Each one of us has had a time when we’d look up into the night sky with nothing but the moon shining brightly over us, the Moon Cycles. Aside from its luminescence, it's accounts in history and myths show us that the moon affects the lives on earth and those who are in it. The moon reminds us of birth, death and the cycles amid. The rebirth of the moon gives us a hint regarding a soul’s cycles of continual reincarnation.
According to Natalia Kuna who wrote the book, “The Mysterious Moon”, scientific research has found that all matter holds a frequency, including the moon, which could affect humans subtly. These frequencies can affect and influence the thoughts and impressions in our subconscious mind. They are more active, leading to heightened activity and intensity. Intense thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns emerge.
Understanding the Moon Cycle
The moon cycle can be described as changes in appearance created by changing angles or positions of the moon, in relation to the earth and the sun. It is believed that the each phase has its own spiritual circumstances. We can actually compare the moon cycle to a seed starting to grow and later on dies for another new beginning. Here are the cycles and their significance:
New Moon
In this phase, the moon is between earth and sun and is not visible on earth. The darkness denotes the beginning, an instinct for birthing. As a symbol, the seed is beneath the ground, representing the start of something new. At this phase, the energy builds in strength and intensity. It is the ideal time for you to set clear intentions and goals, start new projects or new ideas. One can simply write it down, or letting the universe know your goals and desires. The energy is greatly expanded when you create a ceremony or personal meditation, stating your desires with utmost enthusiasm.
Waxing Crescent
After the new moon, the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing, but less than half. Thus it gets bigger and builds up in strength and intensity, signifying the sprouting growth of the seed. At this stage, there is forward motion and a hope for something more to come. There is a gush of energy and a forward moving strength that you can utilize. Moreover, plans, dreams and ideas are growing and it is at this time that you can identify your focus for growth and commitment.
The time between the new and full moon is excellent to enact on the new intentions that you had set on the new moon. It is a time to be positive, motivated and take action. There is an energy expansion that supports new ideas and even the meeting of new people in your life.
First Quarter
This phase is called the “half moon” since it is illuminated one-half and increasing. The seed is now starting to make roots and the forward growth of the plant structure. At this phase, it symbolizes a period of strength, determination, focus, decision-making or re-evaluation, and commitment to action.
Remember to keep moving forward despite the fears, doubts or any emotions that can get in the way. Utilize any emotional energy into a creative passion that you can achieve tasks and finish goals.
Waxing Gibbous
After the first quarter, the illuminated portion is still increasing, but now it is more than half. At this phase, there are buds preparing to bloom. This indicates developmental stage where ideas and plans can be cultivated and refined before the next stage. It represents gaining and attaining. It can be applied to what you wish to gain and develop, such as friends, wealth, skills and such.
Full Moon
At this phase, the moon, earth and sun are aligned like the new moon, but the moon is on the other side of the earth directly opposite the sun. Thus, the entire illuminated portion can be seen on earth, full and round. The seed is at full bloom. This represents fertility, transformation, completion and abundance.
This period is called ‘waning’ because there is diminishing energy. It is an ideal time to let go of anything that doesn’t support your higher purpose, things you want to let go of, release or end. It could be anything from relationships, jobs, thoughts, to emotions.
It is a time for guidance, healing and magic. An evening before this phase can be perfect for recharging your energy. Sit outside and bask in the moonlight. Also, crystals, oracle cards, meaningful jewelry can be exposed to the moon to cleanse and charge up with the moon’s energy.
Be careful for the full moon’s downside including tension, polarity and intense thoughts and emotional behavior. Deviate that extreme energy by putting your thoughts in paper and performing a releasing ceremony.
Waning Gibbous
After maximum illumination, the light gradually decreases. During this time the moon is more than one-half but not fully illuminated, & decreasing. As the moon appears to be getting smaller, it is a good time to focus on getting rid of bad habits, stresses or negative thinking. This is also known as dissemination moon, which brings about energy for better communication, revelation and completion.
Third Quarter
In this phase, it is another “half moon” and decreasing in illumination. At this time, the seeds planted were grown and harvests reaped. It is the point where you stop, contemplate, introspect, reflect & re-evaluate for the future. There is a sense of thinking about what has been accomplished, and getting rid of the negative thoughts and energy for good in preparation for another beginning. This allows you to focus and have a higher universal perspective. This allows creativity and growth for the next stage of goals and new intentions.
Waning Crescent Moon
At this phase, the moon partly illuminated less than one-half, and decreasing until the light is completely gone and formation of new moon. It is the end for the old cycle, the start of approaching new one. It is a time to detach from the world and rest yourself. It is a time to think things over and contemplate which the things you should let go. It is a time to prepare for the start of a new beginning.