean. We are made up of about 70% water and are so tiny compared to the sea.

I would be sad, irritable, and sometimes tired during the new moon phase, but the full moon came with a strain. It was always a time of testing my limits because, in that phase, I could become massively sad, angry, hungry, and exhausted. I found that every negative emotion could be exaggerated if I didn’t see the effects of the moon on me.

I’ve become so in tune with my body’s relationship with these moon phases that I no longer have to check the calendar to know if it’s a new moon or a full moon.

Initially, I questioned this quiet suspicion of mine. Then I decided to research and found that religions and cultures worldwide celebrate the moon.

Native Tribes

Native Americans used the moon to tell time and keep track of the seasons. They use the moon phases throughout the month to guide and influence their daily lives.
Moons of certain months will tell when was suitable for planting, hunting, fishing, and harvesting.

The moon affects the land – the whole earth. So, what is it capable of doing to us and our mood?

Ayurveda

One of the oldest medical systems of India, a natural one, Ayurveda, documents that it is commonly the time for female menstruation and the time when melatonin, the hormone is regulating circadian rhythm in sleep, is at its highest.
It is a time of shedding and, therefore, a natural time to move inward, rest and nourish yourself.
In my home country, Guyana, it is known as the optimal time for planting seeds.

In Indian culture, a moon bath is done during this phase. It’s a time of growth and renewal and a time to dream, wish, and set goals.

I have done a few of these rituals, which are very insightful and a time that brings about a new perspective.

Judaism

In Judaism, we celebrate the new moon or the beginning or head of the month, a time of spiritual renewal.
According to scriptural records, the new moon was a day when the prophets heard from G-d for discerning His purposes and prophetic revelation.

Today women are encouraged to rest and allow their feminine energy to flow as it chooses. In synagogues, women gather together and learn Torah, and some organize meals to share.
What I love about it is that it’s a day set aside for me to be as I choose – meditate more, rest, read…

Hinduism

In Hinduism, the new moon represents many aspects of creation, life, and mortal existence. Its waning is a reminder of decay and impermanence, which keeps us present and humbled if we can truly grasp how fragile we are in our existence.

The Vedas (Hindu Texts) describe the moon as a vessel that connects us to the divine, where we can find peace and tranquility.

Since the karma sutra is also found in sacred Hindu texts, it may not be surprising that the new moon is associated with romance, loneliness, friendship, pleasant nights, and kinship.

I know it is not the time for me to have uncomfortable emotional conversations.

Islam

The new moon decides when Ramadan, the holiest month in the Muslim religion, begins.

Ramadan is a time for prayer and fasting, strengthening their relationship with God.

The religious holiday involves fasting, praying, and being around loved ones. It is again a time of turning inward and solace.

Fasting is one of the best health habits for the body as it gives it time to clean up and reset. It also clears your mind and makes it easier to focus and retain information.
Praying reminds us of all that we should be grateful for, as most of us start our prayer by thanking God for what we have. It also shows us the power within us as we ask for things we know we will have. It builds faith which keeps us going through tough times.

Christianity

In Christianity, the new moon festivals included blowing trumpets over sacrifices and no work. This was to help people focus on God and build a closer relationship with Him.

Honoring this moon time is not practiced among Christians anymore (generally speaking) because it is believed that the messiah has already come, but that’s another time and topic.

What’s important for this article is that the new moon was considered a special time and recognized for its power.

Buddhism

The Buddha is said to have been born on a new moon. The new moon is a time of realization from our small experiences and using them to advance to superior beings. It is also a time of solitude and reflection.

As a Buddhist and a Jew, I see the benefits of solitude and reflection daily in my relationships and, most importantly, in how I show up for myself and my higher purpose.

The Moon

When we know how the things around us affect us, we can have more control of our emotions instead of risking having our feelings control us. What do you think?