Moon Phases – Set Your Intentions
Each evening we look up into the night’s sky and notice the changes in the moon’s shape.
The different shapes of the moon that we see are called moon phases that set your intentions. The moon does not produce its own light, nor does the view of the moon change. There is only one light source in our solar system, and that is the sun. Without the sun, we would not be able to see the moon.
We only see one side of the moon as it is tidally locked to Earth. Meaning it rotates, but at the same speed it rotates around the earth, so the same side is always turned to us. Taking us back to school, we remember that the moon orbits around the earth, which takes approx. 29.53 days. During those days, the moon goes through its lunar cycle.
Each lunar cycle consists of 8 phases.
Each phase creates a cyclical rhythm for change and renewal. By understanding the power of the moon, you can align your intentions and use the moon’s energy and its path to guide you. Below are what each phase signifies and how you can use moon phases to set your intentions.
Phase 1 – New Moon Dark
- Signifies new beginnings, a power that everything is being cleared.
- A time to plant seeds. What do you want? Set your intention.
Phase 2 – Waxing Crescent (looks like a D)
- The seeds are in the ground and have to acclimate with their surroundings to sprout.
- Environment plays a big part in achieving your intentions.
- During this phase, you are willing to move past the uncomfortable to achieve your goals. You are fully invested and ready to move forward. Some struggle may present itself, but you decide to work through it.
Phase 3 – First Quarter (1/2 Shown – 1/4 through its cycle) getting bigger
- After the struggle, the seed begins to sprout and leaves begin to show.
- This is a time you build structures, allowing old wounds to heal, bringing new people into your life. Putting effort into your intention.
- A time for you to spend making or reflecting on any decision in life, using previous experiences to make future decisions.
Phase 4 – Waxing Gibbous – swollen or convex
- The bud on flowers begins to appear; the promise of a flower, something beautiful.
- A time to tweak your goals and refine details.
- A time to perfect and refine your intention.
- You will not be swayed at this time.
- You can see the manifestation occurring; it’s an exciting time.
Phase 5 – Full Moon – opposite sun and sky. Earth between Sun and Moon
- Flowers have emerged.
- Time for spiritual growth.
- You have solid clarity, not blind faith.
- People want to be around you.
- Your confidence grows.
- Acknowledgment and success appear. It’s really happening.
Phase 6 – Waning Gibbous – light side is shrinking
- Fruit of the blossom.
- A time to reflect and focus on gratitude.
- Giving is purposeful.
Phase 7 – Third Quarter (1/2 shown – 3/4 though its cycle) getting smaller
- The fruit has been harvested, flowers have died… the plant begins to wither and gives back to the earth.
- A time for you to break down old structures and prepare for new ones.
- Make adjustments, be better, change, continue to evolve and grow.
Phase 8 – Waning Crescent (looks like a C)
- The plant dies and leaves its seeds behind to be planted.
- A time for you to shed ideas, beliefs, behaviors, patterns that no longer serve you.
- Forgive your mistakes, forgive others… move on.
- Getting ready for the next chapter, evolution, spiritual growth.
The moon provides us with an analogy to human life.
We can look to the new moon as infancy, the waxing crescent is our youth and adolescent, the full moon represents maturity and pregnancy, the waning crescent signifies sleep and death.
Therefore, as I look to the night sky, the moon has my fullest respect and admiration. I will always look at it with wonder and awe. As I think of the vast universe, the moon gives me comfort. The moon’s forgiving beauty reminds me of its power to move oceans. I know, whether I can see it or not, it is up there waiting to shine its luminous light on our soul. So, it’s true that moon phases are to set your intentions.
The symbolism of the moon
Cyclical nature of life
Magic
Protection
Fertility
Motherhood
Emotional nature of the individual – feminine side/inner child, change
Cleanse/Charge Crystals under a full Moon
You can use the full moon’s energy to cleanse and charge your crystals of any unwanted or accumulated energy. On the night of the Full Moon, gather your crystals and lay them outside so they soak up all of the moon’s luminous energy. If possible, leave them overnight.
However, make sure to check the weather report for rain or mist as certain crystals can start to degrade such as Calcite and Selenite. As water can cause damage to certain crystals, so can the sun. Be sure to gather your crystals the next day before the sun gets too harsh, as some stones are sensitive to sunlight.