NATURE. PHOTOGRAPHY
The Journey of the Moon
Moonlight as a reflection of the cycles of life
Moonlight serves as more than celestial illumination for me. The moon’s cycles have always been a source of inspiration and fascination. The moon’s journey through the sky, from its waxing and waning phases, has been linked to the cyclical nature of life and the natural world around us. In many cultures, the moon has been considered a symbol of change, growth, and renewal, reminding us that life is an ongoing journey full of ups and downs.
Just as the moon goes through phases, our lives also experience cycles. We are born, grow, mature, and eventually reach a point where we must let go and make room for new growth. These phases remind us that change is a natural part of life and that we must embrace it to grow and evolve.
The waxing phase is when the moon is growing in size and brightness. This is a time of growth and new beginnings. It symbolizes a time when we can set new goals and manifest our dreams.
The waning phase is when the moon is shrinking in size and brightness. This is a time of endings and letting go. It’s symbolic of times in life when we need to release what no longer serves us and make room for new possibilities.
The new moon is a time of renewal and rebirth. It symbolizes times in life when we reflect on our past experiences and make space for new beginnings and a fresh start in life.
The full moon is when the moon is visible in its fullest form. This is a time of abundance, manifestation, fruition, and completion. It’s symbolic of those times when we focus on our goals and take steps toward achieving them.
The moon’s influence on the tides is a good metaphor for how the phases of my life have ebbed and flowed throughout the years. Just as the tides are pulled by the moon’s gravitational force, my emotions and perspectives are also influenced by major events in my life. My emotions fluctuate as well. Some days I feel confident and energized, while on others, I may feel sad or overwhelmed. But just as the tides eventually come back in, my emotions and perspectives also pass, making way for new experiences and growth.
Just as the night sky encompasses the unknown, life is full of unknowns, and we take each stage of life as it comes. Change and growth can be frightening but can also be incredibly freeing. Each stage of life brings challenges, opportunities, and lessons. Embracing the cycles of life can also lead to greater self-awareness and connection with the world around us.
When we embrace the cycles of life, we open ourselves up to a world of possibilities. We can also find strength in the face of adversity and peace in the midst of chaos. Just as we look to the moonlight for light in the darkness, there is always light in the dark times in life. Moonlight is a beacon reminding us to trust in the processes of life and to have faith that things will work out for the best.
Moonlight reminds me of one of my favorite phrases— “And this too shall pass.”
2 Corinthians 4:17–18 NIV For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Here are a few of my favorite quotes about the moon
“Shoot for the Moon — even if you miss it, you will land among the stars.” Les Brown
“Don’t worry if you’re making waves just by being yourself. The Moon does it all the time.” Scott Stabile
“The Sun loves the Moon so much that he dies every night to let her breathe, and in return, she reflects his love.” Jeffrey Fry
“Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.” Mark Twain
“Yours is the light by which my spirit’s born: — you are my sun, my moon, and all my stars.” E.E. Cummings
“We are going to the moon that is not very far. Man has so much farther to go within himself.” Anaïs Nin
A lovely poem about the moon
“The Crescent Moon” by Amy Lowell
Slipping softly through the sky Little horned, happy moon, Can you hear me up so high? Will you come down soon?
On my nursery window-sill Will you stay your steady flight? And then float away with me Through the summer night?
Brushing over tops of trees, Playing hide and seek with stars, Peeping up through shiny clouds At Jupiter or Mars.
I shall fill my lap with roses Gathered in the milky way, All to carry home to mother. Oh! what will she say!
Little rocking, sailing moon, Do you hear me shout — Ahoy! Just a little nearer, moon, To please a little boy.
Thank you for reading.
Mia Verita, 2023
This has been my response to the “Captivated by Moonlight” prompt for the first week of February. I hope you’ve enjoyed it. I invite other writers here to share what moonlight means to you.
Thank you to all the hard-working editors of Reciprocal, Sahil Patel, Dr. Preeti Singh, and Yana Bostongirl, for hosting this story.
Thank you, Sahil Patel, for this inspiring prompt.
Joyce Nielsen shared this story about the radiant glory of moonlight.
Allisonn Church shared this story on the moon as a metaphor.
Mia Verita enjoys reflecting on the light of the moon. She enjoys photography, sketching, writing poetry, and sharing inspirational stories.
If you’d like to read all of Mia’s stories and those of other Medium members, you can join Medium using her affiliate link. She’ll receive a small portion of the membership fee at no additional cost to you.
