8 Lunar Phases: How Can I Use the Moon to My Advantage?

When we talk about the sun and the moon, sun is usually the one getting more love. While the moon is often overlooked.

We often don’t realize how much control the moon actually has over our lives.  The lunar cycle lasts for 29.5 days, and during this time we are affected in all aspects of life.

In astrology the moon holds power over our subconscious emotions. This is a part of us that we cannot express but we are deeply connected to it.

Your moon sign tells you what your inner self really needs. And since the moon constantly changes, you need to tap into what you need as well.

Why should I keep track of the Moon?

If we do some research, we can find out that the moon controls tides, and since adult humans are made from up to 60% of water, it kind of makes sense that the moon has a pull over us as well.

Keeping track of the lunar phases can seriously help us in our day-to-day life.

We already mentioned that the moon exhibits our inner self, so monitoring the phases of the moon is very important for inner work.

Each phase is different so let’s dive into what you can do each moon phase in order to better yourself.

How can I use the moon to my advantage?

Before we delve into the ways each phase of the moon can help you, we need to familiarize ourselves with their names and physical form. As we already said, there are 8 moon phases: 

1. New Moon: We practically can’t see this phase of the moon, because a shadow engulfs the moon and the surface looks dark.
2. Waxing Crescent: With this phase we see a very thin crescent on the right side of the moon and this is also the first visible phase of the moon.
3. First Quarter: In this phase we can already see half of the moon. It looks like a half-circle on the right side.
4. Waxing Gibbous: This is where more than half of the moon is visible but it’s not quite full.
5. Full Moon: We can deduct from the name that, this is in fact, the phase where the moon is full. The moon appears like a big plate in the sky.
6. Waning Gibbous: Now this is when the moon starts to shrink. More than half of the moon is still visible, but it looks as if someone is slowly taking bites of a cookie.
7. Last Quarter: This phase is where we can see half of the moon again, only on the left-hand side.
8. Waning Crescent: While the moon continues to shrink, we can notice that there is only a thin crescent left. This is the last phase where we can see the moon until the cycle starts all over again.

1. New Moon

The New moon represents a time of new beginnings, so it may be best for you to set new intentions during this moon phase.

Think about what you want to manifest and bring into your life during this lunar cycle.

You might want a new job, more money, get a significant other or improve a previous relationship.

This is the time to sit down, think about what you want to achieve and write it down in your diary or journal.

2. Waxing Crescent

Since you already know what you want, the Waxing Crescent is the time to work on your resolutions.

The Waxing Crescent moon gives us a leg up in achieving our goals. It gives us hope and positivity on our journey toward better things.

Take this time to manifest and ponder on your wishes.

3. First Quarter

During the First Quarter, you should start making decisions, working on your intentions. 

This is a time when you have the energy and motivation to overcome any obstacles you may face along your journey.

You should also make final changes to your list of goals you wrote down during the New Moon. The universe is letting you make a few last changes before we put this show on the road.

4. Waxing Gibbous

When you see a not so full moon, that’s when you know you need to talk about your intentions.

Take this time to look inward and reassess your choices. Figure out what you want to change, no, what you need to change in your life.

One tip is practicing positive affirmations, because this will give you courage to change during the next phase of the moon.

5. Full Moon

The Full moon has a tendency of illuminating things around us, not just physically of course.

It will show you what habits you need to drop, who are the toxic people in your life and even if that job you really want is actually not good for you.

Everything becomes more intense during this lunar phase, especially relationships. But fret not, this doesn’t mean that you’ll lose your friends or partner.

This is a time when you can work on relationships and leave old fights and disagreements behind. If you both are willing to change, that is.

6. Waning Gibbous Moon

This phase is when the moon starts to slowly disappear again, so it would be a great time to go back to the intentions you set at the beginning.

It’s also a good time to look back on the things you’ve achieved during the lunar cycle and show gratitude for the things that you’ve accomplished.

7. Last Quarter

During the Last Quarter moon phase you should really concentrate on getting rid of what no longer serves you.

This might mean you cutting ties with someone toxic in your life, unburdening yourself from loads of work or even just cleaning out your closet and getting rid of the things you just don’t wear.

This is a period of cleansing. It’s time to cleanse your mind, your body and the space you live in.

It’s the ideal time to put a stop to the bad habits you have, because chances are that those changes are going to stick during this lunar phase.

8. Waning Crescent

As this is the last lunar phase of the cycle, it’s the best time to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

During this moon phase you should take it easy and relax, you’ve done all you could and there’s no reason to push yourself to the limit.

Instead, focus and be at peace before we start the cycle all over again. And even if you didn’t achieve everything that you longed for, there’s always a second chance.

After going through each lunar phase, look back on all the lessons you’ve learned and try to implement these newfound realizations in your daily life.