I learned a long time ago that if you arrange your life according to the energies of the moon, you live a much more harmonious and successful existence. I am always conscious of the cycles of the moon and try to direct my energies according to the current phase. And I always start new projects at the Balsamic Moon. This moon is the last crescent moon visible in the early morning sky at the end of the lunar cycle–it occurs about three days before the New Moon. Traditionally the Balsamic moon is the best time to plant seeds. I’ve also learned that it is the best time to focus your energies on what you hope to accomplish during the next four weeks.

One thing I do at each Balsamic moon is randomly select a dharana from the Vijnana Bhairava centering scripture, and I meditate on this scripture throughout the next moon cycle (all the dharanas are online at Spiritual Learning). If you read through these scriptures all at once, they don’t seem too impressive, but if you just take one at a time, memorize it, meditate with it, and spend time thinking about it as you go through your days, you will discover that it can work wonders in your psyche.

This morning is Balsamic Moon for July, and as luck would have it today I chose dharana #33:

Gracious one, play the universe as an empty shell wherein your mind frolics infinitely.

I know I’m going to have some difficult moments in the next moon cycle since my dog needs surgery, but I’m very glad that I picked this dharana. It is one of the most joyful I’ve yet discovered, and I know it will help to sustain me during the next few weeks.