You hear a lot of talk about moon phases these days. Most of us are familiar with the new moon and full moon... but what about what's going on between these two? And what's the difference between intention setting during the waxing moon vs waning moon? It's not as complicated as you might think, and I'll break it down in a simple guide you can refer to below.
How Can the Moon Effect our Intentions?
The moon is a powerful celestial body; not only does it push and pull our tides, but it can effect our emotions, moods, and women's menstrual cycles are linked to the moon. (A typically menstrual cycle is 28 days… same length as it takes the Moon to complete a full cycle).
The ancients understood that we are deeply connected to the cosmos. In our modern society we can be very disconnected to the stars above our heads. Light pollution, TV at night, being predominantly indoors are all factors in severing our connection to our roots beyond. We are no more separate from each other as we are from the cosmos. There is a deep emotional and psychological intelligence we can learn from these great celestial bodies, and as we begin to grasp how they are linked to us and effect us, it will have a profound deepening on our lives.
The moon is simple place to start and very accessible as we can literally watch it’s 28 day cycle with our naked eyes, so it doesn’t feel out of our touch. I'm going to focus on the 4 main moon phases: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon and Third Quarter.
New Moon
This is the start of the Moon's cycle. It's the starting point where nothing has happened yet, but there is sooo much potential. It's like the beginning of a race just before the gun shot is fired... there's anticipation, energy is about to burst forth, and the potential to win (or loose) is palpable. Think of it as the beginning of the inhale.
Yearly Representation:
Think of the New Moon as a representation of the Winter Solstice (or in modern terms, New Years Eve- a new cycle is about to start, we’re setting our fresh resolutions and there’s so much hope and inspiration in the air).
Intentions to Set During the New Moon:
new beginnings (ie new jobs, new careers, new projects etc)
the launch of a project/idea
calling in a new partner
calling in a new job
calling in a new home/property
abundance/prosperity intentions
fertility
First Quarter
This is the halfway point between the New Moon and Full Moon; this time is also known as the Waxing Moon. As the moon builds in size, so it builds in energy. This energy supports growth, forward movement and attraction. Think of it this way- as the moon grows in size, it generates in energy and it is pulling things towards it. So there's this feeling of attraction, growth and expansion. The First Quarter is the expanding inhale!
Yearly Representation:
Think of the First Quarter as a representation of the Spring Equinox (new life is forming and growing!)
Intentions to Set During the First Quarter:
all things dealing with attraction (money, job, love, property, etc)
health (vitality, strength, stamina)
passion, love, romance
confidence, joy, vigor, courage
Full Moon
This is the fullest expression of the moon's cycle. It's a very magical and powerful time, but it also can be tumultuous; full moons have the ability to reveal our subconscious. The full moon illuminates our shadows and brings light to things we don't often want to reveal or deal with. Think of it as the point right before your exhale, so we can deal with things we want to heal, release and let go of. It's also the fullest manifestation of intentions set during the New Moon, so it can deal with tying up loose ends as well.
Yearly Representation:
Think of the Full Moon as a representation of the Summer Solstice (things are in their fullest expression).
Intentions to Set During the Full Moon:
healing (restorative healing, releasing)
intuitive work
endings/details/tying up loose ends
protection
feminine work/healing
working with the Mother archetype
all things spiritual
gratitude
Third Quarter
This is the halfway point between the Full Moon and the New Moon; also known as the Waning Moon. It is the final exhale. As the moon shrinks (or wanes) in size, it is energetically releasing, letting go, pushing away. As it approaches the end of the “exhale” it is the final release and letting go before the beginning of the next cycle (or inhale). Anything you either want to get rid of, shed, push away from you, release, this is the time!
Yearly Representation:
Think of the Third Quarter as the Fall Equinox (life is waning and it’s time to clear out and make space now, so you have a clean slate for the new year).
Intention to Set During the Third Quarter:
all release work (emotional, energetic, spiritual, physical)
protection
releasing negativity (in the home, in the body, in your mind/thoughts)
getting rid of bad habits
cleansing the body, mind + spirit
a great time to do a deep clean of the house!
releasing energetic attachments to situations, people or places
healing (releasing)
When you begin to time your intentions with the moon cycles, you’ll add extra potency to your intention. You’ll also feel extra magical and supported by this glorious celestial being that journeys through the cosmos with us. Follow her cycles and watch how she effects and nurtures you.
Let me know how your progress goes with tracking the cycles, and never hesitate to reach out should you have any questions, or need support in any way!
Blessings!