The moon is much more than a planet in the sky, it is intrinsically linked to our emotions, our menstrual cycles, our sleep and monthly changes in our mood.
We love chatting about the moon cycles with customers, and we find the insights they give us so interesting. Sometimes we wonder why we could be feeling a certain way and when we check the moon cycle it all seems to make sense!
What are moon cycles?
There are eight stages of the moon cycle, with the whole cycle typically taking 29.5 days. These are: new moon, waxing crescent, first-quarter moon, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third-quarter moon and waning crescent.
Let’s look at the moon cycles a little deeper
Each of these cycles brings with it different emotions and levels of energy;
New Moon
The new moon tends to affect our energy levels; it is often a good time to self-reflect and slow down. Taking some time to sit with our own thoughts and spend time away from the busyness of the everyday.
Explore Buddhas reflection here
Waxing Crescent
After a period of time spent regathering energy through the new moon phase the waxing crescent moon means a time of increased and refreshed energy. It gives you the light to go forth and set and achieve goals.
Explore energy healing crystals here
First Quarter
Embrace the flow of life, let the light in and go forth with your creative potential. The first quarter is a powerful phase with the balance of light and dark enabling you to see ways in which to remove obstacles from your life.
Waxing Gibbous
It’s the moment in the month for gratitude, trust your inner wisdom and embrace feelings of thankfulness. Write to your intuition or consult the tarot cards for clues and guidance that you're on the right path.
The Full moon
The full moon brings with it many big emotions and can cause some to find this time overwhelming. It tends to affect our sleep, leading to less REM sleep and periods of deep sleep. This in turn could lead to you being snappier than usual.
Lavender and Valerian essential oils and Incense sticks; in particular Satya Lavender and Native Soul White Sage and Lavender are great to prepare a relaxing space, to help calm the mind ready for a restful sleep.
Waning Gibbous
A period for love and gratitude, as the light of the moon wanes. We can tend to feel like reconnecting with friends or loved ones in this phase. A time to share in the kindness around us.
Third Quarter
The third quarter is a time for release and letting go. Cleansing and purifying rituals are good practice during this phase.
Explore incense for cleansing here
Waning Crescent
A time for rest and recuperation. Surrender to the universe and take some time to align yourself with the energy of calm.
How does the moon affect our sleep?
Prior to the introduction of electric lights humans used the sun and moon as an indicator of night and day. This meant that were much more in touch with the seasons, using summer evenings to prolong work outside and the dark winter evenings to spend time inside and rest. People were also more active at night during the full moon. Many would have synchronised their activities and energy levels to the phases of the moon.
Many people report finding it harder to sleep during the full moon. This is the brightest moon phase, reflecting more light from the sun to Earth. Although this light is weaker than direct sunlight, exposure may still cause people to feel more awake at night.
Is the moon a feminine energy?
In most cases the moon is represented as a feminine energy, while the sun is associated with masculine energy. This does not mean that the moon only affects women though as we each have masculine and feminine energies in our makeup. In this case the feminine energy is associated with Yin energy.
When we attune to the moon and consider its phases, we are able to come it with a set of intentions, this allows us to bring a deeper connectivity to our higher self.
We love talking about the moon, energy, and intentions. We are always intrigued by other points of view on this so if you want to share your thought with us please do. You can leave us a comment below, message on Instagram or Facebook, or pop us an email info@sacredessence.co.uk
Explore ritual setting incense and offering here.
