The Moon's Phases

Happy Sunday!

Today’s post is on something that I’ve been studying for a while: the moon’s phases. Why? I’m a nerd, am too curious for my own good, and love learning. This was also the thing that used to confuse me.  I would literally give a confused look when people would say, "the new moons coming. Get ready." It didn't start making sense to me when I started doing my law of attraction rituals a year and half ago. And let’s be honest: I’ve basically been doing school for sixteen years so I might as well learn things that I want to know.

So without further ado here we go.

The moon is associated with femininity and is used in fertility. There are many goddess from various cultures that represent the moon. You may have heard some women say that they start that time of the month when there’s a new moon. I’m not saying this explains the hormonal changes but it does correlate with our natural ecosystem. Furthermore women may also go through the same emotional states. For example I feel renewed during a new moon I feel like I’m losing my mind during a full moon.

What determines the moon’s phases is the light and sun distance and light’s visibility on earth. In other words it’s the moon and earth's positioning. The moon is also a reflection of the sun's light. So in reality it's like a dimming light bulb while the sun is on blast.

The moons phases are 7.4 days apart and takes 29.5 days to travel the earth.  During this time,  people go through many emotions, especially when they are in the manifestation process. I tend to be one of these people...just saying. 

1.  New Moon

The new moon is important for many reasons. It’s when people set out to make their dreams become a reality while others manifest small things (like free concert tickets). It’s honestly a great time to start over in any area of your life whether that be your spiritual practice, working out, or busting an old habit. As I said previously, some women start PMSing.

During this time it’s best to give yourself some alone time.  I usually give myself a few hours to myself and let go of unwanted thoughts. I list out all of my limiting beliefs and change them into positive affirmations. For example if I don’t feel like I believe I believe in myself, I write the phase “I believe in the great work I am doing” and say that to myself. I then write out my manifestations as if they had already happened. It might sound strange but believe me when I tell you: it works.

It’s another form of self-care and setting the intentions for your desires.
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2. Waxing Crescent

The meaning of the Waxing Crescent is to set intentions, hopes, and wishes. It is the time to begin making plans and playing “as if” to the universe. For example if I wanted to learning Spanish, then I would start listening to Spanish music and learning about Spanish culture. I would set the intention to watch Spanish related content for a few hours a day. Not only will this tell the universe that you want to learn Spanish but also your subconscious.

As time goes on, you will become fluent in Spanish (and maybe it's culture too). This probably won't happen in a month but you will begin to see progress.

3. First Quarter Moon

This is when obstacles start coming. Yes it starts to get "hard." The reason I put this in quotations is because challenges are subjective. You can either welcome them or let them tear you apart. Personally I begin to feel resistance in the form of self-doubt (aka the thing that stops us from taking action/slows us down). Nevertheless, this is the time to work hard and do the “grind.” It may feel like you’re not getting anything done but trust me when I tell you that you are. The universe is listening to you and is working in your favor.

The main thing to remember during this phase is to keep your intentions and vibrations high. DO NOT let self-doubt talk you out of your dreams. You are the determining factor of your destiny, no one else.

4. Waxing Gibbous

This is a time to reevaluate, let go, and move on. Don’t be hard on yourself. As a Taurus this is something I struggle with. Then again I also think it's also because I'm only twenty one. Anyways, if things aren’t working out as you planned let them go. Otherwise they will seep into your subconscious and it will become a limiting belief. And I really don’t wish that for ya’ll.

"The moon is a loyal companion.
It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human.
Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.” 
- Tahereh Mafi  - Shatter Me

5.  Full Moon

Oh those full moons. When the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the zodiac. We’ve been through so many this year. And as I’ve seen, tensions build. Which can lead to resentment. Which lends itself to drama. Therefore don’t get overly emotional or attached. Work through these issues and keep moving forward.
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The best way to move past these tension is to wish good things for yourself and others. It’s also a good idea to charge your charge crystals under the moon (yes I do this. Don’t judge me), and wish good health for others.

6. Waning Gibbous

This is a time to practice gratitude and spread positivity. This could be doing a chore for someone or giving a gift to someone when they didn’t ask for it. This is also when you should be seeing the outcome of your hard work. Or at the least the progress of it practice giving back (in any form that you wish)

7.  Last Quarter
This is a time to let go and forgive. To purge bad thoughts and habits that have developed from your manifestation process. It’s also a time that lessons are learned and we gain new insights about ourselves. The way I handle this time of the month is to work out. Which means I run and dance. A lot. But not to the point of mental burnout. That is not what we want for our bodies. It gives me new insights into my personality and self-awareness.
 
 8. Waning Crescent (also known as the Dark Moon)

This is when we get rid of negative energies (including people, places, etc.) and surrender to the universe. The thing to remember is to not make new intentions or else you won’t feel very good. Trust me, take it from someone who’s been there.

An affirmation that helps me during the waning crescent is “When I have faith in the universe, peace becomes real.” It’s from Gabrielle Bernstein’s The Universe Has Your Back card deck which includes daily affirmations. And I can’t tell you how true and real this phase is.  If you trust in it, it will serve you greatly.
 
I hope ya’ll enjoyed this post. This post may feel like a lot but its okay. It was a lot when I first learned all this stuff too. The best way to keep track of all this moon stuff is to have an app (mine’s called The Moon). Nevertheless, it was informational  and fun to look up more details on the moon’s phases. 

I hope ya'll have a great night/day where ever you are. Namaste.

P.S. The first photo is from Flickr, the second photo is my own. When I get better at night time photography ya'll will be the first to know.