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Just as in nature, our lives move in cycles. From the planets and the stars to every kind of life on earth, we each go through stages of development. We can observe the patterns in nature, like the phases of the moon, to help us better understand and heal during the cycles in our own lives.
Phases of the Moon
Like the earth, the moon is always half-illuminated by the sun. As the moon circles the earth, we see more or less of the illuminated side, causing the phases of the moon. The phases of the moon get their names from the part of the lunar cycle they fall under according to Moon Connection.com.
Just as the moon controls the ocean's tides, the moon's waxing and waning also resembles the rhythm of our own lives. We can turn to the moon as a source of healing and understanding to live in harmony with nature.
Healing with Phases of the Moon
New Moon: A Time for New Beginnings
Positioned between the earth and the sun, the moon receives no direct sunlight and is lit only by dim sunlight reflected from earth. As the first cycle in the moon’s phases, the new moon represents new beginnings and presents a moment to let go off old ways and welcome renewal energy.
Harness the new moon energy by setting intentions for the moon cycle ahead by getting clear on goals or letting go of vices.
Waxing Crescent: A Time for Growth and Expansion
As the moon circles the earth, the side we can see gradually becomes more illuminated by direct sunlight. Those seeds of “new beginnings” planted during the new moon begin to grow as the side of the moon gradually becomes more visible. Think of this as a time to increase expansion in life and focus on intentions related to abundance.
Harness waxing crescent moon energy by putting yourself out there (socially, romantically, in your career, or otherwise) and taking the time to expand your mind through learning and trying new things. It’s time to step outside of your comfort zone and take a risk and to create space in your life to welcome unexpected surprises from the universe. Healthwise, nurture your health with nutritious foods and drink more water.
Half Moon (First Quarter): A Time to Refocus
During the half moon, the moon has traveled about a quarter of the way around earth since the new moon. The seeds you have planted during the new moon begin to take fruition. You begin to take root and feel your inner power.
Harness half moon energy by capitalizing on your determination and stay focused on intentions. You may also want to take this as a halfway point to reevaluate your direction as you move forward.
Waxing Gibbous: A Time for Attainment
As the area of illumination continues to increase, we can see more than half of the moon's face getting sunlight. This indicates the phase of the moon in which your “seeds” begin to blossom and represents a time of gaining and attainment.
Harness waxing gibbous energy by taking the time to relax and enjoy the fruits of our labor after we have achieved our dreams.Start to take your foot off the gas and begin to welcome the payoff of your hard work.
Full Moon: A Time to Shine
The moon and the sun face each other directly in this phase in which the moon appears fully illuminated from earth's perspective. Meditation and healing take place in its fullest during a full moon. The seed is in full bloom. See this as an opportunity to take in the power of the full moon. This period represents transformation, fertility, and completion.
Harness full moon energy by taking this as a time for radiance and empowerment. What have you accomplished so far? Feel empowered in your achievements.
The full moon represents a time to bask in the moonlight. Many see this as an opportunity to use crystals, oracle cards, and meaningful jewelry to cleanse and charge with the moon’s energy.
Others consider the full moon a time of tricks and mischief so take care to avoid tensions and strong emotional reactions. Focus on healing energy to calm intense thoughts and feelings.
Waning Gibbous: A Time for Release
As the moon continues to circle the earth, the amount of sunlight reflecting the surface begins to decrease. Now begins the waning phases as the light of the moon gradually decreases.
As the moon becomes smaller in the sky, harness waning gibbous moon energy by thinking of this as a time to reduce bad habits and negative thinking. Also called the disseminating moon, this marks a phase for closing chapters and completion.
Last Quarter (Third Quarter): A Time for Reflection
The moon moves another quarter of the way around the earth, and the sun's light shines on the other half of the visible face of the moon. Now we see the half moon as it decreases in illumination.
Harness the last quarter moon energy by seeing this as a time of contemplation and reflection upon the progress made over the past month. Consider your achievements and where you would like to move forward for growth during the next phase of your goals.
Waning Crescent: A Time to Rest
Less than half of the moon's face appears, and the amount of sunlight decreases. Now the moon only appears partially illuminated in the sky just before the formation of the new moon. It marks the end of the lunar cycle.
Harness the waning crescent moon energy by taking this as a moment to heal and rest as you prepare for the next phase of the moon.
Sometimes we forget how much the patterns of nature reflect our day to day lives. Remember, that like the lunar cycle, our lives move through phases. Flow with the natural cycle by knowing when to start over with new intentions, when to reap the rewards of hard work, and finally, when to heal and rest.
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