Moon Phases. The Moon represents feminine energy and our deepest personal desires and needs. It signifies wisdom, intuition, birth, death, reincarnation, and spiritual connection. As the closest astronomical body to us, the Moon has powerful influence over our spiritual bodies.
Each phase of the moon has unique characteristics that hold significant spiritual meaning and signify the rhythm of life that is within each of us. If we are attuned to the Moon’s cycles and learn to live our lives by each moon phase, we can activate and harness its innate powers and use its energy to better connect to ourselves.
Since our body is 60% water, our bodies are influenced by the pull of the Moon in the same way that tides are. The Moon’s cycle is 29.5 days, during which it goes through 8 phases, each of which has a unique energy and meaning.
The phases are the New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent.
During the New Moon, the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun so we cannot see it from the Earth. This phase brings with it themes of new beginnings as well as clean slates and fresh starts. Use this time for an intense reboot. Allow yourself to retreat and regain your strength as you recharge under the energy of the new moon. This is the time to unplug and turn away from draining energy.
The Waxing Crescent Moon sees the Sun moving closer to the Moon and beginning to illuminate it. This phase is the time to set intentions. It represents your hopes. After allowing yourself to recharge during the New Moon, your desires and intentions are ready to be planted. By developing your intentions, you are laying the mental groundwork that is needed as you go towards your purpose.
During the First Quarter Moon, exactly half of the Moon is illuminated, and we start to feel a call to action and decision making. After planting your intentions, you may begin to feel some resistance towards achieving those goals. You must work harder than ever before. Prepare to make decisions on the spot and handle this phase of the Moon by being flexible and staying calm. Keep your intentions in mind and make decisions that will keep you on the path towards achieving your desires. Keeping a to-do list or journal will allow you to have a physical representation of your intentions.
The Waxing Gibbous Moon sees the Moon almost entirely illuminated as it becomes only one phase away from becoming a full Moon. This phase brings with it themes of refinement, adjustment, and editing. Things don’t always work out the way that we plan and this phase serves to help us realize what needs to be reevaluated and ways in which we may need to change course. Embrace the feeling of change.
During the Full Moon, the Sun illuminates the entire moon. Emotions may run high and we may need to seek balance during this phase as the Sun and Moon are in opposite zodiac signs. This phase signifies release and requires us to reseal our intention. You will begin to reap the benefits of the intention set during the New Moon in the form of new opportunities and see results from your hard work the previous week. Be prepared and open to receiving new opportunities and abundance.
The Waning Gibbous Moon sees the Moon decreasing in illumination once more and signifies gratitude. Themes of gratitude, enthusiasm, and sharing are strong. This phase is open yourself to feelings of love and abundance as you see the outcomes of your previously set goals and intentions. Harness this feeling by giving back to those around you.
During the Third Quarter Moon, we see the reverse process of the first quarter as the illumination decreases and makes its way back to another new Moon. This phase is filled with release, forgiveness, and letting go. Let go of any anger or grudges that may have developed during this last cycle in order to purge yourself and to be able to receive the new intentions that you are about to set. This is a great time to cleanse and get rid of emotional or physical clutter that you have accumulated. Get rid of anything that no longer serves you.
The Waning Crescent Moon sees the last fraction of the moon illuminated in the final phase on the road to the new Moon. The feelings surrounding this phase are surrender, rest, and recuperation. You have gone through almost an entire cycle and things have come and gone along the way. During this phase, relax and surrender to the universe as you prepare for the start of a new cycle and as you get ready to reset your intentions.
The New Moon phase is then upon you once more and the cycle has come full circle. We travel across different emotional states in the same way that the Moon travels around the Earth. The more attuned that we become to all of these phases and to the ways in which they affect us, the better that we are able to harness different energies.
Under the guidance of the Moon, we open ourselves to abundant and profound energies and gain spiritual guidance.