Rituals for the new moon and the full moon

If you take more time to pause, there are many ways to notice nature's subtle changes. The slow transitions of the seasons show the birth of blooming flowers, brighter evenings with earlier rises and hues emerging together from the ground. There is an incredible synchronicity in the inevitable changes that occur externally and allow these to also reflect internally. One of the most graceful examples of this is the rise and fall of the moon. Experiencing cyclical nature, her monthly lighting offers insight into the energy and rhythm that lies within her.

The lunar phases that receive the most attention are the new and full moons. This is due to their opposing, heightened energies and the belief that they possess the most manifesting power. They are also the easiest phases to understand if you are new to using the magic of the moon. Simply put, when the moon is full, her brightness shines and her outward expression is stronger. Then, when the moon is a new phase, darkness fills the sky and its energy turns inward. Mirroring these opposing energies can provide clarity and refinement and represent a powerful force of manifestation.

One of the most powerful ways to honor the phases of the moon is to practice rituals for the new moon and full moon. Each of the phases lends itself to individual rituals that make sense when understanding their different meanings.

new moon

Meaning of the new moon

When the sun and moon are aligned (astrologically to the same extent), the sky falls into darkness and the moonlight appears invisible. Energetically, the Sun's Yang energy merges with the Moon's Yin essence, providing a sense of balance. As the moon draws her light from the sky and directs it inward, she invites a call for silence. During a new moon, the opportunity is presented to plant new seeds of desire and breathe life into any areas that have become stagnant.

Rituals for the new moon

As the name suggests, the new moon is a time to bring about new beginnings and changes. The darkness of the moon offers a moment to turn inward and become clear about what is to be brought into being. It is the phase associated with setting intentions.

Clear the space

To invite in the new, it is important to remove stagnant energy. This can be achieved physically by practicing in an open space. Frankincense can help purify the air.(link removed)represents a flower opening to welcome a new day – a special synchronicity with the emerging new moon.

Connect within

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Find a comfortable sitting position, close your eyes and place one hand over your heart. Here, new moon crystals are a beautiful way to connect with certain energies.Aromatic oils enriched with crystalscan calm from the outside in to draw the energy in.

Spend a few moments taking inventory of the feelings arising in your body, mind, and heart.

Visualize the highest self

Clearing space and connecting within invites fluidity. With a lighter energy, visualize whatever you are being called into.

Questions::

What new beginnings do I want to enter?

What intentions can I set to take these steps?

One of the most powerful ways to make an intention a reality is to speak as if it already exists. Spend some time transforming your “I intend” into “I am” either out loud, in your head, or on paper.

Reconnect with yourself

As at the beginning of the ritual, spend time sitting with the feeling of connecting with you. Notice how it feels to create this vision of a new beginning. Be still with all that arises and allow your being to embody each element. Close with gratitude to yourself for showing up to connect within and to the moon for sharing her energy.

Full moon

Meaning of the full moon

A full moon occurs when the moon has moved in its(link removed)so that the Earth is “between” the Moon and the Sun. The Moon embodies feminine energy, making its abundance a portal for nourishment, creativity, gathering, grounding and intuition. During a full moon there is an opportunity to welcome breakthroughs and use the heightened sense of intuition to release anything that is not serving.

Rituals for the full moon

Because of its feminine energy, the full moon is the perfect opportunity to tap into the inner depths of intuition. It encourages taking a look at everything that has arisen in the previous phase of the moon and being aware of everything that has not yet manifested. A full moon is associated with letting go and letting go, closing the gap between the past and the future.

Clean room

To reflect the energy of the full moon's release, rooms are traditionally cleansed before a ritual begins.(link removed)– which releases negative energy and promotes healing.

Floor with a lunar river

Find your perfect mat for your practice in ours(link removed)

The increased energy of the full moon can make it more difficult to find grounding. It is common to struggle to sleep and feel a sense of chaos when the moonlight is at its brightest.Practicing this Chandra Namaskara sequenceflows with prana (downward) energy promoting a cooling and calming essence.

Take a moon bath

After clearing yourself of anything that needs to be released, take a moon bath by spending some time soaking up the lighting. This is a practice that is believed to support natural rhythms and light sensitivity, which can improve the regularity of menstrual cycles and sleep.

Release ritual

Once there is a connection to a deeper sense of grounding, clarity can be created. Take a moment to write down everything you want to manifest. Then write a list of everything you need to let go of to make this happen.

Questions::

What has emerged recently?

What else would I like to invite?

What do I have to let go of?

For additional clearance, it's common practice to burn the paper you're writing on - or shred it tightly and throw it away.