Living with the Moon’s Phases

No matter your level of astrological interest, it has been scientifically proven that the different phases of the moon affect us as humans - take, for example, a 2013 study that demonstrated that the lunar cycle modulates sleep at melatonin rhythms. You’re already biologically synced up to the moon, but if you’re looking to live your life even more in sync with the moon’s rhythms, here’s a guide to the moon’s phases and how to work with them!

Connecting more deeply to the lunar cycle can help you feel more connected to nature and the natural cycles of life. By honouring the way our energy fluctuates according to the moon’s position, we can feel more at ease with the way life is flowing.

In astrology, the moon largely signifies our emotional landscape. It also represents our subconscious, our needs, receptivity, the past, our home, and roots, and is often a symbol of our mother or maternal energy. We can look to our natal moon sign to see how these themes are likely to manifest in our lives, and consult the current lunar cycle to observe where the general emotional energy is at. 

The moon takes about 30 days to make a full trip around the Earth, and therefore travel through all 12 signs of the Zodiac. The New Moon always occurs in the sign of the astrological season we’re currently in, while the Full Moon will be in the opposite sign. For example, during Pisces season, we will have a New Moon in Pisces and a Full Moon in Virgo. 

Now, let’s dive into how we can work with the moon cycle!

New Moon

1-3½ days after the Balsamic Moon

The New Moon occurs when the Moon is in exact alignment with the Sun, when they are separated by 0 degrees. In astrology, this position or aspect is known as a conjunct. When we have Sun conjunct Moon, the conscious (Sun) merges with the unconscious (Moon). It’s a very Yin or receptive moment -  a time for new beginnings, to plant seeds and to set intentions.

When setting intentions, we are ideally aligning them with the energy of the astrological season. For example, a New Moon in Pisces is an opportune moment to set intentions for Pisces themes related to spirituality, healing, and forgiveness, to name a few. 

Waxing Crescent Moon

3½–7 days after the New Moon

In terms of the moon’s phases, waxing indicates growing larger, when the moon’s surface becomes increasingly illuminated. The energy here is shifting from yin to yang, or from receptive to active energy.

After the fresh start of the New Moon, the Waxing Crescent moon is a chance to explore your dreams and intentions you just established. It’s time to re-examine them, yet move ahead and have faith. Notice if there’s any resistance or fear coming up surrounding your intentions and examine it. It’s important to process any blockages fully, no matter their magnitude, so that you can move forward on your journey.

First Quarter Moon

7–10½ days after the New Moon

As the yang energy of the waxing moon builds, the First Quarter Moon is the time to reconnect to your why - the motivation surrounding your intentions - and fully commit to them.

At the peak of this lunar phase, the Moon is 90 degrees away from the Sun. This position or aspect is known as a square, astrologically speaking, and may indicate challenges or crises arising. While there may be tensions between the conscious and unconscious, this is a time to take actions on your dreams.

Gibbous Moon

10½–15 days after the New Moon

In the days leading up to the Full Moon, we are under the influence of the Gibbous Moon. The word gibbous means convex or protuberant, so at this time the energies are literally bursting with potential. Stay on course for your intentions to manifest. Tweak, refine, and adjust them if necessary, but keep on truckin’ regardless.

This is a moment to remain vigilant. And to ask yourself - do you need to recommit to any routines or good habits to help support your intentions? 

Full Moon

15–18½ days after the New Moon

Approximately two weeks after the New Moon, we have the Full Moon! This is when the moon is at peak yang energy. There is a sense of climax in the lunar cycle here, emotions tend to run high, many people have trouble falling asleep and might be their most energetic around this time of the month.

Astrologically, we have the Sun opposite the Moon, meaning they are 180 degrees apart. It’s a time for release, especially when it comes to emotions. There is a sense of completion here as well, and we may experience the manifestation of the seeds we planted at the New Moon or see indications that they’re clearly underway. If these are bigger or longer-term goals, note that it is more likely you’ll receive your manifestations at the Full Moon corresponding to the current New Moon, rather than within the confines of the current lunar cycle. For example, with a New Moon in Pisces, observe what has come to fruition during Full Moon in Pisces six months later.

Full Moons are always a time to celebrate what you’ve accomplished and embodied during this lunar cycle and beyond and to let things go! If certain things aren’t working for you, allow yourself to release them. Some people like to write down what they’d like to release and then burn the paper. I encourage you to release in whatever way makes sense to you. In addition to celebrating and releasing, take inventory of all that you have to be grateful for. Thank the Universe or whatever or whoever you wish for everything that’s come your way and everything that’s still to come.

Disseminating Moon

3½–7 days after the Full Moon

After the release of the Full Moon, the lunar cycle is beginning to wind down, initiating the waning phase. The energy shifts from action-oriented yang, to a more receptive and contemplative yin.

This is a time to mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhale, to relax into your reality. Now and until the next New Moon is not an opportune time to start something new. 

Be gentle with yourself and consider connecting to the name of this moon - are there lessons you’ve gleaned from this lunar cycle you could share or disseminate with others at this time?

Third Quarter or Last Quarter Moon

7–10½ days after the Full Moon

The Third Quarter Moon, also known as the Last Quarter Moon, is still very much a time for rest. Just as in the First Quarter Moon, we have Sun squaring the Moon, so conflicts or challenges may once again arise.

See what messages emerge from any challenge or conflict and how this fits in with your intentions or overall journey. Re-evaluate what’s going on, make adjustments if necessary, and invite more stillness into your life.

Bring a sense of acceptance to the observations of how far you’ve come. Take responsibility for what you’ve accomplished and what remains. Make space for the new to come in.

Balsamic Moon

10½ days after the Full Moon until the beginning of the New Moon

The very tasty-sounding Balsamic Moon comes from the word balsam, meaning anything healing or soothing. In the days leading up to the New Moon, take it easy. Rest, surrender, allow yourself to daydream. This is an opportune moment to release any relationships that aren’t serving you, and that would be best to unburden yourself from before the beginning of the next lunar cycle. 

While I am still relatively new to living my life in accordance to the moon’s phases, I reflected upon the lunar cycle I’m currently in and noticed that many of the phases aligned to certain feelings or situations. For example, there was a conflict that emerged in the Third Quarter moon phase. What about you? Looking back on the past few weeks, do you notice any correspondences between your own cycle and that of the moon? What’s your relationship to the moon? Let me know in the comments below!  

Want to connect even deeper with the moon?
I invite you to join me, Rebecca, and our community for our monthly online New Moon workshop!

Click here for more information.

Yasmin Boland’s Moonology was consulted for this post.