Honoring the moon and moon cycles is a practice that has been around for ages. Many ancient peoples worshipped the moon and moon various goddesses. Regardless of who or what these people worshipped the moon for, the bottom line is that the moon has played a significant role in our evolution as spiritual beings.
New Age spirituality puts emphasis on the fact that honoring moon cycles can allow a deeper connection between oneself and the divine feminine energy that lives within us all.
*Divine feminine energy is the energy of flow and of intuition. Every human, regardless of gender, has both divine feminine and divine masculine energy, the energy of movement and of action and production, within them.*
There are 8 major phases of the moon, and they are as follows.
:: PHASES OF THE MOON ::
New Moon
The moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. She cannot be seen by the human eye at this time. This phase signifies new beginnings.
Waxing Crescent Moon
‘Waxing’ means the moon’s illumination is growing and ‘crescent’ means less than half of the moon is illuminated. This phase signifies intention.
First Quarter Moon
Exactly half of the moon is illuminated and half of it is shadowed at this time. This phase signifies decision making.
Waxing Gibbous Moon
‘Waxing’ means the moon’s illumination is growing and ‘gibbous’ means more than half of the moon is illuminated. This phase signifies clarification.
Full Moon
The Sun now illuminates the entire moon. This phase signifies release and the sealing of intention.
Waning Gibbous Moon
‘Waning’ means the moon’s illumination is decreasing and ‘gibbous’ means more than half of the moon is illuminated. This phase signifies gratitude.
Third/Last Quarter Moon
Exactly half of the moon is illuminated and the other half is shadowed. We now see the opposite side of the moon than its First Quarter phase. This phase signifies forgiveness.
Waning Crescent Moon
‘Waning’ means the moon’s illumination is decreasing and ‘crescent’ means less than half of the moon is illuminated. This phase signifies surrender.
New Moon
The moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun. She cannot be seen by the human eye at this time. This phase signifies new beginnings, and the cycle begins once again.
:: USING THE MOON FOR PERSONAL GROWTH ::
As the closest astronomical body to us, the moon has a powerful influence on us as spiritual beings! We can tap into her energy and constant flow state to help set our personal intentions, clear negativity and surrender to change.
The Moon’s cycle is 29.5 days and it represents a full life-cycle. Each phase has a different meaning, as mentioned above, and can be used as a tool for personal growth.
:: MOON RITUALS ::
NEW MOON RITUALS
- Journal about what you choose to welcome into your life from this new space
- Stargaze and set intentions
- Journey
FULL MOON RITUALS
- Charge crystals
- Make moon water
- Fill a covered jar with clean/filtered water, or Kananga Water, and let sit overnight under the moonlight. Moon water can be used in rituals, as a spray to cleanse crystals, added to bath water, or as drinking water. Allow yourself to be creative!
- Journey
RITUALS FOR ANY MOON PHASE
- Clear yourself and your space with palo santo or sage
- Have a salt bath to cleanse yourself and your energy field
- Write out mantras then speak them
- Pull oracle or tarot cards for assistance
- Channel your guides, ancestors, light beings for guidance
- Dance, intuitively move, yoga asana
- Moon gaze
- Journey
- Meditation and/or visualization
- Write a gratitude list
- Relax and read a book
- Sleep soundly and deeply
Moon phases show us that ebbs and flows in our lives are completely necessary. Once we are attuned to the Moon, we can activate her natural powers to assist in our evolution.
Lexie Lea
Lexie Lea
A woman on a mission
LEXIE LEA’s dharma is to make spirituality easily digestible for everyone. Through her own personal healing journey, she has realized that everything one does in life is spiritual; there is no right or wrong way. She whole-heartedly believes that everyone has access to that state of being; most simply have never tapped into it.
Lexie is a 200 hour certified yoga teacher, modern-day shaman and alkaline lifestyle advocate. She is constantly learning so she can blend modern day knowledge, ancient wisdom teachings and a little bit of intuitive woo-woo together as one. This is what she shares with the world. She lives her dharma by owning and operating multiple businesses that build and grow spiritual communities. In her free time, she enjoys going on adventures with her loved ones, swimming in the ocean at sunset and relaxing in her hale on Maui.
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This article is provided courtesy of Shamans Market