In this installment of Practical Magic, Lisa Stardust explains how to sync your self-care to the phases of the moon. Always remember that magic is for believers, but this column can also simply serve as a guide to getting in touch with yourself — magically or not.
September is National Self-Care Awareness Month. During this time, it’s important for us to take stock of our wellness regimens and routines. Lending a helping hand is great — but we should always make sure that our cup is full before we pour into others. Our hearts, minds, bodies, and spirits need attention, too, and we are the only ones who can make sure that it’s given to us. We all deserve a chance to pause from the everyday stressors of life and find inner serenity. The 30-day lunar phases of the Moon can lend a helping hand in jumpstarting such serene rituals.
Find out how to use the phases of the Moon to rejuvenate your self-care practices and shower yourself in love.
New Moon
The New Moon sets off the lunar cycle. This is a time to start new activities and refresh our energies. Reflection is important during this time, as we are setting the intentions and goals that we wish to achieve during the lunar cycle. Journaling can help you come to an internal understanding by clearing your mind. What do you want to bring into your life? Be at one with your thoughts.
Waxing Crescent
Now that you’ve identified our wants and desires, it’s time to seize the confidence to set your intentions into motion. Implement self-care into this lunar phase by writing down positive affirmations about yourself on a piece of paper. Stick them to a mirror, gaze lovingly at your reflection, and recite them aloud twice a day. Say them with gusto and pride! Don’t be shy about how amazing you are! This will grant you the tenacity and assurance to accomplish your dreams.
First Quarter
The First Quarter phase is when you are putting in the work — however, there may be some resistance or obstacles standing in the way of your goals. Therefore, this is a great time to practice mindful meditation, yoga, breath work, or dancing to release inner tensions. Instead of becoming frustrated with the setbacks, it’s healing to engage in any self-care practices that will help calm anxieties.
Waxing Gibbous
During this phase, you might be reaching the final steps of a project. But it’s clear that you’re in need of some physical self-love. Your body wants an energetic release, with aches and pains being the focal point of the healing bodywork you’re searching for. Self-appreciation in the form of a massage or acupuncture will serve you well. You may even consider treating yourself to a nice meal or an evening out with friends to blow off more steam.
Full Moon
During the Full Moon, the climax of the lunar cycle, honor all the work that you’ve done so far. Recharge your battery and rest. Make moonwater by charging a full bucket or a bottle of water under the Full Moon to absorb its potent restorative energy. Add the moonwater to a bath with fresh or dried flower petals, and pour in a cup of pink Himalayan or Epsom salt.
While practicing fire safety, light white candles around you and put on your favorite songs. As you lay in the tub, you can place a rose quartz crystal for self-love on your heart chakra and an amethyst crystal on your crown chakra to access intuition and offer protection from negativity. The crystals will restore your energy while you soak for 20-30 minutes.
If you don’t have a bathtub, then you can mix the petals and salt in a bowl to pour over your shoulders in the shower. Then, after your shower, lay down with the crystals on your chakras and air-dry. Let your mind detach itself from outside noise. Be fully present within your body.
Waning Gibbous
Clear the energy in your space. Donate clothing to a local charity and get rid of old documents on your computer that you don’t need. Do a total cleanse of your phone’s camera roll and delete photos that no longer serve a purpose to you. Don’t be afraid to let go of the past now. The less you’re holding onto, the lighter you’ll energetically feel. While practicing fire safety, burn fresh lavender and open up the windows to get rid of any stale vibes that have concentrated over time within your room and your home.
Last Quarter
Offer yourself gratitude for all that you’ve accomplished over the past few weeks. Do something nice for yourself. Buy yourself a small gift. Get your nails or hair done. Anything that feels rewarding for all of your hard efforts is an ideal purchase. It doesn’t have to be expensive — it just has to make you feel positive about yourself. You deserve it!
Waning Crescent
During the final phase of the lunar cycle, it’s important to sit with your thoughts in nature. Take a hike to decompress. Only a thin curve of the Waning Crescent Moon is visible, which makes this an ideal time to sit in the sunlight and bask in the positivity of the outdoors. Taking a moment of solitude is crucial. Process information. Have revelations. There is no better place than the great outdoors to do so.
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