Moon Manifestation for Beginners: Exactly How to Manifest with the Lunar Phases

Are you looking for a way to manifest your dreams and desires? Have you ever considered using the phases of the Moon to guide your manifestation practice? The Moon has long been associated with attraction, manifestation, and the allure of feminine power.

By aligning your intentions with the cycles of the Moon, you can tap into this powerful energy and bring your dreams to life.

Each phase of the Moon offers a unique opportunity for manifestation.

If you’re new to manifesting with the Moon, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. But don’t worry – with a little guidance and practice, you can easily harness the power of the Moon to manifest your wildest dreams.

Whether you’re looking to attract more abundance, love, or success into your life, a little sprinkling of Moon magic can be a powerful tool to help you achieve your goals.

You may also like: How the Moon Phases Affect Your Magic

Gemini Moon woman under pink sky with crescent Moon

Understanding the Moon and her phases

When manifesting with the lunar phases, it’s important to understand the different phases of the Moon, the particular kind of energy they’re charged with, and how they affect you.

The moon cycle, also known as the lunar cycle, is the 29.5-day cycle that the moon goes through as it orbits the Earth.

During this cycle, the moon goes through eight distinct phases, each with its own unique energy and characteristics.

What are Moon Phases?

Moon phases, also called lunar phases, refer to the different appearances of the Moon as she orbits around the Earth.

The Moon takes about 29.5 days to complete one orbit, and during this time, it goes through eight distinct phases, plus another, invisible phase (that many people forget about).

These phases are:

Each phase lasts for approximately 3.5 days and represents a different stage in the Moon’s cycle.

How to use the Moon phases for a manifestation process

Manifesting with the moon is a powerful way to align yourself with the natural rhythms of the universe.

Each phase of the moon has its own unique energy that can be harnessed to help you achieve your goals and manifest your desires…

hands reaching up into blue sky to reach a new moon

Manifestation at the New Moon phase

The new Moon phase is an excellent time to begin the wheel of manifestation turning.

During new Moons, la Luna turns from being invisible in the sky, to just emerging as a feint crescent.

This lunar phase represents a time of new beginnings and fresh starts, making it the ideal time to set your intentions and commit to your goals.

Be specific about what you want to manifest and also why you want it.

Write your intentions down on a piece of paper, and visualize your desires as if they have already come true, feeling the emotions associated with achieving them.

Here are some examples of how to set an intention:

Be specific: Instead of saying “I want to be happy,” try “I intend to find joy and happiness in my daily life.”

Focus on the outcome: Instead of saying “I want to lose weight,” try “I intend to have a healthy and fit body that feels good and looks good.”

Use positive language: Instead of saying “I don’t want to be stressed,” try “I intend to feel calm and peaceful throughout my day.”

Align with your values: Instead of saying “I want to make more money,” try “I intend to create abundance in my life by doing work that aligns with my values and purpose.”

Gave gratitude: Instead of focusing on what you lack, try expressing gratitude for what you already have and intend to amplify. For example, “I intend to cultivate deeper relationships with my loved ones and be grateful for the love and support they already provide me.”

Manifestation at the waxing crescent Moon phase

The waxing crescent phase comes after the New Moon and before the first quarter phase when the Moon begins to rise a little later than the Sun each day.

During this emergent phase, la Luna appears as a thin crescent shape.

It’s not too late to set an intention at this point in the lunar cycle! So if you missed your chance at the new Moon phase, set one here.

Yet there’s a new momentum to this phase. The waxing crescent Moon brings an invitation to start acting on your intention.

It is time to make plans, start to act on them, and cultivate new ways of being.

At its simplest: Use your intention as a springboard to create a few changes in your life.

Manifestation at the first quarter Moon phase

The first quarter moon is the third primary Moon phase, and it’s a powerful time of growth and manifestation. Yet it’s not all plain sailing…

As an astrological square (when two celestial bodies form a 90º angle) the first quarter Moon represents a time of tension and adjustment. You may face a challenge, find a new way of approaching a situation, or need to take a risk to stay on track.

When it comes to manifestation, the big invitation of the first quarter moon is to expand.

To try something new, take a leap of faith, and act with positivity and productivity in your own life.

The light is overcoming the dark (more of the Moon’s face is illuminating with each day) so you are being encouraged to let your own light shine, too, a little brighter…

Manifestation at the waxing gibbous Moon phase

Rising just after the first quarter, the waxing gibbous phase of the Moon brings a dynamic, creative, and exceptionally strong influence to any Moon manifesting practice.

At this powerful time, the energy of the waxing gibbous Moon can be harnessed to manifest wild and unbelievable things, so use it wisely!

With Moon magic almost at its peak, you’ll likely feel things in your life starting to align in a BIG way. So it’s really important not to hold back, and to continue to pour your efforts into your goals.

Like the pregnant woman on the cusp of giving birth, PUSH your way to the end!

But what if alignment isn’t happening for you?

In that case, the waxing gibbous phase offers time for course correcting. Again, don’t give up, see if you can tweak your plans in time to manifest some, if not all, of your goal. Trust what is unfolding.

Full Moon phase manifestation

The Full Moon is a time of true abundance and rapid manifestation.

Of all the Moon’s phases, this is the time when the Moon’s energy is at its strongest, making it a great time to focus on gratitude.

Remember, you’ll attract more of what you are, so being grateful will attract more to be grateful for, get it!?).

Take some time to reflect on what you’re grateful for in your life, and then visualize yourself receiving even more abundance and blessings.

Full Moons are also times of illumination, so this is a great time to allow yourself to be truly seen (by yourself and others).

If there were any blocks, limitations, or unconscious habits preventing your intention from being realized, give them the grace to rise up out of the shadows and be seen under the light of the Full Moon. (During the waning Moon phases, you’ll get the opportunity to work with them).

You can also perform a Full Moon ritual (see below) to help you connect with the Moon’s energy in a more profound way.

Manifestation at the waning gibbous Moon phase

As the light of the full Moon begins to retreat, we reach the waning gibbous phase.

Here, you’ll likely find your own attention begins to turn inward, as you are invited to reflect on your journey over the past few weeks.

What manifested for you?

What didn’t manifest for you?

If things haven’t turned out how you intended, the waning gibbous Moon phase brings your first opportunity to dive deep into the possible causes.

What habits, beliefs, or attitudes may have blocked your desired outcome?

What challenges arose in the real world, making it hard for you to progress? How did you face them?

Use the energy of the waning gibbous phase to shift your focus towards gentle self-inquiry, but remember this is not the time for self-criticism or shame.

So be kind and compassionate with yourself as you follow the threads of self-discovery.

Manifestation at the last quarter Moon phase

Remember how quarter-moon phases bring astrological tension? Well here at the last, or third quarter Moon, the same pattern is occurring. Yet as the halfway point in the waning phases, instead of inviting external action, you’re being called to turn inward.

To manifest effectively, this phase of the Moon requires supreme honesty.

What do you need to release?

What unhealthy habits, limiting beliefs, and toxic behaviours are holding you back?
What are you blaming others for, that is actually down to you?

Not sure? Try journaling.

As the Moon starts to wane deeply into the last quarter of her cycle, and darkness overtakes the light, allow your own darkness to rise up to be seen, held, and integrated.

hands reaching up towards waning crescent Moon

Manifestation at the waning crescent Moon phase

The waning crescent Moon is generally regarded as the end of the lunar cycle. This phase lasts for about three days, is associated with release, retreat, inner reflection, intuition, spiritual growth, and the shadow.

The waning crescent Moon marks the moment for the necessary shadow work, that will enable you to manifest what you really desire, starting with the next lunar cycle.

The shadow contains all the aspects of ourselves that we’ve rejected and banished into the unconscious. Yet these unloved, unwanted parts often form the basis of our thought patterns and impulses. And they can be the root of our unconscious limitations, negative energy, and self-sabotage.

To have an effective, clean, and clear manifestation practice, it’s absolutely imperative to do your shadow work.

You must connect with your inner self, and take a good look at what’s in there holding you back.

The waning crescent Moon is the prime time to do just that.

If you want to find out more about shadow work, head here and read about the Honeyed Shadow 13 day guided journey

Manifestation at the dark Moon phase

I had to include this phase of the Moon cycle, yet the truth is I don’t recommend intentionally trying to manifest OR release at this phase.

The dark Moon represents the void, the liminal, and the betwixt and between when all and nothing is possible. It is the mysterious time in the entire Moon cycle, best suited for dropping deep into the arms of the great dark Mother.

At this final phase, let go of your need to try, to push, to know.

Rest back.

Surrender.

A new Moon ritual for manifesting

There are many ways to manifest and many different kinds of rituals, to help you along the way.

The most basic, and perhaps most commonly practiced are new Moon rituals for setting an intention.

The new Moon is the best Moon phase for manifesting because it enables you to harness the energy of the entire lunar cycle to create your desire.

Here’s a basic new Moon ritual outline you can follow, or add to and adapt as your intuition guides you.

Step 1. Think about your intentions for the lunar cycle

If you haven’t already formulated an intention, spend a little time digging deep to see if you can uncover what you truly want. Journaling is great for this – writing by hand in response to a set of prompts can really let your inner voice out.

Step 2. Create sacred space

Cleansing and clearing your space is a must, as is calling in the Spirit of the Moon and any other helping allies you have. Maybe you have an altar? If not, this step can simply look like tiding up, and sending out a prayer.

Step 3. Get grounded and centered

It is really important to center yourself and connect with the energy of Mother Earth when performing new Moon rituals – don’t skip this step.

Step 4. Connect to the Moon

Take your time to tune into the energy of the Moon. YOu can’t see her at this phase, but she is there in the sky so send her your love, and invite her down into your ritual space.

Step 5. Speak your new Moon intentions out loud

When you speak your intentions out loud, you are taking the first step in manifesting them into being. They’re going from ideas that only exist in the realm of thought, to potential realities outside of your own body.

Step 6. Give gratitude + close your ritual

By closing the ceremony with thanks, you enter into an agreement that your desires are manifesting!

Give thanks to Grandmother Moon, to any Spirit allies, ancestors, or to other helpers beyond the veil. Don’t forget to thank the land on which you performed your New Moon ritual.

Full Moon ritual aesthetic montage of photos

A full Moon ritual for gratitude

Full Moon rituals are really beautiful ways to uplevel and magnetize quickly. And one of the most powerful (and underrated rituals) is the gratitude ritual.

Here’s a basic outline – again, adapt it as you feel.

Step 1. Create sacred space

Light a candle. If you like, light some incense, and/or use a dried native plant to clear the space and your own energy field. Call in the Spirit of the Moon and any other helping allies.

Step 2. List what you’re grateful for

Grab a pen and some paper and write a list of all the things in your life you’re grateful for.

Think about:

Qualities in yourself
The people in your life
Your health
Your home
Achievements or attainments connected to your New Moon intentions for this lunar cycle
Material security and abundance you’ve manifested (think long and shorter timeframes)

Free yourself from any restrictions on what goes onto your list.

Step 3. Connect to the full Moon

Sit on the ground (or a chair) and connect with the Full Moon energy.

Imagine your crown opening up like a flower, and virualise the light of the Full Moon streaming down through it, filling up your body with a silvery, white light.

4. Read through your gratitude list

Read it out loud, or silently inside of your heart.

Take your time and allow appreciation for anything else to rise within you too.

The key to this part of the ritual is to feel the gratitude.

Really cultivate feelings of appreciation, as this will make them present and real, and create a lasting effect which becomes the magnet for more!

Step 5. Sit with the feeling

Let the feeling of gratitude tip over into joy, and move from your heart to your whole body. Stay there for as long as you like, sitting, lying, or dancing in the moonlight. Allow the energy of celebration move through you!

Step 6. Set an intention to hold onto the gratitude

To complete the ceremony, I always like to set the intention to hold this vibration of gratitude and joy in my heart. For it to stay there and be there whenever I need to find it again.

Don’t forget to blow out your candle and incense

Moon manifestation using the zodiac signs

Each of the 13 Moon cycles in a year begins in a different zodiac sign. The full Moon of each cycle usually falls in the opposite sign that it started in. So the cycle that began in Taurus will reach its peak (full Moon) in Scorpio, for example.

By incorporating the lunar cycles current zodiac sign and ruling planet into your lunar rituals, you’ll be able to also harness the energy of these celestial bodies to align with your intentions and goals!

Here are some tips on how to manifest with the Moon based on the current zodiac sign:

Aries Moon manifesting

When the Moon is in Aries, focus on starting things. Set intentons around initiation, motivation, self and self image

Taurus Moon manifesting

When the Moon is in Taurus, focus on manifesting money, wealth, abundance, and pleasure. Also set intentions involving the body

Gemini Moon manifesting

When the Moon moves through the sign of Gemini, focus your manifestation on making connections. Also on communication, ideas, socialising, and making things happen at speed

Cancer Moon manifesting

A new or full Moon in Cancer pulls focus towards the emotiona reslms. You may feel more sensitive, so be gentle with yourself. Set intentions around mothering, your family, and the home.

Leo Moon manifesting

A Leo Moon tends to amplify issues and desires around self esteem, self expression, confidence, creativity.

Virgo Moon manifesting

When the Moon transits detail oriented Virgo, your daily habits, and health will take the limelight. Skills of organization, efficiency and problem solving also tend to get a boost.

Scorpio Moon manifesting

A Scorpio Moon will circle around sex, money, power, shadow, and taboos. Usually this Moon holds a lot of weight, and can activate high emotions, so take care.

Sagittarius Moon manifesting

Sagittarius new and Full Moons bring the focus to travel and adventure, making this a gret time to plan a getaway! Also the stories we tell ourselves, as well as issues of justice law and order.

Capricorn Moon manifesting

A Capricorn Moon transit is a great time to focus your intentions on structure, strategy, your career path, and legacy you want to leave. Also ancestral work can be beneficial.

Aquarius Moon manifesting

As an air sign, Aquarius Moons are good for new ideas and concepts, especially those focusing on community and the greater good. Also technology and visions for the future.

Pisces Moon manifesting

As the last sign in the zodiac, Pisces can feel all encompasing, and often offers a wonderful opportunity to look back on the entire lunar year. Also use this lunar month to set spiritual goals around the unconscious, oneness, intuition, and your connection to the divine.

Is it okay to manifest during a lunar eclipse?

Is it okay to manifest under a lunar eclipse? The short answer is NO. Don’t perform any manifestation rituals when you’re experiencing an eclipse!

The energy of eclipses tends to be too erratic to direct cleanly and effectively, making your manifestation ritual risky.

This means that your intentions can be skewed, and your willpower scattered. PLUS, there are so many unknowns being revealed under eclipse energy that it’s usually much wiser to let the dust settle before anchoring yourself onto one single desired outcome.

Is it okay to manifest during a blue Moon?

Yes, you can manifest under a blue Moon because its energy is really just the same as any other Full Moon.

A blue Moon is the second Full Moon in a single calendar month. So the only thing that makes it different is how it sits within the Gregorian calendar.

Ready to manifest with the Moon?

Hopefully, now you understand the basics of how incorporating the moon cycles into your manifestation practice can be a powerful way to bring your desires to fruition.

Looking at the eight phases (okay, nine) all written down like this, it may appear clunky and formulaic. But there is a natural flow to the lunar cycle, with one phase moving into the next phase seamlessly, once you begin.

It’s really very intuitive, which is one of the reasons manifesting with the Moon is so effective, as well as allowing enough space and freedom to create a personalized practice that works for you.

Remember, the key to successful manifestation is clarity, intention, and then surrender.

Take the time to get clear on what you truly desire.

Set your intentions during the new Moon, take inspired action during the waxing moon, practice gratitude during the full moon, and then release what no longer serves you during the waning moon.

Whether you choose to perform a full moon ritual, create a vision board during the new moon, or simply meditate on your intentions during each lunar phase, the most important thing is to trust the process and have faith that the universe is conspiring in your favor!

As you continue to practice Moon manifestation, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. You may find that certain rituals resonate more with you than others, or that your practice evolves over time.

The key is to stay open, stay curious, and stay connected to the magic of the Moon… she’ll guide you if ever you get lost.