Moon planning 101: How to Set Intentions with the Moon Phases
“The moon is queen of everything. She rules the oceans, rivers, rain. When I am asked whose tears these are; I always blame the moon.”
– Lucille Clifton
Did you know that by aligning your endeavors and efforts with the phases of the moon can help you remove unnecessary resistance to your routines and ultimately help manifest your best life? Let me tell you how.
The moon is earth’s only natural satellite and the brightest celestial body in the sky after the sun. Scientifically, the moon controls the tides and the reproductive cycles of many animal species. Astrologically, the moon represents our emotions, intuition and subconscious. Symbolically, the moon is a powerful feminine energy that embraces the natural rhythms of the universe. People have been admiring the moon, her beauty and her mystery for thousands of years and the careful observation of her phases even helped develop the calendar systems.
By becoming aware of the moon’s energy and aligning with the phases of the lunar cycle we can find a deeper sense of self and be better equipped to manifest our goals into reality.
Just like the moon we go through phases, let’s learn to embrace them and live our best life.
Planning according to the moon phases:
Moon mapping: the art of aligning your life and goal setting endeavors with the phases of the moon. Each of the phases in the lunar cycle is an opportunity to work on your self development in a different way. The new moon is breath of inspiration that brings a fresh start and two weeks later during the full moon our intuition is heightened for reflecting and releasing. The waxing phases illuminate light on the areas of life that needs to be worked on and the waning phases brings in the darkness we need to reflect on our inner worlds.
To get started with moon phase planning you will need to understand each of the 8 lunar phases, what they mean and how they energetically affect our efforts. Then get a lunar calendar to keep track of the cycles and a moon journal to keep track of your feelings throughout the cycle. After a few months of moon mapping you’ll have a better understanding of yourself and an improved strategy for goal setting. I’ll show you the importance of each lunar phase and how to harness the energy they emit to organize your intentions and manifest your dream life.
The 8 phases of the moon:
A moon or lunar cycle is referring to the transition of the 8 phases of the moon. The moon takes 27.3 days to orbit the earth the lunar phase (the time from new moon to new moon) take about 29.5 days.
New Moon
Key words: Planting, Beginnings, Intentions
The energy of the New Moon or The Dark Moon brings inspiration and opportunity for new beginnings. The darkness that the new moon brings is perfect for reflecting and meditating to bring forth your hearts truest desires.
Spend some time journaling, getting know yourself and preparing to be open to change. This is the time to set new intentions, new goals, start new projects while setting new boundaries and standards for yourself as well.
Ask yourself: what do I want to grow this cycle?
Related:
25 New Moon affirmations for embracing new beginnings.
Waxing Crescent
Key words: Sprouting, Evolving, Manifesting
The Waxing Crescent brings the aspirational energy that we need to take action on our goals and desires . The darkness is gone and the light of the moon is growing and so are the seeds of your intention. Stay inspired and continue to let your creativity spark. This is the time to plan and outline your goals so that you stay organized throughout the cycle.
Ask yourself: How will I execute my new goals and intentions?
First Quarter
Key words: Growing, Attracting, Practicing
The First Quarter brings us the momentum that we need to make progress on our goals. Half of the moons surface is illuminated with light and the energy of your desires is growing in intensity. This is the time to take full action on your goals and focus on your productivity and personal growth .
Ask yourself: How am I feeling as I take action on my goals?
Waxing Gibbous
Key words: Tending, Dedicating, Flowing
The Waxing Gibbous bring us energy to continue to commit to our goals and work towards our intentions. The moon is almost full and the lunar energy is almost at its peak. Refine + edit your action strategy and continue to take the steps to align with your dreams. This is the time to trust the your hard work is paying off and that your intentions are being cultivated.
Ask yourself: What has truly been working for me this cycle? What has not?
Full Moon
Key words: Blooming, Celebrating, Releasing
The energy of the Full Moon brings us a greater sense of intuition and helps us release what is no longer serving our highest good. The moon is at is most powerful phase now and its gravitational energy is pulling up feelings from deep within. Celebrate the progress you’ve made on your goals and reflect on how you’ve been feeling since this is the halfway point of the cycle. This is the time to express gratitude for what’s been working and finally let go of what’s been causing resistance.
Ask yourself: What am I ready to release from my life?
Related:
Waning Gibbous
Key words: Harvesting, Nurturing, Receiving
The waning gibbous brings us peace and lets us know that we need to start slowing down and resting more. The lunar energy is waning in intensity and all your hard work is starting to pay off. Resist the urge to start new projects and use your down time to relax. This is the time to sit back, do less and receive the abundance of new experiences and opportunities that you’ve been manifesting.
Ask yourself: What have I learned about myself so far this cycle?
Third Quarter
Key Words: Transitioning, Healing, completing
The Third Quarter or the Last Quarter brings us the chance reflect on our self development and come into terms with the change that is starting to occur in our lives. This cycle is almost complete and the moon is illuminating less light. Start to transition back into the introspective energy that the Dark Moon creates. This is the time for healing and removing blockages that have come up through the cycle.
Ask yourself: What habits and patterns are holding me back from embodying my desires? What can I do next cycle to self improve more?
Waning Crescent
Key Words: Preparing, surrounding, reflecting
The Waning Crescent brings us the final release we need to fully embrace the change we manifested.This is the last phase of an eventful cycle and the intensity of the lunar energy is calming down. Prioritize self care and recharging for the next cycle. This is the time to nurture yourself in preparation for greatness. It is important to be comfortable and renewed as you move into the next New Moon.
Ask yourself: What brings me comfort and joy? How can I bring more of that into my life the next cycle?
How moon planning helps:
By intentionally aligning ourselves with nature and the phases of the moon we can become in-tune with ourselves and experience less resistance when going after our goals. Having an understanding of the energy of the 8 phases of the moon is that first start to living a lunar aligned life. The most important is to embrace your own authentic energy and the ebs and flows of your own life. The moon is one of the many guides we have to show us the way. My full collection of writing about moon energy and lunar wisdom is here.