Full Moon Over The Jungfrau

Tonight the full moon shines over the Jungfrau. I actually took the photo with my phone.

Roughly once every month, our skies are graced with a full moon, the peak of the lunar cycle. You might feel a bit more wound up around this time, notice your sleep is disturbed, or even generally feel more emotional—and you can thank the moon for that.

"As the celestial body that rules our intuition, emotions, and inner world, full moons tend to stir up a lot of emotional baggage, as well as illuminate ways in which we might need to change or let something go."

"Of course, the vibe of any particular full moon will depend on which zodiac sign the moon is in. Depending on the astrological season, the sign the moon is in, and other astrological aspects impacting the moon, we can also take tailored approaches to working with the energy of that moon."

The full moon symbolizes illumination, peak energy, completion, and emotional release. A full moon is also widely believed to bring heightened emotions, increased sensitivity, and a sense of culmination or intensity.

The spiritual meaning of the moon centers on intuition, inner wisdom, and the natural cycles of life, growth, and transformation.

What is the spiritual meaning of the moon?

Core Spiritual Symbolism

"Intuition and the Subconscious: Because the moon shines quietly in the dark night, it is deeply tied to dreams, hidden emotions, and gut feelings. It urges you to trust your inner voice." 

"Feminine and Nurturing Energy: In many traditions, the moon represents the divine feminine, embodying softness, receptivity, and care in contrast to the active, masculine energy of the sun." 

"Cycles of Renewal: The constant shifting of the lunar face serves as a reminder that life moves in waves. Endings and beginnings are both natural parts of a continuous journey."

Meaning of the Moon Phases

"New Moon: A fresh start. This dark phase is the ideal time to set intentions and plant seeds for future goals." 

'Waxing Moon: A period of growth and action. As the light builds, you put energy into motion to achieve what you planned. "

"Full Moon: A time of peak energy, emotional clarity, and illumination. It brings things to light, making it powerful for gratitude and releasing old habits." 

"Waning Moon: A time of turning inward. As the light shrinks, it invites forgiveness, reflection, and letting go of what no longer serves you. "

"Culturally and spiritually significant across many societies, full moons are associated with festivals such as Vesak in Buddhism and various Purnima observances in Hinduism. Many traditions have named specific full moons—like the harvest moon or hunter's moon—and linked them to seasonal or agricultural events. Folklore has associated full moons with insomnia, madness, and supernatural events, though scientific studies have not found consistent evidence of behavioral effects. In modern times, terms like "blood moon" and "blue moon" have entered popular use, often referring to lunar eclipses or rare lunar events."

Korea has two primary full moon festivals: Chuseok (the autumn harvest festival) and Jeongwol Daeboreum (the first full moon of the lunar new year). 

Chuseok (추석) – Autumn Harvest Festival

Often referred to as "Korean Thanksgiving," Chuseok is a major three-day national holiday celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month under the brightest autumn full moon. 

Actually, today is the beginning of Chuseok in Korea.

Meaning: Families gather to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and honor their ancestors. [1, 2]

Key Customs:

Charye (차례): Memorial rites featuring a table of freshly harvested foods.

Seongmyo (성묘): Visiting and cleaning ancestral graves (beolcho).

Ganggangsullae (강gangsullae): A traditional circle dance performed by women under the moonlight to pray for abundance. 

Traditional Foods:

Songpyeon (송편): Half-moon–shaped rice cakes filled with sesame seeds, red beans, or chestnut paste.

Jeon (전): Savory pan-fried battered dishes of meat, fish, or vegetables. 

Michael and I met Sherly, our cooking instructor from Sherly's Kitchen in Zürich, for lunch in Bern.

We learned about another section of Bern.

First stop was the Crêperie Le Carrousel on Hallerstrasse 1.

We had the menu of the day which came with a salad.

We started with a savory crepe. Michael and I had the buckwheat crepe with Gruyère cheese, ham, and egg. Delicious. The crepe was so light.

Sherly had the buckwheat with goat cheese and walnuts.

Then we had a sweet crepe. Michael had the apple with salted caramel.

I had the lemon and honey

Had a refreshing cider to drink

Next, we stopped at Gelateria Di Berna. It is set back from the street somewhat, but there was a line of people waiting to order.

Every day flavors are written on the board.

Zwetschgen HEITI is plum

Himbeer Ingwer is raspberry ginger The is what Michael had

Kurbis kernol is pumpkin seed oil. I had one scoop of this and and the plum

Fristen nadel is pine cone. Sherly had this plus the pumpkin seed oil. Michael and I tried a little of her pine cone. I will have to admit it was quite tasty.

Many flavors are seasonal.

We then went for tea and coffee.

So nice to spend an afternoon with Sherly! It was such a wonderful day sharing conversation over food!!!

The answer to the third contest was 9,300 grams. Had a large range of answers. The guesses went from 1,000 grams to 20,000 grams.

The winner is An Song Yi with a guess of 9,000 grams. Congratulations! I want to thank everyone who sent in their guesses and explanations in some cases. The guess of 9,800 grams was very close, too.

So, tonight as you look up at the full moon, know it is a time for celebrating achievements, embracing gratitude, and engaging in self-reflection. It's a time to honor yourself and others and give thanks for the blessings in your life.