Rituals for Monday
Share
A Brief History of Monday
Monday takes its name from the Moon. In Old English it was Mōnandæg — "day of the moon" — a direct translation of the Latin dies Lunae, which the Romans named for Luna, their moon goddess. Nearly every European language kept this thread: lundi in French, lunes in Spanish, Montag in German. Long before clocks and calendars ran our lives, the moon was one of the seven visible "wanderers" in the sky, and it earned its own day right alongside the sun, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn.
The moon's rhythms — waxing, waning, pulling the tides — made it a natural symbol for reflection, intuition, and the inward, receptive energy so different from the sun's outward blaze. That's why Monday still carries a kind of quiet lunar weight, even now.
Moonday: a simple ritual rooted in self-care
Why self-care? The moon has long carried these associations: cool, yin, dark, mysterious, feminine, goddess energy.
Today you can choose a Self-Care of Light ritual or a Shadow Work ritual — and how you're feeling right now is the best guide. Tired, listless, emotional? Self-Care of Light is probably calling. Feeling courageous, mysterious, ready to look one of your less-loved habits in the eye? Shadow Work might be the one.
Self-Care of "Light" Ritual
This one's deeply personal to you — gaaahhh, subjective doesn't even cover it. I can offer suggestions, but only you can determine which ritual is right for you: does it leave you relaxed and grounded, or does it stir up more stress?
By definition, a ritual is a personal habit performed consistently to create structure, relieve stress, or set an intention — journaling, meditation, preparing a morning meal.
So: what's the one grounding action you already do daily when you need to relieve stress or anxiety?
For me, the green witch, it's walking barefoot in my yard, visiting the herbs, trees, and native plants I tend. For others, it's as simple as lighting a favorite candle and sitting with the scent for a few minutes. Others love the ritual of brewing and savoring an herbal tea.
Shadow Work Ritual
Again — this is yours to define, no one else's. A few examples to start: writing down a habit or trait you're ready to release. Judging others. Gossiping. Talking down to yourself. Road rage. Impatience. Being short with someone you love.
If you're new to shadow work, start with a lighter shadow — not your deepest, darkest one. You'll work your way there.
Pick one. Write it down. Yes — write it down.
Begin with the end in mind: deconstruct the shadow. When did it last show up? Who was involved? What words, emotions, or moments activated it?
Now go further back. Can you remember when this pattern first started? Who was there? What was said or experienced that planted it? Does it go back even earlier than that?
If you can, thank the shadow for protecting you — for trying to keep you safe from a feeling you didn't want to feel. Let it know, and let yourself know: you are safe now. You're healing, and you'll keep practicing — acknowledging, thanking, releasing, and bringing light to the shadow.
Silently say: Thank you. I am safe.