Working With the Moon Phases & Lunar Calendar

The New Moon begins the day after the Dark Moon and marks the start of the lunar cycle with 1% illumination. We are called to plant seeds, both internally and figuratively. What do you want to grow/create? Anything is possible, so conjure up your dreams and goals by setting your intentions now. Acknowledge new beginnings.

Waxing Crescent Moon begins after the new moon when light energy starts to build. A great time for researching and implementing a plan for the intentions you set. Tune into your intuition and give your body what it needs and what your goals need to grow and blossom. Build strong foundations in all aspects of life. Waxing means it is getting bigger with more light.

New Moon to First Quater. Gardening-wise, this is when to seed leafy greens, meaning any annual plants that you eat the leaves of, such as; salads, spinaches, etc. 

First Quarter Moon is also called the first quarter. Approx 7 days after the new moon. It is 50% illuminated by the sun. Light energy intensifies, so it is important to focus on balance like the moon expresses. A time for breaking free from fears and anything holding you back, so you can grow with the increasing light and realise your intentions. Acknowledge planning.

Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase between the first quarter and the Full Moon. It may feel like nothing is happening, or there's no growth or movement. Check for stagnancy and stay aligned. Do actions towards your goals. This is a great time for tying up loose ends, checking off your 'to-do' list and preparing yourself and your environment for the coming celebrations.

First Quater to Full Moon. Gardening-wise, this is when to seed fruiting annuals, meaning any annual plants you eat the fruits of, such as; tomatoes, cucumber, corn, broccoli etc. Gardening-wise, this is when to propagate and plant perennial plants, such as; fruit, nut and fibre trees or anything grown by cutting or division etc. 

A full Moon is 100% illumination in a perfect sphere, lighting up the night sky. All that needs to be seen and understood is shined upon. The power of the moon is at its peak. Notice your expectations and attachments to certain outcomes; it is what it is. Step outside and soak up the bright, magical and potent energy! Consider what has been actualised and ask what is left to do in the next two weeks of the waning moon. Acknowledge success, celebration and gratitude. 

Waning Gibbous Moon slowly decreases in light, and the energy becomes more reflective. It is time to declutter, releasing and letting go of anything that is no longer needed, both physically and mentally. Don't give up your desires if they have not manifested yet; instead, reevaluate and course correct. Self-regulate and apply feedback. Waning means it is getting smaller with less light.

Full Moon to the last quarter. Gardening-wise, this is when to plant root crops and the best time to propagate and plant perennial plants, such as; fruit, nut and fibre trees or anything grown by cutting or division etc. 

Third Quarter Moon is also called the last quarter. The best time for actualising everything you have written/set intentions for. Did it happen? Contemplate what came to be and what needs to be released, and it no longer serves your intentions. A great time to take stock of what you have and release or give away what is no longer needed. Do some cleansing ~ detoxify your body & environment, burn to release, and consciously let go. Smudge to cleanse yourself and your space. Acknowledge harvests and losses.

Last quarter to Dark/new moon. Gardening-wise, this is when to mulch, compost, apply natural fertilisers and weed. Not the best time for planting. 

Waning Crescent Moon is reflecting less sun and growing darker. The phase to retreat for rest and rejuvenation. There has been so much happening throughout the month, and now it's time to hibernate and spend quality time caring for yourself (pamper, nourish) to give your body and mind a well-deserved opportunity to restore. Observe what worked and what to do differently next cycle.

The Dark Moon has 0% illumination before the New Moon. The sun is directly behind the moon. We are called to stillness and to be quiet or to 'go within'; less doing ~ more being, less talking ~ more listening. A great time for reflection and to think about what you want to bring forth into the next cycle. Journal. Meditate and rest. Take some time out before the new lunar cycle begins again. Acknowledge completion.

Sun, Moon & The Earth = Faces of Phases

The different faces of the moon are a correlation between the sun's direction on the earth and the moon's journey around the earth in the lunar cycle. Detailed images are provided in this resource for our program's lesson, along with activities such as the Night-Time Adventure ~ Moon Gazing Game lesson.