There has been a recent online buzz about the significance of following moon phases and how the lunar cycle can serve as a valuable tool for self-care and manifestation. In this article, on the eve of the Gemini new moon, we will delve into the reasons behind the focus on celebrating the new moon and provide some fundamental new moon rituals suitable for beginners.

Today is the Gemini new moon! Typically, I would write a lengthy article dedicated solely to this new moon in the child-like sign of Gemini. I have a special fondness for Geminis, to the extent that I shared five wonderful years with a charming, youthful, and spirited handsome Gemini who seemed a decade younger than his actual age.

I am opting for a less-is-more approach, encouraging you to tap into your own youthful Gemini energy to welcome the vibes of this new moon.

What is a New Moon

The new moon marks the phase each month when the moon is entirely invisible in the sky, resulting in the darkest nights of the year with no moonlight at all. This occurs because the sun and the moon are perfectly aligned in the sky during this phase. Contrary to popular belief, the moon itself does not emit light; it simply reflects sunlight. The reason this should be highly celebrated like we do at the Ascension with Andrea wellness retreats is because it's an opportune time to manifest dreams into reality!

What Does The New Moon Symbolize?

The new moon signifies the start of a fresh cycle every month, emphasizing new beginnings and the act of setting intentions for the upcoming month. New moons can appear on any day of the month and serve as a chance for a fresh start whenever needed – not just at the beginning of the month or year, but consistently throughout the year.

Curious about the timing of new moon rituals? Missing the exact new moon is perfectly fine! The new moon's energy lingers for about a day before and after the precise date. Even if you're a few days off, feel free to engage in your rituals whenever it feels right, when you have the time, energy, and inclination to do so.

New Moon versus Full Moon Rites

If you're delving into moon phase practices, it's advisable to concentrate on the new and full moons primarily. These two phases, each lasting roughly three days, are the main highlights of the lunar cycle.

Throughout the remaining month, we experience either the waxing moon phase (between the new and full moon) or the waning moon phase (between the full and new moon), both of which hold significance and offer potent energy. However, the new and full moons represent the peaks of the lunar cycle. During the new moon, our focus shifts towards setting intentions. This phase marks the start of a new cycle, wherein we align ourselves with seasonal, solar, and lunar energies to manifest our deepest desires. To truly make self-care a practice that connects you with your intuition, higher self, and ancestors who have crossed over, creating a sacred space is crucial.

A time of self-reflection and self-care

One aspect I find fascinating about the moon phases is their ability to prompt self-reflection and realignment at regular intervals. Amidst the rush of productivity and the demands of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of our objectives. Perhaps the goals set at the beginning of the year no longer resonate with you, leading you to strive for something new and different. Alternatively, you may have veered off course, engaging in actions that do not align with your desired destination.

The new moon presents an opportunity to center yourself, connect with your intuition, and reassess your current aspirations. This practice is beneficial not only for personal and professional life but also for various aspects of existence. Utilizing new moon rituals for manifestation can help you invite a new job, a new relationship, or any other elements of your ideal life.

However, setting intentions during the new moon is not solely about materializing outcomes or life experiences; it also serves as a form of self-nurturing. Given that the new moon marks the darkest night of the month, it emanates a womb-like energy during this phase. It encourages deep introspection and intuition exploration. Spiritually, the new moon signifies delving into the darkness to uncover authentic desires.

Performing a New Moon Ritual:

In the realm of manifesting, including moon phases, there are no strict rules. Your new moon rituals can be tailored to your preferences. Below, I'll make some basic suggestions to kickstart your practice, however first, you must consider your sacred space. Your ritual can take place anywhere, in any attire, with or without company – it could be as simple as sitting down to contemplate your intentions for the upcoming month.

If you aim to truly transform this into a self-care ritual and establish a connection with your intuition, higher self, or spirit guides, creating a sacred space becomes crucial.

Creating Sacred Space:

Sacred space can be established anywhere, as long as it feels significant to you, provides a sense of grounding, and minimizes distractions.
It could be as simple as clearing clutter off a table, lighting candles and placing crystals, and engaging in meditation and journaling.
Alternatively, you might opt for a dedicated sacred space, like a personal altar in your bedroom or a designated corner of your home.

New Moon Ritual Ideas:

Journal your intentions without limitations, focusing on your desires and dream life.
Use tarot or oracle cards to guide your intentions and inspire your journaling.
Align your intentions with the current astrological energy by researching the zodiac sign of the new moon.
Meditate with crystals like clear quartz, amethyst, chrysocolla, or rose quartz to clarify and express your intentions.
Utilize new moon essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, or lemongrass for grounding and intention setting.
Perform a cleansing ritual using sage or palo santo to start the new month positively.
Create new moon water by charging clean water under the moonlight to infuse it with lunar energy and your intentions.
Craft a vision board for long-term or monthly goals, focusing on self-care and energetic intentions.
Indulge in a ritual bath with rose quartz, music that resonates with your soul, and explore light language transmissions.
Hold a tea ceremony. I love drinking pine needle tea on the new moon
Experiment with new moon magick and positive intentions by creating mojo bags containing crystals, herbs, and intention notes to carry with you.

This is a perfect moment for manifesting; however, it's crucial to not only envision our desires but also take action and put them out into the universe. Consider this phase as planting seeds that require nurturing and attention to flourish and bloom.

During the full moon, the focus shifts to celebration and gratitude. While many may associate the full moon with letting go, energetically it symbolizes culmination! The external and internal release and acknowledgment of everything we have attracted, manifested, and achieved. This is why I love using copal during both my new and full moon rituals. The waning moon phase is when we release expectations and things that no longer serve us. The full moon, on the other hand, is a time to bask in gratitude and abundance.

May you enjoy this new moon and every full, new, waxing, and waning moon to come!