Moon magic - a guide to working with the lunar cycle

Average reading time: 7 minutes

A moon-lit walk through history

Have you ever caught yourself stopping to gaze at the moon, in awe of its bright glow? 

Throughout ancient history, humanity has looked to the moon as a source of wonder, guidance, and connection to the natural world. The moon’s cyclical dance across the night sky has inspired myths, shaped calendars, and influenced the way we live. Ancient civilisations have historically tracked the lunar phases meticulously, using them to structure their daily lives - 

• Biodynamic farming harnesses the lunar cycle to optimise crop growth and soil health. For generations, farmers have relied on the moon's phases to guide their planting and harvesting, with the waxing moon supporting growth and the waning moon ideal for pruning and gathering crops.

• Many cultures, including the Egyptians, Greeks, and Indigenous peoples, revered the moon as a symbol of feminine energy, intuition, and natural cycles, often linking it to goddesses and celebrating it through rituals and festivals.
  
  
• Lunar calendars, still in use today, align months with moon phases, marking time and cultural events around the world. 

Today, as modern life moves at an ever-quickening pace, there’s a growing interest in reconnecting with these ancient rhythms and exploring how working with the lunar cycle can guide us to a more mindful and holistic way of living.

Unlocking lunar wisdom 

“When we begin to work more closely with lunar cycles and pay attention we start to see that the moon is always guiding us, showing us where we are out of alignment in ourselves and our lives.'” - Kirsty Gallagher, author of Lunar Living 

The lunar cycle, lasting around 29.5 days, mirrors many natural processes we experience in life — birth, growth, peak, decline, renewal. Its phases, from the dark stillness of the new moon to the radiant glory of the full moon, each carry their own unique energy. By understanding these phases and gently aligning our actions, self-care routines, and even our emotions with the moon’s cycle, we can harness a sense of comforting flow that enhances our overall well-being in many ways.

‘Working with the moon’ is particularly helpful in a world that often emphasises constant productivity. It encourages a cyclical approach to life, placing importance on both action and rest. It is a beautiful reminder to honour periods of low energy or introspection as much as high productivity. 

Just as the moon affects the ocean tides, it is believed to influence our physical body particularly when it comes to sleep and mood. There is also a special natural synchronicity between the lunar and menstrual cycles. Historically, women’s menstrual cycles were often in sync with the moon, and different phases of the menstrual cycle were linked to specific lunar phases, which we explore below. 

Since ancient times, Greek & Latin formed our languages with words of the moon. 

Menorrhea: menstruation

Meno (Greek): moon, month

Rhea (Greek): flow

Awareness of the phases of the moon is a helpful reminder to pause, be mindful and reflect on different needs at different points in the month. Akin to the menstrual cycle, you may notice patterns in your mood, energy, creativity or motivation that correlate with the lunar phases, allowing you to manage your schedule and wellbeing more effectively. 

Creating special rituals aligned with each phase of the moon can serve as powerful anchors, and a chance to empower you to flow with the moon’s cyclical dance. Let’s journey through each phase, and discover how to live in harmony with the moon’s divine energy. 

 

🌑 NEW MOON - menstruation - rest & reset 🌑

This is when the moon is not visible from Earth. It symbolises new beginnings, introspection, and setting intentions. During this phase, the energy is low, and it’s a good time for reflection and rest. 

Ritual - 

This is a time for deep inward focus and setting intentions.

Embrace a rest ritual with a deliciously comforting and nourishing cup of Cacao + Reishi. This raw cacao brew with balancing ashwagandha, warming hops and reishi mushroom is crafted to transport you into a state of tranquillity. 

With a cacao-induced sense of calm, take a moment to reflect on your intentions for the month ahead. In your journal, write down what you wish to manifest and create, letting your thoughts flow freely. Follow this with a meditation to deepen your practice, visualising a clear path for what you want to bring into your life.

“'When we meditate with the moon we get to draw on her immense power, wisdom and guidance to help us. We get to work with her cycles and energies and end up knowing ourselves better than ever before.'” - Kirsty Gallagher, author of Lunar Living 

 

🌗 WAXING MOON - follicular - energy building 🌗

The moon is growing larger and more illuminated. This is a time for growth, action and cultivating energy. 

Rituals - 

The energy during this phase is supportive of creative tasks, initiating new projects, setting plans in motion and making progress towards goals. With a peak in energy, alongside a peak in hormones, it’s also a great time for moving your body in intense workouts. 

Support your movement with our replenishing electrolyte formula, True Hydration. 

Compliment your creative flow and focus with a daily ritual of Matcha + Collagen which contains Lions Mane, a functional mushroom well known for its ability to fuel the brain. 

 

🌕 FULL MOON - ovulation - peak and celebration 🌕

The moon is fully visible, shining brightly in the sky. This phase is associated with culmination and illumination. It’s a great time for manifesting, and tuning into your intuition. However, the full moon often brings emotions to the surface, so it may be a time you feel a little more sensitive. 

Rituals - 

With a peak in motivation, this is a time for uplifting social connections, connecting with community and gathering with others such as in a full moon circle. 

Incorporate True Ashwagandha into your ritual to help stabilise mood and emotions during this potentially more sensitive time. 

Since the full moon can sometimes disrupt sleep, True Nightcap can support a restful night, with its carefully selected blend of nutrients to support deep sleep. 

 

🌓 WANING MOON - luteal phase - release and reflect 🌓

The moon begins to fade away, moving back towards darkness. It signifies a time for release, letting go, and preparing for rest. 

Rituals -  

This can be a turbulent time, especially if not in balance. You may notice a dip in energy or mood, making this a crucial time for self-care. Consider booking a soothing treatment, like a massage, to nurture yourself. 

As you sip a calming, nourishing brew of Cacao + Collagen, take a moment to reflect and journal on what you need to release. Focus on letting go of anything that no longer serves you, practising forgiveness, and clearing away emotional clutter. This gentle process will help you make space for new intentions as you prepare for the upcoming new moon and the fresh cycle it brings.

 

Full circle

The moon’s cycle serves as a powerful reminder of nature’s innate rhythm, offering a guide to restoring balance in our fast-paced lives. 

Just as the seasons, lunar phases, and menstrual cycles ebb and flow, we too move through our own periods of growth, rest, and renewal. By honouring these natural rhythms, we acknowledge that both action and stillness have their place and value, allowing us to live more harmoniously.