Moon Cycles & Meanings

All About the Mysterious Moon, its Cycles, its Spiritual Symbology & How to Utilize its power - Personal Development & Manifestation Moon Tips

The Mysterious Moon

This article written by Natalia Kuna was published in the Personal Development magazine:
"Alive, So Make it Count."

We have all looked up at the moon at some point of our lives and been in a state of awe at its magical presence and sheer magnitude. It illuminates the sky and appears as a grand beacon of light and mystery. Its luminosity harks us back to our celestial origins and speaks of our purity, holiness and eternal essence. Its enigmatic transparency radiates an incandescent candor suggesting that in truth all is illuminated or shall be revealed, and it offers hope and the promise of a new day. It is a stark icon of God's mysterious, cosmic creation, hinting also at the supernatural co-existence of the 'hidden' worlds. In fact the moon has a number of Gods, Goddesses and Beings attributed to its lunar powers, and is compellingly associated with mystery, intuition and wisdom.

The moon grandly reminds us of birth, death and all the cycles in between. Through its rebirthing, it hints at the soul's cycles of continual reincarnation. It is always there.  Both its stoic presence and constant pattern of repeating cycles glowingly reminds us of the interplay between the essence of our own eternal spirit, and the undulating rhythms and patterns of all living things including nature - infinitely cyclical and reoccurring.

Its profound connection to water represents our emotions and the innate depths of our subconscious mind.  It powerfully affects the tides on earth as well as female menstruation. In fact, the full moon often naturally induces pregnant women (with their watery womb) to go into labour and give birth.

In its shadows we see our own shadows - the dark and lurking thoughts and persuasions of our consumed and watery minds. It conveys a sultry moodiness that echoes its potent ability to affect our own moods.

Curiously, scientific research has found that as all matter holds a frequency, including the moon, these frequencies have the ability to affect humans and animals even if it is on a seemingly subtle level. The frequencies of the moon can profoundly affect and influence the thoughts and impressions in our sub-conscious mind, causing things to surface to the conscious mind and bring them to our awareness.

When there is a full moon, the frequencies are much more active, and so there is a heightened activity and intensity. Intense thoughts, feelings and behavioral patterns emerge, and in extreme cases manifest as various forms of psychosis.  It has just come to me that the word 'looney' must come from 'lunar', since not only general hospitals, but also psychiatric wards are reportedly busier on a full moon.

Moon Cycles

Take the time to observe the moon and pay attention to its changing cycles. Think about taking an inventory of how the moon may be affecting your life. Are you in sync with its natural rhythms and symbolical cues, or are you fighting them? Learning to honour, work with and even capitalize on the moon's energies is a great tool for your spiritual growth.

By understanding the energy of each phase of the moon’s cycle, you can begin to connect and work with the cycles in a deep way and have a better understanding of how they might influence you personally.

The Journey of the Moon Through its Cycle

Every marked phase of the moon has its own special energy and magic. There is spiritual metaphor in meaning in each chapter of the cycle. In fact, the recurrent motion of the moon can be analogized with the cyclical process of a seed sprouting into a full flower in bloom and then retreating back again, or dying. This course of life and death signifies an ending and a new beginning, ready for the next physical seed to grow or metaphorical dream to be born.

The New Moon

The new moon has no illumination. It appears dark and not visible (except during a solar eclipse). As it is dark, it denotes the beginning, with a primal instinct for birthing. The seed, as a symbol, is beneath the ground. So this represents the germination stage, where you can initiate the emergence of something new by setting your intentions for what you wish to grow.

Energy from the New Moon up to the Full Moon gradually builds in strength and intensity, so the New Moon is the ideal time to set clear intentions and goals, start new projects and give rise to new ideas and ventures. This can be done in a magical way, by simply writing down or letting the universe know your goals and desires. The energy for bringing about your desires is even more greatly expanded when you create a little ritual, ceremony or personal meditation, and state your desires with heart-felt positivity and surety.

New Moon Manifesting Ritual

A great new moon ritual you can do to make the most of the powerful energies, is to write down your list of desires and intentions for the next month. Make sure that if you are asking for an amount of add small things as well, as when they appear, you will be happy and this will add to the manifestation power. Do this within 8 hours of the new moon.

You can get into the creative process and use coloured pencils or pens if you wish. The idea is that the more energy you put into it, the better the results. The process also creates a sense of magic and ritual. Really get into the feeling of your manifestations as if they are happening right now and use the present tense in your sentences. This one of the keys to manifestation.

As with the full moon ceremony, read the list out loud and bury or burn it, or place it somewhere so that you can look back at it during the following month’s new moon, then if there is something that has actualized into reality, show gratitude by thanking the Universe. You can then revise the list and make any alterations which match where your intentions are now. As you manifest things, you can re-write the list at any time, omitting the items that .you have manifested, or anything that no longer tickles your fancy.

During the following month, stay open to any opportunities, ideas or signs and make sure you take action. I have heard that it can take up to three moon cycles for your wishes to manifest, so practice faith and patience and allow the universe to do its magic!

New Moon Abundance Cheques

This image has been created by Natalia Kuna www.nataliakuna.com

On a new moon and within the 24 hours after it, you can also physically write out a cheque to the universe for whatever sum you desire and that you think is reasonable. The trick is not to write something that you subconsciously feel blocked to receive. By writing the cheque you are setting the intention and signaling to the Universe that you are ready and willing to receive. This can become a monthly ritual that acts to re-assert your intention and show the universe you mean business!

You can use a real cheque, or one that you draw or type up. There are also a lot of abundance cheque templates you can find online. You may use or copy the one I made to the right. When you fill out the cheque, write out your name where it says “Pay to,” and in the area where you would write out the dollar amount, write: “Paid in full.”

Within 24 hours after a New Moon, have your cheque in front of you. Where it says "Pay to," write your name, and you can also add all names you’ve ever gone by. As for the amount, there are two things you can do. One is to write down a specific amount, the other more effective way is to write "Paid in full," which opens you up to a limitless amount for your Highest Good. Then, instead of signing the cheque with your name, write: "The Law of Abundance." When you are finished, put it in a safe or special place and forget about it. The Universe will take care of it from there. Remember to stay positive though.

A Note on the New Moon & Manifesting Desires:

Remember, new moons are a period where we can manifest new beginnings and focus on bringing in qualities and items that we desire. This is spiritual intention.

If you work with the law of attraction and integrate new moon energy, at the very least you will be clear with your goals and directions, and at the ideal highest level, you will be fueling and maximizing your manifestation power.

Added to this, whichever star sign the new moon is in for that month (and this is always changing), the qualities and energies of that sign will be impacting and influencing us, and we can work with the energies in a mindful and zoned in way when doing our intention work.

So for example when a new moon falls in Libra, where the qualities of the star sign Libra (fairness, harmony and beauty for example) are extra highlighted, and can be brought about and worked with in your own life.

A MOON QUESTION...

Columba Asks...

I received this question from Columba, in my Dear Natalia column (you too can ask me a question: click here)

"I buried my intention with the new moon. At the quarter moon I had a clearer image and wrote a more specific intention since it felt well, right. Several days later the note card I had buried with the more specific intention was unburied and laying in my garden and the crystal was gone. What does this mean?"

Dear Columba,
Thanks so much for your awesome question!

My first impression is that the fairies / elementals (nature spirits) were cutely and powerfully involved. You were right to trust your own gut (intuition) and revise/empower your intentions on the quarter moo. Good on you! Always follow your own hunches and inspirations.

The quarter moon, which I am assuming was the first quarter after the new moon, also contains much magical power. The new moon energy of setting your intentions and the power of new ideas / beginnings lasts for two weeks!

It is a great time to confidently complete actions and ideas. It is the perfect time to overcome obstacles and progress forwards. It is also an ideal time for reevaluating your goals and actions. Your specific intent and emotional input all added to the power of your actions.

My feeling is that the note was released back and your crystal was taken away to show that it is no longer needed and that your intentions are working and in positive progress. I would take it as an awesome, clear sign from Spirit that your prayers have been powerfully heard and activated.

Well done Columba, how exciting and also inspiring for others. Now, I have some questions for you:

1. Out of curiosity, was it a white or green crystal? What kind of crystal was it?
2. How did you feel, when you made the discovery?
3. Have you noticed any changes, or other occurrences?

To ask me a question, click here.
To see other questions answered, click here.

Waxing Crescent

After the new moon, the moon 'waxes', meaning it gets bigger and builds up in strength and intensity, signifying the sprouting growth of the seed. Waxing Crescent moon is partly illuminated by less than one-half, and increasing. Things are moving forward and there is the hope of more to come. It provides a burst of energy and forward moving strength and power that you can tap into. Our plans, dreams and ideas are growing and this is a great period to focus on anything which you would like to deepen, grow and commit to.

The time between the new moon and full moon in general is ideal to enact on the new intentions that you set on the new moon. This is the perfect time to be positive, motivated and take action steps with faith. It is also an auspicious time to start something new, sign contracts or make big purchases. The energy of expansion supports new ideas and even the meeting of new people in your life.

First Quarter

The moon is one-half and increasing in illumination. The seed is now presenting a root and plant structure on its way to growing and moving forward.

This symbolizes a period of strength, determination, concentration, decision-making or re-evaluation, and commitment to action.

During this time, remember to keep soldiering forward, despite any fears, emotions or doubts that might get in your way. Turn around any emotional energy into creative passion so that you can get things done and finish goals.

Waxing Gibbous

The moon is one-half but not fully illuminated, although increasing in illumination, therefore it represents gaining and attaining. So this can be applied to what you wish to gain and develop, such as friends, wealth, skills etc.

Now the buds are preparing to bloom. This is the developmental stage where ideas and plans can be cultivated and fine-tuned before the next stage of manifestation.

Full Moon

A full moon is full and round. It appears to be completely illuminated by direct sunlight as the sun and moon are directly opposite each other. Being fully-luminated, it represents fertility, transformation, completion and abundance. The seed is in full bloom.

This period is called 'waning' because the once expanding energies will now be starting to diminish, or get smaller. This is why this is the perfect period to let go of anything that no longer serves your higher purpose, that you want to let go of, release or end. This can be anything from certain relationships, jobs, thoughts, situations and emotions, to de-cluttering and weight-loss. The moon will act in your favour and you will achieve good results.

It is a potent and powerful time for guidance, healing and magic, as well as positive intentions, including improving your psychic abilities. The evening before the full moon is perfect for recharging your energy. You can sit outside and bathe in the light of the moon. Also, place your crystals, oracle cards, meaningful jewelry and so on out in the moon or on a windowsill at this time to cleanse and charge up with the moon’s powerful cleansing energy.

Watch out for the downside of full moon energy, which includes tension, polarity and intense thoughts and emotional behavior. Turn that extreme energy into purging by directing your thoughts onto paper and performing a releasing ceremony.

Full Moon Releasing Ceremony

The Full Moon is a perfect time to create a little ceremony, whether that be by yourself or in a group. You can make your ritual as simple or elaborate as you like, it really is up to you, and it needn’t take long. Intention is key.

Start by lighting a candle to create a sacred space of ritual and establish a pure connection with Spirit. Write down a list of anything you wish to release from your life (or if you prefer you can say it mentally). This means letting go of the energy of the things that no longer serve you, whether that be stale friendships, health issues, financial lack, anger or unforgiveness - whatever it is for you.

Then, you can also ceremoniously burn or bury your list (if burning, put your list in a pot that will burn safely). I like to advocate doing this any way that feels true and meaningful to you. You can also call in the archangels or your spirit guides, and proclaim out loud or silently what you wish to release.

For example you could say:

"I bless and release all draining or toxic people from my life.

"I release my need to control situations."

"I release my feelings of low self-esteem.”

“I release all lack mentality and feeling of not deserving.

“I release my need to please.”

Or just: “I release you, I release you, I release you.” (there is power doing it three times)

If you want to be really dramatic or feel the effects in a bigger way, you can loudly and firmly say something like:

“Be gone!”

As there are associations with the full moon and the Goddess mother aspect, you can also honour and connect with the energies of Goddesses such as Isis and Cerridwen, or the Archangel Haniel.

Waning Gibbous

During this time the moon is more than one-half but not fully illuminated, & decreasing. As the moon appears to be getting smaller, it is a good time to focus on ridding of things such as bad habits, stresses or negative thinking.

This is also known as the dissemination moon, bringing about energies for heightened communication, revelation and completion.

Last Quarter

The moon is one-half and decreasing in illumination. This is like a half-way point - a kind of calm, contemplative time of introspection, reflection & re-evaluation for the future. The seed has now planted fully and all harvests have been reaped.

There is a sense of thinking about what has been accomplished, and shedding the old (including negative thoughts) before the new can come into place. This entails ridding of any kind of negative thoughts or energy for good so that you can focus positively on a higher universal perspective, take full responsibility, and allow for the creativity and growth that will manifest in the next stage of goals and new intentions.

Waning Crescent

The waning crescent moon (also known as the Balsamic moon) is partly illuminated less than one-half, and decreasing.

The old cycle ends and the new one is near. This is a time to withdraw from the world, rest and renew yourself. It is also the final releasing & purging stage. Think things over, contemplate and complete anything remaining. Think of what you need to banish, such as relationships or projects that are no longer serving you or that you have lost interest in, as you prepare for new seeds with the start of the next cycle.