The phases of the Moon connect to the phases of life. While we often consider them as guides to our activity during a single Moon cycle, we can also think of them in the context of the year. In this way, each phase of the Moon corresponds to a season. We can sync with this cycle and make our plans appropriately.

Syncing with the Moon in this way is syncing with the rhythm of Nature. There are times of the year when we harvest and when we sow seed. There are times when bears hibernate and when the hummingbirds return to northern climates. Being aware of these natural cycles can guide us if we want to return to a more natural way of living.

The New Moon

• Correspondence: Winter Solstice
• Energy Center: Sacral
• Element: Water
• Keyword: Creativity

The New Moon, or the Dark Moon, connects with our Sacral energy center, the center of creativity. This is the time when intentions are set and the work begins to manifest our desires.

The time of year that corresponds to the New Moon is the Winter Solstice. The Moon is in it’s dark phase at the New Moon. We experience the darkest time of the year at the Winter Solstice.

While Winter may seem bleak and lifeless, much is happening beneath the frozen surface of the Earth. This is also a time when we can direct our attention inward and cultivate new ideas that may become visible in the Spring. Write, make art, access the creative side of yourself as you recreate and renew during this time.

The First Quarter

• Corresondence: Vernal Equinox
• Energy Center: Heart
• Element: Air
• Keyword: Growth

The time between the New Moon and the Full Moon is call the Waxing Moon, as it waxes, or grows larger, on the horizon. Midpoint between the New and Full Moons is called the First Quarter Moon. This corresponds to the Vernal, or Spring, Equinox.

At this time of the year we begin to see plants returning to green, we prepare for planting, and things that have been resting underground begin to push their way upward.

We also begin to turn our attention back to activity. The days are longer and we are able to spend time outside again.

This time corresponds to the Air element, linking it to the energy center at our Heart. This is the center of our beings, both physical and energetic. Our lungs, heart, arms and hands all respond to the balance in this area. This is a time to gently nurture yourself.

The Full Moon

• Correspondence: Summer Solstice
• Energy Center: Solar Plexus
• Element: Fire
• Keyword: Action

The Full Moon is when the Moon is most visible to us, and the Summer Solstice is the longest day of the year. Both are connected to the element of fire, as is the energy center at our Solar Plexus.

This energy center has to do with our will, and the actions that we take. Summer is a time of activity, of acting in accordance with the literal heat of the season.

Plants are in full bloom at this time of the year. The pollinators are hard at work. We are active as well, pruning and weeding to ensure that our harvests are plentiful. Support yourself with blended time in the Sun and the shade to ensure that you do not overheat, literally and figuratively.

The Last Quarter

• Correspondence: Autumnal Equinox
• Energy Center: Root
• Element: Earth
• Keyword: Harvest

As the Moon begins to wane, or become less visible again, we are actively releasing what no longer works for us, just as we prune and weed in the heat of the late Summer sun.

The Autumnal Equinox occurs halfway between the Summer and Winter Solstices. As the Vernal Equinox, it is a day of balanced light and dark. While we were preparing to sow in the Spring, now we harvest.

The harvest allows us to prepare for the dark days and long nights that are coming with the Winter. We consider what we will need to survive.

Our Root is connected to a sense of safety and security. It is where we feel getting our needs met, and where we sense the fear of need. Support yourself during this time with root vegetables, proteins, and warming spices.

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