For thousands of years, humans have looked to the moon and its cycles for guidance. There are four main moon phases in every cycle and we may use these cycles to help guide us, and in turn use this understanding as a means to practice self-care.
The beginning of the lunar month is what is referred to as the New Moon. This is the time of new beginnings. Use this phase to set new goals and intentions. This is a wonderful time to begin a new project.
Example of a New Moon Ritual adapted from Moonology by Yasmin Bolund New Moon Manifesting & Wishes
On the night of or just after the New Moon
Sit quietly, breath mindfully bringing up all the wishes we want fulfilled.
Chakra Clearing Chant
Write a list of the top ten wishes.
Choose a main wish.
Write a description and doodle a picture of the wish manifested.
Feel the feelings.
HOLD the feelings as long as we can.
Visualize the wish fulfilled.
Burn the paper in a fireproof container outside or in the sink. Careful to avoid setting off the fire detector or causing a fire.
Performing this ritual transmutes it into love.
Om Namo Narayani (I surrender to the Divine Mother) Repeat 3X
We release our wishes as if they are already fulfilled and get on with our week.
For the good of all or not at all. So mote it be, Ehyeh Asher, Ehyeh.
The second phase is known as the Waxing Phase. This is the period of growth during the moon cycle. This is where you can start to harness some momentum in your actions. Take one step toward our goal each day.
Now we approach the Full Moon. Full Moon Forgiveness & Gratitude Ritual adapted from Moonology by Yasmin Bolund
On the night of the Full Moon Sit quietly, breathing mindfully bring up all the people, habits, upsets & difficult situations we want to release. Chakra Clearing Chant Write it all down on a sheet of paper, naming names & expressing the emotions. Visualize the person or situation in a pink bubble, saying, I forgive you. Recite the Full Moon Forgiveness: Forgiveness Formula Am I ready to release self-doubt? Am I ready to love myself? Am I ready to forgive myself? Am I ready to forgive other people?
Full Moon Forgiveness and Karma Release Under the glorious Full Moon, I forgive everything, everyone, every experience, every memory of the past or present that needs forgiveness. I forgive positively everyone. I also forgive myself of past mistakes. The Universe is love, and I am forgiven and governed by love alone. Love is now adjusting my life. Realize this, I abide in peace.
I bring love and healing to all my thoughts, beliefs, and relationships. I learn my lessons and move on. I call on my soul fragments to be cleansed by the Full Moon and I call on them to rejoin me. I send love to myself and everyone I know, and everyone who knows me, in all directions of time. Under this glorious Full Moon, I am healed. And so it is, so mote it be, for the good of all or not at all.
I forgive you and I move on. I bless you with love. I release you and let you go. I bless you with love. I release you and let you go. I bless you with love. I release you and let you go. Burn the paper in a fireproof container outside or in the sink. Careful to avoid setting off the fire detector or causing a fire. Performing this ritual transmutes it into love. The release of resentment and then filling it with our gratitude invokes the Law of Attraction. I am truly grateful for… For the good of all or not at all.
Next comes the Waning Phase. This phase can be a restorative time to start integrating the new lessons we’ve learned and the experiences we’ve had into your psyche.
Finally comes the Dark Moon phase. In the days before the New Moon, this cycle takes place. This is a great time to reinforce the work we did at the Full Moon. Write a forgiveness list and burn it. Now we rest and reflect as we prepare for the New Moon ahead.
When it comes down to it, we are all a part of the universe and we are all interconnected. When we can acknowledge this fact and work to align ourselves with the Universe’s natural cycles we achieve higher vibrations and levels of awareness in ourselves and others.
