Moon Phases & Personal Growth
am going to throw a big, bold statement down: Learning about the Moon’s phases and astrology has powerful lessons in cultivating increased mindfulness and supports positive personal growth.
I know, I know. There are probably very few psychology textbooks out there that outline the research and data to back that statement. This is an anecdotal observation of how learning about the Moon’s cycles and astrology has impacted my mindfulness and personal growth. However, I believe that it may possibly be beneficial to other women as well.
It was interesting how much I thought I knew, compared to how much I truly still needed to discover. About my world and about myself.
Of course, I was aware that the Moon stabilizes the Earth’s axis, slows the Earth’s spin to make life here kind of nice, was powerful enough to affect the oceans’ tides, impacted some animals’ migration and breeding, and changed rhythmically throughout the month, but that was as far as my knowledge went.
Learning more about the cycles of the Moon, specifically the energy of the phases, blended with astrology has positively impacted my life.
A surprising byproduct is that it has taught me a new way of being mindful. For me, it has been empowering to be aware of and understand the undercurrents of possible energies that could impact my day-to-day experiences, intentions, and goals. Now I can make more conscious and deliberate choices for how I choose to navigate my life. I have a deeper understanding of my own cycles, strengths, and blind spots. I truly feel I have grown and continue to evolve as a result of following the phases and astrology associated with each lunation.
I am certain that you are aware of the changes in how we see the moon, but if you are not fully aware of the Moon’s cycles, let me quickly break it down for you.
The Moon’s cycle takes approximately 28 days to complete. In some cultures, the Moon is seen as a Masculine energy. But it is most often viewed as the ultimate symbol of Feminine energy; wise, mysterious, quiet yet powerful, luminous and beautiful with the ability to hold the light and dark.
There are four main phases of the Moon’s cycle: the New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon, and Waning Moon. Again, I am sure you are familiar with the look of these Moon phases.
During the New Moon, barely a sliver is illuminated, and the sky feels a little darker. The Waxing Moon is the time after the New Moon; when you watch day by day as it appears the Moon is getting fuller and brighter. It appears at its fullest during the Full Moon, when it is seen completely; big, round, and bright. Finally, the Moon begins its Waning phase when it seems to be getting smaller and smaller.
Another nod to Feminine energy; The Triple Goddess Sign represents the Waxing phase (Maiden), the Full Moon phase (Mother) and the Waning phase (Crone). All magical, ancient archetypes. All connected as forming a greater whole of growth and evolution.
With each phase there is a different energy.
The New Moon phase is a time of new beginnings, fresh starts or jumping off point for new intentions and exploring new possibilities. This is a wonderful time to plant the seed (intention, thought, declaration) of goals and change that you hope to manifest (attain, complete, achieve).
The Waxing Moon phase is a time of energy building, action is gaining traction. As the intensity of the Moon is increasing, it’s a good time to think about areas of your life you want to see, feel, and experience growth or think about amplifying the things you already have but wish to keep building upon.
The Full Moon phase is the most powerful phase. This is often considered a time of releasing, letting go or completion. There is increased clarity and vision with strong intuitive knowing. Sometimes situations or struggles can be seen from a different perspective, allowing for an ending of negative patterns or time to recalibrate a personal vision. Sometimes it is the natural culmination of endings; closing one door to be able to open the next. My favorite part; it’s always for your best and highest good.
The Waning Moon phase is a continuation of the releasing cycle and endings. This is a wonderful time to think about or begin reducing bad habits, practice shifting negative thoughts, and moving away from engaging in toxic relationships.
So, how specifically did learning about the Moon phases and cycles change me?
It has empowered me as a woman.
Yep. It has. I realized that since childhood, I had been carrying shame about having a period, a curvy body, and a general unease about being a woman in a seemingly “man’s world”. I began exploring aspects of witnessing and balancing Feminine and Masculine energy. I expanded my perception of what I consider sacred and divine. I began to recognize that most of what I have experienced and learned about the female body, Feminine energy and what it means to be a woman was a bunch of rubbish--mansplained and passed down from a distorted and toxic lens. I have adapted a more empowering stance of what it means to be a woman in this world. I feel more genuinely connected to myself and to other women as a result.
It has softened my discomfort around change.
Seeing that everything in our natural world has cycles and understanding there is value and wisdom in each phase of a cycle was eye opening. From death to rebirth, destruction to creation/re-creation, endings to new beginnings. Change is natural. It will happen. My resistance or fear won’t prevent change. But my understanding and openness will smooth out the path. And the best part, it will be okay---I will be okay. Not only will I be okay, but I can choose to thrive and gracefully transition phase to phase.
I have been more mindful about my energy.
Recognizing there are definitely some days, some weeks where my physical energy is lower or higher. I began giving myself permission to have slower and less “productive” days; knowing I will have other days that I will be filled with zeal and zest. I give myself more time for rest without guilt for not being able to “do it all”. Working with my internal natural rhythm instead of using an external measure has decreased the wear and tear on my mind, body, and spirit.
There are some days, some weeks that I might feel more emotionally sensitive. Instead of letting that unravel my progress, I know I need to slow down, proceed cautiously, watch my words, and take time to soothe or support any “Shadow side” moments. Again, giving myself permission to experience, express and work through whatever pops up for me emotionally is so supportive.
There are some days, some weeks that I prefer to spend quietly, going within and reflecting rather than reacting or interacting. Once again, I give myself permission to carve out time for more meditation, walks or other activities that support my needs in the present moment. I also find it extremely helpful to schedule outings, plans with family, friends, and colleagues when my energy is more open and receptive to socializing and interacting.
It encouraged me to take a pause and look at the circumstances and experiences in all life areas. (This is especially where the astrology factors into the equation. I research what planet, stars and signs are being impacted by lunations and where that falls into my personal astrology chart.)
I am more reflective about who I bring into my inner circle. Relationships can have natural endings or values and investment can shift. Ultimately, I am the one who needs to be calling the shots about who I choose to share my time and energy with. I need to be protective and responsive to my phases and cycles and brave enough to create change in a way that supports my needs during those shifts.
Lo and behold, it isn’t always about me. I feel less reactive when I remember other people are walking their paths just as I am. I find more compassion and care for others when I take time to notice that they might be experiencing a phase or cycle differently than I am. They might be struggling in a way that I am not aware of. They might have Shadow popping up in ways that is leaving them feeling vulnerable or afraid. They might need time to themselves and time for connection that doesn’t always match up my needs.
I have a mechanism for consistently scanning my other life areas (and goals) and my beliefs about those life areas (and goals). Health, finances, contribution to this world, interests, and hobbies. I am more open to reviewing and assessing my plans and goals more frequently (hmmm, possibly every couple of weeks) and give myself full permission to recalibrate and revise plans and goals as needed. I don’t always have to stay on the course if an iceberg is in the path of my ship. And I don’t have to navigate blindly. Not only do I have a stronger inner compass, but I have full access to the powerful, wise, and truly magnificent tool of Nature, including the Moon phases, and therefore, a deeper connection to the Divine.
Every month, I learn a little bit more about our amazing natural and Divine world, including Moon phases and astrology. Every month, I learn a little bit more about myself and my path to cultivating a meaningful and fulfilling life. I now have a framework that is informed by the Moon phases, that allows me to be reflective and mindful. To seek out opportunities for clarity. To move with the natural rhythms of Nature and life. To create positive and lasting change. To always shoot for the stars and beyond.
I hope my experience has stirred up a little curiosity about the magical, mystical, and mysterious Moon phases. I am excited to hear about your experiences!
Wishing you the best on exploring to grow and evolve,
Mary
P.S. feel free to explore my past blogs on the lunations or the guided meditations I have written and recorded on my YT channel . Or sign up for my newsletter to get my blogs and events and offerings.
