The Ultimate guide to working with the Phases of the Moon.


The beautifully illustrated Wooden Perpetual Moon Calendar.

Does that silvery coin the dark blankets of the night sky call to you each month? For many thousands of years humans have looked in wonder at our moon. Did you know in the midst of time when the Earth was forming the moon and earth where one? In our modern world we have a degree of scientific understanding of the moon – but can we learn more? And how can we work with the moon?  

Nature is full of rhythms for us to follow: seasons and festivals. For me I have found working with the breathing in and out of the Moon Phases can be really helpful to get things done and move projects and relationships forward. So here’s my ultimate guide to working with the phases of the moon, as a mother, for children and in our relationships.

What is a Moon Cycle?

Let’s start at the beginning. A moon cycle refers to the 8 lunar phases that the Moon goes through in its 29.5 days lunar cycle. The four major Moon phases are Full Moon, New Moon, First Quarter and Last Quarter. Between these major phases, there are four minor ones: the Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous and Waning Crescent. The Moon only takes 27.3 days to orbit Earth, but the lunar phase cycle (from new Moon to new Moon) is 29.5 days. As the moon circles around the earth, we see the different phases of the moon. The moons illumination comes from the sunlight reflecting from its surface.

Our wooden Perpetual Moon Calendar has 29 date spaces on it (with 1/30 and 2/31 each sharing a space) this is so that you will be able to set the date at the beginning of the month with the moon phases in the correct spot – then the perpetual Moon Calendar will show you which calendar dates the rest of the moon cycle falls on. This is really helpful if you are planning meetings, project working or brainstorming time.

The Eight Moon Phases

  1. New Moon-the night sky looks empty.
  2. First Phase- a small crescent appears.
  3. First Quarter- Nearly half of the moon is visible in the sky.
  4. Waxing Gibbous- the moon is getting fuller, just a small dark crescent remains invisible.
  5. Full: The entire moon is visible.
  6. Waning Gibbous: The visible side of the moon is now getting smaller in the sky.
  7. Third Quarter- Half the moon is invisible in the night sky.
  8. Waning Crescent- the moon is almost disappearing leaving only a crescent sliver of light.

 

How the Moon Cycles Affect Our Lives

Moon cycles can cause sibling rivalry, technology malfunctions, lethargy and numerous other effects. Some understand the moon to rule emotions, it has been closely linked with magic, women’s cycles and we can measure the effect moon phase has on the seas tides.

Physical affects aside, as we watch the moon in our sky we see it start, grow to fullness and disappear each month. This continuous renewal is an inspiration. It is a natural rhythm we can use and a tool to guide us. Success comes from planting tiny seeds, nurturing them, releasing mistakes, harvesting and planting again. This is why understanding how to use the moon energy with your wooden moon calendar is so important!

The Benefits of the Moon Phases

You might wonder why you should tap into the healing powers of each moon cycle. Here are a few of the benefits:

  • Consistently achieve goals.
  • More focus.
  • Deeper clarity.
  • Rid old habits and patterns holding you back.
  • Strengthen bond between family, self, or partner.
  • Relieve anxiety and depression.
  • Feel more in control.

The New Moon

The start of the moons’ cycle. Sometimes called the dark moon. This is the time where the moon seems to disappear. The new moon is symbolic of a seed being planted in a garden. This is the time for reflection, to build new energy, new goals, new manifestations and new projects for you.

For Mothers: This is a great time to take some time for you and your plans. Make space to dream, do your creative thinking and brainstorming under the new moon. Utilize the new moon energy and put it towards your goals.

For Children: This is a great time to give your child a new project! Such as teaching them how to be more mindful, starting school projects or learning a new skill.

For Relationships: This is a great phase to take time to have a bit of time to nourish yourself and get clear on what you are going to work on together, to plan how to grow together and what seeds you want to plant.

Waxing Crescent Moon

Time to get to work, all those intentions you set with the New Moon can begin to become actions, plans and reality.

First Quarter

The first quarter and the moon is expanding. Just as a seed grows after being planted, this is the time to tend your plans. Take all the action you need to realize your plans. Check that your actions align with your goals.

For Mothers: Its time to push yourself and take assertive actions. Ensure that you are getting enough sleep and nourishment, because now is the time to get those projects going.

For Children: Help them with their projects for school, or home to ensure they complete their goals.

For Relationships: Make sure you are BOTH taking time away from work, personal life, and spend time together to increase your goals to manifest. Dig into ideas and plans with each other.

Waxing Gibbous

Be patient and keep going. As we are moving on towards the full moon it’s easy to lose focus or become discouraged. If setbacks happen refine the idea and plan and keep going.

Full Moon

The full moon is at its brightest. Time to bask in that healing energy. Charge up crystals, jewelry and other spiritual items.  The work you have put in should be culminating now, after this the moon moves back into a reflective phase. It’s the time we can feel most vibrant and creative.

For Mothers: Bathe in the full moon, take a shower with a moon energy charged crystal, take the time you deserve mama! Check on your plans and work and be ready for all the intense emotion that comes with the full moon.

For Children: Celebrate their efforts this month, Let them relax and take time to appreciate them.

For Relationships: Relax together, enjoy each other, and acknowledge each other’s efforts and successes! Time to enjoy one another, dinner and a movie? Yes please!


Full Moon on the Perpetual Moon Calendar.

Waning Gibbous

The moon’s glow slowly begins to diminish once more. This is the time to release all that is no longer serving you. It’s a great time to get feedback, reshape ideas; we can look at what we’ve learnt so far on the lunar phase and use it to alter direction if we need to. It’s a good time to start reflecting a little, to shed elements that might not be working for us anymore.

For Mothers: Release negative thought patterns, get rid of any bad habits that will hinder your goal or successes.

For Children: Help them to release poor habits that are hindering them from further success and to prepare for next month’s moon.

Relationships: Release any residual old habits that are hindering your relationship from further growing. Reach out to friends and family, invite people round for dinner enjoy discussing and getting insight from others perspective.

Third Quarter

This is when the moon’s illuminated 50% . The difference is instead of growing to 50% brightness it is now diminishing. Now that you have reaped the harvest of your successes it is time to really dig into evaluating where you want to head in the future.

For Mothers: Focus on what you wish to accomplish next that will help your future goals.

For Children: Help them to focus on goals that will help their grades and ultimately think of what they need to improve on to better their future,

For Relationships: Focus on where you both want to move your relationship next. Focus on taking the next step. Write down the old baggage and to get rid!

 

Waning Crescent Moon

The moon is no longer visible. This is a time to prepare for the next moon cycle and next goals.

For Mothers: Prepare and plan for the next month. Gather supplies and tools to help you accomplish your goals. Clean your space and make it ready for the creative thinking to come.

For Children: Help them utilize and prepare for the next month’s cycle. Make sure they have tools and items needed for next month to accomplish goals. Clean out their space, make room for the next adventure

For Relationships: Prepare for the next moon cycle and gather any supplies or tools needed to tackle goals.

Whether you are an avid moon-lover or a new to exploring the idea there’s no denying the moon has a powerful influence on our world. There you have it! How to use your wooden moon calendar with the phases of the moon!

 

For more about the science of the moon check out Nasa’s site: https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/moons/earths-moon/lunar-phases-and-eclipses/

For homeschooling ideas check out Pinterest for some awesome proejct ideas.