What Are Moon Cycles?
There’s a lot of talk about moon cycles, but what are they, really? In short, moon cycles are the changes in the moon’s appearance that we see throughout the month. These changes are due to the different positions of the moon in relation to the sun and Earth.
As the Earth rotates on its axis, we see different parts of the moon. This is what creates the different phases of the moon that we see throughout the month. The full moon, for example, is when the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun. New moon is when the moon is between Earth and the sun.
Different Types of Moon Cycles
There are different types of moon cycles that we should be aware of, and each one has its own set of benefits and effects. Here are the three most important moon cycles to pay attention to:
New Moon: This is when the moon is in its darkest phase and is considered a time of new beginnings. It’s a great time to set your intentions and make goals for the month ahead.
Full Moon: The opposite of the new moon, this is when the moon is at its brightest and is considered a time of releasing and letting go. It’s a great time to reflect on what you want to let go of in your life and manifest your goals for the month ahead.
Waxing Moon: This is the period between the new moon and full moon, when the moon is growing brighter. It’s a great time for growth, manifestation and positive change.
Benefits of Following Moon Cycles
If you’re like me, you’re probably wondering what in the world moon cycles have to do with our everyday lives.
Well, the moon is this big, beautiful, mysterious force that has been affecting us since the beginning of time. And just as the sun and stars have an effect on our lives, the moon does too. In fact, according to Vedic philosophy, the moon is one of the most important heavenly bodies because it governs our emotions and mental state.
There are all sorts of benefits to following moon cycles:
- improved sleep
- better digestion
- decreased stress and anxiety
- more balanced moods
- clearer skin
- stronger intuition
- easier time conceiving
Pretty amazing, right?
Practical Ways to Start Tracking and Following Moon Cycles
The first step in understanding and following moon cycles is to start tracking them. There are many ways to do this, including using an app like Moon Calendar or using a paper calendar. Whichever way you decide to track them, it’s important to pay close attention to phases like new moon, waxing crescent, full moon, and waning crescent.
A great way to track the moon cycles is by doing some light journaling. As you start noticing changes in your behavior, moods or energy levels on certain days it’ll be helpful to note how they coincide with the moon cycles. Tracking the moon can also help you be more organized and plan out necessary tasks like completing projects or scheduling appointments that require more energy on certain days of the month.
Finally, it’s important to remember that everyone has a different approach when it comes to tracking and following the lunar cycle so don’t be discouraged if something doesn’t work for you—just move on and find another way that works better!
How to Use the Moon Phases to Set Intentions
Another way to work with the moon energy is to set intention at certain points in the cycle. Intention setting is a great way to create an energetic runway for manifestation. As you become more aware of the moon phases and their energy, you can use these phases for your advantage by harnessing their energy and setting intentions for different areas of your life.
In particular, the new moon is a great time to start something new or set some goals you want to manifest over the next four weeks. On the flip side, the full moon is a powerful time to release something or let go of something that’s no longer serving you. It’s also a powerful opportunity to make amends with yourself or others and let go of negative emotions.
Finally, the waning crescent phase is an ideal time for meditation, self-reflection and looking back on your accomplishments—things that will help you spiritually reset and be in harmony with yourself.
Common Myths About Moon Cycles
In addition to actually understanding moon cycles, it’s just as important not to fall trap to common myths about them. First and foremost, there’s no such thing as a “bad” moon phase. Each of the eight phases has its own energy and life-giving gifts that can be used to manifest the things you desire in life.
It’s also important to remember that the moon doesn’t physically make anything happen; it serves as an agent for amplifying our intentions. So if you don’t change your behavior or take action when you are working with the moon’s energy, then nothing will change or happen for you.
Finally, although we are all connected by natural cycles—just like the moon cycles—we each have unique astrological charts and Natal charts, which determine our individual relationships with these lunar energies. So never be afraid to follow what works best for you instead of what works for others!
The moon has been revered by ancient civilizations for thousands of years and has been linked to everything from our emotional states to the tides. These days, people are beginning to realize that the moon’s cycles can have a profound impact on our lives, too.
There’s a lot to be said for following the moon’s cycles and syncing our lives with them. By understanding the different phases of the moon and what they mean, we can better align our own energy with the natural rhythms of the world around us.
There’s no right or wrong way to follow moon cycles—everybody will have their own unique way of doing things. But by tapping into the power of the moon, we can all create a life that’s more in tune with the natural world.