Culture

How to Harness the Power of the Moon's Cycle

Learn how to live by the four phases of the moon.

2.7K

How to Harness the Power of the Moon's Cycle

Learn how to live by the four phases of the moon.

The subject of songs and sonnets, the moon has been at the center of humanity — and by extension, astrology — for centuries. The celestial planet has long been believed to contain mystical powers as it quite literally controls the tides and of course, served as man’s first calendar, marking the passage of time. Even more so, the moon famously symbolizes feminine energy as it is no coincidence that the planet’s cycle lasts just as long as a the period of menstruation. The moon’s full cycle lasts around 30 days, orbiting around the Earth.

Baby witches and veteran wiccans alike know all too well that living by the moon is one of the easiest and most ancient ways to align yourself with the universe. While it’s tempting to only pay attention to the new and full moon, all of la luna‘s sides bear great importance and effect several aspects of our lives.

Often representing the subconscious in astrology, the moon speaks to our more internal desires and needs. While our sun signs depict how people see us, our moon signs capture how we see ourselves, reflecting our inner truth. Understanding the planet’s different phases can deepen our understanding of ourselves.

Continue scrolling to learn about the moon’s four phases and how to harness its energy to your cosmic advantage.

New Moon

As its name would suggest, the new moon signals the beginning of the planet’s orbit as the night sky appears completely black, devoid of the moon’s light. Positioned directly in between the Earth and the Sun, the new moon is always in the same zodiac sign the sun is in. Representing a fresh start, the new moon’s energy can be used to wipe your energetic slate clean. As the moon’s face is turned away from the earth, the start of its cycle is the perfect opportunity to dive into your dark side and resolve any inner turmoil. Check out our new moon ritual guide as setting intentions can be especially powerful.

Waxing Crescent or First Quarter Moon

Adding a sliver of light to the night sky, first quarter moons or waxing crescents are the halfway point between a new and full moon. Waxing, as you might imagine, indicates the planet is approaching its full state. You can utilize this astrological middle ground to take stock of your state of affairs, reflecting on the goals you set a week ago during the new moon. The first quarter moon serves as a balancing point, giving you a chance to correct course if you’ve fallen off track.

Full Moon

The romantic planet is at its best and brightest when it’s full. The full moon is always in the opposite sign of the sun, given it rests on the opposite side of our planet in this stage. Embodying a culmination of the month’s events, the full moon naturally heightens emotions as everything comes to surface. This phase of the moon offers us a moment to marinate on how we’ve spent the last 30 days and what we can do better. Because the crater-filled planet is shining at full capacity, it also delivers the perfect occasion to harness its power to add some fuel to our manifestations.

Waning Crescent or Third Quarter Moon

Coming one week after the full moon, the waning crescent is a time of discernment as you reflect on what you’ve harvested during the full moon. While the air is still electrified by the planet’s last cycle, its shrinking size will encourage you to be more shrewd about the projects and endeavors you take on in order to bring the manifestations you mapped out to fruition.

Read Full Article
Text By
Share this article

What to Read Next

JW Anderson Celebrates the Power of the REM Cycle for SS25
Fashion

JW Anderson Celebrates the Power of the REM Cycle for SS25

Putting “REAL SLEEP” on the agenda this fashion week season.

September's Full Moon in Pisces Influences Love and Romance
Sex & Dating

September's Full Moon in Pisces Influences Love and Romance

An astrologer shares her best tips for navigating the astrological event.

How October’s Bloody Supermoon Will Affect Your Love and Sex Life
Sex & Dating

How October’s Bloody Supermoon Will Affect Your Love and Sex Life

Astrologer Iva Naskova of Nebula shares the tea with tips.


Pharrell Plays With the Power of Imagination in New LEGO Film
Film & TV

Pharrell Plays With the Power of Imagination in New LEGO Film

Presented by Focus Features
Featuring his famous friends, Jay-Z, Gwen Stefani, Daft Punk and more, ‘Piece by Piece’ invites you to join in on their fun.

Japanese Artist Ayako Rokkaku’s Work Comes to London for 24 Hours
Art & Design

Japanese Artist Ayako Rokkaku’s Work Comes to London for 24 Hours

Mark your calendars for November 23.

Introducing ZERO, the Gen Z-Powered Start-Up Driving Sustainable Change
Fashion

Introducing ZERO, the Gen Z-Powered Start-Up Driving Sustainable Change

Proving style and sustainability can and must co-exist.

TikTok Has Discovered a Way To Save Your Silk Press Through the Use of Old Pantyhose
Beauty

TikTok Has Discovered a Way To Save Your Silk Press Through the Use of Old Pantyhose

Run, don’t walk to the trash to retrieve those old stockings.


Kylie Jenner Dropped a Green, Color-Changing Lip Tint That Has TikTok in a Frenzy
Beauty

Kylie Jenner Dropped a Green, Color-Changing Lip Tint That Has TikTok in a Frenzy

“Kylie, why is this lip gloss green?”

Stussy x Dries Van Noten Heads to The Beach for Holiday 2022 Collection
Fashion

Stussy x Dries Van Noten Heads to The Beach for Holiday 2022 Collection

A different kind of winter wonderland.

Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares Drop New Trilingual World Cup Anthem "Tukoh Taka"
Music

Nicki Minaj, Maluma and Myriam Fares Drop New Trilingual World Cup Anthem "Tukoh Taka"

Making history as FIFA’s first song in English, Spanish and Arabic.


How Converse's New Silhouette Represents the Evolution of Women's Footwear
Footwear

How Converse's New Silhouette Represents the Evolution of Women's Footwear

We spoke to the brand’s Global Product Merchandising Director for Women’s Footwear to find out more.

Loewe Gets Into the Festive Spirit With 2022 Holiday Campaign
Fashion

Loewe Gets Into the Festive Spirit With 2022 Holiday Campaign

Everything from must-have staples to statement-making accessories.

More ▾
 

Looks like you’re using an ad-blocker

We charge advertisers instead of our readers. Support us by whitelisting our site.

Whitelist Us

How to Whitelist Us

screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Under “Pause on this site” click “Always”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlock Plus icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Block ads on – This website” switch off the toggle to turn it from blue to gray.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the AdBlocker Ultimate icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Switch off the toggle to turn it from “Enabled on this site” to “Disabled on this site”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the Ghostery icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the “Ad-Blocking” button at the bottom. It will turn gray and the text above will go from “ON” to “OFF”.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the UBlock Origin icon in the browser extension area in the upper right-hand corner.
  2. Click on the large blue power icon at the top.
  3. When it turns gray, click the refresh icon that has appeared next to it or click the button below to continue.
screenshot
  1. Click the icon of the ad-blocker extension installed on your browser.You’ll usually find this icon in the upper right-hand corner of your screen. You may have more than one ad-blocker installed.
  2. Follow the instructions for disabling the ad blocker on the site you’re viewing.You may have to select a menu option or click a button.
  3. Refresh the page or click the button below to continue.