The Moon has so many links to spirituality that it is hard to know where to begin; however, I thought the Moon phases may be a good place to start. The Moon isn't just a beautiful ball of light in the night sky. It symbolises death, rebirth, intuition, femininity, wisdom, and manifestation. Her energy is powerful and, if worked with correctly, can bring incredible opportunities and benefits to one's life.
The phases are pretty impressive. While the Earth and Moon circle the Sun, the Moon is lit by the Sun's light and appears to grow and decrease in size, resulting in what we know as Moon phases. The four major Moon phases are the New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter Moon, with four minor phases in between, named the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous, and Waning Crescent, taking approximately 29 days to complete from the first phase to the last phase.
Below is a brief description of each phase and how the Moon's energy can positively impact our lives. It's not all witchy and ritual-related, so please have no fear; no cauldrons or broomsticks are required. She is there to help, work with, and awaken us spiritually, encouraging us to glow like her, even through the darkness.
Keeping a journal or putting a few pieces of paper together and writing down our emotions, daily experiences, moods, etc., during each phase is a perfect way to begin one's understanding of the Moon's energy, how it affects us personally, and which aspect of life we may need to focus on be that of letting go or pushing forward in order of making our dreams a reality.
NEW MOON
The New Moon, or the invisible phase of the Moon as it is sometimes known, is when the Sun and Moon are aligned, resulting in the Moon disappearing from the night sky. This occurs because the Moon's illuminated side faces the Sun, and the darkest side of the Moon faces the Earth. This moon phase occurs once a month. You may not see the Moon but will undoubtedly feel its energy.
The New Moon represents all things new. A new start, a new beginning, new goals, plans, and an optimistic outlook on life. Like the billowing smoke from a piece of sage, the New Moon exchanges the stagnant energy in our lives for freshly cleansed energy, encouraging us to move into this new phase full of hopes, dreams, and positivity. Energy from a New Moon is known to appear three days before and can last until three days after. Waiting for a New Moon is recommended if you have new ideas or projects you consider starting.
Crystal for new beginnings and New Moon - Moonstone
WAXING CRESCENT MOON
With less than one-quarter of the Moon visible, the Waxing Crescent Moon is the second Moon phase. As the Moon orbits around Earth, we see a thin crescent of light on the right-hand side in the Northern Hemisphere and the left side in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Waxing Crescent Moon is linked to courage, moving forward, and not giving up. As the Moon grows in shape, now is the time to gather its new energy and focus on setting intentions, putting plans into action, and having faith in completing what you have set out to achieve.
Crystal for moving forward and Waxing Crescent Moon - Green Aventurine
FIRST QUARTER MOON
The third Moon phase is often known as the Half-Moon and lasts around seven days. The First Quarter Moon is one-fourth of the way through her cycle around the Earth. Half of this is illuminated on the right side in the North Hemisphere, and the other half is illuminated on the left side in the South.
The First Quarter Moon calls on you to push forward, remaining focused on your goals, and if you have not done so already, its energy encourages you to take action. A burst of enthusiasm, inspiration, and motivational energy will help you execute your plans into action. Any hurdles that may arise jump them with confidence. It may also be a time to nurture relationships. Remain focused and flexible with decision-making in this time frame.
Crystal for achieving goals and First Quarter Moon - Clear Quartz
WAXING GIBBOUS MOON
The Waxing Gibbous Moon is the fourth Moon phase. When the Moon "waxes," the amount of illuminated surface seen from Earth increases. This moon phase appears in the night sky for around six days. Depending on your location, it may be challenging to differentiate between a Waxing Gibbous and a Full Moon.
As the light from the Moon grows, so does its energy. This is a great time to tie up loose ends regarding old habits or any toxicity in your life. Continue to nurture what you want to create or change; your plans may need a few tweaks or adjusting, but trust that with hard work, change is possible. The Waxing Gibbous is a good time to organise oneself and return to healthy habits.
Crystal for personal growth/cleansing and Waxing Gibbous Moon - Black Obsidian
THE FULL MOON
The Full Moon and fifth phase is entirely visible from Earth because the Moon is directly opposite the Sun. This fifth phase lasts between two to three nights.
The Full Moon's energy is a time for celebrations, from spending time with loved ones to celebrating life and our achievements. The Full Moon awakens our senses of gratitude and blessings while illuminating intuition and preparing us to cleanse the things or people in our lives that no longer align with us. Meditating on the days during a Full Moon will bring a sense of balanced emotions and awaken us to the importance of forgiveness, self-love, self-care, creativity, and spirituality. A Full Moon is perfect for cleansing crystals, too.
Crystal for gratitude/spirituality and Full Moon - Turquoise and Amethyst
WANING GIBBOUS MOON
The Waning Gibbous Moon, sometimes known as the Disseminating Moon, is the sixth phase of the Moon phase. Appearing less than complete but more than half-lighted on the left in the Northern Hemisphere and right in the South, it can often appear reddish.
The Waning Gibbous Moon can often be forgotten, but it is a perfect time to reflect and assess the lessons we have previously learned. It is a time for reflection, introspection, rest, and recharging ourselves and our relationships. The themes surrounding this phase are gratitude, generosity, surrender, and letting go. Sharing knowledgeable information with others will be greatly appreciated.
Crystal for reflection and Waning Gibbous Moon - Amethyst
THE LAST THIRD QUARTER MOON
The Last Third Quarter Moon is the seventh phase, and when the opposite half of the Moon is illuminated compared to the First Quarter. The Last Third Quarter in the Northern Hemisphere will appear light on the left-hand side, while the right side will be illuminated in the South.
This is the seventh Moon phase and represents the coming to the end of the Moon's journey. Its energy is releasing, forgiving, regrouping, and accepting the energy to complete projects and missions. What needs to end or be completed? Reflect on the past cycles while considering future directions. What is the next step, and where will it lead me? The Last Third Quarter is the perfect time to open those windows, grab some sage, and spend time on a mental, emotional, and physical cleanse.
Crystal for emotional balance and physical health and Last Third Quarter - Carnelian
WANING CRESCENT OR
BALSAMIC MOON
The final phase of the Moon cycle before the New Moon. It is noticeable in the Northern Hemisphere as a thin crescent light on the left-hand side and right-hand side in the South.
This energy brings renewal, reflection, and inner peace. Known in the lunar cycle as the quiet time, this is the perfect opportunity to tend to our needs. Spend time on ourselves, reflecting, restoring energy, growing spiritually, meditating, and preparing to plant new seeds. A gentle affirmation to use for this phase is, I reflect with thanks, I rest, I restore.
Crystal for spiritual growth and Waning Crescent - Rose Quartz
If you would like to find the Moon phases in your location, you can use the wonderful link below.
Love & Light
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