During each month, the moon goes through 8 phases:
First Phase – New Moon
This phase is when the right side of the moon is illuminated, as the sun beings to move from behind the moon creating a crescent shape. This 1st phase is when the moon is barely visible, due to the fact that the sun and the moon are on the same side of the earth. This is often referred to as the dark side of the Moon.
The New Moon phase is synonymous with fresh starts, limitless possibility and rejuvenation. It’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on what has passed, learn from it and begin again.
Second Phase – Waxing Crescent Moon
This phase is when the right side of the moon is illuminated, as the sun beings to move from behind the moon creating a crescent shape.
The Waxing Crescent phase is often referred to as the rebuilding phase. Once the moon has re-emerged with new energy, it is the perfect time to set new intentions for the month ahead and work on self-improvement.
Third Phase – The First Quarter Moon
During this moon phase, the whole of the right side is illuminated due to the sun and the moon being side by side.
The 1st Quarter Moon phase is often a period where obstacles tend to raise their head and where decisions need to be made. This not a time to hesitate, but a time remove any obstacles and push forward.
Fourth Phases – The Waxing Gibous MoonDuring this phase before a Full Moon, only a tiny portion of the moon’s surface is kept in darkness. It’s at this time when you are most likely to see the moon during the day.
The Waxing Gibbous Moon phase is a time for reflection. It’s a time to look back on the life lessons you’ve learnt and the internal growth that has come from them and use this to adjust your current goals and life path accordingly.
The Full Moon phase is when the whole face of the moon is illuminated for all to see, due to the fact that the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth.The Full Moon phase is thought to be the most powerful of all the moon phases. It brings with it a time to harvest intentions set, celebrate achievement and reap reward. The Full moon is often compared as the Yin to the Yang of the New Moon and as such can represent a period of closure and coming full circle.
Sixth Phase – Waning Gibbous Moon
During this phase, the sun begins to move behind the moon, meaning a small dark slither appears on the right side of the moon.A Waning Gibbous Moon phase is a time to look inwards and re-evaluate your goals. It’s a time to feel grateful for what has been this month and re-adjust your intentions moving forward.
Seventh Phase – Last Quarter Moon
This is when the moon is illuminated on the left hand side, it is back to its half power phase.This is the time to cleanse yourself, a time to release negativity and old habits that bind you. Let go of all that no longer serves you.
Eighth Phase – Waning Crescent Moon
This phase is when the moon returns to being an illuminated crescent shape and is the final phase before it enters the new moon period.A Waning Crescent Moon is the perfect time to rest and regenerate. It’s a period of self-care; to find inner peace and reconnect with yourself, surrendering all that has happened that is out of our control, before the lunar cycle begins again.