For thousands of years, humans have looked to the moon and its cycles for guidance. There are four main moon phases in every cycle and you can use these cycles to help guide you and use this understanding as a means to practice self-care.
The beginning of the lunar month is what is referred to as the New Moon. At this point, the moon is between the sun and the earth, so we cannot see it because the sun is illuminating the opposite side of what is facing us. This is the time of new beginnings. Like a seed, blossoming out of the darkness underneath the soil. Use this phase to set new goals and intentions. This is a wonderful time to begin a new project.
The second phase is known as the Waxing Phase. This is the transition from darkness to light, as light begins to illuminate and fill the moon with light until it is full. This is the period of growth during the moon cycle. This is where you can start to harness some momentum in your actions.
Next comes the Full Moon phase. The moon is fully illuminated and visible to us. Sometimes there can be a super moon, this is when there are more than 2 full moons in one month. When this happens, the moon looks massive as it is rising, and it harnesses even more power. This phase can be a restorative time to start integrating the new lessons you’ve learned and the experiences you’ve had into your psyche.
Finally comes the Waning Phase. In the days before the New Moon, this cycle takes place. This is when we can see the moon go from full, to slowly getting smaller and darker until it is no longer visible in the sky. It is a time for rest and reflection as you prepare for the New Moon ahead.
I hope you find this simple explanation of the moon’s cycles helpful. When it comes down to it, we are all a part of the universe and we are all interconnected. When we can acknowledge this fact and work to align ourselves with the Universe’s natural cycles we can achieve higher vibrations and levels of awareness in ourselves and others.
Via Modern Mystic, edited by Elena Genik