You Don't Have To Work With Every Lunation

Is it just me, or is everyone talking about lunar cycles these days?

Over the past couple of years, it seems like every mailing list I’m on and every Instagram account I follow has started doing posts for every new and full moon.

I think it’s awesome that so many people are starting to synch up their lives with nature’s rhythms, which the moon is part of.

I’ve been working with lunar cycles since the mid `90s and I know how powerful they can be. 

For me, following the Moon is a spiritual practice. And like anything else, when the popularity of a practice rises, information can get diluted, confused and distorted.

Especially these days when there is so much pressure to have something new to post on social media. Or when there is already so much to do, keep up with and talk about.

When we’re rushing through our daily lives, our spiritual practices can be affected.

When you start working with the cycles of the moon, one of the first things you learn is that the Moon moves really fast. There’s a new and full moon every month, just two weeks apart.

When someone is talking about a new moon, you’ll likely hear them talk about a new beginning that is taking hold in your life. Or that there’s an opportunity for you to set an intention or initiate a new project.

Full moons are seen as culmination points where an area of your life is illuminated. They are also seen as times to release, let go, or complete a chapter or cycle in your life.

I often share tarot spreads to help you work with these energies. In recent years, I’ve seen many others offer similar work.  

But here’s the thing that gets lost in translation when there’s a flurry of discussion around every lunation:

a) You don’t have to do it all;

and

b) You probably shouldn’t.

The idea of setting a new intention every month can become exhausting pretty quickly.

Is it realistic, or sustainable, to open up a new door for yourself with every lunar cycle?

Is it necessary to be doing a deep dive into your psyche and soul with every full moon?

I don’t think so.

What doesn’t always get discussed in the frenzy to stay up-to-date with the moon’s phases is that you might need to give yourself time to work through a previous month’s intentions or themes.

I share these moments in time through a general perspective, not a prescriptive one. It’s a way to look at the potential that’s available through a lunar cycle, but is not meant to push anyone to take an action that doesn’t align with where they’re at.

Just because the Moon moves quickly doesn’t mean you have to.

And just because the Moon is a powerful way to set goals, plans or new directions into motion doesn’t mean you always need to be doing something with it.

Instead, you can choose to get intentional about which lunations you most want to work with. There are so many lunar phases, signs, and energies available to support your plans and needs throughout the year.

At first, it can feel overwhelming to figure it all out.

But you don't have to work with every lunar cycle, or every moon phase.

You can be in practice with the moon all year round simply by observing what is happening. For example: If you know the moon is going to change signs, or begin a new phase or cycle, then it can be enough to simply observe that shift in energy, rather than you feel you need to "do" something for it.

Simply appreciating the energy that’s in the air, or taking some time to journal, meditate, or stay aware of what’s coming up for you can be enough.

The moon represents needs, comfort and intuition – not hustle, pressure, and stress. The moon is meant to bring fulfillment into your life, not add busy work to your to-do list.

If you’re ready to go deeper with your lunar practice, you might like my collection of New Moon Meditations. They are gentle but powerful guides into every lunar cycle so that you can engage with the moon's energy, rather than feeling pressured by. 

Until next time,

Liz xo