Since the Moon rules the Mother Principle and Mother Nature in general, let’s take a look how She intended the population to perform in their daily lives. We will review the phases of the moon and how they affect our daily life.
THE NEW MOON Each new lunar cycle is measured beginning at each new moon. Astronomers call one lunar cycle alunation. The New moon looks like an all dark moon. The light side of the moon faces away from the earth. When the Moon is new, the Sun and Moon -- are aligned in the same Zodiac sign. That makes it a charged time with concentrated energies of that sign. A New Moon is a symbolic point of attention, and a symbolic portal for new beginnings. New Moons are a great time to set intentions for things you'd like to create, develop, cultivate, make manifest. During this wholly subjective time it is best to plant seeds in all forms, whether you plant a garden, devise a new method of strategy or undertake a new project, the New Moon is the starting point of the month.
THE WAXING PHASE This moon can be seen after the New Moon, the moon will grow brighter and appear to be growing larger every night. “Waxing” means increasing, or growing larger). Waxing Moon means the moon is getting larger in the sky, moving from the New Moon towards the Full Moon. The waxing phase is a time of rebuilding, a time to create and a time for regeneration, expansion, growing and learning; gathering information; making plans; laying a foundation; and to start a change. Anything you do to strengthen your body, to fortify yourself, is much more effective when the moon is waxing. The body absorbs more easily...both good and bad. This is a time that is best for supplying the body with nourishing food that build and fortify and promotes growth of all tissues. An example of foods that are building are foods that are sweet, sour and salty tastes.
THE FULL MOON The Moon's illuminated side is facing the Earth. When the moon is waxing the energy builds and builds until we reach the Full Moon. Symbolic of the height of power, the peak of clarity, fullness and obtainment of desire. There's an explosive outgoing aspect to it. All of nature is more vital and all energies are at their strongest at this apex of the full Moon. This surge allows you to take action on behalf of those new moon intentions and the building action of the waxing phase of the moon. The Full moon can be a powerful time to release, cast out, unburden yourself, purge, etc. You celebrate your emergence by stepping out of an old skin and identity your behaviors, attitude, and relationship. The ability to look at yourself helps you by marking this inner transformation in a formal way. A full Moon ritual might involve purification by one of the elements. Most often, it's fire, and done by casting something you don't want (like old habits that no longer serve you written on a piece of paper) into the flames.
THE WANING PHASE This moon can be seen after the full moon and will appear to grow smaller and darker in the night sky, as it moves from the full moon to the new moon. Waning means shrinking or decreasing in illumination. The Waning moon is a time for reducing and purging, a time to cleanse and to detoxify our energies and to turn inwardly. Energies will now be starting to diminish, or get smaller. This is why this is the perfect period to let go of anything that no longer serves your higher purpose, that you want to let go of, release or end. This can be anything from certain relationships, jobs, thoughts, situations and emotions, to de-cluttering and weight-loss. The moon will act in your favor and you will achieve good results.
This is the perfect time to cleanse the body, to release and purge toxins that have accumulated in our body and mental processes. The body releases more easily as this is the time of elimination as the moon encourages detoxification and the flushing of any extra water from the body. In addition, the body’s cravings tend to decrease and weight is easier to maintain. It is best to drink plenty of water to stimulate further removal of toxins and replace the water being pushed from your body by the moon's influence. In general, it's recommended to drink about 8 glasses of water each day of the waning moon. In addition, follow a balanced diet of solid foods or a liquid fast during this period. It is best to eat foods that are reducing or detoxifying such as plants, spices and herbs that are pungent, bitter and astringent in taste. It is the best time to cleanse the whole body of toxins, particularly in the liver and kidneys. Talk to your herbalist about herbs and spices that are best suit for your body.
