The moon has throughout time in memorial been a symbol of beauty, the unconscious, the unseen, and the sacred feminine. An embodiment of the rhythm of time. A metaphor for the cycles of womanhood. A beautiful force that can impact everything from ocean waves to our internal emotions.
The lunar calendar still guides the dates in many cultures around the world, even today. For modern day moon lovers, its energy marks deeper connection with our desires, intuition and seasonal nature. Keeping in sync with the moon cycle can give us a structure within which we can regularly check in with ourselves, observe our emotions, set new intentions and release what does not serve us.
There are four main moon phases and a corresponding meaning. This awareness will empower you to recognize your own changing cycles so that you can plan your months accordingly and take advantage of your energetic and mental shifts without judgement. The moon invites you to observe natural fluctuations and attune to your cyclical nature so that you can consciously connect to the energetic shift of each phase.
New Moon Phase: Turn Over a New Leaf
The New Moon is when the sun and the moon are on the same side of the Earth and the night its darkest. The new moon phase is a more introspective time and represents new beginnings as we plant seeds for the future. It’s a good time to set clear intentions for the month ahead; clarify your goals, start your new dream projects and acknowledge your growth since the previous new moon. It’s also a good time to let go of what no longer serves you so that you can welcome in the new, especially because this phase can spark a desire to pause and reflect.
The Ritual: Intentions
Take a moment to write down your desires and intentions in your journal.
Waxing Moon: Time for Action
The waxing moon is when the light of the moon gradually begins to expand and grow in fullness, as it charges energetically. It is the sprouting growth of the seeds you planted during the new moon as you clarify and breathe life into your desires and intentions. The waxing time is a good time to get motivated, commit to what you are building and put your intentions into action. As the moon progresses towards fullness, look honestly at your goals and the realistic daily steps you can take to achieve them. This is a magnetic time for transformation, new ideas, building energy, nurturing dreams, overcoming hurdles and potential breakthroughs.
The Ritual: Action
Use positive affirmations and affirm these daily to help you progress your goals and desires.
Full Moon: Conscious Release
The full moon occurs when the sun and the moon are on opposite sides of the Earth. Here the sun is completely illuminating the moon with an ethereal beauty beyond comparison. As the Sun and the Moon are in opposition this can be a time that we can see impacts on our circadian rhythm, feelings can become intense. You may feel disconnected which can be a good time to reach out to others and reconnect with nature. Breath in fresh air and exhale negative emotions.
The Ritual: Intentions This is the perfect time to write down your intentions and desires in a diary.
Waning Moon: Conscious Endings
As the Moon wanes, it moves back into alignment with the Sun and we see increasingly less of the moon as time shifts. The waning in this phase sees the illumination of the moon begin to recede before the new moon. This point in the cycle brings a sense acceptance, reflection and release. It is a time to reflect on your thoughts, experiences and prepare for a fresh start. Most of all its a time for expressing gratitude.
The Ritual: Cleansing
Clear the clutter from your surroundings and create an environment of energetic clearance.