Throughout the year, as the months continue, the Moon cycles through its monthly path, quietly but dramatically influencing our moods, energies, and circumstances in our lives. After a recent New Moon that established goals for stability and our values, the phases of the Moon during this month will take us on a journey of growth, climax, and release. Here is a general preview of what the Moon has ahead:
Creating Momentum After the New Moon
After the stillness of the beginning of the New Moon, the period when the Moon begins to increase is a time of creating momentum. Just as the tiny crescent of the Moon increases, so can our intentions. This is a time for making those initial steps towards the intentions we created at the New Moon.
- Focus: Acting, getting intention clear, hurdling over first obstacles.
- Energy: Building, energized, moving forward.
- What to look for: Opportunities to execute plans, necessity of clarity and focus.
Decisions and Direction in the First Quarter
The First Quarter Moon is a time of decision. We may encounter obstacles or crossroads that force us to select a path that is in line with our New Moon desires. This is a time to make solid decisions and hold to the course we’ve set.
- Focus: Meeting challenges, making decisions, holding to a course.
- Energy: Assertive, possibly confrontational, needing action.
- What to look for: Challenges to your commitment, opportunities to modify how you’re proceeding.
Refining and Preparing as the Moon Expands
As the Moon continues to expand towards fullness, this is a time for refining our plans and making any adjustments that are needed. We may notice areas that require attention or need to gather more information before the peak of the Full Moon.
- Focus: Refining plans, gathering information, creating anticipation.
- Energy: Decisive, detail-focused, a push towards finish.
- What to look for: Refining your efforts, finding what is lacking.
Culmination and Illumination during the Full Moon
The Full Moon, in its crescendo in an emotional water sign, is a peak time of culmination and insight. Feelings could be intense, and repressed truths are revealed. The Full Moon accentuates themes of transformation, closeness, power issues, and deepest desires. It squares the Sun in an earth sign, thus pitting our desire for safety against our desire for great change.
- Focus: Culumination, emotional release, disclosure of deep truths, change.
- Energy: Emotional, intense, perhaps dramatic, a period of breakthroughs.
- What to expect: Emotionally impactful experiences, profound discoveries, terminations making space for fresh beginnings. A demanding influence on a change planet with this Full Moon implies potential shocks and the thrust to leave habitual ways behind.
Integrating and Sharing After the Peak
After the Full Moon’s intensity, this is a time for integrating what we’ve learned and communicating any wisdom we’ve obtained. Energy begins to gradually decline as we work through what transpired at the Full Moon.
- Focus: Integrating, disseminating information, looking back at experiences.
- Energy: Thoughtful, communicative, a release of tension on a gradual level.
- What to look out for: Chances to communicate your awareness, a natural unwinding after a bout of high energy.
Releasing and Letting Go during the Last Quarter
The Last Quarter Moon is a time for letting go of what no longer serves us. This is a time for clearing the old to allow space for the new cycle to begin. Decisions taken near the First Quarter Moon may reach a point of conclusion.
- Emphasis: Releasing, letting go, finalizing decisions, clearing space.
- Energy: Reflective, decisive, feeling complete.
- What to expect: The urgency to let go of what is holding you back, a preparation for the upcoming New Moon.
Surrender and Rest Before the New Cycle
As we approach the end of the lunar cycle, this phase asks us to slow down, rest, and surrender. This is a time for inner contemplation and preparation for the new beginnings that the new New Moon will bring.
- Focus: Rest, reflection, surrender, preparation.
- Energy: Low, introspective, a time for recharging.
- What to watch for: A natural inclination to withdraw and reflect, a sense of quiet anticipation.
New Beginnings in Communication at the Next New Moon
The cycle ends with the New Moon in a communicative, airy sign. This is the start of a new lunar cycle, with communication, learning, curiosity, and connections as the focus. Intentions made at this New Moon will be around these themes.
By knowing the rhythm of the Moon’s cycle every month, we can better manage its energies and coordinate our actions with the natural cycles of the universe, resulting in more awareness and intention in our lives.
