What is a Moon Journal? 10 Tips to Start Moon Journalling Today

Have you ever heard of a Moon journal?

A Moon journal is a really powerful (yet simple) tool that more and more women are turning to in these times of global uncertainty.

Moon journals are designed specifically to help you track the phases of the Moon… Within that framework, they also help you set intentions, reflect on your personal growth, and release any blocks, limiting beliefs and habits that may otherwise go unnoticed.

This is because Moon journaling not only helps you to connect with the natural rhythms of the Moon, but it can highlight how these same rhythms and cycles are mirrored within.

It’s a really valuable way to see patterns and gain insights, which can actually enable you to tap into new levels of spiritual growth.

In this article, we’ll explore what a moon journal is, how to use one, and the benefits of keeping a moon journal.

So, whether you’re new to moon journaling or looking to deepen your practice, read on to discover the magic of this transformative tool…

journal on a bed with coffee in morning sunlight

What is a Moon Journal?

A moon journal is a type of journal that is specifically designed to help you track the phases of the moon and connect with its energy.

It’s a tool that can help you cultivate self-awareness, set intentions, and reflect on your personal growth.

On the surface, it can feel like a moon journal is helping you align your life with the natural rhythms of the Moon. From the waxing to the waning, each phase of the Moon has its own energy and significance, and it’s fascinating to see this unfold each month.

And, by tracking these phases in your journal, you can gain insight into your own changing emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

Yet it goes much deeper than this. As with any regular practice, the levels of self-awareness Moon journalling offers can be truly profound. So whilst the lunar cycle provides the backdrop, YOU take the starring role… Don’t forget that!

There are different types of moon journals available, but most include space for you to record the date, the phase of the moon, and any relevant astrological information.

Some moon journals also include prompts or exercises to help you set intentions, and then reflect on your progress.

Whether you’re looking to cultivate more self-awareness, set and achieve goals, or simply connect with the magic of the Moon, a moon journal can help you get there.

Hold on… What is the significance of the Moon when it comes to journalling?

So why should you even consider Moon journalling? What does the Moon have to offer us?

In astrology, the symbolizes our emotional selves.

Her movements through the sky and her ever-changing phases affect us on the very deepest layers of our being – through our feelings, unconscious habits and behaviors, and the conditioning we have picked up.

Your natal Moon says a LOT about you (and it’s well worth looking up) yet the daily Moon also affects us. So tracking la Luna, in relation to your own shifting moods and responses can be fascinating and revealing work.

It’s also no secret that the lunar cycle mirrors the menstrual cycles of women.

The 4 main phases of the lunar cycle closely mirror the phases of your ‘inner Moon’. And even if they don’t correlate exactly (and TBH, for most women, they don’t fully align) the Moon’s phases can teach you a lot about your menstrual phases – what they signify, what can be learned from them, and also what may need to be healed.

Here’s the basic outline of the two most common menstruation Moon cycles:

White Moon cycle

Menstrual / bleeding phase ⎜New Moon
Pre-ovulation / follicular phase ⎜Waxing Moon
Ovulation phase ⎜Full Moon
Pre-menstrual / luteal phase ⎜Waning Moon

Red Moon cycle

Menstrual / bleeding phase ⎜Full Moon
Pre-ovulation / follicular phase ⎜Waning Moon
Ovulation phase⎜New Moon
Pre-menstrual / luteal phase ⎜Waxing Moon

Does the red Moon cycle sound familiar? Read this: 5 Tips for Working with Your Red Moon Cycle

Yours may be different, or skip around between the two. Moon journalling will help you explore this.

How to use a Moon journal

Using a moon journal is a simple and intuitive process, yet it can also become as deep and complex as you wish!

You can write in your journal daily, or weekly, or more or less frequently. But honestly, the more regular your practice, the more you’ll get out of it.

It’s much better to simply scribble a line or two each day, than it is to forget about it for two weeks, and then dump 17 pages of thoughts and feelings down at once!

Consistency will enable you to see patterns. So however brief and uninspiring it may seem when you’re recording your daily entry, over time these scraps of information will create a really valuable picture.

For starters, here are some basic steps to follow when using a moon journal:

Set your intentions: Before you begin using your moon journal, take some time to set out your intentions for the practice.

You could start by thinking in terms of just one lunar cycle. Starting at the New Moon phase, what do you want to achieve or work on during the next lunar cycle?

Or maybe you want to take a bigger-picture perspective. What are your longer-term Moon journalling goals? Do you want to –

Activate and understand your feminine energy?
Understand your changing moods, fertility or creativity?
Connect with your body in a new way?
To track your menstrual cycle in alignment with the Moon cycle?
Manifest with the Moon?
Create a shadow work practice for self awareness?
Release old identities, habits or limiting beliefs?
Heal something in your life?

Whatever your intentions, write them down in your journal.

Track the Moon phases: Some moon journals include a lunar calendar that you can use to track the phases without much effort.

If not, make sure that each day you record the phase of the Moon in your journal. You can do this by looking up the lunar phase online or using an app.

Reflect: Throughout the lunar cycle, take time to reflect.

This isn’t about “progress”. It’s simply about continually checking in with yourself, and observing your path.

Are you moving closer to your intention/s?
How much joy and ease are you experiencing?
Are there any obstacles or challenges that you need to overcome?
Are there any patterns forming, either positive or negative?

Write down your reflections in your journal.

Connect with your intuition: The Moon is closely connected to our intuition, so take some time to connect with yours. You can do this by meditating, journaling, or simply spending time in nature. Write down any insights or messages that come through in your journal.

By following these steps, you can use your moon journal to deepen your self-awareness, set and achieve goals, and connect with your intuition.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to use a moon journal – follow your intuition and do what feels right for you.

What are the benefits of keeping a Moon journal?

There are many benefits to keeping a moon journal! Most of them will be revealed to you personally, over time, as your practice deepens.

But here are just a few you can expect:

Self-awareness: By tracking the phases of the Moon and reflecting on your progress, you can gain deeper insight into your emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This can help you develop greater self-awareness and make positive changes in your life.

Personal growth: A moon journal can help you set and achieve goals, cultivate new habits, and overcome obstacles. By tracking your progress over time, you can see how far you’ve come and celebrate your successes.

Connection to nature: The Moon is a powerful symbol of nature, and by connecting with its energy, you can deepen your connection to the natural world. This can help you feel more grounded, centered, and in tune with the rhythms of the earth.

Creativity: A moon journal can be a space for creative expression, whether you’re decorating the pages with artwork or writing poetry inspired by the Moon. This can help you tap into your creativity and find new ways to express yourself.

Stress relief: Journaling has been shown to be an effective tool for reducing stress and anxiety. By using a moon journal to reflect on your emotions and connect with your intuition, you can find greater peace and calm in your life.

Overall, keeping a moon journal can be a transformative practice that can help you cultivate greater self-awareness, personal growth, and connection to the natural world.

Woman laying on a log over a lake doing inner work with a journal

10 Tips for maintaining a Moon journal writing practice

Okay, maybe you’ve bought yourself a beautiful journal and you’re feeling inspired to give this moon journaling thing a go?!

But we all know how challenging it can be to stay consistent once the novelty wears off! So here are a few tips for keeping up…

Set a regular practice: Whether you choose to journal every day or only during certain moon phases, it’s important to set a regular practice that works for you. This will help you stay consistent and make your journaling practice a habit.

Set a regular time: Choose a time of day that works for you and make it a habit to journal at that time each day you have committed to.

Start small: Don’t feel like you have to write a lot every day. Start with just a few sentences and build up from there.

Personalize your journal: Your moon journal should be a reflection of you and your unique style. Consider adding artwork, stickers, or other decorations to make your journal feel more personal and meaningful.

Make it enjoyable: Journaling shouldn’t feel like a chore. Find ways to make it enjoyable, such as using colorful pens or writing in a beautiful notebook.

Use prompts: If you’re struggling with what to write in your journal, consider using prompts or exercises to guide your reflections. There are many resources available online that can provide inspiration and guidance.

Keep it simple: Your moon journal doesn’t have to be complicated or elaborate. Sometimes, the simplest practices can be the most powerful. Focus on tracking the Moon phases and reflecting on your progress, and don’t worry too much about making it perfect.

Be honest: Don’t be afraid to write about difficult or uncomfortable emotions. Honesty is key to gaining deeper insight into yourself.

Celebrate your progress: As you use your moon journal over time, take time to celebrate your progress and acknowledge your successes. This will help you stay motivated and inspired to continue your journalling practice.

Find accountability: Share your journalling goals with a friend or join a journaling group to help keep you accountable.

By following these tips, you can maintain a consistent and meaningful moon journaling practice that can help you deepen your self-awareness, personal growth, and connection to the natural cycles of the world (and beyond!).