Who doesn’t LOVE the waxing Moon phase?! The first half of the lunar cycle brings creativity, possibility, playfulness and connectivity to the cosmic cauldron. Its energy is ripe and ready to be used for all sorts of rituals and practices, YET some people unconsciously resist this “too good to be true” lunar energy.
Want to get back into your flow? Read on…
The eight phases of the Moon
It takes the Moon 29.5 days to orbit the Earth and as it does, the Moon’s relationship to the Earth and the Sun keeps changing. This causes the amount of sunlight reflecting off the Moon’s surface to vary, and creates the Moon’s phases. These are:
New moon: The new Moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle and is the phase for setting intentions, new beginnings and fresh starts.
Waxing crescent: The waxing crescent Moon has a very thin crescent shape, rising during the daytime and setting in the western evening sky.
First quarter: The first quarter Moon forms an astrological square with the Sun, this phase is revealed as a clear “half Moon” shape. Light will expand, overtaking the dark quarter.
Waxing gibbous: When the waxing gibbous Moon occurs, she is closer to the full Moon phase than to the new. This waxing gibbous Moon appears as a blossoming disc of light, illuminated from the right in the northern hemisphere, and the left in the south.
Full moon: At Full Moons, the Moon and Sun sit on opposite sides of Earth. Halfway through the Moon cycle, she’s fully illuminated and present in the sky all night long.
Waning gibbous: Past the cycle’s climax, the waning gibbous Moon phase is almost a mirror image of the waxing gibbous – a swollen round disc ebbing away from one edge.
Last quarter: The last quarter Moon (also known as the third quarter Moon) forms another astrological square with the Sun and appears as a clear “half Moon” shape. At the last quarter Moon, though, dark will overtake the light.
Waning crescent: The waning crescent Moon (or balsamic Moon) is closer to the next new Moon, than to this cycle’s full Moon. It appears as an ebbing, almost disappearing arc in the western sky.
Dark Moon: The dark Moon occurs between one and three days before the next cycle begins. During the dark Moon, la Luna rises with the Sun, but is bleached out by sunlight, and absent completely from the night sky.
How do you know if the Moon is waxing or waning?
You can tell if the Moon is waxing or waning based on its shape: a waxing moon appears to be getting bigger each night, while a waning moon appears to be getting smaller each night. This change in appearance is due to the Moon’s position to the Earth and the Sun.
But (and it’s a big BUT…) even though this rule applies across the entire globe, the direction of increase is mirrored in the northern and southern hemispheres.
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In the Northern hemisphere, light increases from right to left
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In the Southern hemisphere, light increases from left to right.
What is the waxing Moon good for?
The waxing Moon is associated with new beginnings, growth, manifestation, and positive energy! This makes it a favourable time for setting intentions, starting new projects, and focusing on personal development.
Many people use the waxing phases of the Moon for planting seeds, both literally and metaphorically, as well as attracting abundance and prosperity into their lives.
It’s important to realise that because the waxing phase lasts a whole fortnight, the frequency of energy available to you changes quite a lot during this time. This means the intentions you need to set, and the kinds of rituals you’ll perform will need to adapt, to harness each particular waxing moon phase.
Let’s look at the three main phases of the waxing Moon, and what each can be used for.
What is the waxing crescent Moon phase good for?
The waxing crescent Moon phase is a great time to set intentions, initiate new projects, and focus on new beginnings.
Emerging from the new Moon, this lunar phase feels soft, delicate and gentle. It’s ideal for self-care rituals and planning your desired outcome for the cycle, without leaping into action quite yet. The waxing crescent moon represents a time of arrival and becoming. You may not have the confidence or self-assuredness that comes later in the cycle, but there is SO much potential!
The waxing crescent phase has a delicacy, a shyness that wants to hold back and stay out of the limelight, but this is the beginning of an extroverted time. So unlike under the waning Moon phases, energy is turned outwards.
Plan and perform rituals to help you set intentions, make plans and make the most of the lunar month ahead.
What is the first quarter Moon phase good for?
The first quarter Moon phase is associated with taking action, making decisions, and overcoming challenges. This is because, at this Moon phase, the Sun and Moon form an astrological square, which beings tension. And whenever that happens… something’s gotta give!
As the Moon waxes, it’s the darkness that gives. So at this halfway point in the waxing phases, you’ll be invited to release some of your darkness, by shining the light of trust, truth and possibility into it.
This usually means a challenge will show up. It may be a problem in your own life you need to face head-on or an old pattern that needs to be seen. As the first quarter, something that no longer serves you needs to be released, through positive, inspired action.
Create rituals to help you move through blocks, let go of old beliefs and embark on brave self-discovery.
What is the waxing gibbous Moon phase good for?
The waxing gibbous Moon phase is considered a favourable time for refining plans, gathering resources, and making adjustments to achieve your goals.
This final stage of the waxing half of the lunar cycle can be intense. As the Moon gathers strength, so must you… because this is a lunar phase of pure stamina!
The waxing gibbous Moon is a time of near completion. NEAR is the critical word here – at this phase, plans, projects, and manifestations are almost realized… but not quite.
A final push is needed to reach the finish line, so perform rituals to help you harness your own power, stay in the natural flow, and avoid self-sabotage!
10 Waxing Moon rituals
Now you know the differences between the phases of the waxing Moon, you’ll be able to tailor your rituals to harness the particular energy of these ever-changing phases.
Here are 10 of my go-to rituals for you to try, to harness the natural ebb of these uplifting phases. Let me know how you get on!
1. Make a plan
Don’t make the mistake of thinking once you’ve set your New Moon intentions, the work is done (been there, done that!) When the waxing crescent phase hits, it’s time to start laying down plans. Think about:
- What conditions need to be present, for your intention to manifest?
- How will you create the opportunities you need?
- Who will you connect with to get bigger wheels turning?
- How to align your spiritual practice with real-world actions
- And most importantly, WHEN will you take the action?
Under the crescent Moon, grab your calendar and start putting in do-by-dates for the tasks you need to accomplish. Make it a ritual by creating a sacred space with incense and calling in your spirit guides and allies to hold and support your intentions.
2. Take inspired action… every day!
Taking inspired action is a really grounded way to harness the energy of the waxing Moon.
An inspired action means what you’re doing is aligned with your new Moon intention, and also aligned with the increasing energy of the waxing crescent Moon.
Keep your momentum going. Create space in your schedule to take at least one inspired action every day when the moon is waxing:
- Make a phone call
- Fill in that application
- Repeat an affirmation
- Ask the question
- Take that leap
- Perform a manifesting ritual
If you feel overwhelmed, break down bigger, more complex tasks into smaller ones and tick off at least one thing every day, until the Full Moon arrives.
3. Feast, restore and nourish
Turn proper eating into a waxing Moon ritual for self-care.
The way your body is able to absorb the fat, minerals, and vitamins changes throughout the Moon cycle. According to Johanna Paungger and Thomas Poppe in the book: Moon Time (one of my favourite resources on how the Moon’s energy affects the body):
“During the two weeks of the waxing Moon everything that you do to build up and strengthen your body and its organs, to fortify yourself in general is much more effective than when the Moon is on the wane”
So save your detox for the waning Moon, and really serve yourself under these flowing lunar phases, by getting properly nourished.
4. A ritual to call in collaborators
As we move closer to the full Moon, you’ll likely begin to feel more open, connected, generous, and sociable.
Make the most of it – always schedule meetings and networking events under a waxing phase. If you desire connection and collaboration, try performing a ritual to call it in:
- Create a Sacred Space: Find a space to sit quietly, light a candle, burn a bay leaf, and create an inviting atmosphere to connect with the energy of friendship.
- Set the intention: Begin by setting a clear intention to call in people who will bring the positivity, support, and expertise you need, into your life.
- Use visualization and affirmations: Visualize the kind of connections you desire and affirm in positive statements about the qualities you seek
- Engage IRL: Take proactive steps to attend networking events, and social activities, and reach out to potential people to may be willing to work together with you.
Remember – it’s vital to align your actions with the intention you’ve set and the energy of the ritual, to bring what you desire into being.
5. Act differently (1st quarter Moon)
The first quarter phase almost always offers an opportunity for personal growth.
Often this will take the form of:
- An old pattern showing up
- The same disagreement you keep having with someone
- A knee-jerk reaction
- A habit you can’t shake
- A tired old behaviour
- OR even something older… an ancestral trauma or generational wound.
The first quarter Moon wants you to act differently around this, it wants you to choose the higher path, let go of that thing that no longer serves you and resist manifesting through those old patterns.
6. Take a risk (try something new)
Harness waxing lunar energy by being courageous and moving beyond the confines of what feels familiar. Remember your efforts will always be matched by the Moon and her consciousness.
BE bold!
7. Manifesting ritual
Why not sprinkle a little magic throughout the lunar cycle?! New Moon rituals and Full Moon rituals are, of course, the most popular. But remember: energy is rising growing, and building under a waxing Moon. Anything you do to create, receive, and absorb will be amplified. So it is with ritual.
For ideas and inspiration, read this article: 5 Manifesting Rituals to Perform Under a Waxing Moon
8. Course-corrections
“Plan, and take action…” could be the waxing Moon’s rally cry! BUT what happens if plans need to change?!!
Well… Plans often DO need to change, as life moves in mysterious ways (had you noticed?!)
And here’s the thing: It’s usually under the waxing gibbous Moon, when you’ll need to adapt most quickly.
It may feel like you’re being tested (I really have to do THAT to reach my goal?!) or even initiated into a new way of being. Remember that Full Moon brings fruition, culmination, and graduation from an old way of being.
And the waxing gibbous Moon needs you to show that you’ve earned it.
9. Courage and stamina spell
By the waxing gibbous Moon, it’s almost two weeks since you set your intentions, and it’s easy to feel bored, disheartened, disillusioned, or just plain disappointed if what you’ve been hoping for doesn’t appear to be manifesting!
But you’re actually not there yet.
Like the woman in the late stages of labour who wants nothing more than to throw in the towel (but can’t, obvs) YOU need to keep going with your efforts at this phase.
If you feel like giving up, try this stamina spell.
You will need:
- A white candle
- A red candle
- Honeysuckle or holly
- Lavender oil
- Black pepper
What do do:
- Anoint the white candle with lavender oil and pepper, light it, and place it on your altar alongside the holly or honeysuckle.
- Focus on the flame and silently ask for the courage and stamina to keep going and face whatever challenges lie ahead.
- Next, visualise yourself triumphant.
- Light the red candle and say aloud: “Strength and courage I may possess, that what I fear I may face, in winning through to the other side, onto victory I will ride. And let it be done, that it harm no now?”
- Let your candles burn down, or extinguish safely and dispose of.
10. Call in the Goddess
For hope, strength, inspiration, beauty, love, gratitude, magic… call on the feminine energy of the Goddess to hold, witness, and support you.
Whatever you do in life, call in the Goddess to hold, witness, and support you.
What are YOUR favourite practices to perform under waxing Moon energy?
Now please tell me in the comments below what you love to do, to harness waxing Moon energy.
How does this phase show up in your life? What does this lunar energy feel like to you?
