If you are reading this blog, I probably do not need to convince you of the influence the moon has on our daily lives. You probably already know that the moon, as the nearest celestial body to planet earth, affects more than just the tides. The moon’s phases and transits influence people and their behaviors, but some more so than others. If you have a Cancer moon or Cancer ascendant in your natal horoscope, you will likely be more sensitive to the moon’s phases and transits. But for everyone, gaining more awareness of the moon’s influence and using it pragmatically can be both inspirational and empowering.
How can we use the moon’s influences for our benefit? First, we need to familiarize ourselves with the phases. There’s no need to get really fancy here, so we will pass quickly through the basics.
New Moon – as the moon begins to reappear in the sky after the dark moon, energy levels tend to be low overall. We may even feel drained, reclusive, or depressed. However, this is a good time for cleansing, preparing, and setting new intentions and/or goals. Although energy may be lacking, this is a good phase for starting new projects. If you’re trying to grow your hair, this is a good time to get a trim as it will stimulate growth. If you’re growing anything, be it a garden or a goal, this is the best time to plant the seeds.
Waxing Moon – for this article’s purpose, this includes the crescent moon and gibbous moon. As the moon grows, so too will our overall energy levels. We should use these waxing phases for “drawing in” what we want in our lives. This is the opportune time for striving towards our goals, attracting our desires, as well as for adding new things to our routines and practices.
Full Moon – this moon packs a powerful punch but beware of using it unwisely. Awareness is a powerful safeguard but know that the full moon can disrupt and disturb our moods, others’ moods, and healthy sleep. This moon phase can make us feel “wired” or “jittery.” We need to watch our reactions during this moon phase. But the full moon provides us with intense energy to pour into and push the intentions, goals, and manifestations we have already set. This moon also gives us an intense opportunity to release, banish, and dispel. This moon is ideal for psychic enhancement, reflection, and inner work.
Waning Moon – as the waxing moon phases are for drawing in and attracting, the waning moon is for banishing and dispelling. Use this moon for finishing up projects and tying up loose ends in life. For example, to kick a bad habit or banish unwanted energies, use the waning moon. This phase is ideal for smudging, house cleansings, spiritual cleansing baths, kicking unwanted habits, ending relationships or commitments, etc. Avoid starting anything new or making any serious commitments during this phase.
Astrological Moon Transits
Just as the sun changes astrological signs monthly, the moon changes signs too. However, the moon changes much more swiftly – about every 2.5-3 days! The moon shifting through astrological signs will cast a general “mood” over humanity, but the individual specifics of this influence will depend on the sign of your natal moon. For example, those with their natal moon in Cancer will probably feel each moon transit rather explicitly, with marked sensitivity during the Cancer and Pisces moon transits. If you would like to learn more about how moon transits influence your moon sign, use a free horoscope website to find out your natal moon sign, then start tracking and journaling during each transit. After a couple of months, reflect on your findings and any patterns you notice. You can also check out the book “Moon Wise” by Daniel Pharr for a complete guide to how each moon transit effects each natal moon sign. Here is a general write-up of the “mood” of each moon transit:
Aries Moon – here the moon is restless and usually energized but watch out for combativeness and high tempers, overreactions, and thoughtless mistakes. Depending on the moon phase, this is an excellent time for beginning something new, for boosting confidence, and taking charge.
Taurus Moon – the moon is exalted in Taurus, and the moon expresses her energy harmoniously in this sign. Emotions and moods tend to stabilize. Taurus is a Venusian sign, so this is an excellent time for leisure, self-care and beautification, and dates with friends and lovers.
Gemini Moon – during this mutable moon transit, there is usually heightened (perhaps excess) mental energy. Communications can flow and/or fizzle, and even cause trouble. The emotions and moods fluctuate with the thoughts. Sleep may be disturbed, especially for those with a water sign moon.
Cancer Moon – here the moon returns to her home, her rulership. Emotions tend to run deep, and the moods may be unpredictable or especially reactive. Psychic and intuitive abilities may be enhanced. The consciousness tends to focus on the private life and personal relationships. This is a good time for a night in with dearest loved ones, or taking time alone to recharge.
Leo Moon – this moon tends to bolster our moods with boldness, assertiveness, and perhaps extra warmth and generosity. On the downside, moods and reactions may be particularly dramatic or “extra” to the occasion. Beware of getting carried away by difficult emotions during this moon, but do take advantage of the extra confidence and assertive energy for your purposes.
Virgo Moon – this mutable earth moon gives us detailed focus that can prove helpful to achieving our goals. Use this moon to organize, strategize, scrutinize, and revise your own projects and goals. However, beware of becoming uselessly judgmental or critical, or unhelpfully anxious and fretful.
Libra Moon – another Venusian moon, the mood may be lighter and more harmonious overall. Focus on mediation, diplomacy, and improvement during this transit, as it is an excellent time for fairmindedness and resolution. However, be wary of indecisiveness. It’s an excellent time for a romantic date if you can decide where to eat! Put off making bigger life decisions for another day when you feel more grounded.
Scorpio Moon – the moon tends to be uncomfortable in Scorpio, and obsessive thoughts may plague the mood. Emotions may run deep and feel extra intense during this transit. Beware of unhealthy paranoia or excessive anger during this transit. On the upside, Scorpio intensifies the psychic senses and intuition, as well as emotional perception. Use intuition and knowledge of human psychology to your advantage during this transit.
Sagittarius Moon – energy and enthusiasm tend to abound during this expansive moon. Depending on the moon phase, this moon is especially favorable for travelling and vacations! During this moon transit, give into your playful impulses. Life needs fun and variety. Just be careful not to let your optimism and idealism carry you away.
Capricorn Moon – the moon’s energy tends to stabilize in Capricorn, but the emotions may feel detached and distant during this transit. This is an excellent time for using your self-discipline and drive to achieve. Focus on your to-do list, as you will have more patience for tedious chores.
Aquarius Moon – like the Capricorn moon transit, the Aquarius moon transit might leave us feeling emotionally detached or distant. But we can utilize this moon’s energy for innovation, revising plans, and initiating change. This moon is highly collaborative and communicative, too. Watch out for sleep problems during this moon phase.
Pisces Moon – during this moon, emotions may be intense and moods unpredictable. Psychic and emotional sensitivity will be predominating. Personal energy levels may dip during this transit, leaving us yearning for peace and rest. Use this moon’s regenerative power with spiritual and self-care rituals. Romance during this moon phase may be especially satisfying.
To begin tracking the moon for yourself, I recommend Astro-Seek’s Moon Phase Calendar.
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