The moon has long been a subject of fascination and mystery to human existence, so it's no surprise that many cultures have used its cycles in their ritual practices.
There are 13 lunar cycles in a year, which are comprised of 28 days in each cycle. It’s scientifically proven that the moon is responsible for affecting the water on earth with its gravitational pull, but spiritually it’s believed to have a much more esoteric effect on our lives.
Check out our tips below to help you manifest your best self during the new moons in 2018.
What is a new moon?
Shamanic practises have long utilized the symbolism of a changing moon, much in the way we adjust our mindset though the changing seasons in the year. The new moon is the first phase of the lunar cycle. It’s comparable to spring, as a time for planting seeds of intentions to be further cultivated throughout the rest of the lunar cycle. It’s the ideal time to dream up and write down your goals and desires for yourself.
Do what works for you
There is no right or wrong way to perform a new moon ceremony. The biggest and most important tool in making the most of a new moon is simply setting your intentions. It’s the perfect time to dream up what you want for your life—and no dream is too big!
Write it down
The second most powerful tool, next to setting your intentions, is actually writing them down in tangible form. This is a great symbol of your goals and desires entering the physical world in an easy way, while bringing conscious awareness to them. Think of when you have seeds in the spring; do you grow anything from simply holding the seeds in your hand? Of course not! You have to plant them first, which is exactly what writing does for your ideas. If your intentions are too private to keep written down, simply burn them after your ceremony and consider it a part of your ritual process.
Incorporate the elements
While there’s no right or wrong way to conduct a new moon ceremony, shamanic practises have long incorporated Mother Nature as a guide in everything they do. If indigenous culture appeals to you, then try adding a symbolic representative of each of the four elements of nature; earth, air, fire, water. Earth can come in the form of rocks, salt, crystals—even dirt! Air is often represented by feathers or flower petals, fire can come in the form of a lit candle, and water can be placed in a glass or container.
Smudging (burning bundles of sage) is also a common ritual practice that is said to cleanse your aura and the atmosphere, preparing them for a fresh start. Many people also use oracle cards to help exercise their intuition at this time. There is no end to the possibilities of how you can create a moon ceremony. Be as creative as you like by making it your own.
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Believe
The biggest hurdle in manifesting our best selves, is actually believing that it is attainable. Most people can’t imagine what they cannot see, but the key to achieving anything in life is actually believing that it’s possible. If you don’t truly believe you can have the things you want, you may want to consider changing your intentions to something that you can actually visualize. If your intentions are surrounded by doubt and insecurities, then you may be in for disappointment.
Release attachments
In Buddhism, it is believed that the root of all suffering is attachment. When you desire something, you are then faced with the reality of currently not having what you want. While believing that you actually deserve what you want is a crucial ingredient in manifesting, it’s also just as important to release the need for those same desires. It seems counteractive, but how would you find a way to be happy if you didn’t get what you wanted? Would you still be able to appreciate what is? Are you able to be content with what you currently have in this present moment? These are the keys in working with the new moon to become exactly who you want to be.
Don’t forget to add the new moons of 2018 to your calendar.
Happy manifesting and dream big!
New Moons of 2018
January 16th, 2018
February 15th, 2018
March 17th, 2018
April 15th, 2018
May 15th, 2018
June 13th, 2018
July 12th, 2018
August 11th, 2018
September 9th, 2018
October 8th, 2018
November 7th, 2018
December 7th , 2018
Melanie Wild
Melanie is a country-living Canadian astrologer, artist, photographer, and mother of two with a deep love of all things metaphysical. She enjoys creating lasting memories with her family, and dreaming up crazy things to add to her bucket list. Learn more about her expertise at The Wild Quiet. You can also follow her @thewildquiet
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