Setting Intentions with the New Moon
Contributor: Ashley Neese
Photographer: Ashley Neese
Creating rituals around the moon cycles is a powerful way to connect with our hearts and the universe on a regular basis. New moon rituals range from simple, elaborate, to everything in between. The most important aspect of your new moon ritual is that you connect with it and set aside time to engage with your practice each month. You will be amazed by the energy that comes from hitting the reset button with each new moon and how much you can manifest in such shorts period of time.
The moon has eight phases. The most well known is the fifth phase or full moon. The new moon is the first phase of the moon, when it orbits as seen from the Earth, the moment when the moon and the sun have the same ecliptic longitude. The moon is not visible at this time except when it is seen in silhouette during a solar eclipse when it is illuminated by earthshine.
New moons represent the beginning of a cycle and the full moon represents a clearing or release. In farming traditions the new moon is the time when the soil is most fertile and wet. Many farmers and gardeners plants seeds on the new moon as the moon’s lunar gravity pulls water up. The new moon is considered a growth phase and is an ideal time to plant seeds in our gardens as well as our hearts for the future. The new moon is an invitation to start fresh, call in intentions, and set the tone for the next cycle.
Asking the universe for what you want is a very powerful practice. Combine asking for what you want with the clean slate of the new moon and you have a potent recipe for creating the vision you most desire. The new moon offers an energizing and exciting time to recalibrate your energy for the upcoming cycle and bring a upgraded level of consciousness to the dreams you long to make a reality.
Learning to clearly ask for what you want is a big part of this practice. It requires you to dig deep into your heart and listen to what it is telling you. Often we find ourselves caught up in what we think we should want, what others want for us, or there is an ambivalent attitude about really going after our dreams.
The new moon occurs every 29 1/2 days making it is easy to create a monthly intention setting ritual. Consistency is key with any practice or ritual and the more energy you put into it each month the more you will receive back. Setting aside time each month on the new moon to get clear on what you want to manifest is number one. I typically suggest taking the few days leading up to the new moon to start honing in on what you want. Invite a tender and curious energy into your daily breath work and meditation practices and notice what reveals itself. After a few days of paying attention you will have much more clarity when the new moon arrives on what you want to call in.
Please note that your new moon lists should be written by hand on paper. Something very magical happens when you put pen to paper and this is key in the intention setting process. If you like you can designate a notebook just for your moon lists.
And finally, you have 48 hours once the new moon begins to set your intentions. These hours are the most potent for manifesting and it’s good to get in the habit of working within this 2 day time frame.
STEPS FOR SETTING INTENTIONS WITH THE NEW MOON:
Pray for openness.
Anytime you set out to write your new moon list it’s very important to begin with a simple prayer. The prayer itself can be an intention to hold space for yourself while you write out your list. Keep it simple. Keep it honest.
Create a sacred place.
This can be an altar, desk, or corner in your home. Create a little area that is beautiful and reserved for your spiritual practices. I have a healing room in my house with crystals, plants, singing bowls, and photographs of some of my teachers and heroes. This can be as elaborate or as simple as you like. Carve out a little space that makes you feel inspired, grounded, and connected to your deepest self.
Clear the space.
Clearing the energy of your sacred space sets the tone for your practice and helps you align with the present moment. As you clear your space say a simple prayer to ground your energy and intentions.
New moon breath work.
Breathing is a key aspect of manifesting and it will help you release any tension in your body so that you can write down your new moon intentions from a heart centered space.
Begin by taking a long exhale out of your mouth.
Place one hand on your belly and one on your heart.
Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Make your inhales and exhales long and smooth.
Breathe in this fashion for several minutes, until you become very clear and grounded.
Finish the practice by placing both hands on your heart and sending gratitude to your body.
Write your list.
Take out a sheet of paper and write the date and the following: This, or something better, now manifests for the highest good of all concerned. This statement gives the universe permission to substitute as needed to keep your manifestation karma super clean and clear.
Next write a list of what you want to manifest. Remember, 10 items tops! Be sure to write your statements in positive and affirming language, “I am” and not “I need” or “I want.” Focus on what you want, not what you don’t want. This sounds basic but in the beginning it can be a little challenging, especially if you are accustomed to spending lots of energy thinking about what you don’t want.
Allow yourself to dream really really big here. If that little voice of judgement creeps in, acknowledge it and get back to your list. This can be part of the manifesting process, especially when you’re asking for something huge. Go for it.
One of the big keys to writing your list is to getting into how each item FEELS. If you have followed my outlined steps you will be in an open space to truly listen to your heart. Spend time feeling into each item as you write it down. If it isn’t resonating with you 100% do not put it on your list. Part of this practice is learning to feel as if you already have what you want, this is basic Law of Attraction, if you can feel it with your entire body it will be more likely to come into reality.
Feel the feeling of the wish fulfilled. – Wayne Dyer
New Moon Meditation.
When your list is complete spend 10-15 minutes meditating on it. Go through each item one at a time and focus on how it feels in your body and how it will feel once you have manifested it. Once you have gone through your list let your attachment to your intentions go and settle into the curiosity of how the universe is conspiring to make your dreams come true. It’s a wonderful practice at the end of your meditation to say to the universe that you are freeing yourself from clinging to your wishes and that you are grateful and excited for what is to come.
Close out the ritual.
Once your meditation is over, say a simple prayer to close the ritual. Put your new moon intention list away until next month where you can go over it to see what has manifested. When an item on your lists becomes real thank the universe. If there are things that are no closer to coming into this dimension, I would consider revising them. Also make note of what intentions you are inching closer towards. During next month’s ritual you can go through this inventory of your previous list so you will have more clarity moving forward.