Moon Planning

Moon planning is the practice of aligning your intentions, actions, and emotions with the energy to the lunar cycle. At its surface, it can provide a framework for setting goals, accomplishing tasks, and increasing productivity. However, for those seeking to deepen their connection to the universe, becoming attuned to the energies of the lunar cycle can be a powerful tool for understanding your own emotional cycles.

​During the lunar cycle, the changing position of the Earth relative to the Sun causes varying amounts of sunlight to reflect off of the Moon’s surface. This causes the Moon to present itself to the Earth’s surface in the form of 8 distinct phases. Each phase in the lunar cycle has its own set of spiritual attributes or energies.

To get started you will need to know what phase of the lunar cycle you are starting in. There are several moon phase calendar apps that will guide you through the cycle, or you can just do a quick internet search. If you find that you are in the middle of a lunar cycle, there is no need to wait (the moon wouldn’t wait for you) just begin with the current phase.

As you develop a practice in moon planning you may want to further explore the astronomy of the moon and its energetic relationships with the Earth. For now, you can get started with a general understanding of the lunar cycle, and the themes and practices associated with each moon phase.
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Phases of the Moon 

​New Moon
New Beginning, Fresh Start, Clean Slate 
Practice
Reboot, Recharge , Unplug  
 
Waxing Crescent
Hope, Wishes, Desires 
Practice
Set Intention, Lay groundwork
 
First Quarter
Action, Challenge, Decision Making
Practice
​ Work Hard, Focus, Be Flexible   

Waxing Gibbous
Refine, Adjust, Edit
Practice
Re-evaluate, Change Direction

​Full Moon Harvest
Results, New Opportunity 
Practice
Remain Open, Receptive , Un-attached

Waning Gibbous
Gratitude, Enthusiasm, Abundance 
Practice
Be selfless, Share, Give Back 

Last Quarter
Release, Let go 
Practice
Physical or Emotional Detox , Forgive

Waning Crescent
Surrender, Recoup 
Practice
Rest, relax, Prepare to Start Over

Once you have identified the current phase consider writing out the remainder of the schedule in a journal or planner. Early on in your practice, the act of writing a schedule will help you learn the timing and characteristics of each phase. Once you become more attuned to the lunar cycle you may find writing becomes a ritual that helps you feel more emotionally connected to the phases. 

It may also be helpful to write out any affirmations that resonate with your understanding of each phase. Affirmations can always be added or adjusted as you move through the cycle, but it is nice to start with at least one or two words.
 
After you learn the lunar cycle, work on developing a strategy to keep track of the phases as they change. This may be as simple as checking your planner or setting notifications on your phone. Alternatively, you may choose to place a visual reminder in an area of your physical space that you visit frequently. 
 
If you choose to utilize visual reminders, you may want to incorporate it into your practice and create your own; otherwise, there are a wide variety of beautifully illustrated cards or wooden blocks available that identify each moon phase.  Placing one of these items at eye level in area you spend a lot of time in can trigger  a conscious or subconscious connection to the current lunar phase. Consider keeping visual reminders at your desk, above your kitchen sink, or in your car.

As you move through the lunar cycle, focus your awareness the qualities of each phase. Take time to reflect on their spiritual energies, allowing them to influence your intentions and serve as a guide for your actions. Pay attention to your emotional state during the cycle and identify any connections to the changing phases. You may choose to journal, revisiting the affirmations wrote down earlier in the cycle, or just spend your time reflecting through quiet meditation or time in nature.
 
Like many other practices, in the beginning, you may find comfort in routine, but keep in mind the practice of moon planning does not have to be rigid. As you develop your intuition for the energies of the lunar cycle, you may find the practice of moon planning becomes more fluid and is easy to integrated it into other mindful activates.  If you allow it, the moon planning can become a deeply personal practice, so take the time to explore and create your own rituals.
 
Wherever you are, trust that you are where you need to be. Use this practice to find comfort in your connection to the universe and harness its energy to take you wherever it is you want to be. 

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