Our connection to the planets goes really deep, and we have a particular love for the Moon. It’s right there in our name! The cycles of the Moon have a strong relationship to our physical and emotional states, especially for women. We would love to share some Moon Wisdom with you – what are the Moon Cycles, what do they mean and how do they affect us?

Aligning With The Moon Cycles

For thousands of years, humans have looked to the moon and its cycles for guidance. The moon takes exactly 29.5 days to orbit the earth and complete a full cycle. The various cycles of the moon can affect our personality, our moods and our energy.

There are four main moon phases in every cycle, and once you understand the energetic forces of each phase, you can adapt your physical and emotional activities to align with these forces. This is sometimes called Moon Mapping. Working with the lunar cycles can also gives us a deeper understanding of our selves and how we show up in the world.

The moon has a powerful effect on the tides and the oceans. We are made up of over 60% water, so it is easy to see the correlation between the phases of the moon and the effect it can have on our physical, and especially our emotional states.

The New Moon

The beginning of the lunar month is known as the New Moon or the Dark Moon. In this phase, the moon is completely dark and invisible to the naked eye. This is the time of new beginnings, the start of a new cycle.

Use this phase to set new goals and intentions. This is a wonderful time to begin a new project, to have a fresh start. It is also the time for rest and retreating, to restore our energies in readiness for the next cycle of activity to begin.

Practice self-care here, plan and set your intentions for the coming month.

The Waxing Moon

This is the next phase after the New Moon, and it heralds the beginning of growth. The moon slowly grows bigger everyday, starting from the smallest slither, and as the sun illuminates more of the moon’s surface, it emerges into a beautiful crescent.

The waxing moon is the time to begin to put our thoughts into our intentions, laying down the mental groundwork and preparing to birth our plans.

Spend time here meditating on your intentions, letting them take shape.

The First Quarter Moon

This is the continuation of the waxing or growing process, where we can now see half of the moon illuminated. The moon is now a quarter of the way through it’s full cycle. 

This is the time for making decisions to implement our intentions. It can also herald the arrival of doubts and resistance. We need to be vigilant here and cultivate awareness of any stumbling blocks. Use the growing strength of the moon to guide you and inspire you.

Make changes where needed so that you can stay on your path.

The Waxing Gibbous Moon

This is the phase between the half moon and the full moon, where the sun illuminates more and more of the moon’s surface, and the growth continues. 

We can use this continued growth to create more clarity and refinement in our intentions, putting more shape to our ideas. Accept with grace the changes that are happening, the growth that we are implementing.

Reinforce your growth with daily positive affirmations. Vocalise your inner thoughts through chanting, singing or talking.

The Full Moon

The culmination of the growth phase, where the full surface of the moon is illuminated by the sun. The full glow of the moon allows us to see things more clearly and illuminates our mind with clarity and vision. We can see everything from a clearer perspective.

This is the time to bathe your crystals, and yourself, in the light of the full moon, recharging energies. It can also be a time for heightened emotions and conflict. Be vigilant to not become overwhelmed by this intense energy. Spend time in calming activities, observing the fruits of your intentions emerging into the light.

Full Moons are mythologically associated with Werewolves, and can often be a time of increased birth rates, with maternity wards filling up!

The Waning Gibbous Moon

This is the phase after the intensity of the full moon where the light begins to dim, and the moon begins it’s slow journey back into darkness.

The waning moon indicates that we are over the halfway mark, midway through our cycle. This is the time to take stock of where we are, notice the gains we have made and the journey we are on.

Take time to offer gratitude, journal and meditate at this point, focusing on your achievements and all that you have.

The Last Quarter Moon

The waning process continues, and the light begins to recede from the moon’s surface. We now move into a phase of letting go, shedding and releasing that which no longer serves us. Just as the Waxing Phases indicate growth and bringing new energy in, the Waning Phases indicate letting go and releasing.

Now is the time for cutting any ties that bind us, for cleansing and detoxifying. Releasing the old during the waning phases makes space for growth during the waxing phases.

Spend time here meditating, detoxing and cleansing both physically and mentally.

The Waning Crescent Moon

Sometimes known as the Balsamic Moon, the waning process continues daily until we are left with just the slither of a crescent. This marks the end of the lunar cycle, the culmination and completion of the phase.

Now is the time for rest and stillness. There may be feelings of emptiness or exhaustion here. We are entering the phase of winding down.

Spend time here reflecting on the journey of the past month, honouring your wins, losses, and growth that you have gained. Rest, relax and renew. Be ready for the next phase to begin.

What are your favourite Moon rituals?

Share them with us in the comments below.