If you feel you have already fallen off the bandwagon for your yearly goals, don’t be hard on yourself! Although Jan 1st is the traditional time of year to set goals, ANY time of year is a good time to start. The important thing is to just start and get going! You can even restart if you have already slipped up, but this time with an action plan using the moon as your guide. Using the moon cycle to help plan for the upcoming year is a great way to tune in to your desires and passions. The energy in each moon phase can tap in to certain energies that can help guide you along the way.

There are eight moon phases throughout the month that output different energies that affect us. At certain points of the month our energy rises and we can use this time to take action. If we can plan for this time, we can use this time to get things done and accomplish some of our goals. There are also periods throughout the month when our energy can become low. During these time periods, we can rest, reflect, and recharge. Rest is important because we don’t want to burn ourselves out. Let’s use the energy of the eight phases of the moon cycle to help us plan for the current year.

New Moon

The new moon is the period during the cycle where the moon looks invisible in the sky for about a few days. You don’t see the moon, but it is there in the sky positioned between the sun and earth. The sun is illuminating the side of the moon opposite of the earth. As a result, the side facing earth is cast into darkness. As a result, the new moon is often referred to as the “dark moon” or “dark side of the moon.” In the lunar calendar, the new moon is the start of the cycle, so the energy feels new, fresh and invigorating. The energy feels high, and focus and motivation feel renewed. This is a great time to reset and start new projects or goals. You can let go of what has happened previously and start again with a clean slate. The darkness of the moon also lends an introspective energy that we can use to think about plans for the upcoming year. With our energy and motivation high, we can use this time during the “dark side” to reflect on the past year. The new moon represents new beginnings, so any new moon during the year is a great time to just start all over!

Moon Activities

1. Reflect and then ask yourself, “What are my goals and intentions for the year?”
2. Journal or free write whatever comes to mind.
3. Make a list of goals and reflections.
4. Create affirmations and intentions or create a vision board.

Waxing Crescent

After the new moon period, the moon continues its orbit around earth. This allows the sun to illuminate the moon towards the earth side and as a result a sliver of the moon appears in the sky. The moon is growing, and with this movement we can use this energy to take action. This is a good time to visualize how your goals will unfold and what actions we need to take to make our goals a reality. Journal ANY ideas that come to mind. We can use this brainstorming session to help us lay out plans and build a foundation for our goals. We can take our notes from the brainstorming session and research the details of how we can implement this into real actionable steps. Once we know the actions needed, we can plan out the steps required in a planner or notebook. So get your planners and calendars out and begin planning!

Moon Activities

1. Schedule a brainstorming session.
2. Research actionable steps and details.
3. Write and plot in your calendars.

First Quarter

The moon is one-quarter of the way through its cycle and has reached the halfway point in illumination. As we face some challenges, doubts, and fears, obstacles may arise. The energy may feel like it is at a standstill and motivation might dwindle. To help combat this, it is important to remember to stay flexible and make changes when needed. We want to prepare for challenges and make decisions about how to move forward. Use what you have learned so far to take action and start to tackle some steps needed to move forward for the year.

Moon Activities

1. Check in with yourself.
2. Fine tune your plan.
3. Make To-do lists and mark items off.
4. Look at inspiration such as vision boards, planners and calendars.

Waxing Gibbous

The moon is shining brightly and almost has reached its peak in illumination. This is the last phase before the full moon, so we may feel rushed as the energy is also almost at its peak. We may feel impatient about our progress, but this is a good time to pause and check to see what is working and what is not. Nothing is set in stone just yet, so there is still time to fine tune and edit our intentions or plans. Things rarely go as planned and we may face some hurdles here and there. Keep up with the momentum of the energy and try to look for tools and resources to help make your tasks easier. As the moon cycle progresses, let our plan help guide us.

Moon Activities

1. Make edits or adjustments. You may end up with different goals or intentions after more reflection.
2. Find tools and resources to make tasks easier.

Full Moon

The moon has reached its peak in illumination and energy. The full moon is the most powerful on the night it reaches 100% but the energy 3 days before and 3 days after is still powerful! The energy is intense and emotions can run high so you might feel a bought of stress. Clear your mind, clarify what your goals are. Look at the reasons behind your goals to help deal with this intense energy. This is also a great time for transformation, cleaning and cleansing. During the full moon phase, you may start to see benefits or rewards appear from your goal setting activities. Opportunities may appear so remain open to what is coming your way. As the moon shines brightly in the sky, we can tap into this powerful energy to help us push goals forward.

Moon Activities

1. Clear your mind or meditate.
2. Energy is intense, so take a shower or bath to calm down.
3. Clarify your goals and intentions. Say them out loud or write them down.
4. Check in and check off any tasks completed.
5. Go outside and enjoy the moonlight!

Waning Gibbous

After the moon has reached its peak, the moon wanes away from the sun. The moon appears as if it is disappearing and a sliver of darkness shines in the sky. Energy from the previous phase is slowing down, so we can use this time to reflect. We want to take the time to listen to our inner voice and let our intuition guide us. Try to get rid of stressors, bad habits, and negative thinking that may block you from your highest potential. Examine how you are using your time and ask for help if you are feeling overwhelmed. Create a personal schedule, keep track of time using timers, and/or time block.

Moon Activities

1. Ask yourself what inspires you? Let your inner voice guide you.
2. Keep track of how you are using your time. Is there too much “Netflix and chill?”
3. Create a personal schedule. Try using Google calendar to plot out your week.
4. Ask for help.

Last Quarter

The moon is becoming darker, and its illumination is decreasing in the sky. We can use this decreasing energy to decrease any unnecessarily emotional and physical clutter. We don’t want to feel weighed down with negative thoughts or clutter. Continue to release negative thoughts and habits. Clean up and tidy your spaces. Often a messy space and lead to procrastination and stress. Continue to work on any tasks needed to finish the month. We want to make room for opportunities and growth in the next moon cycle plan.

Moon Activities

1. Release negative thoughts. Write them down to get them out of your mind.
2. Clean and organize your spaces.
3. Finish up any tasks.

Waning Crescent

The moon’s journey across the sky is ending, and the moon is becoming smaller. As the moon wanes closer to darkness, so to does our energy. We can use this time to tie up loose ends and finish any tasks we planned for the month. If you have not finished tasks, prepare to transfer them to next month’s plan. Any conflicts or challenges we have experienced we can let go. Set boundaries for ourselves and delegate tasks to help minimize the dwindling energy. Our energy is at its lowest, so don’t feel you need to do it all. Look back at what you accomplished and be proud at the steps taken so far. If you need to rest, take the time to do so, a lot has been done so far! Get ready to reset and treat yourself kind. As the moon draws closer to the new moon phase, we can prepare for the next moon cycle with a new plan.

Moon Activities

1. Treat yo’ self. Take a salt bath, do a face mask, eat some chocolate!
2. Schedule some rest days or nights.
3. Reflect on progress and reevaluate next month’s goals.

The Moon is comforting and our body responds to the different moon cycles. The moon flows through eight phases throughout the cycle of a month. We can use the moon’s monthly journey to help pace ourselves and not rush into our plans. The moon starts off dark and invisible at the new moon and with each phase it grows brighter and brighter as it reaches its peak at the full moon. From this point, the moon descends back into darkness and the cycle repeats. Each phase has a certain energy useful for manifesting goals. Following the moon cycle is a reflective time to lay out a plan. It reminds us that there is always an opportunity to start again, take action and renew oneself in the next cycle.

Let Luna be your guide and Happy planning! <3

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