Why we Follow the Moon...

At the end of 2020, a year of profound disconnect, I was drawn to offer something to people that not only reconnected us to one another, but also to nature's cycles, and ultimately, to the calm resilience within ourselves.

So, in January 2021 I began online Moon Circles every full and new moon. These were a chance for people to do some simple practices, chat to others and hopefully feel a little more connected. And so, five and a half years later - we're still going.

Why do we follow the moon?

I was feeling more and more pulled to follow the rhythms of nature, and recognised the genlte flow that the moon offers. In coming together every full and new moon, we have the opportunity to reconnect every two(ish) weeks. This is just enough to maintain rich connections, whilst being spacious enough for plenty to happen in between. The moon's cycle is actually about 29.5 days long, meaning our gatherings shift along the days from month to month. I love that this is a different structure to many of our other schedules - which are often dictated by days of the week, or dates. It invites us to bring a certain flexibility to our lives, gently surrendering to nature's patterns instead.

What do we do?

We gather, connect, share practices like meditation, journalling, sometimes singing, creative activities or movement, often we dip in the sea, and we always have tea and a vegan treat. The gatherings are casual and friendly, but held with guidance and safety. There is space to keep things light, or go deep, depending on your needs in that moment.

Where?

We move with the seasons around Gower's edges - to beaches and the river at Three Cliffs Bay, soaking up the season's offerings. In winter, we move indoors to cosy spaces, and sometimes use the sauna on Oxwich Bay.

Who?

Everybody is welcome. Those who are drawn to these gatherings are often people who appreciate nature, who want to connect with likeminded souls - those who are open to getting a little uncomfortable, in service for a richer connection to themselves, or others. We welcome each person as they are - which means you can come if you're elated, grumpy, grieving or simply bobbing along right now. We celebrate the highs, and mourn the lows together.

What is the meaning?

Sometimes people are nervous to join our gatherings, thinking that they must need to follow astrology or some belief system to take part. That's not what these sessions are about. We use the Old Farmer's Almanac names for the moons (e.g. Strawberry Moon, Buck Moon) as our inspiration for the theme - which is always in line with what's happening in nature at that time. You don't need to believe in astrology, moon energy, or anything else to take part. The moon simply provides a shared rhythm for us to pause, reflect and reconnect. Whether you come for the community, the practices, the time in nature, or simply because it feels good to slow down every couple of weeks, you're

warmly welcome....Although, I can't promise that we won't howl at the full moon on occasion!

Join our next Moon Gathering - find it at www.saltandlightretreat.co.uk/events