Ancient self-care practices
Ancient self-care practices
In ancient times, the households of Ancient Greece and Rome would have an altar to Hestia (Greek Goddess) or Vesta (Roman Goddess) of the hearth, home, and family gatherings. In Ancient Greece, self-care was central to daily life and very embedded in their culture and traditions. Temples to Gods and Goddesses were dedicated to self-care.
Self-care was always community driven & intricately connected to nature. People would gather at communal baths, set up alters in their home and practise seasonal and lunar rituals. For example, one of the ancient Greek rituals at the new moon would be to declutter their homes and replenish the offerings on their alters in the home.
Modern self-care practices
Today self-care practices have become a little lost with fast-paced technology and the distractions of modern living. Because we are inundated with information from all different sources, self-care has become individualised, less community-based and more commercialised. People tend to indulge in spas, beauty treatments, leisure, sporting activities and products to enhance their health, well-being, relaxation, and vitality. Whilst none of these things are inherently bad, we do seem to lack a natural organic rhythm, balance, and priority to our self-care routine.
Self-care nowadays comes in so many different forms and packages. It is different for everyone but certainly not always honoured and prioritised. We are often encouraged by society to push through our fatigue, female cycles, etc. Busyness & activity is valued above rest and introspection.
How can we improve and prioritise our self-care:
Self-care is the practice of looking within and tuning out the bustle and distraction of our daily lives. It is crucial to give ourselves space and connect inwards to our inner world. It can feel challenging to carve out the time, but it begins with us.
A natural and ancient way to a balanced and harmonious self-care practice, is to keep aligned with the moon and her cycles. If we notice the new and full moon phases of the lunar cycle, this will serve as a natural timekeeper and a beautiful reminder to check in with self. It helps us to slow down a little and remind ourselves that we are intricately interwoven with nature. By identifying each season as a phase of the moon, helps us to understand how the moon phases impact upon us and gives us that balance in our self-care routine.
The lunar cycle (similarly to the female cycle) lasts approximately 28 days.
New moon/Winter phase – is a time to set goals/intentions and be introspective. We spend more time indoors and in hibernation mode.
This phase carries an inwards feminine energy.
Waxing moon/Spring phase – is a time for building momentum, spending time outside, putting our goals into action, and laying groundwork.
This phase carries an outwards masculine energy.
Full moon/Summer phase – this is the most active time of the cycle. We are bringing our dreams/goals to life and socialising.
This phase carries an outwards masculine energy.
Waning moon/Autumn phase – this is a time for reaping the benefits of our labour. It is harvest time.
This phase carries an inwards feminine energy.
Check out our tutorial on Moon Magik and her cycles:
Watch the video tutorial on the lunar phases and their impact upon us. The moon is one of the strongest influencers on our physical energy, sleep patterns, moods and behaviours. By understanding the impact of her phases, we can plan our month in order to live more harmoniously with her rythm.
Don’t forget to download the overview sheet. This will help you to identify and establish the best self-care routine for you in correlation and alignment with the moon phases.
Modern spiritual Self-care tools
There are many spiritual tools out there. The choice can feel overwhelming. It is important to find one that works for you!
A daily ritual of breath work using deep & controlled breaths can help to still and focus the mind. After a few minutes it will also help to ground us.
Techniques such as journaling, simple yoga practice, running energy, prayers and mantras can all be effective self-care practices.
Try creating a new moon ritual for each lunar cycle.
At the new moon, divine a card, set your intention or new goals and write them down.
Refresh your alter by bringing in greenery or meadow flowers from outside.
Declutter your home and inner environment. Sage or resin your home to raise the frequency.
I really hope you enjoyed this post!
xx
Zoe
Founder of the Soul Power Community
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