“The lunar phases speak to more than where your power lies; they speak to the spiritual work that must be done to be aligned with the ability to receive the fruits of your magic.” - D. Monique Thomas
I love reading about the Moon phases and a woman’s menstrual cycle. Truly, with the Moon as my chart ruler and my love for anything woo-woo, it is a real gift to combine the two for my desired outcomes. There is a lot of information out there about what it means for your cycle to sync with the Full and New Moon phases, but it is mostly centered on how powerful you are. As I appreciate the ego boost, what about those who don’t need it? What about those who want to know what work is required to feel powerful? Most articles I’ve read emphasize the Full and New Moons. I totally get it, but if our spiritual routine doesn’t have a solid framework, how do we expect to yield the results we are looking for? It’s like a relationship; if your partner only kissed or made time for you once a month, would you be in a relationship much longer? Maybe some of you, haha. However, what about your own personal relationship with the Moon? These articles get very cliche in the sense that they make it all about who you think you are instead of doing the work necessary to have a relationship with these beautiful lunar phases. The lunar phases speak to more than where your power lies; they speak to the spiritual work that must be done to be aligned with the ability to receive the fruits of your magic. Not to mention, what about the other phases, such as the Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent?
It is worth mentioning that even though your cycle is synced with the Full or New Moon, the most “powerful” time for your menstrual cycle may actually be the Moon phase under which you were born. I know this would be a hot take for some of you, but think about it for a second. If I want to do a powerful ritual, I would work with my own stars (natal or transit chart) and my own Moon phase. Keep in mind, I am a Black Indigenous American woman who has African and European ancestry, so my perspective will be a little different. And speaking of being a little different, let’s discuss the differences between the Moon phases, what they mean, and the work that should be done (if at all) while you are experiencing your menstrual cycle during any of these lunar phases.
New Moon = New Beginnings.
The sky is dark, more in a woo-woo, mystical way, haha. A time for something young, fresh, and new. Reflection, planting seeds, putting ideas and thoughts in a journal, or on sticky notes. Outline of a plan, to-do list, petitions, and calendar scheduling. Resetting or refreshing your altar, Moon water, lighting incense, cleaning, and decluttering your space and home. This phase is more about clarity from reflection and less about outward action. However, cleanliness is not optional if you’re really trying to call in the new-new.
Waxing Crescent Moon = Intentional Building.
We see a sliver of light under this phase. Setting new intentions and magnifying your focus. Staying optimistic and building momentum behind the intentions you’ve set under the New Moon. Re-reading or re-writing petitions, reviewing transit charts to produce positive results, and performing affirmations to help manifest your dreams and desires. Spending time with God, your ancestors, spirit guides, plants, and crystals.
First Quarter Moon = Taking Action!
Half the Moon is illuminated, which means there’s a 50 percent chance of an opportunity, and the other 50 percent could be obstacles—staying focused and committed to your desired outcome while maintaining spiritual hygiene. Making sure altars are clean, spirits are satisfied, and messages are discerned, and that the spiritual routine of prayers, invocations, and offerings is done and taken care of.
Waxing Gibbous Moon = Refined Alignment.
Light continues to grow, and it appears our Moon is 75% illuminated. The key here is to trust the process and have patience. In the meantime, perform divination to see what prayers and offerings have been accepted. Notice and align with what is for you by paying attention to the results or lack thereof. Make sure what you are asking for matches the energy that is needed to receive it. Doing more of what works!
Full Moon = Harvesting.
The Moon is fully lit, baby! We have reached our peak in clarity about what our emotions have been trying to communicate. Once you have acknowledged what can be left behind, release it. Harvest the intentions needed to stay aligned with what you have been cultivating. Charge crystals, journal, pull some cards for specific messages, pay attention to the themes of the house the Moon is transiting for you, and create moon water.
Waning Gibbous Moon = Performing Mindfulness.
The light begins to decrease under this Moon phase. Introspection, self-analysis, and thinking of ways to cultivate self-mastery. Outlining your goals, practicing gratitude, and giving praise to the Most High. A great time to listen to podcasts or read books that involve wisdom and looking at things from a higher vantage point. Sharing what you’ve learned with others will also give you massive aura points!
Third (Last) Quarter Moon = Cutting Cords & Realigning Our Energy.
The Moon’s illumination has decreased further, leaving it halfway lit. Release of habits that are not aligned with what you have prayed for, want to manifest, or that are blocking you from being the embodiment of what you’ve envisioned. Perform cord-cutting, bitter baths, and cleansing rituals to remove what is harmful—a great time to reassess your goals and clear clutter mentally, emotionally, and physically. With baths for calmness and coolness of the head.
Waning Crescent Moon = Submission.
A little darkness returns. Rest. Bed rot or do nothing if you need to consider that you have done all the work necessary in these previous phases. Resting will be crucial as you prepare for the next cycle. Attract with your mindset, no literal action necessary. Surrender to what is happening around you and within you.
Now, I want to make a few things clear, since we have discussed the Moon’s different phases. Number one, as a Black-Indigenous woman, if you do not want to do sh*t while on your menstrual cycle, you don’t have to! Technically, this is a time when others should be taking care of you! However, we are in the modern world, and sometimes that is not always possible. There is work, there is laundry, and a lot of other things that need our attention. However, promise yourself that while you are committing to the ways and routines of the material world, you also honor your spiritual one and use it to perform these lunar rituals, since without a doubt, while you are on your period, your magic will be amplified, hot, but amplified! Yes, you will give the best readings if you are a diviner on your period, you will perform some of the most powerful candle magic (be careful and only perform if you are a skilled practitioner), depending on the day of your period, and your spiritual work under certain lunar cycles and transits will be the most powerful, of course, given your consistency and intention.
Nature and the Moon give us everything that we need to grow, release, and renew ourselves. When we think of “The Big Picture,” it is best to acknowledge the loop of Intention, Action, Peak, and Release. This is what I find so beautiful about the Moon: she is like a gas tank. She will get you to where you need to go, as long as you’re willing to fill up your tank! Again, think of the Moon phases as if you were starting a relationship. If your partner did things like saying ‘thank you,’ taking you out, or paying you any attention only once a month, would that be enough? There is not just one phase that involves release, and planning with intention is not a one-time thing. This is the spiritual framework you should commit to if you want to feel and be your most powerful self. No archetypes are necessary when doing the work and knowing who you are and where you come from. And just as a phone needs a charge, little by little the Moon begins its illumination, becomes full, and then starts over again. This is how you should view your menstrual cycle phases by taking care of yourself and aligning with what each phase calls you to do. No need to rush, just be intentional.
With love,
D. Monique Thomas