The Cycle of Moon Phases: What Each Teaches Us About Rest, Ritual, and Renewal
I’ve always felt a connection to the moon. Not just because of her beauty. I feel a connection because the cycle of moon phases mirrors the natural rhythms of our bodies and lives. Living by the moon helped me return to myself in a world that often asked me to abandon my needs, intuition, and rest.
The moon’s cycle may be “only” a natural event in the sky. But it can act as a reminder that we also go through cycles and are not meant to be uniform in our productivity. Like the moon waxes and wanes, we expand and contract, rest and rise, dream and do.
Many women feel a close connection to the moon because its cycle mirrors their own monthly hormonal cycle, and the impact that has on their energy, emotions, and clarity. There’s a connection between menstruation and lunar phases, although women don’t uniformly have 28-day cycles, the reflection is clear. The invitation is there.
Working with the moon helps reject hustle culture, reminding me that I don’t have to do it all or be everything to everyone. Cyclical living helps me trust myself and access my divine feminine energy, which is alive inside every woman, waiting to be remembered.
The Phases of the Moon
The moon can play a bigger role in our lives, beyond being a bright orb to admire in the sky. When we align our self-care, rituals, and reflections with its phases, we remember what it means to move with intention.
Let’s walk through each phase of the moon, the lunar phases' spiritual meaning, and how to incorporate them into self-care and rituals.
New Moon (or Dark Moon)
When the sky is dark, there is an energy of promise. Seeds germinating. The new moon is a time of setting intentions, making space for new dreams, and turning inward.
During this phase, I enjoy cozy nights at home and making space for reflection. I journal, pull tarot or affirmation cards, or build a vision board that reflects my intentions for the new cycle. I let these intentions come without pressure. It's important to me that I take care of myself and listen to my body. It is also when we come together inside my year long mentorship program (the Wise Wild Woman Mentorship) for a sacred rest circle.
Waxing Crescent Moon
When the first sliver of light appears on the right side of the moon, creating a crescent shape, a subtle shift occurs. The waxing crescent is a phase of hopeful action and intentional beginnings. This phase sets the stage for achievement.
During this time, I reflect on the intentions I set at the new moon, meditate, and start taking small steps toward my goals. I might start a new practice of reciting affirmations as a daily ritual or writing in my journal each night.
Self-care in this phase is about gently nourishing yourself and moving forward with your dreams.
First Quarter Moon
During the first quarter moon, the moon is half-full on the right side. This phase is a call to action, where I commit to my intention.
I take brave steps toward my goals, create a plan, and commit to the journey. I meditate for clarity or engage in a physical activity that allows me to reconnect with my purpose, such as yoga or a nature walk.
Waxing Gibbous Moon
During the waxing gibbous phase, the moon has only a sliver of darkness on the left side. The phase is about refining my path, analyzing progress, and sticking to my goals, even when things get tough.
In this phase, I journal about what's working and what needs to change. I allow myself to change paths without judgment.
Self-care here is focused, creative work, such as painting, writing, cooking, or any activity that requires attention to detail.
Full Moon
When the moon and sun are on opposite sides of the Earth, the moon is fully visible. The full moon is a time of culmination where what I worked toward is now visible, even if the result isn’t what I expected.
During this phase, I celebrate myself, my growth, and the progress I have made. I light candles, share a meal with friends, or sit in gratitude for how far I’ve come. It is also a potent time for shadow work and my journal is a sacred tool that allows me to explore what the moon is shedding light on.
At this time, I care for myself by engaging in activities that bring me joy.
Waning Gibbous Moon
As the moon starts to wane, the right side dims, creating a dark sliver on the right side of the moon. During the waning gibbous phase, I reflect, release, and express gratitude. This phase is about letting go of what no longer serves me. I enjoy writing about fears, habits, and old stories and then burning the paper as an act of freedom.
Self-care during this phase involves slower activities, such as yoga, cleaning, and quiet moments of reflection.
Third Quarter Moon
With only the left side of the moon illuminated, the third-quarter phase is a time of deep reflection. We're no longer moving forward; we're preparing for rest. It's a time to release burdens and prepare for new beginnings.
I like to reflect on what needs to be forgiven and write a letter I don’t send or perform a cleansing ritual.
Self-care in this phase is about exhaling and spending quiet time in nature.
Waning Crescent Moon
The moon continues to thin into a left-side crescent, and we enter the final phase. The waning crescent phase is the time to rest deeply and listen.
During this phase, I enjoy eating comfort foods, practicing restorative yoga, or soaking in a healing bath.
I let wisdom sink in and make space for something new.
Living by The Moon
Through living in harmony with the cycle of moon phases as a daily ritual, I learned to slow down, trust my body, and honor every season of myself, not just the productive ones.
I use the moon phases' spiritual meaning as a tool in my work as an intuitive coach, a wild medicine healer, and a slow-living witch.
In Week 6 of the Unleash Your Inner Witch course, we delve into the moon cycle and how to align with it to live a more empowered and intuitive life, as well as explore the connection between menstruation and lunar phases. I believe we’re meant to live well-rested, boundary-honoring, and in deep connection with ourselves.
That’s why I wrote my new book, Awaken to the Magic Within: Rediscover What Your Bones Remember, which is a guide to help you find the magic that has always been within you. Your rest, joy, and voice matter deeply.
If this resonates with you, preorder the book and begin your journey back to yourself. The moon is waiting to guide you home.
