The moon - associated with feminine energy - is a powerful source of life. Indigenous peoples have followed the lunar calendar for generations to better understand the natural world. The moon enhances spiritual practices, is vital to food production, and is great for timekeeping and living a balanced life.
The moon also provides us with guidance and protection, and Indigenous communities have understood that with each moon phase come spiritual teachings and natural events, like the changing of the seasons and ocean tides. Indigenous spiritual traditions have viewed this as a sacred exchange of energy and often followed a lunar calendar with 13 moons or months in a year, unlike the 12-month Gregorian calendar. Those changes embody what we can see of the moon in the night sky - the sun's reflection as the moon orbits Earth, a direct connection between life on Earth and the moon. Spiritual traditions dating back thousands of years focus on utilizing the energy of this planetary dance.
As you dance to the rhythm of your own life, here's how you can walk in step with the moon and leverage its different phases.
How to Use the New Moon
The new moon is the start of the lunar cycle. It is a dark moon, meaning there is no visible sun reflection upon its cratered terrain. However, this moon packs a powerful energetic punch that is great for manifesting. Depending on which zodiac sign coincides with the new moon, there are different areas of life on which to focus your intentions and wishes. For example, during the New Moon in Scorpio, you can wish for self-mastery skills, your soulmate, great sex, financial partnerships, and avoiding power struggles.
Around the peak of the new moon, you can write down 10 wishes that you want to see come to fruition in your life over the next six months. Watch as life begins to shift, change, and move. It may surprise you just how powerful combining your intentions and wishes with the energy of the new moon is.
How to Use the Waxing Crescent Moon
While the new moon is about setting the stage for what you want in your life, the waxing crescent moon is about growth and renewal. Imagine the new moon as planting seeds, and the waxing moon is when the roots begin to grow deep within the soil, out of sight. This is the time to take small concerted actions that act as the magic that can bring your new moon wishes to life. You are building momentum one step at a time. It doesn't have to be done all in one day.
During the waxing crescent moon, it's a good time for mindful walks, tuning into the sounds and guidance of nature. Take intentional pauses throughout your day to close your eyes and allow the heat of the sun to penetrate your third eye. This will help ease any tension or stress in that area and expand your visions for the life you want and the person you are becoming.
How to Use the First Quarter Moon
Now that the stage is set for your dreams and manifestations, the first quarter moon ushers in energy to take action and make decisions while continuing to nourish your growth. Sit with the challenges that you face and meditate on ways to absolve them. Acknowledge the emotions that come with these challenges and what you can learn from them before moving on.
Change is beginning to happen, and you see it. If this becomes scary or overwhelming, get up and dance! Run, walk, or take a Pilates or yoga class. Laughing is also a great way to release that energy from your body, so you can remain grounded and receptive to the clarity that comes your way.
How to Use the Waxing Gibbous Moon
It's time to prepare. The waxing gibbous moon is associated with expansion, with the full moon on the horizon. You have faced and learned ways to overcome the challenges during the first quarter of the moon. These lessons have created an expansion within you that may manifest in your dreams before they become a reality.
Mirror work is great during the waxing gibbous moon because it allows you to say thoughtful, loving, uplifting words and affirmations to yourself. It also provides the space for you to examine your intentions, the actions you've taken, and your goals. Most importantly, it's a time to be grateful for the way we can shift and change the energy within us and how that directly reflects in our lives.
How to Use the Full Moon
The full moon is a celebrity among the moon phases. People stop and marvel at the big, beautiful, bright ball in the sky, no matter how many times they've seen it. It draws us in, reminding us that we are not alone and that a greater power is at play. During the full moon, shed what no longer serves you. Allow that brightly illuminated moon to represent the sun shining within you.
The peak of the full moon until about two days after is a good time to write out what needs to go. Whatever you need to let go of can be included on this list, like exes, frenemies, patterns, habits, and even jobs and hobbies that are no longer contributing to the betterment of you and your journey. After you write your list, you can safely burn it. Flush the ashes down the toilet or bury them outside to signify death and rebirth.
How to Use the Waning Gibbous Moon
As you shed what no longer serves you under the full moon's light, you can rest and reflect during the waning gibbous moon. Naps are great during this time! Your body will tell you what it needs, so listen up. Honoring those needs will keep you healthy - mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. Showing gratitude is excellent during this moon phase; you can do it in many ways.
Keeping a gratitude journal is one way, but you can also show gratitude for your life by surprising a friend with a small gift or starting a friendly conversation with a stranger. Another way of showing gratitude is by writing out everything you want in life, your ideal existence, and saying thank you to the Universe for already making it happen.
How to Use the Third or Last Quarter Moon
The last quarter moon can sometimes be associated with breakups. This moon cycle gives us the energy of closure. So, if you've been hanging onto something or someone for far too long, you can gain closure during the third quarter moon. It's the transition moon, where you move from old ways of doing things to new ones.
There's also a unifying force that comes with the last quarter moon, and that's with oneself. If there is ever a time to start loving yourself, it's during the last quarter moon. You are preparing to welcome in the shifts and changes you set intentions on during the new moon. Celebrate yourself, speak lovingly to yourself, and embrace everything about you.
How to Use the Waning Crescent Moon
The waning crescent moon is the final phase of the cycle before it begins again. So, gather with friends and loved ones. Fill your heart and space with joy by combining laughter and play with stillness and introspection. Continue to let go of old, stubborn ways that want to cling to you and stop you from evolving.
Prepare your mind, body, and spirit for the new cycle by nourishing your body with good food. You could have a ceremonial meal to coincide with the waning crescent moon, or invite others to join you in community without any agenda. Surround yourself with those like-minded people who only want the best for you and you for them.
Zayda Rivera is a PS contributor. She has been a professional writer for more than 20 years. Z is a certified Reiki Master-Teacher, yoga and Zumba instructor, mindfulness and meditation guide, tarot reader, and spiritual mentor. Read More Details
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