Everybody knows that things get a littlechaoticwhilea full moon. How often have you been to work or shopping and the general mood in the room makes you say:What the hell is happening here...IIs there a full moon or something?But hey, not everything is bad. If you are interested in astrology or in tune with your inner witch, you can feel extremely powerful when the moon is high and bright in the sky.
But with a 29.5-day cycle and eight unique phases, have you ever stopped thinking like everyone else?moon phasescan it affect you? As the gloriously gothic sister and antithesis of the full moon, perhaps? yes, I'm talking about hernuevoMoon. It has much more to offer than you think.
While the full moon is more associated with chaos, the new moon is all about reset, rest, and relaxation. During the full moon, you may want to focus on dispelling negative and stagnant energy in your life. But when the new moon comes, you can insteadFocus on the manifestation, or bring everything positive your way. So light a candle, grab your notebook, and make your favorite drink—it's time to discover the meaning behind the new moon and how you can harness its energy to live your best life.
Meet the experts: Jessica Lanyadoo
Julia Halina Hadas is a witch, cocktail shaker and author ofThe Modern Witchcraft Astrology Book: Your Complete Guide to Powering Your Magic with the Energy of the Planets.
What is a new moon?
Scientifically, a new moon is when the moon is at zero degree alignment with the sun. During this precise period, the moon does not reflect light from the sun and is therefore invisible here on Earth, usually for a period of around three days.
Astrologically, the new moon rises and sets with the sun and is therefore "in the same zodiac sign as the sun," explains Julia Halina Hadas, witch, cocktail shaker, and author ofThe Modern Witchcraft Astrology Book: Your Complete Guide to Powering Your Magic with the Energy of the Planets.
This is the exact opposite of the full moon: when the moon is inOppositesign of the sun
What happens on a new moon?
"It's the beginning of a cycle," explains Jessica Lanyadoo, a humanistic astrologer and author ofAstrology for Real Relationships: Understanding You, Me, and How We All Get Along. "It is when our feelings (the moon) and our will (the sun) are aligned."
In short, the new moon is usually seen as a reset time, a time to realign and start anew. And since the new moon is always in the same sign as the sun, the general energy in the air will match the characteristics of that specific sign.
"It's a good time to manifest, plant seeds, start something new, clear something up for yourself or in a relationship," Lanyadoo says.
However, emphasize that not all new moons are the same and not all new moons affect you in the same way. "By the time the moon is new, we do a horoscope," she says. "We're not just looking at the new moon, but all the planets and what they do to each other and to the moon."
These conjunctions can drastically change the effects of a new moon. If you want to find out how a specific new moon affectsareIn life in particular, you need to talk to an astrologer, but you can get a general picturethe zodiaca moon is inside. Suppose the new moon is inDreamy and romantic Pisces, For example? Focusing on this sign can have an impact on what you want or don't want to do during this time. "It becomes a great way to tune in to that energy and to specific issues in your life," says Hadas.
How can I use the power of the new moon?
“Witches will worship the moon in different ways. Some people will focus on rest and relaxation as a reset, because from new moon to full moon the moonlight will increase in the sky," explains Hadas. "People use this growth cycle to express their intentions and desires, to make things grow like the moon grows".
However, how you use this reset is up to you. "Many people will plant the seeds of intention using the new moon as a starting point," says Hadas. The magic words when it comes to the new moon areMeditationYManifestation.
How exactly could you practice meditation and manifestation during this time? Well, there are more than a few methods. You can take a ritual bath with herbs that represent the zodiac sign in which the new moon is found, anoint and light a candle with oil while you visualize your goals, clean your energy or the energy of your space with incense or crystals,make moon water, or practice divination withTarot cardsor an oracle deck. You can make this special moment as elaborate or as simple as you like.
"Personally, I'm going to sit down andset my monthly goals' says Hadas. Try repeating certain affirmations to yourself throughout the day, or sit at his journal and let the moonlight (or rather the lack thereof) flow through your pen and onto the page.
What are the other phases of the moon?
Although the new moon and the full moon are often considered the most important and powerful phases of the lunar cycle, each phase of the moon has its own meaning and energy. The full cycle takes about 29.5 days, which means that each phase of the moon is visible for about three nights.
the phases of the moon
Crescent moon
Visually, the crescent moon looks like a small streak in the sky just after a new moon. This is a time of growth, setting intentions, and wondering what you want to bring into your life, Hadas says: It represents "those first steps [of a cycle], a sense of limitless possibility."
Since the things you wanted to reset during the new moon haven't fully manifested yet, you can view the crescent as "a mixing pot where you can still stir things in the direction you want to go—whatever you want put your cosmic cauldron in." inside,” says Hadas.
first quarter
The first quarter phase is when the moon is 50 percent illuminated. For this reason, the phase is generally considered a stasis phase. "[The first quarter moon] can represent a crossroads or a reality check because it's halfway there," says Hadas. "Balance your goals."
hunchback growth
Growing hunchbacked is when the results ofYour Demonstration Effortsbegins to appear. However, Hadas points out that even though this phase is close to the full moon, there is still an opportunity to further refine his goals and put the finishing touches on the plans he made during the crescent cycle.
full moon
While the new moon is a time for manifestation, the full moon is a time to focus onLet go of what no longer serves you. However, the full moon is also when you can feel the strongest connection to the moon. Therefore, this phase should serve not only to expel negative energy, but also to bring in positive energy, explains Hadas. "If you're feeling strong because the moon is at its peak, use it to manifest," she says.
Generally because the waning part of the lunar cycle is when the moon isreductionIn the Light, this is a great time to forgive and let go. "To let things into your life, you must have space," says Hadas. "If you don't let go, there is no way to achieve your goals."
decreasing gibbus
this stage isall about gratitude. During the waning crescent, you can choose to share your appreciation for the results you've noticed in the previous lunar cycle, says Hadas.
Third quarter
Here the moon is again 50 percent illuminated. The third trimester “is where we areActuallyLet yourself go”, explains Hadas. In contrast to the themes of balance in the first lunar quarter, the third quarter is about breaking away from the negative to prepare for transformation.
waning moon
This is the last phase before the new moon, when the last ray of light can be seen in the sky. This stage is about giving up and giving up, says Hadas. "It's like blowing out a candle. What would you like to post?"
Are there other important lunar events to know about?
Although there are only eight phases of the moon, there are other lunar phenomena, particularly related to the new moon, to keep an eye on. There is the dark moon, for example, says Hadas. While this isn't a phase that every witch, astrologer, or spiritual person will observe, it is the time when you can't necessarily see the moon in the sky, but it's not yet in that zero degree alignment associated with the new. Moon. "Because it's dark and it's that moment of limbo, before we recharge our energy with the new moon, it's great for transformation and shadow work," says Hadas.
Even a solar eclipse, which occurs about twice a year, can only occur on a new moon. Both solar and lunar eclipses are incredibly powerful and often associated with chaos. Therefore, a new moon during an eclipse can create the most dramatic changes in your lunar life throughout the year, notes Hadas.
All in all, the new moon is just another chance to connect or reconnect with yourself and figure out what you really want in life. "Every astrological myth, body, idea has something to offer us, whether it's on a magical level or on a spiritual and healing level," says Hadas. “Astrology helps create more balance. Wherever you are in your life right now, take a moment to reflect on the issues that the energy of a sign offers you to take advantage of.
When are the new moons in 2023?
January:New Moon in Aquarius - Saturday January 21
February:New Moon in Pisces - Monday February 20
March:New Moon in Aries - Tuesday March 21
April:Total Solar Eclipse in Aries – Wednesday, April 19
Can:New Moon in Taurus - Friday April 19
June:New Moon in Gemini - Saturday 17
Julio:New Moon in Cancer - Monday July 17
August:New Moon in Leo – Wednesday August 16
September:New Moon in Virgo - Tuesday, September 14
October:Total Solar Eclipse in Libra – Saturday, October 14
November:New Moon in Scorpio - Monday, November 13
December:New Moon in Sagittarius – Tuesday, December 12
Aliza Pelto
Aliza Pelto (she/her) is a New York City-based country writer, twins, and iced coffee enthusiast. Her work has been featured with the National Organization for Women,Alma, and both in print and online atBUST-Magazine. When she's not reading, recording her podcast (Little Sleep // Much Reading) or doing some witchcraft, you can watch her disassociate for hours on TikTok.