“This is a culmination and middle point of the lunar cycle when the Moon is directly opposite the Sun so all of the Sun’s light is reflected on the Moon ́s surface. This is when we can see everything for what it is. The energy is high and volatile. Often we have difficulty sleeping,” Orre says.
“Symbolically the Full Moon phase is a time when all the things that are normally hidden from us are now made visible,” she adds. “We may receive news, inner awareness or downloads, or information from an external source. It’s the time of the lunation to show the world what we are working towards, to own what we want fully or let it go and take flight!
“Full Moon can be a time to let go of challenges or what stands in our way of our intentions,” she goes on. “It can also be a time to rethink our intentions with the new information that is presented now. Either way, Full Moon is a time of release and sometimes forgiveness for ourselves and others.”
Waning Gibbous
Shortly after the Full Moon, the moon starts becoming less illuminated again. Your energy and goal-realisation begins to slow down. Take it easy during this period.
Last Quarter
As the moon is gradually decreasing in size, you too will start to feel yourself wanting to let go and release. As the cycle is slowly coming to an end, it’s important to allow yourself to let go of any grudges or feelings of resentment, especially from the harder points on the month. A good way to let go and purge the negativity is by cleansing.
“The final quarter phase is another time for readjustment,” says Orre. “We can clear away what isn’t working for us, creating space for what is ahead. It’s a time to clear the energy of the current lunar cycle, make energetic and physical space for our manifestations, and get organised for the incoming lunar phase. The 90 degree square angle between the Sun and the Moon during the final quarter phase provides us with the energetic friction required to bring our intentions into the physical.”
Waning Crescent
As the final illuminated fraction of the moon slowly begins to disappear, becoming the New Moon, we will find our emotions reflect this.
You may reflect on the month just gone and start to consider what you could have done differently, but at this stage it’s more rewarding to allow yourself to unwind and embrace the end of the cycle.
The moon’s orbit
You might assume the moon revolves on a monthly cycle, but it’s actually slightly shorter than this. The full moon cycle, as observable from earth, is 29.5305882, what’s known as the synodic period. if you were to view it from outside of the solar system, that figure would be 27.3217 days – so a couple of days shorter than a month. This number is what’s referred to as the orbital period, also sometimes called the sidereal period.
Lunar rituals
There are many kinds of rituals out there depending on what you want to achieve and get from the new or full moons.
Rituals are becoming more popular, as data shows in the last month there’s been a 9700% increase in online searches for them.
One way you step into this is by journalling. Good for your mental health generally too, journalling allows you space to reflect, release pent up emotions, and think about what you want manifest.
Take a monthly check in so you can see what you’ve achieved and where your goals are for the following moon cycle.
It can be a good way to keep track of your progress and desires.
Who knows — once you get in tune with the moon, your whole life really could change.