Moon phases for fun and profit

The New Moon

I have always been interested in moon divination. I got some books, Googled, and asked around in my woo-woo network.

In my not-at-all humble opinion, the best moon phase is the new moon. Because that is the moon where you make wishes, I learned this from Jan Spiller, who wrote a book called New Moon Astrology. Jan's idea is that you make wishes right at the new moon or close after it. NOT before; there are rules.

This simple idea led me to a mind-blowing experience. I did my new moon wishes for a few months, put the book in a drawer, and forgot about it. Later, when I reread my wishes, they all happened.  

Not some of them. All of them!

I reread my wishes, then not at all calmly, put the book and my notes back in the drawer, and walked away for another five months while I tried to wrap my head around that experience. It worked crazy scary good.  

The New Moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle, symbolizing fresh starts and beginnings. This phase is for introspection and setting intentions for the upcoming month. Whatever you want to bring into your life, concentrate on it/pray/journal whatever works for you during a new moon; you will have extra magic.

Some believe that the veil between the spiritual and physical worlds is thinner during the New Moon, making it an auspicious time for spiritual practices, meditation, and connecting with higher realms. New moons are the domain of the female persona. I guess because we're mysterious like that.

Here are some suggestions if you'd like to supplement your new moon energy.

Crystals: Use clear quartz to amplify intentions. If you don't have (or don't want) clear quarts, any clear stone will work. Also, amethyst is known for enhancing intuition and spiritual growth. It doesn't matter where you get your rocks. But if you are looking for ideas, I like this lady I found on Etsy. She writes sweet thank-you notes and sends stickers. (woo hoo!)

Herbs: Sage is for cleansing negative energies, and lavender promotes relaxation and peace. And don't let anyone tell you you need a certain kind of sage or that your sage has to be mixed with some other herb. It's all about intention. You can burn it, draw it, or throw it on chicken.

Astrological Signs: Everyone can benefit from setting intentions and reflecting on their desires during the New Moon. However, water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces) may find it especially practical for healing and self-discovery.

Current moon phase

As far as the links. They are not sponsors. Just things I like.

Waning Gibbous Moon

Like me, you may be asking yourself. What the heck is a Waning Gibbous? When I hear the word waning, I think of a lack of attention.  As in, "Lora attention is waning when it comes to figuring out agreements between competing planet astrological advice."

And I am completely clueless about the word "gibbous." That sound like some kind of description of jelly viscosity. Like, that grape jelly has a very gibbous texture due to all the pectin.

Well! None of those are right. According to Merriam-Webster, "The adjective gibbous originates in the Latin noun gibbous, meaning "hump." It was adopted into Middle English to describe rounded, convex things."

That makes more sense than jelly viscosity.

As the moon begins to wane, it's a phase for gratitude and reflection. Take the opportunity to release what no longer serves you. Now is the time to clean out closets and ignore your friends who are overstaying their welcome.

However, what should you do when astrology and the moon don't match? For example, there is a few more weeks before Mercury (my ruling planet) goes retrograde. I'm using this time to push. I am applying for work, writing this amazing stuff, and generally taking advantage of the outgoing tide just like my friendly YouTube astrologers tell me to do. But now I see the moon is WANING! What's an astrologically smart wannabe gal supposed to do?

So, I went to my newest source of information, artificial intelligence. After quite a bit of back and forth, I got an answer. It said, "Complexity of Celestial Influences: Astrology involves the study of multiple celestial bodies and their interactions. The moon's position, phase, and Mercury's retrograde motion are just two factors among many that astrologers consider. Other planetary positions, aspects, and transits may also play a role."

An intelligent way of saying 6 of one, half dozen of the other. I think the thing to do is pick one. So I'm keeping up with my push stuff out into the world phase for a bit more, and hopefully, the moon energy will help out in its moonly way. I'll involve this new information and add clarity and insight crystals to my meditation. If I have any epiphanies, I'll get back to you.

Anyway, here are my recommendations for supplementing your moon energy.

Crystals: Smoky quartz for grounding and releasing negative energies, and clear quartz for clarity and insight

Herbs: Yarrow for releasing old patterns, and passionflower for promoting serenity and letting go

Astrological Signs: Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius) can utilize the Waning Gibbous Moon to release pent-up energy and emotions.