National Moon Day

Have you ever been on an evening walk and marveled at the moon in the sky? Not only is the moon beautiful, but this celestial body also carries a unique feminine energy that it imparts to its namesake crystal, Moonstone.

Earth’s earliest civilizations based their calendars around the lunar cycle. It’s no coincidence that the words “month” and “moon” are so close. When we focus on the Moon and its subtle changes, we are focusing on our deepest needs. The Moon is heavily associated with the divine feminine, and its nurturing energy asks us to look inward and be honest with ourselves. This introspective energy encourages us to slow down and listen to ourselves instead of societal pressures. With this mindset, we can craft a holistic, flexible plan for reaching our goals.

July 20^th is National Moon Day, and we are celebrating by learning more about the moon’s natural cycles and how we can use Moonstone to channel abundant, nurturing vibrations into our lives.

The Different Varieties of Moonstone

Ancient Romans held Moonstone sacred and believed that the Goddess Diana actually created it from moonlight. Moonstone awakens your intuition, connecting you to the divine feminine energy within. When you work with Moonstone, you access your most authentic self. Of Moonstone’s multiple varieties, White Moonstone is the most well-known, and it often displays a pearl-like sheen.

Peach Moonstone’s rosy color comes from higher levels of aluminum in Moonstone’s chemistry. It is a soft, introspective crystal. This stone channels divine love, allowing you to achieve enlightenment in the gentlest way possible. Peach Moonstone also links your Heart and Solar Plexus Chakras to promote self-love and awareness.

Black Moonstone grounds the Moon’s spiritual energy. It is the perfect tool for working through grief and trauma. When everything seems darkest, Black Moonstone provides a light, showing you life’s infinite possibilities. This crystal also repels negativity so that you can feel safe and have space to recover.

Rainbow Moonstone makes the most of this crystal’s balancing properties, aligning our entire Chakra system and unlocking divine protection. Rainbow Moonstone fully embodies the Moon’s call for transformation. It promotes self-discipline and growth in the same arc as the lunar cycle.

All varieties of Moonstone are attuned to the planet’s natural cycles. Moonstone empowers you by connecting you with both the Earth and space. This crystal encourages transformation and rebirth, and you can work with Moonstone at specific times of the lunar cycle to achieve different goals, from blessing new beginnings to creating art and receiving abundance.

Phase 1: New Moon

The New Moon is the beginning of the lunar cycle. For up to three days, the moon isn’t visible. While this darkness may seem ominous, it is actually full of burgeoning potential. The New Moon invites you to look inward, and it is the perfect time to set your intentions for the upcoming cycle. Dream big, and let hope buoy your spirits.

Pink Moonstone resonates strongly with the new moon’s loving energy. Let this gentle crystal renew you with the Moon. Meditate with Pink Moonstone or use it in a goal-setting ritual. The beginning of this lunar cycle can also be your new beginning.

The New Moon is also a powerful time to cleanse your crystals. Its potent energy purifies and recharges all stones, but the New Moon harmonizes especially well with tender crystals like Rose Quartz, Morganite, and Rhodochrosite.

Phase 2: Waxing Crescent

If you’ve ever heard the terms “wax” and “wane,” they are a reference to the lunar cycle. After the New Moon, the Moon appears to expand. It becomes brighter, and it gathers energy.

The Waxing Crescent is a crescent Moon that appears on the right side. It lasts from approximately day 2 to day 6 of the lunar cycle, during the time when the moon is between 1% and 49% illuminated. The Waxing Crescent asks you to take action. It is the perfect opportunity to form new routines and take big steps to realize your goals.

Rainbow Moonstone is the ideal stone to energize you throughout the moon’s waxing period. It provides the willpower necessary to turn dreams into reality. Leave a Rainbow Moonstone in your pocket or purse throughout the Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, and Waxing Gibbous to keep yourself on the path to success.

Phase 3: First Quarter

The First Quarter occurs between the 6^th and 9^th day of the lunar cycle, when the Moon is exactly 50% illuminated. The phase is a reminder that we are halfway to the Full Moon and its abundant energy.

How much progress have you made since you set your intentions at the New Moon? What are you doing well? What could you do better? The First Quarter is the perfect time for a check-in. Refine your tactics and keep moving forward.

Phase 4: Waxing Gibbous

The final phase before the Full Moon, the Waxing Gibbous, occurs roughly between the 8^th and 13^th days of the lunar cycle. During this period, the moon is between 51% and 99% illuminated. The Waxing Gibbous provides a little extra luck to achieve your goals, and it carries a strong creative energy to help you reach the finish line.

You’ve been working hard and stepping out of your comfort zone, so the Waxing Gibbous invites you to treat yourself a little bit. Take a bubble bath, bake a sweet treat, or watch your favorite movie. You cannot achieve your goals if you don’t make time for yourself, too.

During this phase, be sure to check back in with your Rainbow Moonstone. This crystal will reveal the final steps to manifesting your intention.

Phase 5: Full Moon

The Full Moon is the apex of the lunar cycle, when the moon is completely illuminated, and its vibrations can last for up to three days. The Full Moon amplifies energy, which makes it a powerful period for magic and abundance but also causes emotions to run high. It is the time to harvest the results of your hard work and celebrate. The Full Moon also unlocks your psychic abilities, allowing you to access your higher self, communicate with your spirit guides, and supercharge your divination practices.

White Moonstone symbolizes the Full Moon. It is the perfect complement to a manifestation or gratitude ritual. You can also use White Moonstone to support psychic meditation or divination. If the Full Moon has a strong effect on your emotions, wear White Moonstone jewelry to keep you balanced throughout this phase.

Because the Full Moon’s energy is so strong, it is the ideal time to charge your crystals. The Full Moon will amplify their natural abilities, allowing them to reach their highest potential. Because of the Full Moon’s association with abundance and manifestation, it resonates particularly well with crystals like Pyrite, Jade, and Black Opal. Charging your crystals regularly on the Full Moon also provides a great monthly reminder so that you never let your stones’ energy become clouded.

Phase 6: Waning Gibbous

After the Full Moon’s unbridled energy, it is time to release. The Waning Gibbous Moon lasts from about the 15^th to the 20^th day of the lunar cycle. Take some time to reflect on the changes you have made, and release that which no longer serves you. The Waning Gibbous is still 99-51% illuminated, so it can shine light on issues that you have been avoiding and provide answers to difficult questions.

As the moon begins to wane, reach for Black Moonstone. This crystal emits grounding vibrations while keeping you connected to the Moon’s divine wisdom. It is a great tool for the entire waning period, from the Waning Gibbous to the Last Quarter, Waning Crescent, and Dark Moon.

Phase 7: Last Quarter

The Last Quarter represents a crossroads. It lasts between the 21^st and 23^rd days of the cycle and is exactly 50% illuminated. Continue using the inquisitive, reflective mindset from the Waning Gibbous and strive for balance. Focus on your deepest needs, on both the spiritual and earthly planes. The Last Quarter also encourages you to accept and release what you can’t control.

Phase 8: Waning Crescent

The Waning Crescent is the Moon final few days of illumination, lasting roughly from the 22^nd to the 27^th days of the cycle. It is a period of closure, organization, and cleaning. After all of your reflection, it is time to take action again.

Revisit your Black Moonstone. If you are still unsure what you need to let go of, meditate with this crystal. Black Moonstone also provides protection so that you can feel confident moving forward without toxic habits, people, or situations.

Phase 9: Dark Moon

The moon’s final phase is the Dark Moon, when it is barely visible just before the New Moon. The Dark Moon invites you to rest. It has been an active cycle; now is the time for peace. Turn inward and think about your needs. Remember, the New Moon is just around the corner, and it will be time to set new intentions again.

Whether you observe the all of the moon’s phases or just check in at the New and Full Moons, attuning yourself to the lunar cycle unlocks infinite possibilities. Let Moonstone in all of its varieties guide you to manifesting a more fulfilled and authentic life.