At the 3rd Quarter moon, we begin our 10 Day Liver Detox and 2 Day Sugar Fast. Many ancient traditions get active on the waning moon, representative of a kind of Autumn time on the Lunar month.

On the Full Moon, we recommend enjoying a Japanese style diet. On the third quarter moon, we reflect on the ancient Japanese tea ceremony, known as Mizuki Chakai (mi-zu-ki cha-kai), which celebrates the waning moon and symbolizes reflection, introspection, and the winding down of cycles. Here’s a detailed guide to organizing this special event for yourself or guests:

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Mizuki Chakai: A Third Quarter Moon Tea Ceremony

Preparation

1. Date and Time:
   • Select a morning when the third quarter moon is visible. It will be overhead at sunrise. Take a few moments to fully appreciate the moon’s presence as it catches up to the Sun next week for the new moon when it disappears from view.
2. Location:
   • An outdoor setting with a clear view of the moon, or an indoor room with large windows. The location should provide a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
3. Decorations:
   • Reflection Theme: Decorate with items that symbolize reflection and introspection, such as mirrors or reflective surfaces.
   • Seasonal Elements: Use seasonal flowers and foliage to enhance the natural and reflective ambiance.
4. Lighting:
   • As this is an early morning ceremony, the rising Sun sets the tone, illuminating the half moon in the morning sky overhead.

Ceremony Components

1. If you are having tea with others: Arrival of Guests:
   • Guests gather in a waiting area, where they can enjoy light refreshments and quiet conversation before the ceremony begins.
2. Purification:
   • As guests enter the tea room or outdoor area, they purify their hands and mouths with water from a stone basin (tsukubai, tsu-ku-bai), symbolizing the cleansing of the mind and body. If you are drinking alone, lol, serve yourself!!
3. Moon Viewing and Reflection:
   • Guests are invited to sit in a position where they can clearly see the third quarter moon. They take a moment to appreciate its quiet beauty and reflect on their own life cycles and transitions.
4. Tea Preparation and Service:
   • The host begins by purifying the tea utensils (chadogu, cha-dō-gu) with deliberate, graceful movements.
   • The host prepares the tea (matcha, ma-cha) using a tea bowl (chawan, cha-wan), tea whisk (chasen, cha-sen), tea scoop (chashaku, cha-sha-ku), and hot water from the kettle (kama, ka-ma).
   • The tea is served to the main guest, who admires the tea bowl, rotates it, and drinks the tea. The bowl is then passed to the other guests, who repeat the process.
5. Appreciation of Seasonal Sweets:
   • Traditional sweets (wagashi, wa-ga-shi), chosen to complement the reflective theme of the third quarter moon, are served. These sweets balance the bitterness of the matcha and enhance the ceremonial experience. After this morning, sweets are to be avoided for 2 days.
6. Closing:
   • The host cleans the utensils and offers a final bow to the guests, or to the disappearing half moon. The guests express their gratitude for the experience, and the ceremony concludes with a moment of quiet reflection, appreciating the reflection and winding down symbolized by the third quarter moon.

Menu for the Mizuki Chakai

1. Seasonal Sweets: Such as kuri manju (ku-ri man-ju) or mooncakes that reflect the theme of reflection and transition.
2. Wagashi: Bean paste sweets shaped to reflect themes of introspection and winding down.
3. Matcha: Ceremonial-grade powdered green tea.

Cultural Significance

The Mizuki Chakai is a ceremony focused on reflection, introspection, and the beauty of the waning third quarter moon. It is a time to look inward, acknowledge the end of cycles, and prepare for new beginnings. The third quarter moon symbolizes a reflective point in the lunar cycle, reminding participants of the importance of contemplation and winding down before starting anew.

This guide should help you create a meaningful and introspective third quarter moon tea ceremony that honors ancient roots and traditions. Let me know if you give a try. I’d like to hear how it went.