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Many people believe — especially those who work in the service or retail industries — that the night of the full moon is guaranteed to be a night full of problem customers. Why? Think of it this way; the moon has authority over the tides and can shift their intensity and motion. Water comprises 60% of the human body. Therefore, it isn’t outside the realm of possibility that the moon can alter our mood, emotions, and physical health.
Moon mapping is an excellent way to learn and understand the moon’s phases and each phase’s associated power. Each moon cycle has eight total phases where the moon changes its shape, illumination, and the energy it radiates.
Alignment With The Moon
Focusing on self-care practices during specific moon phases can help you harness the moon's energy. Here are a few suggestions to try with four of the main moon phases.
New Moon Phase - Set Intention And Create A Vision Board
The new moon phase represents the start of a new cycle. Focus on what inspires you or motivates you to become a better, more grown version of yourself.
This phase can also be about self-reflection. Take an internal inventory. Ask yourself what you want from your life, whether in terms of career, opportunities, family, or yourself. Reflecting on these matters will lead to your goals for the cycle. Just don’t make too many goals. Remember, the moon renews itself every month. Your goals can too. Choosing too many can make you feel overwhelmed and stop you in your tracks.
Once you recognize your needs and wants, set an intention set your goal/intention. Try to use the S.M.A.R.T framework when setting goals. It makes setting them, following through, and tracking your progress so much easier.
If you’d like, create a vision board to plan your actions, areas of improvement, or the changes you will have to make in your lifestyle. However, just journaling your intention can be enough to get you in the mood for growth.
Waxing Moon Phase - Check-In
This is the time to work on the goal that you have set. While doing so, please check in with your body about how it feels and revise your goal if needed. Ask yourself whether you are acting on what you wanted, and if you are, does it feel the way it should? There’s no shame in changing a goal if needed. Sometimes what we think we want and what we actually want are not in sync, or it’s not achievable in the time frame you set.
These check-ins with yourself and your goal will help you stick to the right path. If there’s something that you don’t feel comfortable with, drop it for the time being and focus on other aspects.
Full Moon Phase - Transformation
On one hand, this is the time to let go of anything that no longer serves you, whether it is relationships, careers, or personal habits. By doing so, you will put down a burden that was never yours to carry in the first place and move towards things you deserve.
The ideal way to harness the energy in this phase is to cleanse yourself, within and without. Detox your body with good food, water, and natural ingredients. Indulge in a cleansing bath with herbs, salts, and essential oil to remove any stagnant or damaging energy from within. Ensure that during this phase, you’ve aligned your body, mind, and spiritual self.
This can also be the phase where the fruits of your labor come to fruition. As the moon is full of promise, so is your life. Expect to see manifestations of your hard work during this time and harvest them. They may be subtle, so keep your eyes open!
Waning Moon Phase - Rest, Recharge, Gratitude
Before the next cycle begins, rest and recharge for what is about to come. Go over the intentions achieved, see if you’d like to continue with goals not achieved, and let go of what is no longer for you.
Use this time to indulge in self-care routines such as yoga, journaling, massages, walks in nature, or reading. Whatever helps you relax and prepare yourself for the upcoming cycle.
This is also an excellent time to show gratitude to yourself and the Universe for your achievements and ability to do so. Journal about what you have learned, what you plan on continuing, and how you will show yourself the love that you rightfully deserve.
How Does This Affect My Happiness?
The idea behind moon mapping is to help you harness positive energy that will help with attaining positive attitudes. Happiness comes from within. Through self-reflection and moon mapping, you’ll find it easier to connect with your higher self, your inner wisdom, and the innate joy of just being.
Further reading: Moon Spells and Moon Spells Journal, both by Diane Ahlquist
