Lunar energy exerts a strong influence on our lives and has been sacred to various spiritual traditions throughout the ages. Farmers have traditionally worked with the phases of the moon in order to plant and cultivate their crops. Working with the moon’s energy is as simple as timing your work to coincide with the phases of the moon.
Beginners can start by focusing on the two periods of the moon- waxing, and waning. The waxing moon lasts from the new moon until the full moon. This is the half of the moon cycle when the visible portion of the moon grows larger and the light reflecting off the moon is growing brighter. The energy that comes from a waxing moon is great for planting, growing, and drawing things in. The opposite half of the moon phase- the waning moon- is good for repelling things. This waning period lasts from the full moon until the new moon. During this time the visible portion of the moon diminishes, and the light is less each night.
Once you have spent time with the moon periods and have grown accustomed to working with the major energies of birth and death, you can deepen your lunar work by aligning specifically with each of the eight moon phases. How you do this will depend on your work and whether it is a short or long term goal. Short term goals can be fully realized within one lunar cycle.
Growing Period:
New Moon– During the dark phase of the moon begin by setting your intention.
Waxing Crescent– During the next seven days communicate the intention you set during the dark moon.
First Quarter– Approximately seven days after the new moon, we enter the first quarter when the moon is halfway between new and full. This is the period for taking action towards your intention or goal.
Waxing Gibbous– During the final period of time during this period, gather your results and analyze where you are at.
Waning Period:
Full Moon– When the moon is fully illuminated complete your work or make adjustments.
Waning Gibbous– Once the moon starts to wane share what you have learned.
Third Quarter– When the moon is once again halfway between full and new, complete any remaining work for this goal.
Waning Crescent– As the moon cycles back to new, let go of everything. Close your work and rest.
If your goal is something that can’t be reached in one lunar cycle you will be better served to follow a cycle as detailed below. You would repeat this cycle for as many lunar phases as necessary to reach your goal.
Growing Period:
New Moon– Set your intention or goal in a way that focuses on drawing something in. (ex: bring in money)
Waxing Crescent– Communicate your intentions.
First Quarter– Take action steps to draw in your desire.
Waxing Gibbous– Gather your results and analyze where you are at.
Waning Period:
Full Moon– Take the intention you set during the new moon and rephrase it to repel something. (ex: reduce debt)
Waning Gibbous– Communicate your intentions.
Third Quarter– Take action to decrease what you are wanting to remove from your life.
Waning Crescent– Gather your results and analyze where you are at.
Working with the phases of the moon will deepen your work by drawing on powerful lunar energy. The same energy that controls the tides can be harnessed for your own work- it just takes intention and planning.