Even if you traveled to the ends of the earth, you would quickly find one thing in common: the Moon has always been a source of wonder.
Across cultures and centuries, from faith to fiction, we’ve looked up at that glowing body in the sky with awe, reverence, and a sense that it holds power—not just over nature, but over us too.
As it pulls the tides, so it seems to pull something deep within us. People have long turned to the Moon for guidance, timing, and a little bit of magick.
Even now, many of us follow its phases to decide when to set intentions, perform spells, cleanse energy, or pull a meaningful tarot spread.
But with the Moon constantly shifting, how do we know which phase is best for what? How do we work with that energy, instead of just watching it pass by? Let’s walk through each phase and the spiritual practices that align best with it.
In This Article
- The Moon’s Phases and Their Energies
- Working With the Moon’s Energy
- Bonus: A New Moon Tarot Spread
- Aligning With the Moon’s Cycles
The Moon’s Phases and Their Energies
Some days are made for starting fresh, while others are better for slowing down.
The moon goes through a full cycle every month, and each phase carries a different kind of energy that you can actually work with—especially if you’re into tarot, manifestation, or any kind of spiritual practice.
- New Moon – A new cycle, a blank slate. This is the best time to set fresh intentions for what you want to grow in the month ahead.
- Waxing Crescent – Momentum is slowly building. Begin taking small, aligned steps toward your goals.
- First Quarter – Some resistance is abound during this phase. It’s a time for making tough decisions, facing challenges. Push through them anyway.
- Waxing Gibbous – Almost at the peak. Use this time to refine, adjust, and get crystal clear on what you’re calling in. Great for preparing for big life shifts.
- Full Moon – Moment of heightened energy. With the moon in full illumination, emotions and truths come to the surface. It’s a powerful time for release, manifestation, and clarity.
- Waning Gibbous – As the energy starts to settle, reflect on what you’ve learned and what’s come to fruition. This is a good time to share insights or simply process the cycle’s growth.
- Last Quarter – Time to release. Old habits, lingering doubts, or stagnant energy. Let go of anything that didn’t work. Avoid major decisions if you can; this phase can feel a bit depleting.
- Waning Crescent – Rest and restore. This is the most inward phase of the cycle, perfect for quiet reflection, solitude, and gentle preparation before the next new moon begins.
| Did You Know? The word “lunatic” comes from luna, the Latin word for moon. In the past, people believed that the moon could cause temporary insanity in humans. |
Working With the Moon’s Energy
When you work with the Moon cycles, you tune in to your own rhythm. This is how you let nature guide you. Here are a few ways people commonly connect with the Moon’s energy:
Setting Intentions During the New Moon
The new moon kicks off a fresh cycle. With the universe abuzz with potential, it becomes the perfect time to pause, go inward, and think about what you want to call in.
A lot of people write their intentions down, meditate, or visualize the life they’re creating.
While social media can tell you otherwise, you don’t actually need anything fancy for this—just a quiet moment and a little honesty with yourself.
Charging and Cleansing Crystals
Crystals pick up energy like sponges, so it’s a good idea to give them a refresh now and then. The full moon is a popular time to cleanse and charge crystals—its energy is all about release, so it’s perfect for clearing out any stagnant or heavy vibes.
That said, the new moon can be just as powerful, especially if you’re looking to charge your crystals with fresh intentions or set them up to support new beginnings.
Some crystals are actually better off under moonlight than direct sunlight, which can fade or damage them over time.
If you’re unsure, stick to moonlight—it’s gentler and still energetically potent. Crystals like amethyst, celestite, selenite, moonstone, and lepidolite thrive in lunar energy. Just place them by a window, or outside if it’s safe, and let them soak in the night air.
You can also set an intention as you place them out—something simple like, “May you be cleansed and recharged with light and purpose.” Sometimes, before charging them, I even like to thank my crystals for serving my purposes.
Making Moon Water
Moon water is exactly what it sounds like: water that’s been left out under the moonlight to soak in lunar energy!
Even if you’re brand new at spellwork, it’s one of the simplest ways to connect with the Moon’s phases, and you can use it for all kinds of things: cleansing crystals, watering your plants, adding it to ritual baths, or just keeping it on your altar as a reminder of the cycle you’re in.
Full moon water is charged with clarity and power—great for amplifying intentions, releasing stuck energy, or giving your spellwork a boost.
New moon water, on the other hand, carries gentler, quieter energy that’s perfect for setting intentions, starting over, or helping you rest and reset.
You can even tailor your moon water to the sign the moon is in, or write your intentions on the jar.
Want to give it a try? Here’s a quick guide on how to make moon water on your own.
Ritual Baths and Showers
Taking a bath with intention can be incredibly grounding. Add some salts, herbs, or a few drops of essential oil if you want—but honestly, the water alone can work wonders.
As you scrub off the grime of the day, you also cleanse yourself of anything that clouds your energy.
You can also do this in the shower. Reciting affirmations like “Let this water cleanse my mind and spirit of what plagues me” while washing off.
This can help you release built-up tension, doubts, or thoughts that just feel too heavy to bear. Let it all go down the drain.
Spellwork and Manifestation
The moon phases are often used to time spells and intentions. The waxing moon is ideal for drawing things in—abundance, love, clarity—while the waning moon is better for letting go, cutting cords, or breaking habits.
The full moon is your power hour. It amplifies energy, so anything you send is magnified tenfold.
Quick note: eclipses are trickier. Most practitioners avoid manifesting during them, since their energy is chaotic and tends to flip things on their head. What you send out might just bounce right back to you—sometimes in unexpected ways.
| Did You Know? In the Philippines, a common belief is to wait until the moon is waxing before making major life decisions, such as moving into a new house or starting a business. The idea is that as the moon grows, so too will success and good fortune. |
Dancing, Singing, and Movement
You don’t always need an elaborate ritual setup to draw out lunar energy. Sometimes, just moving your body is an offering in itself.
Dance, stretch, sway, sing under the moonlight—whatever helps you feel present and alive. Movement raises energy.
Music and dance have always been powerful acts of creation, that create something tangible from the unseen. And what has inspired more artists, evoked both fear and reverence, stirred deeper emotion, and sparked a greater desire to create than the captivating sight of the moon?
Ever seen that painting “Nymphs Dancing to Pan’s Flute” by Joseph Tomanek? It’s an esoteric piece that’s been one of my favorites.
Now you won’t need to get naked and dance around a fire with your best girls. But the spirit of it – the freedom to move, to feel, to be in sync with your body, the beat, and the earth beneath your feet – is what you’ll need to channel.
Dance in your room with the music turned up loud. Dance at a performance, feeling the rhythm move through you. Dance with someone close, sharing that intimate connection through movement. Or even just dance with friends at a party or gathering—let loose and let the joy of the moment fill you.
In all of these moments, you either get lost in the music, or move with intention, using that energy to call something in or release what no longer serves you.
Bonus: A New Moon Tarot Spread
If you’re looking for something to add to your new moon rituals, why not try a lil divination? Pulling cards during the new moon can be a great way to set intentions—especially if you’re feeling a bit lost or in need of direction.
Maybe you’re hoping for some spiritual clarity or just wanting a short-term goal to work toward. Either way, the cards can help you tune in.
At the very least, it’s a great check-in with any feelings you’ve bottled up in the last month. And honestly, what’s a better way to mark the start of a new cycle than a little intuitive work?
If you’re ready to begin, here’s a six-card spread I made specifically for the new moon. You can use it to reflect, refocus, or simply see where you’re at. It’s best done during the new moon, but still just as powerful during the waxing phases, when the energy is slowly rising.
The Cards You’ll Need
The questions help you focus on what to call in, what to avoid, and where to find strength and clarity. Each one is tied to a specific symbol or number from the Moon tarot card, which makes this spread feel more connected and intentional.
Cards 1 and 2 reflect the numbers 1 and 8 from the card’s number, XVIII—symbolizing manifestation (1) and balance/control (8).
Cards 3 and 4 represent the animals at the base of the Moon card: the dog and the wolf howling at a higher force, and the crayfish emerging from the waters.
Cards 5 and 6 are placed above, symbolizing the water and the Moon itself—changeable, powerful, and illuminating.
Here’s what each card asks:
- What must I manifest this new cycle?
- Where should I anchor myself this month?
- What are the things I must look out for? Opportunities? Warnings?
- What are things I must flee/avoid for now?
- What will change me this month?
- What will bring me hope in difficult times?
You can pull this spread on the night of the new moon or even a day or two after. Keep your cards close to a candle, journal your insights, and let the moonlight (or the lack thereof!) help tune you in to your intuition.
Aligning With the Moon’s Cycles
The moon’s phases are a natural rhythm, guiding you through growth, manifestation, and moments of alignment with the world around you.
You don’t need to follow a strict ritual to channel lunar energy—sometimes, all it takes is a quiet moment to tune in and reflect. Working with the moon’s cycles can give you a deeper sense of clarity and intentionality, letting you flow with the natural shifts in energy.
The next time you find yourself gazing at the moon, take a beat. What phase is it in? What’s the energy around you right now, and how can you work with it? It’s a chance to pause, tune in, and connect with something bigger.
If you’re curious about spellwork, tarot, astrology, or just want to learn more about how these practices fit into everyday life, I’ve got posts on all that (and more!) over on the blog. Check it out!
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