Here’s How to Identify and Read the Meaning of Each Phase of the Moon Cycle
How much attention do you actually pay to the cycles of the moon?
Whether you know it or not, each phase of the moon has its own special meaning that might impact your life in subtle ways. In fact, the more you know about the moon's power, the better you can work with it to get the most out of your life. Keep reading to find out how to identify each phase of the moon and what it means for you.
New Moon – New Starts
The new moon occurs when the earth totally blocks the sun's light on the moon, making it look dark in the sky, and it symbolizes a new start. Now is the time to look inward. Don't be afraid to spend some time alone and create time to rest if you need it to recharge and shake off any bad residual vibes you may be carrying from the last moon. This should imbue you with a fresh energy that will prepare you for whatever lies ahead. You'll be left feeling like you're ready to take on anything. For now, rather than pursuing anything, you should open yourself up and let things come to you.
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Waxing Crescent Moon – Planning
When a sliver of light starts to appear on the moon again, it's a waxing crescent moon. This is the time to stop and think about what you want to accomplish over the next month. Once you know what it is that you desire, create an action plan to make it yours. By setting your intentions and mentally laying out your plan, you'll find that things come to you more easily and you'll know exactly what steps to take as you approach them.
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First Quarter Moon – Persistence
When about half of the moon is illuminated after the new moon, it's a first quarter moon. At this point, it may seem that things aren't going entirely your way, but you shouldn't give up. It might feel like life is trying to stop you from getting what you want and need, but if you have a plan in place, you'll be able to overcome these obstacles. It's time to work hard and not be afraid to make tough choices. Take a hard look at what you've been able to accomplish, and don't get distracted by the easy road.
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Waxing Gibbous Moon – Honing
When the moon is nearly full again, it's a waxing gibbous moon. This is the time to look at what you've been able to achieve since the new moon and make any adjustments as necessary. Are you on the right track, or did you fall off the path along the way? Sometimes, you'll find that you just need to keep on keeping on, and other things you'll have to fine-tune what you're doing to be headed in the right direction. Other times, you may even need to ditch the plan entirely to try something totally new. There's no wrong way to move in the right direction.
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Full Moon – Receiving
The full moon is unmistakable in the night sky. After everything you've invested over the last couple of weeks, this is when you'll start to see results and get back everything that you put in. Unless you keep your eyes and your mind open, you might not even see these benefits come back to you, so play close attention. Don't be afraid to celebrate any goodness that's found its way in your life. Look out for any opportunities that open up and don't be afraid to snatch them when you can.
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Waning Gibbous Moon – Appreciation
When the moon is no longer fully illuminated after a full moon, you have a waning gibbous moon. Now you should take the time to truly appreciate what you've received. You can kick back and enjoy the bounty of whatever it is you've created since you first created your plan. Relish the fact that your work was all worth it. If you can, don't forget to also pay it forward. If you're reaping in the rewards, share them with someone else who isn't so lucky.
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Last Quarter Moon – Freedom
When the moon is half-illuminated after the full moon, you have a last quarter moon. This is a signal to start preparing for the next cycle. If you didn't get what you wanted since the new moon, it's time to let that go. Forgive and free yourself from any negativity and release any burdens that might be holding you back. Without getting too deep into it, start thinking broadly about what you want for the month ahead. This may also be the time to declutter yourself and your space with some spring cleaning or a spiritual cleanse.
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Old Moon – Release
An old moon occurs when the moon is nearly new again and just a sliver is visible. Now is time to let go of everything and make way for whatever's coming next. You may be desperate to cling to the positive things that happened to you in the last month, but if they're truly good and right for you, they won't go anyway. You may find that something you thought was good for you wasn't really what you thought, and something better may be on its way in the next cycle.
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