Discover How to Use Moon Phases in Astrology for Attaining Your Goals

The beauty of the moon in the night sky has captivated generations for millennia. Astronomically we know that the moon affects our planet via its gravitational pull. Because of this pull we get the tides. Hint, hint, we are made up of 60% water. It’s not only the tides that are affected by the Moon’s pull.

The benefits of syncing your life to the moon’s cycle is something that’s been in discussion recently due to the resurgence of popularity of astrology and holistic wellness practices. However using the Moon cycles to your benefit isn’t anything new. Agrarian people typically have used the cycles of the Moon to time the planting of crops. The ancient art of electional astrology uses the cycles of the Moon to elect the most beneficial time to do certain activities. Using the Moon to time things is as old as humanity.

What is the Moon Cycle?

The Moon takes 29.5 days to go through its cycle. This is called the lunar calendar starting with the new moon and finishing with the new moon. Every lunar cycle begins with a new moon, which is when the sun and moon are on the same side of the Earth, and peaks at the full moon when the two luminaries are on opposite sides of the Earth.

Using Moon Phases in Astrology for Attaining Your Goals

The moon displays eight consecutive phases, as it moves through its cycle each month. Each phase is associated with different characteristics and effects. Understanding how to harmonize with these phases can be a rewarding journey.

Lunar Phases

New - A new moon is when the sun and moon are on the same side of the Earth, astrologically occupying the same sign of the zodiac. The moon is completely dark during this phase. This is best for contemplating your next move before you start a new project. Plant the seeds here for your next goal. This is a time to consider your intentions and what you want to achieve during the coming 29 day lunar cycle.

Waxing Crescent - This week represents intention, hopes and wishes. This is the time when you should set your intentions for the month ahead and lay down the mental groundwork.

First Quarter - At this phase the Sun and Moon are forming an approaching square to each other. Devise action plans and clarify goals at this time. The clearer your vision, the more likely you’ll make it happen. Make decisions, organize, and take deliberate action on your goals.

Waxing Gibbous - This is the editing phase. You are now tasked with putting the finishing touches on the project; refining and making sure every little thing is in its right place.

Full - At this point the Sun and Moon are opposite each other. It is the pinnacle of the cycle energetically. Here is where you see the completion of your work and begin to see the fruits of your labor. You’re open to new opportunities, and the unexpected rewards of what you’ve been working on show at this phase.

Waning Gibbous (or Disseminating) - This is the phase when you harvest the fruits of your labor. You get feedback on your work and refine your ideas for the next run. This is a great time for sharing and gaining new ideas and seeking out inspiration.

Last Quarter - At this point the Sun and Moon are in a separating square with each other. It is a period where you will have extra time to reflect on everything that’s happened over the last few weeks. It's a moment to regroup.

Waning Crescent (or Balsamic) - The Waning Crescent (aka the Balsamic) phase is the end of the cycle. At this point, the moon wanes to complete darkness, and we are left once again to sit in stillness. This is a great time to rest and release before contemplating your next move.

So What Happened When I Intentionally Followed the Lunar Cycle?

The new moon is associated with new beginnings and fresh starts, making it a great time to set intentions and make plans. I took this day to set the goal I wanted to achieve for the month: setting up my gift shop. I focused on my intention and started thinking of ways to manifest my goal.

The waxing crescent moon is a time for growth and manifestation. At this phase I took the time to brainstorm ideas and build a plan for how I wanted to achieve my goal. I did a lot of research, but found my answers came easier than usual.

The first quarter moon is a time for taking action and making decisions. At this phase I narrowed down my ideas and followed through on my chosen plan of action. Narrowing down the products I really wanted to sell and building their designs.

The full moon is a time of heightened emotions and increased energy, and is often associated with creativity and intuition. At this point I saw the fruits of tirelessly working on my website and building the products for my shop.

The waning gibbous moon is a time for letting go and releasing what no longer serves us. Around this time I had the shop up and designed, a few products were ready to go and I pushed the button to open the doors. I had my friends give me feedback.

The third quarter moon is a time for reflection and evaluation. At this phase I was going over the shop working out the kinks and applying the feedback I had previously received. I took this phase to release myself from constantly working on the shop and close the door on that phase of the project so I wouldn't Virgo-obsess over it.

Final Thoughts

Using the natural cycle of the Moon to time your projects is a great way to live more in sync with the cosmos. I can definitely say through this experiment I felt more relaxed and less frenzied. I knew what my goal was and it was easier to see the steps I needed to take to achieve it. Knowing there was a particular time for each step was very relaxing because it forced me to be more mindful during each step as opposed to just trying to get to the finish line.

Ok, so now it's your turn. Look up the next New Moon and set an intriguing goal for that month. Tell me how it goes!