Ahh, the New Moon.
It's just a few days away when I am writing this, and I can already feel the energy building. The urges to throw shit away, organize, and clean my home are present and strong. I can feel myself getting a little quieter, more reflective, and called to set some goals and new intentions. This is the time of new beginnings.
The New Moon and New Moon Energy
The New Moon occurs about every 28 days when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, or when the Sun and the Moon are in alignment. The Moon represents yin energy, the divine feminine, the nurturer, the energy of reflection, and rules how we react to situations. The Sun, on the other hand, is the opposite. The Sun represents yang energy, the divine masculine, our radiant self-expression, and how we create in this world. When these two planets are in alignment, the Sun’s rays are only shining on the part of the Moon that is facing away from Earth. At this time, we cannot see the moon and the night sky is at its darkest. The New Moon is the start of a new lunar cycle, and thus, represents new beginnings.
Moon rituals have been practiced for millennia, and have been an ancient and sacred practice that originated back in Egypt, Babylonia, India, and China. Moon worship was embedded into these cultures, celebrated for its influence on the cycles of life- birth, growth, decline, death. While death often has a severe connotation, the plant and animal life around us, the seasons, and even the tiny cells inside of us all follow this cycle. Everything has a beginning and an end- it's all about transformation and the cycle of life and energy.
The New Moon is one of the most potent of the 8 phases of the moon, providing us the space to breathe new life into any area of our lives that we would like to see positive change. If there are areas of your life where you feel stagnation, now is the time to set your intention and manifest with the Moon.
My Favorite Way to Celebrate the New Moon
The New Moon is seriously one of my favorite times of the month. In preparation for this time, I am always called to clear out the clutter- may it be physical or mental- to create the space for something new. Once I have created the space, I am inspired to reflect on the past lunar cycle, set new goals and intentions, and do some yummy self-care.
Here are some of my favorite ways of clearing out the “clutter” in preparation for this sacred time:
Cleaning out my closet
Tidying and organizing around the house
Sageing and clearing the stagnant energy from my home
Being intentional in my daily meditation and journaling practice about letting go of what no longer serves me
Once I have created the space, I invite in my new intentions on the New Moon.
To do this, I set up my meditation corner, gather my materials, and then sit down and write. I write what I release, and then I write my new intentions for this cycle. I record all that I want to give life to this month, and then I say it out loud. Saying your intentions out loud might feel silly at first, but it is truly a declaration of your soul desires. By speaking these words out loud, you are sending that energy out into the universe so that it may be manifested in your life.
After I have made my declaration, my attestation, my prayer, I meditate. I follow my breath and I visualize all of my dreams becoming reality. Visualization is such a powerful tool. My meditations are often never the same, so it's hard to say more, but if you try this, just be open to the experience. Let go of the expectation of what meditation “should be”. Just breathe, follow your breath, and allow yourself to visualize yourself accomplishing that goal, being in the relationship of your dreams, or getting that job you’ve always wanted. Don’t overthink it.
After my New Moon manifesting ritual- I might draw some cards for myself, take a bath, do some yoga, paint my nails, apply a face mask, or make myself a delicious cup of tea. I try to do anything to nurture my being, getting ready for the new cycle and new beginnings to come.
If you are feeling stuck or not sure what to write about, here are some journal prompts I’ve created to get you started:
What existing patterns, thought forms, or habits can I release now that no longer serve my being?
What is it that I want to invite, create, experience in my life this month?
How can I take steps, make changes, or take actions towards being the version of myself I want to become?
The key is to believe in yourself, believe in your words, believe in your ability to make this life the life of your dreams. I believe in you, and your higher self and guides are all cheering you on!!
With all the love and light in my heart,
Stephanie