Aligning With The Moon

Crystal Cobert-Giddens, LE

Humans have been tracking the Moon, observing its changes, and notic ing our connection with its monthly ebbs and flows since we ob served that bright orb in the sky. Sleep, our emotional cycles, health, and our love life have all been linked to the Moon.

The Moon exerts a strong gravitational pull that causes the changing tides in our oceans and seas. This gravitational pull is at its strongest during the New Moon and Full Moon. Considering we humans are made up of 70% water, it only makes sense that the Moon would have a similar impact on us “water beings”. It's believed that during the New Moon and Full Moon, our emotions, like the tides, are pulled to the surface and that our feelings are bigger and somewhat unpredictable…just like the oceans tides.

Sleep

Several studies have shown that people experience 30% less deep sleep during the Full Moon as compared to the rest of the month. Why? Some researchers believe our internal biological rhythms may be linked to the Moon's cycle.

Lack of restorative sleep can have pronounced effects on your overall mood and can cause irritability, impatience, and elevated levels of cortisol.

If we believe that the Moon has an affect our sleep, our mood, and our emotions, how can we work with these cycles and align with the flow of nature?

New Moon

What looks to us like no moon (or a dark moon) happens when the Moon is positioned in alignment between the Earth and the Sun. We don’t see the illuminated side of the Moon that’s facing the sun, so it appears dark.

How does the New Moon affect us?

This low-light phase can make us feel tired, introspective, and ready to indulge in some much-needed introvert time.

How to make the most of this phase:

Now is the time to put on some fuzzy socks, get warm and spend some time with yourself. Read a book. Write in your journal. Take time to reflect on how you’re feeling and honor any desire to stay home, cancel plans, and not return texts. Schedule a facial or a massage.

WAXING CRESCENT MOON

“Waxing” means that the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing. In the waxing crescent phase, only a crescent-shaped sliver is visible to us.

How does the Waxing Crescent Moon affect us?

After relaxing, recharging, and reflecting in the New Moon, you’re ready to go forth with light and increased energy.

How to make the most of this phase: Thank the universe in advance for all the beautiful things you know will be coming your way. Write down your intentions.

FIRST QUARTER MOON

The Moon is at a 90-degree angle to the Earth and Sun. We see half the Moon illuminated and the other half in shadow. In the first quarter, we see what appears to be the right half of the Moon.

How does the First Quarter Moon affect us?

This balance of light and shadow reflects the obstacles you’ll start to encounter as you bring your intentions to life.

How to make the most of this phase: Go with the flow and gracefully accept redirection.

WAXING GIBBOUS MOON

Just like the Waxing Crescent Moon, the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing towards the Full Moon.

How does the Waxing Gibbous Moon affect us?

This phase signals redirection, adjustment, and flexibility. Your plans are being challenged, and your patience is being tested.

How to make the most of this phase: Be flexible. Listen to your intuition and trust in your own innate wisdom.

FULL MOON

In this phase the Moon is full and bright. The Sun, Moon, and Earth are in alignment. The Moon is on the other side of the Earth, so we see the side that’s being illuminated by the Sun.

How does the Full Moon affect us?

The Sun and Moon are in opposite zodiac signs during this phase and you may feel tension and extra “crazy energy” as these opposite energies pull on you.

How to make the most of this phase: Channel this heightened energy into projects and activities that light you up. If you’re receptive and open, you may see new opportunities stemming from your intention setting earlier in the month.

Waning Gibbous Moon

“Waning” means that the illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing.

How does the Waning Gibbous Moon affect us?

As the light of the Moon decreases, our energy decreases. We feel satiated and grateful.

How to make the most of this phase: Sit down with your gratitude journal, send some thank you notes, and spread the love that’s rising inside of you. Take this time to reconnect with the humans you may have neglected (or snapped at) during your highen ergy/high-emotion full moon phase.

Third Quarter Moon

The Moon is at a 90-degree angle to the Earth and Sun. We see half the Moon illuminated and the other half in shadow. In the third quarter, we see what looks like the left half of the Moon.

How does the Third Quarter Moon affect us?

As the light continues to fade, you may feel the need to cleanse, release, and let go.

How to make the most of this phase: Forgive, release, and purge whatever is no longer serving you. Clothes, old makeup, toxic relationships. Make space.

Waning Crescent Moon

The illuminated portion of the Moon is decreasing and we’re moving towards the New Moon. In the waning crescent phase, we see only a sliver of the illu minated Moon.

How does the Waning Crescent Moon affect us?

The light is almost gone and you’re ready for rest and recuperation.

How to make the most of this phase: Take some time to align yourself with calm, relaxed energy. Relinquish your need to control everyone and everything, and trust that all will be well.

FACES

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