Have you ever felt inexplicably emotional during a full moon or surprisingly energetic when the new moon arrives? I certainly have! For years, I dismissed these patterns as coincidence until I began intentionally tracking my energy alongside moon phases. What I discovered transformed not just my calendar, but my entire approach to self-care.

The moon has been our companion in the night sky since ancient times, guiding our ancestors and continuing to influence our modern lives in ways both subtle and profound. Let’s explore this celestial dance together and discover how we can align our wellness practices with lunar wisdom.

Understanding the Lunar Cycle: Your Moon Phases Starter Guide

When I first became curious about working with the moon, I remember feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the terminology and timing. Let me share what I wish someone had explained to me when I was just starting out!

The moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete its entire cycle from new moon to new moon. I like to think of it as the moon taking about a month to tell its complete story—which is actually where we get the word “month” from historically! If you want to learn more about some of the more technical aspects of the moon, read our blog on how to survive today’s moon phases.

During this journey, the moon doesn’t actually change shape (though it certainly appears to from our perspective on Earth). What we’re seeing is simply different amounts of the illuminated portion as the moon orbits around us. When the moon is between Earth and the sun, we see the unlit side (new moon). When the Earth is between the sun and moon, we see the fully illuminated side (full moon).

I find it helpful to think of the lunar cycle as having four main phases, with transitional phases in between:

• New Moon (completely dark)
• First Quarter (half illuminated, growing brighter)
• Full Moon (completely illuminated)
• Last Quarter (half illuminated, growing darker)

The “waxing” phases occur as the moon grows from new to full (think: increasing visibility), while the “waning” phases happen as the moon shrinks from full, back to new (think: decreasing visibility). What Do Waxing, Waning, Crescent, and Gibbous Mean? Find out more in this article.

Something that surprised me when I first started moon tracking: the moon is actually visible during the day about half the time! I had always associated it exclusively with nighttime, but now I love spotting it against a blue sky—it’s like a little cosmic reminder to stay connected to my practice.

For beginners, I recommend simply noticing how you feel during the new moon and full moon at first. These are the most energetically distinctive phases and easiest to track. Many weather apps and calendars mark these phases, or you can download a dedicated moon phase app (I did this, and it was a game-changer for my practice!).

Remember, working with moon phases is an ancient practice found across nearly every culture throughout history. There’s no “right” or “wrong” way to incorporate this awareness into your life—it’s about finding what resonates with your own intuition and needs.

New Moon Magic: Seeds of Intention

The new moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle—that special moment when the moon sits between Earth and the sun, appearing almost invisible in our night sky. I’ve come to cherish this phase as my personal reset button.

What to Manifest

During this darkest phase, I focus on planting seeds of intention. This is when I curl up with my journal, a cup of chamomile tea, and ask myself: “What wants to be born in my life right now?”

The new moon energy supports beginnings, so this is your cosmic permission slip to start fresh! Whether it’s a creative project, a fitness journey, or setting boundaries in relationships, write those intentions down with conviction.

Emotional Landscape

Emotionally, the new moon often brings introspection and sometimes uncertainty. I’ve noticed I tend to feel more contemplative and occasionally a bit low-energy during this time. Instead of fighting it, I’ve learned to honor this natural rhythm.

Survival Guide

Embrace the quiet! I’ve found that slowing down during the new moon creates space for powerful insights. Try these approaches:

• Create a simple ritual: Light a candle, meditate for just 5 minutes, and write down 3-5 intentions
• Get extra sleep if your body craves it
• Declutter one small space to symbolize making room for new energy

Waxing Crescent & First Quarter: Building Momentum

As the slim crescent begins to grow, so does our energy! This is when I feel the first stirrings of motivation after the reflective new moon period.

What to Manifest

This is my favorite time to take those first concrete steps toward my intentions. The universe is literally showing us visually what “growth” looks like! Focus on:

• Small, achievable action steps
• Learning and gathering information
• Making plans and outlining projects

Emotional Landscape

During this phase, I often notice hope and excitement bubbling up, though sometimes accompanied by doubt or fear. This emotional cocktail is completely normal! Think of it as the universal experience of beginning something new.

Survival Guide

Channel that waxing energy into movement! I find my morning walks feel especially invigorating during this phase. Other supportive practices include:

• Creating visual representations of your goals
• Having conversations that support your intentions
• Starting new healthy habits (they’re more likely to stick now!)

Full Moon Illumination: Celebrating & Releasing

Oh, the magnificent full moon! This is when lunar energy reaches its peak, illuminating both the night sky and—sometimes uncomfortably—our innermost thoughts and feelings.

What to Manifest

Rather than setting new intentions, I use this powerful time for:

• Celebrating progress on intentions set during the new moon
• Practicing gratitude for what’s already present
• Releasing what no longer serves my highest good

Emotional Landscape

Let’s be real—full moons can be emotional rollercoasters! I’ve had nights of profound clarity alongside nights of unexpected tears. The full moon has a way of bringing everything to the surface. Sometimes I find myself cleaning at 11 PM or suddenly needing to call an old friend. It’s all part of the illumination process!

Survival Guide

Working with full moon energy rather than against it has been game-changing for my emotional wellbeing:

• Create a “release ritual” by writing what you want to let go of, then safely burning the paper
• Take a moon bath (either literally under the moonlight or by adding epsom salts and calming essential oils to your tub)
• Get extra hydration as many people report feeling dehydrated during this time
• Be gentle with yourself if emotions run high—this too shall pass!

Waning Moon: Reflection & Integration

As the moon begins to decrease in visibility, we enter a natural time of release, reflection, and completion. I’ve found this phase particularly supportive for inner work and completing projects.

What to Manifest

During the waning phases, I focus on:

• Completing projects started earlier in the cycle
• Releasing habits, thoughts or relationships that don’t support my growth
• Reflecting on lessons learned

Emotional Landscape

This phase often brings a sense of calm after the full moon intensity, though sometimes accompanied by a touch of melancholy as things come to completion. I’ve noticed my intuition feels particularly strong during the waning moon.

Survival Guide

Honor the natural decrease in energy with these practices:

• Journal about what you’re learning and releasing
• Organize and complete outstanding tasks
• Practice forgiveness work (of self and others)
• Get bodywork or self-massage to release physical tension

Herbal Allies for Moon Phase Work

One of my favorite ways to deepen my connection with lunar cycles is through plant allies. These herbs have become trusted friends on my moon phase journey:

New Moon Herbs:

• Mugwort: Enhances dreams and intuition
• Jasmine: Supports new beginnings and receptivity
• Dandelion root: Excellent for detoxification as you prepare for a new cycle

Waxing Moon Herbs:

• Mint: Stimulates energy and motivation
• Rosemary: Improves memory and focus for building projects
• Ginger: Ignites passion and drive when you need a boost

Full Moon Herbs:

• Chamomile: Calms heightened emotions
• Lavender: Promotes peaceful sleep during high-energy nights
• Rose: Opens the heart for emotional release work

Waning Moon Herbs:

• Lemon balm: Soothes anxiety during release work
• Valerian: Supports deep rest and integration
• Burdock: Helps with letting go and cleansing

I love creating moon-phase specific teas, but even simply placing the appropriate herbs in a small bowl on your altar or desk can help you connect with their energy.

Moon Meditation Resources

When I first started working with moon phases, guided meditations completely transformed my practice. Here are some beautiful YouTube meditations that have supported my lunar journey:

• New Moon Intention Setting: “New Moon Guided Meditation for Setting Intentions” by Great Meditation (10 minutes)
• Full Moon Release: “Full Moon – Release & Renew Meditation” by Lisa Whatley – Healing Guided Meditation (12 minutes)

Pro tip: I download these videos when I have good internet access so I can still use them even when I’m camping or in areas with poor connection during key moon phases!

I also have a full article on moon phases yoga flows.

Embracing the Lunar Journey

Working with moon phases isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. Some months I follow every phase diligently, while other times life gets busy and I simply acknowledge the full and new moons. Both approaches have value.

What matters most is developing an awareness of these natural rhythms and how they might be influencing your energy, emotions, and effectiveness. Much like tracking your menstrual cycle (if applicable) or seasonal changes, lunar awareness is simply another tool in your wellness toolkit.

I’d love to hear about your experiences with moon phases! Have you noticed patterns in your energy or emotions that align with lunar cycles? Share your story in the comments below!

Wishing you love, light and inner peace babes ✌🌈✨💜

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