If the moon smiled, she would resemble you.
- Sylvia Plath
Tonight at 8:53 pm PST is the first full moon 2015! Instead of resolutions this year, I'm exploring a new goal-setting technique. I want to reacquaint myself with the moon, my gentle luminous friend in the sky, and live my life according to her ebb and flow.
I've been doing some reading on the subject - and when we work with the moon's phases, we align ourselves with her energy and power - making it easier to achieve our desires, goals and resolutions. With lunar assistance, we can become co-creators of our lives. And learn a lot about ourselves in the process.
A new moon teaches gradualness and deliberation, and how one gives birth to oneself slowly.
- Rumi
Want to join me in this little experiment? Below are descriptions of the eight 4-day lunar phases with tips on how to use them to your advantage. Pay attention to how you feel during each one to learn your own individual rhythms. After a few months of tracking, you'll begin to notice a stronger connection with the moon, which will eventually take on a deeper level of meaning in your life.
NEW MOON: This is a time of conception, literally and figuratively. It represents new beginnings. When all is dark, the sun and moon are in alignment, creating a union of creative potential and receptivity. There is a feeling of excitement and possibility in the air. Ask yourself - what do I desire?
Set a modest intention for something you'd like to receive in your life. Abstract or tangible, anything is possible. Since the moon represents emotions, it's important fully feel your intention.
CRESCENT MOON: You will be tested and called to overcome fears. Habits and limiting beliefs may hold you back. Change can be frightening, but this phase provides an opportunity to discover what's required to move forward. Ask yourself - what must I do to accomplish my vision?
Relax into your intention and take incremental steps toward your desire. Gather any information or resources needed to create a plan of action.
FIRST QUARTER MOON: You've reached a major turning point and may feel outer resistance. You must utilize the energy of the waxing moon, which can be difficult because you're still partially in the dark. This will take trust and commitment.
Take strong action to support your intention. A critical decision must be made to either keep pushing forward or turn back to reevaluate your goal.
GIBBOUS MOON: This is the final push, as you are almost at the end of the first half of the cycle. Others can now see clearly where you are headed. This phase will give you a boost of perseverance and tenacity.
Analyze, prepare and perfect, making minor adjustments and adding finishing touches. If something isn't working, now is the time to fix it. Most importantly, trust and believe that your intention will be fulfilled in perfect timing.
FULL MOON: When there's maximum light and energy, your intention is ready to be birthed. This phase is a time of realization, reward and fulfillment. If you notice that your original intention was not right for you at this time, learn from this insight. Use it to alter your approach at the next new moon.
Sit back and watch as your intention begins to manifest and take form. Release any attachment to your intention at this stage, as it may evolve in an unexpected way.
DISSEMINATING MOON: Whereas the first half of the cycle was devoted to achievement, the second half of the cycle is for introspection and gratitude. This phase will provide you with understanding.
Receive your intention with joy and give thanks to the moon for providing you with the energy necessary to achieve your desire.
LAST QUARTER MOON: With the waning moon, you are now actively taking things apart, seeing them in a broader context, and letting go of your intention. This is also a great time to pay it forward.
Release your intention and give back from a place of abundance.
BALSAMIC MOON: Withdraw, relax and make room for the future. Although this is the last phase, it is also the bridge to the next lunar cycle. It is in the quiet of these final days that the seed of the next new moon is discovered.
Rest, reflect and restore.
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.
- Tahereh Mafi
Have you ever tried to live by the moon? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
P.S. Did you know you can keep track of the moon phases on Google Calendar? I just discovered this fun fact and it's super easy to configure. Open the calendar in a browser. On the left-hand side, click Other Calendars, then select Browse Interesting Calendars from the menu. Under More you'll find: Phases of the Moon. Click Subscribe and your calendar will show a little moon image of each phase!
{Engagement Photo by: Christopher Bachmann and Shannon Eileen}
