Lunar Wisdom: Aligning Actions with the Moon for Growth and Renewal

By Eben van Tonder and Carys Brynwyn, 29 Nov 24

Table of Contents

Introduction

This work is part of a broader series on leadership, where I explore how ancient wisdom and cultural practices can offer valuable insights into modern challenges. My approach integrates biology, animal behaviour—for example, studies on wolf pack dynamics—and contemporary management science to understand leadership and problem-solving within complex environments, including the modern meat plant. By blending these perspectives with ancient wisdom, I aim to uncover strategies for navigating change, fostering growth, and overcoming adversity in both professional and personal contexts.

The Handwörterbuch des deutschen Aberglaubens (HdA) is an exhaustive compendium of folklore, customs, and beliefs, edited by Hanns Bächtold-Stäubli and Eduard Hoffmann-Krayer. Published over a span of 15 years from 1927 to 1942, it comprises ten volumes and represents one of the most significant achievements in German-language folklore studies. Drawing from a vast array of sources—ranging from medieval manuscripts and oral traditions to local customs and practices—it encapsulates wisdom and beliefs spanning centuries, with roots often traceable to ancient European and even pre-Christian traditions.

In this selection of quotes from the HdA, we focus on new beginnings and understanding how to manage challenging situations. These insights apply to both business and personal life, offering timeless guidance on navigating life’s cycles. Through the lens of both lunar symbolism and real-life experience on the interconnectedness of life and the effect of different phases of the moon, the work provides actionable lessons on growth, renewal, and overcoming adversity.

Section 1: Phases of the Moon and Beginnings

HdA Quotes

1. > “Heiraten soll man bei zunehmendem Monde; zunehmender Mond ist allem Beginnen, das eine Zunahme herbeiführen will, günstig.”
(Translation: “One should marry during the waxing moon; the waxing moon is favorable for all beginnings that aim for growth.”)

This highlights how waxing moon phases are seen as ideal for initiating ventures aimed at growth, reinforcing their role in fostering positive beginnings.

2. > “Man war daher bestrebt, Tage von allgemein günstigem Einfluß auszuwählen, ungünstige zu vermeiden.”
(Translation: “One sought to select days of generally favorable influence and to avoid unfavorable ones.”)

This underscores the importance of timing for successful outcomes, correlating celestial and lunar positions with human enterprises.

3. > “Neben den Wochentagen spielt für den Anfang eines Werkes auch wohl der Mond- und Gestirnstand eine Rolle.”
(Translation: “In addition to weekdays, the position of the moon and stars also plays a role in beginning a work.”)

This reflects the belief in the moon’s influence on the success of new endeavors, encouraging mindful alignment with lunar cycles.

4. > “Was ich sehe, nehme ab, was ich schneide, nehme zu.”
(Translation: “What I see decreases, what I cut increases.”)

This practice of timing haircuts or pruning plans with the moon phases symbolizes and recognises growth and renewal connecting lunar traditions with personal and professional efforts.

Section 2: Advice for Starting New Things and Overcoming Challenges

HdA Quotes

1. > “Ein Neubeginn, selbst unter schwersten Bedingungen, kann mit der Kraft des Willens und des Glaubens gelingen.”
(Translation: “A new beginning, even under the most difficult circumstances, can succeed with the power of will and faith.”)

This emphasizes the importance of persistence and trust in cycles of renewal, akin to the inevitability of the moon’s phases.

2. > “Das Leben gleicht dem Wechsel der Mondphasen: Auch nach der Dunkelheit kommt das Licht zurück.”
(Translation: “Life resembles the phases of the moon: light always returns after darkness.”)

This suggests that challenges are temporary, and each dark phase presents an opportunity for growth and renewal.

3. > “Wo zwei zusammenarbeiten, da wird Licht in die Dunkelheit gebracht.”
(Translation: “Where two work together, light is brought into the darkness.”)

Collaboration, especially in partnerships, brings unity and strength, turning difficult situations into opportunities for mutual success.

4. > “Nur wer Altes loslässt, kann das Neue empfangen.”
(Translation: “Only those who let go of the old can embrace the new.”)

This reflects that releasing past burdens creates space for a brighter future, echoing the moon’s continuous cycles of renewal.

Conclusion

The HdA serves as a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary challenges, illustrating how the cycles of the moon have guided human actions and decision-making for centuries. By aligning with natural rhythms and drawing on timeless principles of renewal and growth, we can better navigate both personal and professional challenges. Whether applied to business strategy, personal relationships, or self-improvement, these insights remind us of the enduring power of nature’s cycles to inspire resilience, creativity, and success.