We are far more connected to the cycles of the moon than we realize… and to all the rhythms of the earth for that matter. Think of those scenes in armageddon movies where all the animals and birds flee in mass from whatever impending tsunami/earthquake/meteorite is about to hit earth, while the humans look on confused. But we’re animals too… we have just forgotten how to tune into the natural world. Over thousands of years of evolution, we have favored cognitive functions over the more intuitive and instinctive ones. But our bodies and minds are effected by so much more than what’s going on inside, or immediately around us. We are impacted by the cycles of the moon, even if some of us aren’t necessarily aware of it. Menstrual cycles follow moon cycles and more babies are born on full moons than other days. Not to mention the power of gravity and tidal pulls. The moon effects us deeper than we know. It has a way of drawing out emotions… For thousands of years, cultures from India, Africa, Babylon, China and aboriginal and Mayan people have worshipped the shifts in the transforming moon through ritual. And by better understanding lunar cycles and enacting little “rituals” of our own to ground our bodies and minds, we might just be able to tap into and manipulate that energy for the better.

New Moon

This dark phase of the moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. This is a time for internal reflection and setting one’s intentions for the weeks, month and even year to come. Set your goals, clear your mind, center yourself and step back to feel gratitude for all the good things in your life. Push yourself towards a perspective of optimism and excitement for everything to come. People can often feel anxious, tired, burned out and agitated during the new moon phase. Try and alter that energy into planning and determination.

New Moon Rituals

Set your goals and intentions. Write them down. Repeat them out loud. Whatever works best for you.

Work in the garden and plant seeds.

Meditate or take a walk outside to clear your mind.

Write and reflect.

Bake bread, cakes, and plan meals for the week to come.

Take a cleansing salt bath.

Burn palo santo or sage to clear your home of bad vibes (aka positive ions released into the air by chemical stress reactions in that body, and neutralized by the negatively charged smoke…magic and science are one of the same).

Waxing Crescent Moon: The days following the new moon is a time to anchor your intentions. Focus on one thing, one goal, and visualize it and affirm it everyday until you bring it into being. Eating healthier, looking at the world more optimistically or with more confidence and compassion perhaps. Or something so simple as getting on a better sleep schedule or taking time for yourself every day.

Waxing Quarter Moon: This is the time to look at the challenges you have faced and to make affirmed decisions as to how to proceed and take them on. This is the phase of the lunar cycle when the sun and moon form a square (they are at a 90º angle to one another). This offers distance. Take that distance and face adversity with a resolute mind.

Waxing Gibbous Moon: This is the high energy moment of the lunar cycle with moon momentum waxing to a peak. Stand from this pinnacle and reflect with perspective. Then up the energy! Feed off the waxing moon and take action and go after your goals.

Full Moon

This is a time for reflection and release. Releasing of everything building since the new moon. This is the moment to express and expulse energy into the world. Releasing inhibitions. Negative thoughts and experiences be gone! This is the moment where everything you have worked towards is coming into fruition or at least moving towards it. It’s a joyous time of magic and energy. The moment where the seed planted during the new moon is blossoming under moonlight… most metaphorically speaking. People often feel excited, energized, bursting with some strange energetic vibe, and uninhibited during the full moon.

Full Moon Rituals

Be in nature. Go for a walk outside, especially at night under the full moon.

Harvest plants and herbs from the garden. Or make your market selection extra plant-based at this time.

Move your body. Exercise, go for a run, do yoga. Night yoga under the full moon is a particularly magical experience.

Throw a full moon feast! Celebrate the energetic culmination of the month with a dinner with friends and family.

Light candles or make a fire.

If you’re near the water, go for a moon swim.

Cleanse crystals in the moonlight.

Go dancing!