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You might have looked to the planets and stars as guides for your fortune. But did you know that the phases of the moon can have an impact on your life as well? Sit tight and keep reading this post on moon phases meaning. 

Moon Phases: What are they exactly?

If you notice throughout the month, the way the moon looks changes, right? It’s bright but it actually doesn’t have its own light. So your view changes as the sun reflects its light on the moon’s surface.

Phases of the Earth's Moon

Phases of the Earth’s Moon

Here are the eight moon phases and a brief description of what they look like:

  • New Moon — This is easy to miss since it looks like the moon has disappeared. It occurs because the moon’s shadow is facing the earth. As such, you might also know it as Dark Moon.
  • Waxing Crescent — You’ll see the moon as a sliver of light typically at the right in the Northern Hemisphere.
  • First Quarter — During this phase, you’ll see the right half of the moon shining brightly.
  • Waxing Gibbous — This phase shows 2 weeks after the New Moon phase. Since it’s bigger, it looks like it’s almost a full moon.
  • Full Moon— You can appreciate the full view of the moon in all its glory.
  • Waning Gibbous — In this phase, the moon looks like it’s getting smaller and dimmer.
  • Third Quarter — Also called Last Quarter, it’s the opposite of the New Moon.
  • Waning Crescent — Also known as Balsamic Moon, only a small portion of its left side remains visible. 
moon phases chart

Moon Phases Chart

Moon Phases: Meaning and Harnessing Moon Energy

Now that you know about moon phases, let’s talk about how you can use them to handle energetic shifts that happen during the lunar cycle. 

Yes, moon phases can have a spiritual meaning.

By the way, you can use the moon’s phases to plan and even schedule your activities. This is called moon mapping. 

Yes, with mind mapping you can use the 28-day lunar cycle to know what to do in order to shine bright and reach our biggest goals. Check out our article on moon circles and how they work. 

2022 Lunar Calendar

2022 Lunar Calendar

New Moon Phase

The start of the lunar cycle is perfect for envisioning what you want to accomplish. It’s perfect for coming up with awesome goals and fresh ideas. Perhaps you want to save more money or work on yourself? You can draw up ideas on your vision board or jot them down in your journal. EveryBody in Mind Wellness Center in Sudbury, MA offers monthly in-person and online new moon circle events. The next one is coming up at the end of May, 2022. 

 

Waxing Crescent

Now that you’re clear on your goals and have the momentum, it’s time to take action! You can set intentions and meditate on your wishes and desires. 

 

First Quarter

This phase is all about making decisions to keep going. Look at your action steps and tweak them as needed to get the results you want. Be confident dear, the moon is with you!

 

Waxing Gibbous

When this phase is up, it’s a good idea to keep reciting positive daily affirmations

 

Full Moon

As the moon shines at its brightest, now’s a wonderful time to get rid of hangups and regrets so you can embrace your best life yet! Don’t let past regrets, relationship squabbles, and toxic habits hold you back from achieving your set goals.

 

Waning Gibbous

When the moon’s in this phase, it’s good to recall your intentions. Being grateful for what you have and accepting your power is a must.

 

Third Quarter

As you see the moon in the third quarter, prepare yourself to release hurt and start forgiving others. Clean out your closet and let go of any anger or disappointment you’re storing there.

 

Waning Crescent

Lastly, the waning crescent’s energy is for rest and reflection. Before you go into another cycle, take time to be still and be at peace with what happened in the past 28 days.

 

Moon Circle Gatherings

While you can do these by yourself, you might want to connect with other people to harness the moon’s powerful energy by joining a moon circle. These are group sessions that have activities such as crystal clearing, journaling, and others that are parallel to the moon’s phases.

Be on the lookout for the next moon gathering through our events page! See you there.