A Guide to Setting Intentions with the New Moon
Contributor: Ashley Neese
Photographer: Ashley Neese
A couple of years ago I started a new moon manifesting practice at the suggestion of a friend. I had been paying attention to the moon cycles for a while in relation to my monthly cycle but hadn’t done much work in terms of connecting it to other aspects of my life. When I started researching new moon practices I discovered what a potent time it was for calling in desires and manifesting visions. I began with a simple ritual that I have expanded on over the years and have taught to many of my clients.
New moons represent the beginning of a cycle and the full moon represents a clearing or release. In farming traditions the new moon in 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.
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. I’ve worked with many clients who feel guilty about what they want and believe they will never get it. This usually stems from feeling a big sense of lack in their lives, that they don’t deserve what their hearts want or they don’t feel worthy enough of their true desires. These belief systems need to be addressed in order to make the most out of these new moon intention rituals. The beauty is you do not need to have it all figured out right now. All that is required is an open heart and a willingness to explore what surfaces in your life with courage
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. If you don’t have a prayer practice (this will be an upcoming blog post as it’s something I get asked about almost daily), you can use this one:
Dear universe, I am here to connect with spirit, truth, and love. Please make me a channel of your divine wisdom and help me see clearly in all aspects and help me tune into the greatest good in my heart.
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. Here are some of my favorite plants for space clearing. As you clear your space say a simple prayer to ground your energy and intentions:
Dear Universe, may I have your support to clear this space so that my truest intentions can flow clearly from my heart onto the page.
New moon breathwork.
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.
I have worked with many different new moon intention setting rituals and practices over the years and the above outline is the way I am currently engaging with this process. It might seem like super time consuming in the beginning but once you get into it you will enjoy setting aside time each month to connect to yourself, your heart and your deepest desires.
I typically take 1-2 hours for this each month as it has proven to be so healing in many ways. I often suggest to clients to start with 30-45 minutes and see how that feels. Above all have fun with the ritual and please let me know how things go with it, I cannot wait to hear!