Modern living has afforded many of us the opportunity to purchase things that promise to make the daily grind a little easier to grind through — from instant food to 3-in-1 formulas, reversible tops to no-need-to-iron trousers and emergency beauty kits for those last-minute (and often much-needed) touch-ups. I’ve often thought that, among these niceties, it would be most helpful if we could also throw into our shopping cart a “when all things fail” genie in a bottle pack to go. We’ve all had those days when nothing seems to be going right; or we look back with laser-like 20/20 hindsight and wish we could have chosen something else and even someone else. Oh, for a chance at those three wishes; we all could have taught Aladdin a thing or two about what really, really matters, right? Perhaps. Although we may never have the good fortune to fall headlong into a cave and stumble upon a dusty old lamp, we do have access to a celestial genie who is waiting for our wish list, and she, once regarded as the lady of the night, is the full moon.
Sure, it doesn’t sound as Disney dramatic or even as effective as you would think, but century-old beliefs have held the full moon and her (or its) powers in high regard. Symbolically, the full moon signals the culmination of something, the “end” or even the revelation of truth. So, if you were working towards achieving a certain goal, chances are the result of that work will manifest itself around the time of the full moon (either four days before, or four days after). I’ve often found, though, that one thing a full moon has brought consistently is shedding light on a certain situation or person; true colors are often revealed if you are open to seeing them. If you have doubts about a certain someone in your life you may want to “ask” around the time of the full moon for the truth; just be ready for it and then move on.
The moon has its phases or cycles, with the new moon and full moon giving off the most productive energy; you may wish to start something obviously during the new moon — except, ironically enough, a diet program which is better begun when the moon starts to wane (instead of wax) after it grows full. Why? My interpretation (and you can scoff at this if you like) is that the moon gathers energy in order to wax fully and as it affects the tides (the human body is made up of 70 percent water), it affects all of us, too. Don’t believe me? Try and observe how you feel around the time of the full moon; see if you feel a little “fuller” than usual, or more accurately, a little bloated.
So how does one take advantage of the genie in the sky? First, it would be helpful to download a moon phase calendar that indicates the actual time of the moon’s highest energies in the Philippines. You may find that the moon is at its maximum potency when it’s not even up in the sky; no matter, just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. In other words, don’t be afraid to wish or go for a moonbath (very energizing) even if the calendar says its highest energies manifest around 9 a.m. Do your wishing, bathing, praying the night before if you’d rather do it with the moon watching over you.
Next Friday — May 28, to be exact — gives us a double thumbs up in the world of wishing as Buddhists around the world celebrate Wesak, or Buddha’s birthday which always falls on the first full moon in May. It’s a once-in-a-year occurrence so start your list. If you find yourself in another part of the globe on Wesak check your moon phase calendar: the full moon may occur on the 27th depending on where you are.
Ready for your heavenly wish list? Go get a clean sheet of paper, your favorite pen and start writing — everything you wish for, sky’s the limit, and feel free to wish something for someone else (this is bonus points in the karmic path). Anytime before 7:06 a.m. of May 28, say a little prayer of thanks and gratitude, wish Buddha a happy birthday and burn your wish paper and sit quietly or meditate as the smoke goes up to heaven. It would be ideal to do this outside if you have a garden or in an open field just make sure you don’t burn anything (and more importantly, yourself). I normally get a palayok or clay pot and I burn the paper in there. If you find yourself at the beach or by a safe body of water, jump in and literally bathe in the light of the moon. I have known some people who leave a drum of water out overnight and use it to shower with the next morning. You’ll feel brand new, lighter and rejuvenated.
The moon has endless benefits and thankfully it is always there. You may find this all a little hokey, but if you’ve tossed a coin into the Trevi Fountain or asked for something every time you enter a new church then this shouldn’t be too much of a stretch, right? Of course, you could always go spelunking and find that elusive lamp instead. Wishing you all well this Wesak 2010.