Moon Wisdom: Setting a Monthly Intention
I've been taking a course on the moon and her phases. It's been really illuminating and I think I'm becoming a lunatic! Seriously though, it's cool to see how the moon aligns with our feelings and actions. The best part is that it all aligns with setting a monthly intention. [This post contains affiliate links]
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I've been following Lunar Abundance's intention plan and I find mostly it works out that Ezzie's yin and yang phases fit my life. At the times when things seem the hardest it's usually when I'm doing yang activities in a yin phase. Yang is the more fast-paced, action-based phase and yin is the slow down and just be phase. For a full view of her wisdom, you're going to want to get the book Lunar Abundance.
My teacher said even though we're physically in Hawaii it could be possible that this Western way fits better for me because of my ancestral path. However, I have already had some run-ins with doing the opposite of Hawaiian moon phases and having a terrible time of things. Like when I made my first batch of soap, I was too excited to wait even though it was a "prepare and relax" day according to the Hawaiian moon calendar. Well, the bottom of my pot busted open and everything that could go wrong did. I should have just waited for an active phase to get it right the first time. Everything is a learning experience I guess.
Below, I'll detail both ways of following the moon. In a way, it's my own study on the differences. I'm trying to see which method is best for me (and YOU)!
New Moon: Set your intention
Setting your intention definitely goes with the new moon. You want to think of ONE actionable focus for your month. Something you can do or be better. For example, one month, my intention was "I am grateful" and I worked hard at noticing things I could be grateful for in everything I did. I still write one thing I'm grateful for in my planner at the end of the day every day. How you manifest your intention and what your intention is are completely up to you. My Hawaiian mahina (moon) teacher also suggests planting something on the new moon to commemorate your growth. If you're not sure what intention to choose, Ezzie gives a great exercise on imagining your dream life and finding discrepancies with your current life and looking for ways to bridge the gap.
The moon's light waxes (gets bigger) from right to left, slowly filling her in (in Hawaiian, the moon is female and the word for moon, mahina, is related to the word for female-- wahine).
There's a second part of this phase in Hawaiian moon wisdom, this is a time to harmonize with the new cycle and start your personal project. This would be a yin phase. These is the Hilo and Hoaka moons. These moons are visible from sunset to early evening.
Crescent Moon
In Lunar Abundance, this is a yin phase and an important time to consider where in your life you might be giving too much energy. You need to make some room for your intention! Relax into your intention.
In Hawaiian wisdom, we're in a yang phase already, with the Kū moons. it's time to build and construct. It's a time to work hard. These vertical moon is has masculine energy. These moons are visible from midday and set before midnight.
Using the moon phases to set a monthly intention and follow through with emotions and actions based on the lunar phases that support your intention
First Quarter Moon
This is a yang phase according to Ezzie. It's time to consider your priorities and take steps to set things straight so you're spending your time on the things that matter most. Take action toward your intention.
In Hawaiian wisdom, these 'Ole Moons are commonly misconceived as a difficult time to get anything done. Teachers around school say oooh look out! It's an 'ole moon! However, these moons are a time to prepare, plan, rest, and realign. It's a time for finding balance, like the moon which is half illuminated and half dark. These moons are visible from midday to the middle of the night.
Gibbous Moon
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According to Ezzia, this is a yin phase to rest and restore. Trust is a key feature, learning to be comfortable with uncertainty and mystery.
In Hawaiian wisdom, the Huna and Hua moons are full of potential, like a bud blossoming into a flower. Immanently, the moon will be filled with light and all will be revealed. This may be a time of questioning that may or may not be met with answers. These moons are visible from dusk until after midnight, but they set before dawn.
Full Moon
Ezzie says this yang phase is a time to let go of something that no longer serves you. A self-made full moon ceremony helps with release and finding clarity in how to pursue your intention from here. She says we're stable but highly sensitive. While this is the climax of the cycle, this is not the end nor a time to give up your efforts toward your intention.
In Hawaiian wisdom, this is a moon that's full of feminine energy. It's opening and revealing the light and fruits. This is the most unstable moon. It's full of energy. These moons are visible from sunset to sunrise.
In reiki, this is a cleansing time. For example, you can clear your crystals by putting them out in the light of the full moon.
Disseminating Moon
Ezzie says this yin phase is made for gratitude and receiving. It's ok to be selective with what you receive. Make sure it serves you if you choose to receive something.
In Hawaiian wisdom, the energy of the Kulu and Lā'au Moons is gentler. It's a time of cooling off, settling down, healing and relieving. Illumination is dripping and flowing from the moon. These moons are visible from late night to sunrise.
Third Quarter Moon
moon yoga leggings
According to Ezzie, this yang phase is for giving. It focuses on collaboration and connection. She recommends actually giving something but not if it depletes from your own source. Give from a place of abundance.
In Hawaiian wisdom, we're back to the 'Ole moons. This is also a time of preparing and realigning, but this time to focus is different. You're already starting to think about and look for clarity on your next lunar cycle. It's also a time to rest and reflect. They can be seen from late night to sunrise.
Balsamic Moon
Ezzie says this yin phase is for reflection on how your intention went and how things went for you through the whole process. It's not a time of judgment, but considering what you can do next time. Rest, relax and restores. Another moon cycle is about to begin!
In Hawaiian wisdom, this Western phase holds 2 moon groupings. The Kāloa moons are related to the ocean. They express broadness and vastness. They're a time for cleansing, like swimming in the ocean or taking an epsom salt bath. Detox and get cleaned out for the Kāne moons and the next cycle. The Kāne moons are a time of reverence, healing, and wellness. It's an auspicious time. It's a time to celebrate and release. It's a time of deep spirituality. These moons are visible from late night until dawn.
Begin again!
Good news. If it didn't all go perfectly as planned, you have another chance coming right up. That's the great thing about a cycle: it's about to begin again.
Reference
For more info from my sources and to get your own resources, head to Hō Mai Ka Pono and Lunar Abundance.
Using the moon phases to set a monthly intention and follow through with emotions and actions based on the lunar phases that support your intention