I Moon You: lunar Phases
My fascination with lunar cycles has grown tremendously in the past five years. The knowledge from Sarah Faith Gottessdinger and Chani Nicholas has been monumental to my understanding of everything moon and has formed my own interpretation of what each lunar phase means to me. Make sure to check out and support their work!
You’ll find most moon phase-related content centers around certain phases being the optimal (or sometimes the “only”) time to do certain things. To that, I say no.
You don't need a new moon to start something new or to put off rest until the waning moon. Think of lunar phases as a way to inspire actions or your heart feelings, not a guide to restrict, expect, or set rules.
At every moment, the moon dances around the earth, and each dance step is a different phase. Like the earth's changing seasons, each stage has been used for centuries to cast spells and plant crops. Now in the present, with a growing awareness of each phase (thanks to social media), the moon is inspiring people as a catalyst to check-in, form specific actions and create rituals.
For instance, if I can, I will schedule tasks, meetings, and events on or around particular moon phases. Specifically, I love to launch products or anything new on a new (dark) moon. It always makes me feel like I'm working with an added energy to show my work to the world, and it always feels good.
A full moon is said to amplify emotions (anger, sensitivity, enjoyment, etc.), so if it feels right, it might be an ideal time to flow with that day's emotions. Do something fun if you’re feeling energetic, or stay tucked inside with a warm blanket if your mood is low and depleted.
Although much "moon folklore" has been debunked, I think it's fun to read how the moon has inspired ancestral lore here on earth. For instance we've all heard the old wives tale that more babies are born during a full moon due to a natural gravitational pull (not true, but fun). Did you know farmers still use moon phases to plant and harvest crops? Above the ground crops are often planted during a new moon.
The more I open up and talk about lunar phases with people, there seems to be a genuine desire to learn more about it. In a way, it all makes sense, as we're always and visually reminded of the moon almost every time we look up into the expansive sky. To dive deeper into what comes with each stage and what it all means, it's all laid out below. Enjoy.
MOON PHASES
1. NEW MOON: set intentions
The moon is dark in the sky, fresh and new. Let it invite the following: start a new project, move, set goals, go on a job search, make plans, write a list, create a vision board - anything to take small steps for what you'd like to come into fruition.
2. WAXING MOON: action into motion
The moon is growing fuller. It might be the put those intentions and starting points into motion, at your pace. Let it invite the following: gathering information, studying, networking, interviewing, creating, etc. Take note this waxing energy may help to amplify physical regeneration, agility or strength. You might feel physically well and strong at this time!
3. FULL MOON: reflect and amplify
This might be the time to evaluate if those things you put into action/motion have come to fruition or maybe they need to be nixed or adjusted. Oftentimes high or heightened emotions are felt during a full moon. The theme of letting go (to things, internal narratives, pressures, people) that no longer serve you is always an invitation during a full moon. This might be a time to look back and be thankful for how far you've come.
4. WANING MOON: rest and organize
This is the phase many use to take it slow, carve out time for healing or introspection. It’s also an invitation that may ask us to cleanse or repair old ways of thinking, habits or relationships. This is a wonderful time to organize, rid things you no longer need, clean, and rebuild.
ASTROLOGY AND THE MOON
The second piece of each lunar phase is its astrological influence. Each full or new moon phase falls within a particular astrological phase (12 signs total) during its monthly course around earth. Elements, energy or even the physical influence of the astrology sign the moon resides in may be felt or can be used as a tool to inspire some reflection or a ritual. For example, if the full moon is in the sign of Cancer:
CANCER TRAITS: emotional, creative, loyal, protective, often rules “mother” energy
+
MOON THEME: heightened emotions or letting go
= surge of creativity, caring for a loved one or letting go of controlling a particular issue
This is the most simplistic overview that makes most sense to me (and hopefully to you, too). To make it easier, below you'll find a list of this year's moon phases, dates and astrological influence.
