Moon Image by Charlotte Gastaut
Here are some qualities of the different phases of the moon, making it easier to appreciate and take advantage of this continual rhythmic feminine flow of energy and light, play and dreams.
Dark Moon is still and unseen. It is protective. It is about Rest, Inner Vision, Internal Space, Release, Self-Care. It invites Reflection, and considering a change of course – what worked and what didn’t. It is an easier time to retreat to your own space for awhile!
New Moon is a sliver of light in the evening sky – a suggestion of things to come. It is a time for making wishes. New Moon is a powerful time to state your intentions. Speak, dance, write, color, and pray your wishes. Be playful! Talk as if you are talking to a friend.
Full Moon is bright with radiant energy. It is about Gratitude, Dance, Play, Pleasure, Community, Action, Expansion. Imagine everyone gathering outdoors on a full moon night, to dance and visit under the moon’s glowing, radiant face.
These times of month are pivotal times, as the energy shifts from growing to waning, to growing again. It is great to celebrate them and allow their healing influence into our lives!
We are easily aware of Full Moon and New Moon, but Dark Moon is equally significant, and especially valuable in a culture that is distrustful of inner work and quiet time! Dark Moon is a time to access the deeper parts of yourself, giving attention to difficult, subtle, or illogical feelings.
If you can capture that time of Dark Moon, set aside some time for yourself, and use it to speak words of release and allowing, of opening to the questions; going deep into yourself, giving yourself some comfort, and speaking to parts that may need attention.
For example, if New Moon happens on Tuesday evening at 7 pm, then the Dark Moon energy is at its fullest, with the light continuing to wane, right up until that moment when the new cycle begins.
All Indigenous cultures understood and worked with the energetic aspects of the phases of the moon. The moon was very prominent in their lives! When there was moonlight, people could gather outdoors at night. When there was no moon, there was no light at all. It’s hard to imagine, now. But our bodies and psyches appreciate rhythm, and allowing the moon’s rhythm into our lives has healing benefits on many levels.
Some sample characteristics of full and dark moon: