Aligning with the cycle of the moon is an important part of the maintenance of my sanity and the regulation of my hormones. Knowing where I am in my cycle is helpful in teaching my family (of males) how to respect the consistently changing aspects of the feminine energy.

I clear my schedule on these days for reflection and dreaming. I usually do one energy clearing project like clean out a draw or organize a closet as well to keep the energy in my home and life flowing. For millennia, peoples have cultivated a relationship with the cycle of the moon. This a very personal and intimate part of my map; For me it is an essential and welcome part of creating a Super Duper Happy Life.

There are 4 seasons, 8 phases of the moon, 13 moons throughout the year. The moon cycles 3x per season. There are 3 New Moons + 3 Full Moons, each with a different energy within a Season, and there are 91 days in a Season. There are about 3 days for each of the 8 phases of the moon.

new moon

for setting intentions
new beginnings
blank page/fresh start
planting seeds
unlimited possibility
dream into + plant the seeds of future dreams
time to decide which ideas to commit to
R E S T

FIRST QUARTER/quarter moon

to lay foundation and work hard
inspired action + taking leaps
commitment to move forward
momentum
meeting challenges, crisis + doubt
paying attention
being testing + building confidence
this time creates a square - a hard angle to negotiate

waning/disseminating moon

just breathe + relax + receive
service
harvest
nurture others + sharing wisdom
accepting where you are
regrouping

last/third quarter

to let go of that which no longer serves
adjust + revaluate to move forward
breakdown
transition
decomposition
balancing + trusting
breaking habits that don’t serve
a crossroads + time to review

A BEAUTIFUL SACRED MOON DAY

To set these days up for rest + recovery:

• Calendar in the New and Full moons.

• Keep it simple & spacious.

• Take the time to set up with food (crockpots are genius for this day) + water, Oils + your journal + any stones, crystals, elements to support your connection to Mama Nature, the Creator, and any guides you connect with for your spiritual practice.

• The day before, of, and the day after are excellent days to consider eliminating sugar, caffeine, alcohol, and gluten from your diet and replacing with hydrating, restoring, and gentle foods and liquids. My friend Dr. Emily Wiggins likes to say that this is more a gesture than a austere cleanse.

this is a screen free day
Wake + Gratitude practice
oils for internal work: sandalwood, frankincense, clary sage
Light a candle
Meditation
journal
bath + nap + cuppa tea
early dinner
quiet reflective time until bed

This day’s practice can be applied to the first day of your cycle. When aligned, this usually occurs on or near the New or Full Moon with optimal alignment occurring with the New Moon. This practice can also be considered while trying to conceive. *TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) suggests that “a woman should truly rest, preferably in bed, drinking warm teas and broths, while she is menstruating for four days … (considered to be) one of the most effective strategies for healing hormonal imbalances, reducing the duration of length of bleeding, and reducing cramps and PMS in future cycles. It is a phenomenal tool for aligning us with our body’s ability to regenerate itself … for those who are not bleeding, resting with the dark moon and adopting the practice of this time also allows for spiritual renewal.” *quoted from The Witch’s Herbal Apothecary by Marysia Miernowska

seed cycling

Seed cycling is natural hormonal balancing utilized in naturopathic medicine.
Full Moon - New Moon/Luteal phase (ovulation to start): pumpkin + sesame + sunflower
New Moon - Full Moon/Follicular phase (menstruation to ovulation): flax + hemp + chia

moon resources

Sprit Daughter
Mystic Mamma
Moonology

STEPS TO SETTING A NEW MOON INTENTION