Harnessing the Moon’s Rhythm for Personal Growth

The moon’s phases offer a powerful framework for self-improvement. By incorporating intention setting, affirmations, gratitude, and acceptance throughout the cycle, you can tap into well-established psychological principles. 


Aligning with the Rhythm:
The new moon, shrouded in darkness, signifies a time for fresh starts.  This aligns perfectly with setting intentions, a form of goal setting infused with ritual and symbolism, making your aspirations feel even more potent.  As the moon waxes, so does your sense of possibility.  Positive affirmations, a core principle of cognitive behavioral therapy, become especially powerful during this growth phase, strengthening neural pathways associated with your goals.

Gratitude and Emotional Release:
The full moon, bathed in light, is often associated with heightened emotions.  Practicing gratitude during this phase can be particularly effective, boosting happiness and contentment.  The moon’s intensity can also encourage emotional release.  Journaling or meditation can facilitate a healthy catharsis.  Finally, the waning moon signifies a period of winding down.  Focusing on acceptance allows you to acknowledge what is beyond your control and fosters peace, a crucial component of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

The Power of Ritual and Mindset:
Aligning with the moon cycle incorporates the concept of ritual, providing structure and a sense of control, which can be grounding and reduce anxiety. The cyclical nature of the moon itself is a source of comfort. Knowing that challenges are temporary and new beginnings are always on the horizon can be a powerful mental health tool.

Limitations and Individuality:
It’s important to remember that the moon’s influence is likely psychological, not physiological.  The effectiveness of this practice hinges on the chosen practices and the individual’s beliefs.  While the moon cycle can be a helpful framework, overreliance on it can downplay the importance of consistent effort.

Ultimately, aligning with the moon cycle can be a valuable tool for self-reflection and personal growth, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle.  Remember, the moon serves as a guide, not a determinant.  A growth mindset and consistent effort remain crucial for achieving your goals.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2024

Moonlit Ascension: A Seeker’s Affirmations

With silver light, the  waxing moon ascends the night,
A silent echo, affirmations ignite.
Inward wisdom guides my path, ever bright.

Self-belief, a flame I hold so dear,
Logic’s hand and intuition’s whispered cheer
Empower me to chase each distant sphere!

A thoughtful mind, a spirit ever curious,
Seeking knowledge, growth, forever glorious.
Science whispers, and intuition sings,
A unique perspective, my spirit brings!

Deep reflection, a wellspring from within,
My light unfolds, a connection to begin!
Weaving threads of unity, reaching ever high!

Full moon gratitude list for April

On this full moon, reflecting on the blessings since the last new moon:

For adventures that broaden my world: My trip to Brazil opened my eyes to new cultures and deepened my understanding of humanity.

For a team that empowers me: I’m grateful for each member of my work team, their reliability, and the knowledge I gain from them.

For the heart-melting joy of grandchildren: Having them visit filled our home with laughter and unforgettable moments.

For a wife who inspires me: I admire my wife’s strength and resourcefulness in adapting to a quieter space.

For connecting with loved ones: The lunch with my son and daughter was a cherished time to share life experiences.

For creating a sanctuary of peace: Incorporating Feng Shui principles made my meditation room a haven of tranquility.

Under the full moon’s radiant glow, I offer heartfelt thanks for these gifts, big and small. May my gratitude continue to blossom and my heart overflow with joy.

Power of manifesting cycles

With a weary sigh, I return to the haven of my journal, a refuge after a turbulent dance of events. Ten suns it took to mend the fraying edges of my being, to wake with a spirit bathed in the dew of renewal. Though my spiritual well had run dry, I discovered a hidden spring, fed by the silver thread of the moon.

This celestial clock, it whispers secrets of perfect balance. A time to sow intentions, a time to tend and nurture, a time to gather the harvest of dreams fulfilled. In its rhythm, I find a sanctuary, a fortification against life’s unpredictable arrows. With each moon’s turn, my soul grows more resolute, my intentions etched sharper by the moonlight’s caress.

This cyclical symphony, oh, how it feeds my spirit! Each phase a brushstroke on the canvas of my life, painting vibrant hues of possibility. Disruptions may cast shadows, but the moon’s gentle hand guides me through the labyrinth, revealing treasures hidden in the darkness.

And when the harvest moon climbs her throne, I stand bathed in her radiant bounty, the sweet reward of aligning with the universe’s heartbeat. For within this cosmic dance, I find not just solace, but purpose, a whispered promise that life’s tapestry, woven with intention and nurtured by the moon’s embrace, will unfurl into a masterpiece.

This, my dear readers, is the song of the moon, a melody carved into the very fabric of my being. A symphony of harmony, resilience, and whispered rewards, echoing through the halls of my soul.

© Jurgens Pieterse, All rights reserved, 2023

~ A New Year, a New Rune Set: Embracing the Strength and Wisdom of the Armanen runes in 2024 ~

~ A New Year, a New Rune Set: Embracing the Strength and Wisdom of the Armanen runes in 2024 ~



As the warmth of summer draws near in the Southern Hemisphere, and I prepare to welcome the new year, I find myself drawn deeper into the ancient wisdom of the runes. This year, a special thrill courses through me – the start of crafting a new set of Armanen runes, not with just any wood, but with a collection of exquisite, aged French oak gifted to me.

Working with the moon phases, I set my intent for this project under the stillness of the last new moon. As the waxing crescent moon graced the sky, I planned and prepared, visualizing the intricate rune shapes nestled within the heart of this treasured wood. Now, with these pieces of aged French oak in my hands, the project takes its first physical steps.

The Armanen runes, a set of 18 symbols born from Guido von List’s early 20th-century explorations, echo the familiar shapes of the Younger Futhark, yet hold their own unique mysteries. Von List believed them a rediscovery of an even older alphabet, whispered by the pre-Germanic “Armanen” and resonating with the rune charms in Odin’s wisdom-filled Havamal. While scholars debate the historical accuracy of his claims, the power and elegance of the Armanen runes themselves are undeniable. Each symbol carries a distinct meaning, pulsating with energy that can be channeled for divination, meditation, and even shadow work.

For me, this project transcends mere hobby. It’s a tapestry woven from several threads:

– Heritage: Tracing my lineage back to Bertel Pedderson, a sixth great grandfather hailing from Denmark, I feel a deep connection to Germanic cultures and traditions. Working with the Armanen runes is a personal pilgrimage, honoring my roots and ancestral echoes.
– Spiritual Exploration: The runes serve as a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth. Through meditation and divination, they guide my intentions, activating the law of attraction and offering insights into myself and the world around me.
– Creativity and Craftsmanship: The physical act of carving the runes is a deeply meditative and grounding experience. To transform these beautiful pieces of French oak into a tool of personal expression and connection with the natural world is a privilege and a joy.
– Community: The growing interest in Armanen runes reflects a shared passion for these magical symbols. By sharing my journey, I hope to connect with others who resonate with this path and learn from their experiences.

My choice of French oak is no mere coincidence. Its inherent qualities mirror those I aspire to cultivate in both the rune set and my own life:

– Strength and Resilience: Renowned for its density and resistance to decay, French oak stands firm against the ravages of time. With each intricate rune carved into its depths, I envision an enduring legacy of strength and wisdom.
– Subtle Beauty: The subtle variations in tone and texture, the warm honey hues and flecks of character, speak of a story etched by time. These natural markings will enhance the runes, weaving a symphony of beauty and meaning.
– Connection to Nature: Working with this aged wood, I feel a tangible connection to the earth and its cycles. The runes, carved from the heart of a tree, become an extension of nature’s wisdom, whispering their secrets to those who listen.

As we enter the new year, I believe 2024 is the perfect time to embark on this journey of creation. Just as the qualities of French oak resonate with my aspirations, so too do the Armanen runes offer guidance and strength. They whisper of wisdom and growth, urging us to connect with our inner selves and make choices that align with our highest good.

I invite you to join me on this exploration. Share your own projects, your experiences with the runes, and together, let us unravel the magic they hold. Let us grow together as a Knight’s of Runes community.

© Jurgens Pieterse, 2023, All rights reserved.