1) NEW MOON

The new moon is the beginning of the waxing phase and of the entire lunar cycle. A new moon is when the Moon and Sun come back together in the sky after completing their previous cycle. The Moon is dark, being infused with the light of the Sun, but not visible. This is the most potent time to initiate new ideas, projects, and all kinds of new beginnings. The dark moon is full of possibility – you don’t need to know how things will unfold; you just need to take action to get it started. This is the time to set intentions based on your deepest desires, release fear, lean into faith, and trust your inner vision. Work with labradorite, black moonstone, iolite, tektite, obsidian, and clear quartz.

2) WAXING CRESCENT

In her waxing crescent phase, the Moon grows brighter, one step closer to fullness. What was initiated in the new phase is starting to take shape, and we can see it. This phase reflects a commitment to intentions. Time, effort, and determination are required to establish roots and build a strong foundation. The process is still in the early stages, and it’s a challenge to let go of old beliefs and patterns that block new growth. It’s time to keep going forward, putting one foot in front of the other. Work with nuummite, rainbow moonstone, and emerald. 

3) FIRST QUARTER

When the Moon is in her first quarter phase, she is half full. She is bright, but we only see part of her. This halfway mark in the sky reflects the process of actualizing intentions and letting plans unfold. Once you’ve gone this far, a push can be needed to keep it up. This part of the cycle demands your full-hearted effort. You may not get everything right the first time, but you won’t know unless you try. The new visions you set forth at the new moon reach the height of creative momentum. This is the time to courageously work hard for what you want so that you may attract all that you’ve asked for and more. Work with jet, onyx, and lapis lazuli. 

4) WAXING GIBBOUS

The Moon is now almost full, and the growing intensity is powerful. This is the last chance to make changes before the final result is revealed. Waxing the gibbous phase can be stressful, like getting ready to unveil a work of art. What if it’s not perfect? Now’s the time to stay focused and look at all the details to decide what needs rework and adjustment to bring everything together. This building energy can be tireless, and it’s important not to get fixated on things that don’t really matter. Work with fluorite, carnelian, and citrine. Click here for more waxing gibbous tools.

5) FULL MOON

When the Moon is full, she’s in her whole radiance, and it’s the only time we see all of her. The full phase is a metaphor for fulfillment and completion. This is the phase of manifestation! When the Moon is new, we set intentions. When she is full, we birth our creations into the world. Whatever you’ve been working towards is ready to be revealed in the spotlight of awareness. This is the culmination of results from the entire waxing cycle. It’s time to kick up your heels and express joyful gratitude to the universe and to yourself. Work with moonstone, selenite, and quartz. 

6) WANING GIBBOUS

The waning phase began with the full moon, and now the Moon is visibly receding. This phase is sometimes called “disseminating,” which alludes to the importance of sharing the results of your efforts with the world. How are your manifestations helping others and serving a purpose? In addition, all the creative effort from the waxing phase left some cleaning up to do. It’s time to take responsibility for yourself and your accomplishments, tap into the deeper wisdom of the cycle, and anchor the energies. Express gratitude to your elders and ancestors and ask for their guidance as you gather tools to begin the descent of the entire moon cycle. Work with calcite, angelite, and unakite jasper.

7) LAST QUARTER

The last quarter phase is the waning half-moon. It symbolizes the expanding consciousness about who we are and what we’ve created in the world. It can feel like a crisis because the end is drawing near. There’s not much time to change the final outcome, which includes the results of our efforts, their wide-reaching impact, and everything we learned from them. Soon, the dying moon will take over, symbolically disintegrating our illusions of reality as we surrender to be reborn. The last quarter moon reflects those moments when you finally see the bigger picture. There’s so much potential for vision and prophecy if you’re willing to let go of old attachments to make room for the future. Work with rose quartz, bronzite, and sodalite. 

8) WANING CRESCENT

There’s powerful magic in endings, including the birth of beginnings. When the Moon reaches the waning crescent, she’s at the end of her entire cycle. It’s time to release what isn’t needed and let go with grace. Be present to the emptiness ahead and remember that what empties will eventually fill. In this phase, the Veil grows thin, making it easier to receive messages and signs. By leaning into faith and honoring the darkness within and without, you discover the greater truths of existence. This phase compels you to sacrifice for future generations, including your own rebirth. Leave the best of yourself through service, love, and compassion. Work with black tourmaline, petalite, and obsidian.