This article explores the significance of each lunar transit and their influence on your daily life. You will find down-to-earth practices, thought-provoking reflection questions, and simple steps to apply each lunation to your personal natal chart.
Feel free to skip around to the sections that most pique your curiosity, but definitely come back to explore all the ways to leverage the energy of each moon cycle!
My first memory of the moon
My first recollection of acknowledging the moon for myself was on a particularly unique, and also painful, night. I was about 10 years old, and my mom, my stepdad Jerry and I had gone ice skating at our local rink. It was an activity I used to love to do as a child and something that felt pretty natural despite living in San Diego.
It was a pretty normal evening - we were on the ice with a fair amount of other people, but there was still plenty of room for play. I was off on my own most of the time practicing my jumps and spins. I had been in a few years of ice skating camp with the YMCA, and I was excited to have been getting better with my tricks.
All of a sudden I heard my mom cry out, and when I turned around I saw Jerry laying on his back on the ice. I skated over, thinking at first that he was playing a practical joke on us – that he was pretending he was injured and he would jump up at any second. That was not the case.
Jerry had somehow fallen backwards and landed right on the back of his skull, and he was suffering from a massive head injury. My mom immediately screamed to call an ambulance, and then I found myself getting lost in the commotion.
To be completely honest I don’t remember what happened between then and when I got in the car with my friend’s family. They were taking me home, as my mom was going straight to the ER with Jerry. The only thing I remember next was looking up at the sky from the backseat of the car, and seeing (what I later learned was) a waxing moon. Strangely oblong and awkward in it’s shape, it hung there in the sky and felt like the only thing that was truly seeing me in that moment. I remember thinking to myself “I’ll never forget this moon.”
Our gentle luminary
The moon has the power to reflect to us what we can’t immediately see or know consciously. In our modern times we place a lot of emphasis on conscious thought, language, and being able to interpret our lived experience through logic.
But for thousands of years humans understood the natural world through powers and forces that were uncontained by the mind, and felt solely through the body. We trusted that there was a part of this planet that we could not fully know or see with our senses alone – and it was those parts of our existence that moon holds dominion over.
I would like to think that as a Cancer sun the moon is especially significant for me. A part of me would love if something as special as our night time luminary was important only to those with prominent Cancer placements. Something about that kind of personalization tickles the part of my that feels like us Cancer people have been chosen by the moon.
But then I catch myself and remember that kind of ownership-thinking is inherently colonialist in nature. I remind myself that the part of me that wants to keep something just for myself is the side scared by the capitalist belief that we are against one another in competition.
That is not what the moon teaches us. The moon teaches that light is for all of us, that inner knowing, compassion, and nourishment is for all of us. The Moon itself is for all of us.
In the same way that the Sun is the guide for our consciousness, purpose and potential, the Moon is the guide for our unconscious, emotional experience, and physical care. We all have a side that is driven, determined, focused on growth (solar-yang energy), and we all equally have a side that is reflective, desiring of flow, and requiring of rest (lunar-yin energy).
If you have not explored the power of the Moon in your chart, or in your daily life, this is your opportunity to tune in to its unique significance – not just during the peek moments of New and Full Moons, but also all the in between phases that gently encourage your energetic direction.
Our first energetic introduction
Scientifically we know that the Moon impacts our planet by affecting the tides (as well as other aspects of nature) so it only makes sense that as creatures made of 70% water, we’d also be affected by the Moon and it’s gravitational pull.
The Moon is the closest orbiting planet to the earth, and has historically been our second most important source of light – it is the light and power of the night, literally and symbolically.
The energy of the Moon is the first energy we come to experience as a fetus in the womb, and in the moments after our birth. As the astrological symbol of the mother, the Moon reflects our body, our nourishment, as well as how we access our resources, how we care for ourselves, and what and who we make space for.
As the ruler of water, the Moon grounds energy the way water grounds us, and has the ability to develop and manifest through it’s illumination. As it traverses the 12 signs every 28 days, it unlocks all aspects of our lives, and can be considered the key to understanding our monthly energetic cycles.
It is said that the Moon is the collector of our solar system, and symbolizes our most local community. You can think of it as the storyteller, sage, or Shaman that comes out at night, gathers us around a campfire, and shares with us all of the mythologies of our past as a way to better understand who we are now, and who we’ll be in the future.
New Moon: the start of the cycle
The New Moon is the beginning of a new 28 day, 6 month and 1 year cycle (until the next New Moon, the corresponding Full Moon in the same sign, and the next New Moon in the same sign). It’s a demarkation of time in which our two main sources of light, Sun and Moon, come together to reinvigorate our energy.
We can think of this time of the month as when the Moon rests. When they wake up after having gone dark, they’re refreshed and infused with a new charge of energy. It’s a reflection of the natural rhythm of death and rebirth, rest and renewal, inhale and exhale – cyclical transformation.
As the Moon disappears into the heart of the Sun it experiences a momentary cleansing that allows it to reemerge revitalized. As it grows back into light, it’s fresh energy is reflected back to us as a renewal of our own energy.
Every New Moon is an opportunity for us to turn inwards, yield to our body, and make space. It’s a time to pause and seed intentions for what it is we want to build and what we want to infuse with a new sense of vitality.
How to work a New Moon
Let yourself rest. Our bodies are reflections of the Moon. When the Moon goes dark, your body might also wish to do so too.
Make space. Clear out the old and unnecessary - in your material world, and energetic world. Take an epsom salt bath, utilize cleansing breathwork exercises, sweep your home.
Notice. Allow yourself to slow down and notice the subtle moments in between. Write down your dreams, listen to the wind – observe what comes to you in the quiet spaces.
New Moon Reflection Questions
What practices, beliefs, or patterns aren’t serving you that you can consciously choose to let go of?
What is ready to be renewed or revitalized? What are you feeling naturally excited to create?
What resources do you need to gather to assist in this?
Personal Application for every New Moon
Note the sign in which the New Moon is occurring – you can do this by listening to the Lunar Series on The Designed Life podcast.
Using the my Guide to the 12 Zodiac Signs, identify the sign energy of this New Moon.
Using the my Guide to the 12 Whole Sign Houses, determine which house in your natal chart is ruled by this sign.
Note the areas of life that are marked in this house - these are the areas of life that are being activated for you during this New Moon.
What would you like to see shift and develop in this part of your life in the next month, 6 months and year? What do you hope to cultivate and grow?
Observe any planets that are also in this house in your natal chart. Using the my Guide to the 10 Modern Planets. What does this planet symbolize and how does it’s energy relate to what’s occurring for you?
Waxing Moons: the growth phase
In between the New and Full phases, the Moon grows in its luminosity, gathering more and more light of the Sun. This can be considered similar to Spring energy, where we’re emerging from the dormancy and yin energy of Winter, and turning toward the expressiveness of Summer.
During these two weeks, we have an opportunity to use the support of this extra light to dedicate ourselves to tending to and growing the things we’re pursuing in our own lives.
How to work the waxing moon phases
Clarify your projects. This is the cycle when you have extra support to cultivate and build something. Use the time just after the New Moon to strategize what you need and want to dedicate yourself to, as well as your next steps.
Apply yourself. Leverage the building of energy to do. This is the time of the cycle to stretch yourself, do the difficult or more arduous tasks, and apply your strength and creativity.
Lean into your energy. When you have the motivation and inspiration to make something happen, to put yourself out there, to be a little more brave – do it! The Moon is on your side during this time.
Waxing Moon Reflection Questions
What is calling for my focus, ambition, and dedication over the next two weeks? Where do I want to apply myself?
What feels extra inspiring during this time that I want to pursue, even if it’s a little stretchy or scary?
What intentions did I set at during the New Moon, and what steps can I take to manifest those intentions during this time?
Full Moon: the completion of the cycle
The Full Moon is the completion of a 28 day, 6 month and 1 year cycle (of the previous Full Moon, the previous New Moon in the same sign, and the previous Full Moon in the same sign).
It’s a culmination of activity in which our two main sources of light, Sun and Moon, oppose one another, creating a release of energy. The Full Moon psychologically represents our own arrival into fullness. Energetically you might feel agitated, restless, or full of ideas, insights and energy.
In the time before modern electricity, a Full Moon created safety to move about at night, which meant activities didn’t necessarily end when the Sun went down.
There is a general desire to express, sometimes with less inhibition. You might also see something more clearly, and be able to come to a decision, conclusion, or release.
Every Full Moon is an opportunity for us to embody ourselves more fully. It’s a time to take stock of what we’ve accomplished, where we’ve gone, and what we’ve been carrying with us.
How to work a Full Moon
Count your blessings. Make a gratitude list and fill up with the abundance of everything you have.
Mark what’s being finished, expressed or released. Note what you’re naturally moving away from.
Set down your worries. Make a list of everything that isn’t serving you - let these disappear with the waning of the Moon.
Allow. Full Moon’s are a point of energetic tension that bring things to the surface. Yield to what wants to be expressed - lean in.
Full Moon Reflection Questions
What have you been working on the last 2 weeks, 6 months or year? How does this inform what you’re moving towards and what you’re moving away from?
What are you grateful for? How can you show your appreciation in the next few days?
What is being shed? How did it serve you while it was with you? What room is this now making in your life?
Personal Application for every Full Moon
Note the sign in which the Full Moon is occurring – you can do this by listening to the Lunar Series on The Designed Life podcast.
Using the my Guide to the 12 Zodiac Signs, identify the sign energy of this Full Moon.
Using the my Guide to the 12 Whole Sign Houses, determine which house in your natal chart is ruled by this sign.
Note the areas of life that are marked in this house - these are the areas of life that are being activated for you during this Full Moon.
What has grown in this part of your life in the past month, 6 months and year? What is ready to be released?
Observe any planets that are also in this house in your natal chart. Using the my Guide to the 10 Modern Planets. What does this planet symbolize and how does it’s energy relate to what’s occurring for you?
Waning Moons: the release phase
Following the peak activity of the Full phase, the Moon begins to decrease in it’s intensity, light, and energy. The next two weeks are about release, rest, and shifting inwards. This can be considered similar to Autumn energy, where we’re letting go of the yang expression of Summer, and slowly shifting towards the introversion and hibernation of Winter.
During these two weeks we have an opportunity to shed what is no longer serving us, and make room for a complete release during the New phase.
How to work the waning moon phases
Organize. Following the peak energy of the Full Moon, get clear about what has been expressed and what needs to now be tended to, gathered, and tidied in your energy, physical spaces, and rituals.
Let go & integrate. Acknowledge that by expressing something into the world, there is now room to release what was required to build up to that expression. What do you no longer need to carry, or what needs to be integrated?
Slow down. The energy of this moment is decreasing in it’s intensity. Let your body also move a little slower, lean into more reflective practices, and soften your drive.
Waning Moon Reflection Questions
What did I achieve in this cycle that I’m proud of and grateful for? How did I apply my energy effectively or ineffectively?
What strengths did I lean into and build during this cycle that I can leverage again in the future? What did I learn that I want to integrate?
How did my body feel as I moved through this last cycle, and how did I support it through it’s expression and drive?
Eclipses: A Turning Point
Eclipses are a natural astronomical phenomenon that occur two times each year, occur sequentially within a two week period, and with a New and Full Moon.
When the Sun, Earth, and Moon come into alignment with the Lunar Nodes, we witness a momentary darkness where either the light of the Sun (Solar eclipse) or Moon (Lunar eclipse) is “eclipsed” out by the opposing luminary’s alignment with the Earth.
The Lunar Nodes are mathematically calculated points that directly oppose one another and indicate the point at which eclipses occur. Together, the North and South Nodes spend approximately 18 months in each sign across a zodiacal axis. This is why we experience eclipses in the same signs over the course of that time.*
Additionally, a Solar eclipse can only occur during a New Moon, and Lunar eclipse can only occur during a Full Moon.
*For example, the 2023-2024 eclipses were in Libra and Aries, before moving to Virgo and Pisces.
North & South Node Eclipses
Symbolically a North Node eclipse is said to call in a new beginning. It’s the activation of a desire that brings new direction and a building, future-focused energy.
Alternatively, a South Node eclipse is said to represent an ending. It is the release of a story that is no longer necessary and therefore activates an opening and decrease.
Together, the North and South Node eclipses represent heightened moments of realignment, upheaval and release. It is the natural cycle of death and rebirth that we experience on a collective level.
Our two main sources of light and life are the Sun and Moon. When their power is obscured, as they are during eclipses, the energy becomes frenetic and unstable, and shakes us into a new collective consciousness.
For this reason, eclipses are not energy recommended to work with but instead they’re energy for us to observe and flow with.
Practices for Eclipses
Rest. Slow down if you can. The energy around eclipses is inherently unstable - literally. Take considered care of your body, mind and energy.
Observe. Notice the themes that are activated in the days surrounding eclipses. Note: eclipses are not times to make big decisions, but they are great times to observe themes that are being encouraged to grow or release. Note what catches your attention.
Reflect. Use your observations to reflect on the themes that are clearly being activated. Reflect on how your relationship to these themes might be evolving or changing. What are you naturally ready to release or make room for?
As eclipses occur over the course of their 18 month stay in each sign, we experience the unfolding of a transformational story in the part of our chart/life that is ruled by that sign.
By knowing the zodiac sign where the eclipse is occurring, and finding the corresponding house in our chart, we can understand the area of life that will experience a dramatic shift through each eclipse series.
Personal Application for every Eclipse
Note the sign in which the eclipse is occurring. Also note if it is a North or South node eclipse, as this will determine the direction of energy you’ll be experiencing. Do to this by listening to the Lunar Series on The Designed Life podcast.
Using the Guide to the 12 Zodiac Signs, identify the sign energy of this Eclipse.
Using the Guide to the 12 Whole Sign Houses, determine which house in your natal chart is ruled by this sign.
Note the areas of life that are marked in this house - these are the areas of life that are being activated for you during this eclipse.
Observe any planets that are also in this house in your natal chart. Using the Guide to the 10 Modern Planets, what does this planet symbolize and how does it’s energy relate to what’s occurring for you?
What is being shifted in this part of your life? What signs or signals have you been receiving? If it is a North Node eclipse, have you been feeling a growing desire or urgency in this part of your life? Alternatively, if it’s a South Node eclipse, have you been feeling a release, new space, or a shedding in this part of your life?
“Like the ocean tides that are regulated by the lunar phases, the tides in our bodies, as the ebb and flow of our moods, are under the domain of the Moon. While the Moon continues to symbolize all these other qualities, when evaluating its role in terms of the life purpose, we must see it as pointing to how an individual brings the conceptual vision of the life intention, as depicted by the Sun, into the physical world by grounding it in the daily actions of everyday life.”
- Astrology and The Authentic Self, Demetra George
A final invitation
This September I’m co-hosting an astrological experience called Constellations that’s all about developing a close relationship with the rhythms and fluctuations of the stars, as it unfolds in the natural world and energy around us. It will be a month of two eclipses, along with other pivotal astrological movements, and we’ll be diving into meaning-making of each moment alongside community and somatic support.
If you’re of the belief that intuition must be honored, that there are more powerful energies at play that our own, and that co-creation with the world around us is the most profound creative expression, I highly recommend you explore this offering – because it was made with people like you in mind.
Constellations was created to empower your intuitive knowing, so that you can show up with more self-assurance and alignment in all your creative endeavors, and that you too can find depth in the seemingly mundane.
I hope you’ve have gained valuable insights and tools to deepen your understanding of our ever present, ever loving Moon. May the practices and reflection questions shared here empower you to embrace the transformative energy of lunar transits and apply them to your own journey.
Remember, the moon, with its cycles and symbolism, serves as a guiding light in our lives, offering opportunities for growth, healing, and self-reflection. Embrace the wisdom of the lunar transits and let them illuminate your path towards a more aligned and fulfilling existence.
