1. There are 8 main stages of the lunar cycle; each stage reflects a different aspect of the moon's lunar energy which we can use and embody in our own lives. The moon does not appear illuminated in the sky from its own light but from the light reflected from the sun. Paying attention to the moon’s phases in the night sky lets you see the cosmic dance playing out between the sun and the moon and how their relationship changes over the course of a lunation (approx 29 days).
Cosmic Flow
2. Discovering your moon sign can help you understand your emotional, quieter side, the side that perhaps you don't share with everyone. For me, my sun sign Aries’ attributes did not strongly resonate with how I feel. Despite being very independent, I’m incredibly sensitive and find myself most at ease when I'm at my desk painting with my favourite melancholic playlist keeping me company. When I discovered my moon was in pisces; a water sign associated with transcendence through the arts, empathy and feeling all the feelings it very much resonated with me.
3. Setting intentions at the start of the lunar cycle (new moon) is a great habit to pick up as it’s far from selfish, it can really help those around you too. It can be hard to make time for yourself, to truly get quiet; away from the noise of the media, our phones and the flux of information at our fingertips. By making a date with ourselves on the new moon (the start of the lunar cycle) we can work with the energy of the moon and the zodiac sign it’s aligned with to really think about what we want to bring into our reality, the gifts that are yet to be unearthed from within us and what makes us spark. Often when we really delve into why we want our desires, we can really explore how they will serve us and also those in our community or circle too.
4. After the new moon phase, the moon will begin to grow out of darkness which is known as the waxing stage. It spends approximately 14 days waxing which is a great time to work on cultivating your energy on what you want to call into your life. Vision boarding, working with affirmations and journaling can help unlock your potential and even help you become more playful in the ways you explore your desires.
5.When the moon reaches peak illumination it is the full moon phase, it’s light is obvious and abundant in the sky and marks the perfect time to check in with your new moon intentions and to see the progress you've made and acknowledge wherever you may be with them. Emotions can feel heightened during this phase so sit with them,meditate and listen for the maternal guidance within you for what to do next.
6. After the full moon the moon begins to decrease in size which is the waning part of the cycle. This is a great time to reflect on where you are with your intentions, explore what’s not serving you and to really explore how you feel. Rather than drowning in toxic positivity or denying your shadow side, it encourages you to explore what may be hidden in your subconscious, blocking or sabotaging our desires. Through journaling and working through these harder, more uncomfortable parts of ourselves we can really appreciate ourselves fully and grow from our experiences.
7. The moon cycle always starts again; giving you another chance to set your intentions; for new beginnings, learning and self discovery and reflection. With all of us having to navigate through uncertainty, new societal norms and constant change due to the global pandemic, we can rely on dependability of the lunar cycle as a sort of natural timer in the sky to help us get into rhythm; not only with the seasons, but with ourselves, to help us persevere with purpose when so much feels out of our control. Understanding the different aspects associated with the moon’s phases can help us appreciate our humanity and the complex spectrum of emotions that we will experience through our lives; the hard and uncomfortable feelings as well as the precious and beautiful, we need them all.
RELATED: What does it mean to dream about the moon?
If you were jumping up and touching the moon in your dream- this might refer to your ambitions. When you set goals and have aspirations- you always aim high. You know you can do anything if you put your mind to it- even if it is going to require a lot of time, effort, dedication and skill... to read more click HERE
