As we approach one of my favorite times of the year, Halloween – I’m reminded of all the costumes and masks people wear to celebrate this festive occasion.

It triggered my thinking about the many masks we have all worn in our lives – and may still be wearing.

How many of these masks serve as an authentic extension of who we are? And how many of these masks are a cover-up for drowning out our own inner voices?

Have you ever stopped to think about the many labels that you wear in life – maybe you’re a spouse, a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a loyal employee, a neighbor – and the different masks that are required to show up in these roles?

For some of us, these labels are true extensions of who we are – therefore, there are no masks required. We just show up authentically and shine our inner light in a different direction.

But for many of us, these labels serve as expressions of obligations or beliefs that were imposed on us, by self or others.

On an evening walk two weeks ago, I couldn’t help but take in the beauty of our lunar goddess as she began to make her way out of her new moon darkness and into her first sliver of light. It was a glorious sight!

It was just enough light to see the definition of the moon in the night sky, bringing her out of complete darkness – but not quite enough light for the waxing crescent phase.

It reminded me of those many times in my life, when I would peek my head out of that place of “not knowing” into the light of possibility – with a vulnerability and a curiosity about what life might be like if I stepped out without my masks?

Getting a glimpse of this light, both inner and outer, always stirred an excitement within me.

This is the beauty of the waxing crescent moon phase – a peek at what’s to come when we embrace our own authenticity and muster up the courage to step out mask-less.

As we watch the magnificent silvery white circle emerge as a full moon in the sky on Halloween night, we may sense our own transformations taking place. It’s during this phase that we can see the moon in her full light, emerging from beneath the layers of her darkness – and we may feel ourselves peeking out from underneath our own darkness.

Imagine this as your authentic self, scratching to get out.

It’s during the phase of the waxing crescent, in preparation for the possibilities that a full moon can bring,  that we may feel a need to expand the understanding we have of ourselves.

Who are we underneath all the layers and all the masks – and how emotionally are we connected to that part of us? When we peel off all the many labels that we wear every single day and begin to remove our masks, who are we – really?

The waxing crescent moon phase is an ideal time for connecting with our authentic voice – and how we’re truly intended to be showing up in the world. It invites us to embrace the rawness of who we are – and to live, create, and manifest from that energy.

When you think about the rawness of who you are, what emotions get stirred up within you? Do you even know what your rawness looks like or feels like?

And how does this rawness honor the person you truly desire to be?

The waxing crescent moon is perfect for contemplating these deeper questions and exploring them in your journal, bringing you into a larger awareness of full moon possibility.

If you’re curious about the moon phases and how they can help you manifest a new beginning for yourself, one that’s more authentic and divinely-aligned with who you are, please join me for a rich and empowering Moonlight Journaling Retreat.

Here’s to shedding the masks of life – and embracing the real you!