Mother Moon. The embodiment of the Divine Feminine. An energy in which we are inextricably linked.
Much like the ocean tides, the Moon influences us too. Her powerful cycles and ancient cosmic wisdom have an innate connection with the ever-changing ebbs & flows of our lives. During her Waxing phases, she pushes us to realise our full potential, fires up our ambition and illuminates our confidence. As she Wanes, she teaches us to slow down, to assess where we direct our energy, to ask ourselves what can be released. We become introspective, diving deep into a state of surrender.
Through understanding lunar-energy, we can learn how to align our life around her cycles; to better understand ourselves, to manage our mental health, to cosmically-charge our goals and intentions, to live life to its fullest.
The New Moon
What parts of your life are ready to grow and flourish?
The New Moon, also referred to as the Dark Moon, is the very start of the lunar-cycle. The New Moon calls for us to kickstart our intentions, to plant the seeds of our dreams for the cycle ahead. Being positioned directly between the Sun and the Earth, she is invisible in the sky, but we can certainly feel her radiant, motivational energy.
With renewed confidence and recharged energy, it’s likely we’re already glowing. Creating our own toner with flowers or herbs, will keep our skin looking fresh. Let’s opt for Chamomile; an anti-inflammatory herb that will accelerate cell tissue regeneration (a natural anti-ageing solution).
CHAMOMILE-INFUSED TONER RECIPE
Apple cider vinegar has been used in cosmetics for thousands of years. It is a restorative tonic for the skin and its high acidic levels are thought to balance the pH of the skin when applied externally. Doing vinegar tinctures it's really nice, as you got the benefits of the infused herbs AND of the vinegar. The toner won't last very long however, as it is not preserved.
What you need:
- Chamomile (flowers or loose tea)
- 2 tablespoons of Apple cider vinegar
- 100ml of water
What to do:
Pour vinegar into a container, together with the chamomile flowers - the liquid should be enough to cover them. Let it sit for 1 or 2 weeks. Strain the solids so you are left with a liquid (you can keep the rest for your next toner, this tincture can last long as vinegar has self-preserving properties). Add the water to 2 tablespoons of your infusion and stir well. Pour the mixture into a clean, sterilized bottle.
The Waxing Moon
Are you shining bright and confidently?
The Waxing phases fall between the New Moon and Full Moon – that gentle crescent shape in the sky which grows fuller each night. As the Moon illuminates, so do we. Energy levels soar and ideas flow in abundance. We are at the peak of our productivity and so we can use it to unlock our potential and charge towards our goals. Those intentions we set on the New Moon are well on their way to fruition.
Burning herbs is a ritual practice to support your mind, body and spirit. Starting our day with a herbal smoke cleanse during the Waxing Moon can spark new ideas, support mental health and keep us focused.
HERBAL CLEANSING SPELL
Herbs for focusing the mind, increasing intuition and attracting success – Mugwort, Peppermint, St. John's Wort, Rosemary or Pine.
Once foraged or sourced, tie your herbs together by the stems, wrap them tightly with string, and then hang the bundles somewhere dry and dark to air out. You can hang them from a piece of string or place on a drying rack. Leave for two weeks.
When they are ready to be used, light them carefully and let the smoke blow through your space. Once you’ve finished cleansing, take a moment in stillness to give thanks to the herbs and the Earth for working with you.
With your mind focused and clear, post-cleansing is the perfect time to write out those intentions in your journal.
The Full Moon
Trust your intuition. Trust that everything is falling into place.
As the Moon reaches her fullest point, her energy transitions. In a state of equilibrium, we hang in the balance between the upbeat Waxing energy and the slow, introspective Waning state. We might feel a little high and low – we might not know how we feel. The term “Full Moon madness” springs to mind. We can lean into this internal conflict, understanding we are evolving with the energy of the Moon, and use this time to prepare for the slower weeks that lie ahead.
What to do? Step outside, get the Moon in sight. Start to imagine her bright white light falling over you, like a waterfall, immersing you with her healing. If you are still focused on those intentions you set during the New Moon, bring them into your mind while you are looking up at the Moon – in her Full phase, she is a powerful manifestation tool.
When it comes to skincare, we can soak up her energy in a ritual bath (or shower). If you don't have a bath you can use essential oils in a dish at the side of your shower and allow the steam to work into them.
RITUAL BATH RECIPE
What you need:
- Candles
- Incense, oils or herbs for cleansing
- Flowers and herbs for the soak. Try rosemary, jasmine, rose, lavender, eucalyptus or chamomile.
- 1 cup of pink himayan or epsom salts to improve circulation, boosting the complexion on your skin
- 2 cups of vegan coconut or oat milk to hydrate the skin. This can be replaced by one cup of oatmeal if you would prefer
What to do:
- Light candles and place around the bath
- Use incense, an oil burner or herbal smoke to cleanse the space
- Take a moment to meditate, visualising the Moon in its fullness and bringing your intentions to the front of your mind
- Pour in your ingredients carefully and considered, taking a moment to acknowledge the energy each brings to your space and thanking them for the desired benefits they’ll bring to your mind and body.
- Step in whenever you feel ready and enjoy
The Waning Moon
I honour, I accept, I release.
Ancient traditions used to believe the Moon was ‘dying’ in her Waning phase, as we witnessed her slow decline back to her invisible New Moon state. Our energy levels decrease with the Moon’s illumination and we naturally retreat inwards. This is a call to surrender to the stillness that surrounds us, a chance to slow down and catch our breath before we cycle back to that high-energy New Moon again.
The Waning Moon is a time of self-care and introspection. We can use our journal or tarot cards to reflect on aspects of our life; assessing what’s working, what’s not. Releasing where necessary. When it comes to skincare, scrubs and balms are Waning Moon essentials. Gently releasing any toxins from the pores and replenishing the skin with moisture and hydration.
HERBAL SCRUB RECIPE (FOR BODY ONLY)
What you need:
- 1 cup sea salt, coffee or sugar
- 1/2 cup oil (olive, jojoba, coconut, almond)
- 1/2 cup dried herbs
What to do:
Treat this as a ritual to honour your body.
- Mix ingredients together to form a paste
- Massage into the body in a circular motion, repeating self-love affirmations to yourself
- Pay close attention to the way the herbs and oils replenish the skin, the way they make you feel in body and mind
- Rinse off in a warm bath or shower and pat the skin dry