I Followed The Phases Of The Moon For A Full Year And Actually Felt Happier (And You Can Too)

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A few years ago, I felt disconnected from nature, and I wanted to get in touch with the world outside my own little bubble. For over a year, I went outside and did little private ceremonies during the full moon every month. I sat under the sky and meditated, journaled, and did other activities to help me get focused about events happening in my life. Following the lunar cycles helped me to get clear about my life and goals. And spending time outdoors under the moon had a soothing and awakening effect on my soul. I felt inspired, purposeful, and more connected to the mysterious forces of the world around me.

It worked. I actually felt happier.

Here is how it can work for you too.

 

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To get started, you will need a calendar or almanac that shows the moon phases. (Or just Google it and save money every year on calendars.)

The four lunar phases that you need to know about are:

• New moon
• Waxing moon
• Full moon
• Waning moon

 

 

New Moon Vibes

The lunar cycle begins on the day of the new moon, also called the dark moon. when the earth and sun are on opposite sides of the moon, and the moon’s face is completely shadowed, so you can't see it in the sky. This is usually the darkest night of the month. Because of this, people associate the energy of this moon with introspection, rest, healing, and dreams. You can tap into the new moon vibes to:

• Kick off a new project
• Plant the seeds of something you want to grow (dreams, goals, or actual plants in your garden)
• Set goals, start a vision board, make to-do lists
• Explore something mysterious, like a puzzling dream or message
• Reflect on the previous month, to chart your progress and growth

Maximize the energy of the new moon by drinking a cup of Puehr tea. Unsweetened puehr is magical, and can help you get into that inward space. Because puehr is fermented, it is so good for gut health, which is surprisingly linked to your intuition. (Possibly where the term "gut instinct" comes from.)

The best essential oils for meditating during the new moon are patchouli and vetiver. Mix a drop of essential oil into a palm full of carrier oil (coconut oil, almond oil, etc.) and massage into your shoulders, or the soles of your feet. The deep earthy fragrance calms the mind and settles feelings of restlessness. 

 

 

Waxing Moon Energy

The next phase is the waxing moon. This is a two week period that begins the day after the new moon, until the day of the full moon. This is the time when the moon grows from a tiny thumbnail to nearly a complete circle. The energy of the waxing moon is growth, expansion, and increase. Use the waxing moon vibes to:

• Build energy with power smoothies and teas
• Create momentum with a project you’re working on
• Start a savings account
• Do strength training and weight lifting
• Purchase essential items for your wardrobe

Certain tonic herbs and teas can help you achieve your goals by strengthening your entire body. Smooth Jazz and Ginseng Green Dragon teas contain powerful Chinese tonic herbs that build energy and support immunity. Adaptogenic herbs like maca, astragalus, or ashwagandha added to your protein smoothie can build your energy and overall vitality. These herbs are also beneficial for your mood. 

 

Full Moon Influence

The third phase is the full moon. There are three days that you can utilize the energy of the full moon: the day before, the day of, and the day after. The full moon energy illuminates, ignites, and intensifies everything. It is the brightest night of the month. Although the vibes are intense, you can use them to:

• Create fun social events with friends and family (game night!)
• Develop your intuition by meditating outdoors in the moonlight
• Make time for pampering and self care: take a spa day, get a mani-pedi, soak in a bubble bath
• Charge up your crystals outdoors in the moonlight
• Write in your journal
• Read tarot cards, or do other types of divination (check out my favorite deck: the Herbal Tarot, which gives you insight body mind and spirit wellness)

To enhance your intuition, drink a cup of Lush Lavender, which is also calming to the nerves. You can make a moon tea by placing 2 teaspoons of Lush Lavender into a glass jar, and add 2 cups of cool water. Cover the jar with a lid or plastic wrap and place the tea directly on the earth under the full moon. The tea will soak up the rays of the moon as it brews. First thing in the morning, strain out the tea leaves, and sip on your tea throughout the day to fill your body and soul with the full moon vibes.

Click here to read about a full moon tea ritual

 

 

Waning Moon Release

The last lunar phase is called the waning moon. This period lasts approximately two weeks, stretching from the day after the full moon to the day before the new moon. As the face of the moon shrinks from a bright circle to a silver sliver, the energy of waning moon period is of releasing, diminishing, and letting go. Waning moon periods tend to be the most laid back, emotionally, after the buildup and crescendo of energy that happens when the moon is full. Here are some creative ways to make the most of the waning moon energy:

• Purge your closet, a la Marie Kondo 
• Go on a juice cleanse or detox
• Start a new clean eating regimen
• Kick a bad habit, like too much sugar or screen time
• Rest, recover, recuperate
• Smudge your home with sage or other aromatic herbs to shoo out any bad vibes and welcome in positive energy

Daily Detox tea is the perfect tea to drink during the waning moon. If you’re trying to kick the sugar habit or lose a few pounds, Sleek & Slender tea will kick your efforts into high gear. 

 

Even if you only do one ritual each month, you will find that your persistent efforts will pay off with a greater sense of rhythm and harmony, which is a satisfying and quiet form of deep happiness.

 

What do you like to do during the full moon? Type in your comments below!