The Moon can move the ocean tides and control our crop growth – so is it any wonder that the Moon and her phases can influence our moods and emotions? If you visit Astrology Answers frequently, then you know just how important the Moon and its energy is for us down here on the ground.
Today we’re going to talk about a few of the lunar phases we’ll be experiencing soon, what they mean, and even rituals that can help you make the most of these various lunar energies.
So, if you want to know even more about the energy, you can expect this September – particularly that very personal collective energy that our Moon shines down upon us – then keep reading to find out all about upcoming phases of the Moon and what they mean!
The Moon’s Future Phases
The Moon is constantly shifting, moving through its 28-day cycle and reflecting different vibrations down to us here on Earth. For now, let’s focus on the lunar phases that are approaching the soonest and how they will affect us, as well as a ritual for each phase to make the most of them!
First Quarter Moon
On September 13th, we see a first-quarter Moon. Let’s explore a few hallmarks of the first quarter Moon:
- This phase falls in the middle of the New Moon and Full Moon.
- This is a waxing phase, which means the Moon is growing from New into Full.
- While it’s referred to as a quarter Moon, it actually looks more like the Moon cut into half – or half of a pizza.
The first quarter occurs about a week after the New Moon, which occurred in this case on September 6th in the sign of Virgo. That means the lunar energy is moving from the new, fresh zest of the New Moon to the rich, overflowing energy of the Full Moon.
This is a time to consider your creative goals and passions: What sparks a fire within during this time?
A Ritual for the First Quarter Moon
For this ritual, we’re going to focus on uncovering that creative passion within you. We want that internal heat to move outward and spice up the world around us. For this ritual, you will need:
- A piece of paper
- A pen
- A match or lighter
- A metal bowl
Start by balancing and cleansing your energy, either through meditation, yoga, or smudging. Once you feel energized and harmonized, take your pen and write the following on your paper:
“I ignite the passion within to reveal my true creative potential.”
Now fold your paper in half exactly four times, light it on fire, and let it burn as thoroughly as you can. When you can no longer hold the burning page, place it in the metal bowl and allow the fire to smolder.
This ritual fire that you’ve created represents the fire that will now burn bright from within.
Full Harvest Moon
On September 20th, we experience a Full Moon in the sign of Pisces. This is also a Harvest Moon, which is the Full Moon closest to the autumnal equinox. Let’s look at a few Full Moon facts:
- While the Full Moon only takes place for one day, the energy can be felt for about 48 hours before and after the Full Moon occurs.
- The Full Moon represents magnified feelings and more intense emotions.
- While the Full Moon always signifies intense emotions and a need for release, it occurs in a different sign each month and takes on the energy of that sign.
- The fullness of the Full Moon can signal big or overflowing emotions.
The Full Moon is always a time of release, a time to let go of any pain or upsets that have burdened you over the last month. However, this month the Full Moon is in dreamy, imaginative Pisces, meaning that you may feel more sensitive, inspired, and creative than usual.
During the New Moon, we manifest. During the Full Moon, we release. We do not cling to any ideas or desires during this phase, but rather we consciously unwrap ourselves from any negative or toxic tangles in our lives.
A Ritual for the Full Moon in Pisces
Because a Pisces Full Moon is so creative, this is the perfect time for a creative, imaginative ritual that asks you to explore your internal fantasy world and hidden emotions. For this ritual, you will need:
- A canvas
- Creative tools of your choice – paint, markers, magazine cutouts, glue, glitter, or whatever speaks to you in the moment.
- Your favorite playlist
- Comfortable loungewear
This ritual is especially simple but particularly healing, especially during a Full Moon. First, slip into your comfiest, coziest outfit and pump up your favorite jams. Now sit down with your canvas and your art mediums and let your emotions flow out of you and onto the page.
There are no rules other than this: You must not hold yourself back. Let that creativity flow in whatever direction or manner that feels comfortable. Don’t worry about the outcome or the theme. Just grab the color and apply it to the page in a manner that helps you feel expressive and creative.
This is especially effective for releasing built-up emotions that may not have otherwise found an outlet.
Read this next: 5 Law of Attraction Tips to Make New & Full Moon Wishes Come True
Third Quarter Moon
The third quarter Moon appears on September 28th, marking the period directly between the Full and New Moons. Other third-quarter Moon facts include:
- This lunar phase represents a time of reflection – a time to go within.
- This is a waning lunar phase, which means that the Moon is losing its light and volume, moving from the round illumination of the Full Moon to the darkness of the New Moon.
- Unconscious patterns are more easily recognized during this phase of the Moon.
The third quarter Moon seeks a resolution between the release of the Full Moon and the desires and manifestation of the New Moon. This is a time to look within yourself and pay attention to any unconscious patterns of behavior that are revealing themselves now.
A Ritual for the Third Quarter Moon
This ritual is all about internal reflection and self-realization – and what better tool to work with for this theme than your journal? A journal acts as a metaphorical mirror, a place where our true selves can be reflected without external observation or even judgment.
For this ritual, you will need:
- A stick of incense
- Your favorite journal
- A pen
- A soothing candle
First, start by lighting the incense to clear the room of any negative energy. Next, light your candle and spend a few minutes focusing on the flame. By focusing your attention on the candlelight, you’ll still get your mind and help yourself concentrate.
Once you feel focused and calm, open your journal and write down this question:
“What emotions or internal desires have been hidden from my sight?”
Next, take a moment to reflect on this question, and start writing once you feel inspired. Answer this question to the best of your ability, using only your intuition to guide you.
New Moon
Finally, on October 6th, we reach the New Moon, this time in the sign of Libra. The New Moon marks a time of manifestation – a time to dig deep, discover your desires, and start drawing them into your life.
Here are a few things you should know about the New Moon:
- The New Moon occurs in a different astrological sign each month, meaning that it always has a slightly different energy.
- Manifestation and a fresh start are hallmark themes of any New Moon.
- The New Moon is not visible to the naked eye.
- The darkness of the New Moon can signal dark or heavy emotions.
When the New Moon rolls around, it’s time for a fresh start. The lunar cycle is starting over and giving us a chance to renew ourselves and try a new approach. This is also the time to think about what you want to bring into your life during the brand-new lunar cycle that is now beginning.
New Moon wishes, and manifestations often begin to become true in your life during the following Full Moon, which means we have an opportunity to make our dreams come true each and every month!
Learn more: The Ultimate Guide to New Moons
A Ritual for the New Moon
This New Moon ritual is all about manifesting, so you’ll first need to decide what it is you want to attract this month. For this ritual, you’ll need:
- A piece of paper
- A pen
- A glass jar with a lid
- Your wildest dreams
To begin, you’ll want to balance your energy in whatever manner makes you feel most energized and refreshed – you might smudge some sage, meditate, or even dance around the room to your favorite song. Just ensure that you’re feeling loving and uplifted before you begin.
Next, you’ll want to write down all of your manifestations on your slip of paper. Think about every situation or object you want to attract into your life within the next month and list each item down, one by one.
Once your list is complete, fill your clean glass jar with filtered or spring water. Fold your list of desires in half three times, and take your jar and your wish list outside under the darkness of the New Moon.
Place your folded paper on a flat surface and set the enclosed jar of water on top. Let these items sit outside overnight and gather them in the morning. Keep your Moon water in a safe place and use it for cleansing or other rituals.
Place the paper in your wallet or purse and keep it with you throughout the month. Anytime you notice a wish coming true, mark it off of your list and practice gratitude.
How Will You Use the Moon?
Each phase of the Moon brings its own special energy and meaning – and with a little guidance, you can learn to benefit from each, and every lunar phase there is. Learning more about the phases of the Moon is the first step towards learning how to work with all of the lunar energies available to us here on Earth.
Start with these rituals and the lunar phases we’ve gone over in this guide, and work your way towards a life that exists in harmony with the Moon.
Which lunar phase is your favorite?
Related article: How to Make Moon Water for Full Moon Rituals