The moon is such a powerful presence in our lives, pulling on the oceans tides and creating a rhythm of life for all of us. There was a time when we were deeply connected to these rhythms, but, over time, technology and our modern culture has separated us from those celestial vibes. Aligning yourself with the cycles of nature as a practice can be a transformative and tapping into the energy phases of the moon is a good place to start.
A new moon is the perfect time for reflection and intention setting. She brings with her the opportunity to explore creativity as she is dark and “empty” – fertile ground for new seeds of intention.
If you are a beginner to practicing any sort of ritual don’t be put off. If you are all “WTF is a new moon?” then I got you too. Click here to read a primer and then come back. We’ll wait, I promise.
This ritual is simple, easy and most of all effective.
On the day of a New Moon schedule 30-45 minutes to devote to this practice. I prefer to do my moon rituals at night to fully capture the moons energy. If the weather is nice, it’s preferable to be outside.
Find a quiet space where you will not be disturbed.
Gather a notebook, a small glass of water, a white candle and a pen.
Take a moment to get clarity on why you are doing this. What are your intentions for the next 29 days? There are no wrong answers here – it could be to be more compassionate, or to lose 5 lbs. Whatever it is, make sure it’s about you. Open up to your hearts desire and feel it in your body.
Once you are clear on your intention, write it down. Keep writing it until you feel energized, excited and maybe a bit scared after reading it. You’ll know when it’s right – you will feel it in your body.
Make sure it includes:
- Who or what you wish to release or is no longer welcome in your life
- Who or what you would like to bring in or welcome into your life
Once you have set your intention, it’s important to clear yourself and your space by burning a clearing incense or herb. I prefer palo santo or white sage. Make sure that the space has an open window or door.
Once you have lit your smudge stick (or loose plants/herbs) blow it out and invite the smoke to envelop your body starting at your feet and ending at your head.
While you are clearing yourself you can recite the following smudging prayer which I adopted from Deepak Chopra:
May my hands be cleansed, that they create beautiful things.
May my feet be cleansed, that they might take me where I most need to be.
May my heart be cleansed, that I might hear its messages clearly.
May my throat be cleansed, that I might speak rightly when words are needed.
May my eyes be cleansed, that I might see the signs and wonders of the world.
May this person and space be washed clean by the smoke of these fragrant plants.
And may that same smoke carry my prayers, spiraling, to the heavens.
Smudge the rest of the space. Go to the open window or door and fan the stagnant energy out of the room.
Take a seat facing North. Place the glass of water and the candle in front of you. Light the candle. If you work with crystals, now is a great time to incorporate them.
Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Make your inhalation the same length as your exhalation. Connect to an image of white light.
Recite your intention. Notice how it feels in your body. Imagine how it will feel once whatever you put out into the world comes back to you. See it as already having happened and feel the outcome.
Continue to sit quietly, focusing on your intention and the feeling it will bring you. After a few minutes gently open your eyes.
Know that the simple act of gaining clarity around your intentions, creating space to honor them and them sending them out into the Universe is enough and detach from the outcome.
Keep your intention close by and look at it daily to remind yourself of what you are working towards. If things come up that don’t support that intention, acknowledge them, know they are teaching tools and stay focused. Aligning with your intention is the easiest way to attract what you want into your life and connecting that energy with the energy of the moon is a great magnifier.
Take the time each month to honor the New Moon, taking note of your intentions and seeing how things progress. Soon it will become a habit and over time, you will notice a shift in your body as you become more connected to the cycles of nature.
