Tuesday night, August 1, was a gorgeous full moon. Did you see it? Did you feel it? I always feel my energy shift before I realize it’s a full moon. Full moons make me feel energized and creative, and my mood is always lifted.
This year, during August, we get to experience 2 full moons.
The first August moon is identified by its reddish hue. Tuesday’s full moon did not disappoint!
Traditionally, August’s full moon in North America is known as the sturgeon moon because this is the time of year when the continent’s largest freshwater fish begin their spawning season. The full moon signaled Indigenous tribes around the Great Lakes area that August was the best time to fish for sturgeon.
To me, it signifies the end of summer and time to prepare for the fall change of season. I definitely don’t want it to rush by, and I plan to cherish this last month of summer.
It also signifies the seasonal energy changes which influence our bodies. The awareness of how connected we are to nature’s influences is evident.
For example, the stronger your connection to the full moon is, the more your heart chakra is aligned.
The Heart Chakra is the fourth energy center out of the seven chakras. This chakra is an essential component of our overall well-being, as it helps us balance our emotions and cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness.
Emotionally, the heart is home to kindness and forgiveness.
In Chinese medicine, we learn that summertime activates the heart and small intestines. Therefore, August’s seasonal energy is a big charge for the heart.
How is your heart feeling? Do you feel it beats more than usual? When heart energy is more active, it can also affect sleep. Research shows that around the full moon, people spent 30% of their time in NREM (deep sleep) and slept for 20 minutes less than when there wasn’t a full moon. These changes are associated with less melatonin production.
So while you have this “extra” heart energy and awake time, why not use it for conscious self-reflection toward forgiveness and intending stronger relationships with loved ones?
In this month’s cooking class, I will discuss and present tips on supporting the heart and small intestine as we transition to the next seasonal cycle. I will also give you a sneak preview of what to expect with the second full moon on August 30th.
Join us on Saturday, August 26th, for a fun and tasty end-of-the-summer menu…did somebody say Tamales?
Invite a friend or two since this is still heart energy month….share the love.
-Virginia
