The moon has a powerful influence over the earth and the human spirit. Its luminous draw has inspired wonder and awe in humans for as long as we have existed. With as busy as our lives get, we tend to align more with stress than with the simple pleasures of nature. Like us, the moon goes through cycles. It’s in a constant state of renewing its radiance. When we tap into that essence, we’re inspiring our soul to engage in a cycle of renewal as well. So any stress, hurt or outdated patterns we’ve invested in, can flow out with the tide as we bring in fresh positivity to manifest our dreams with. If you’ve been reading along with us in our journey through Crystal Muse, you know that we’re on chapter 12, Living in Tune With the Moon. So today’s discussion is all about setting intentions and embracing the nurturing vibrations of mother moon, for a more spiritually fulfilling life! Being in tune with the moon and setting intentions with the phases of the moon is a powerful way to align with the universe. The new moon represents a new beginnings or a fresh start, making it the ideal time to start new projects and plant new seeds. The full moon is when the moon is at its peak brilliance, making it a powerful time for manifestations, making decisions and releasing. Create a regular monthly practice of setting new moon intentions and full moon intentions to stay in tune with the moon. Involve your friends and family and create a celebration atmosphere for your full moon or new moon ritual. If you want to learn more about setting intentions in accordance of the phases of the moon, check out this beautiful infographic by Ezzie Spencer, author of the book Lunar Abundance. You can use her guide when setting intentions for your healing crystals. Share this with all your moon-loving buddies and tag #lunarabundance! Author, Heather Askinosie’s story about spending a year detoxing emotional and physical baggage through new moon purification ceremonies is definitely not something we can all relate to, but on a smaller scale, everyone can enjoy liberating their spirit and setting intentions for the future with the powerful energy of a new moon—no sweat lodge necessary! The stones highlighted in the mother moon mandala ritual are: Black tourmaline—to represent the New Moon in its dark state Moonstone—to represent the waxing moon Clear Quartz—to represent the full moon Labradorite—to represent the waning moon Labradorite is an especially essential stone when working with the moon’s energy because it helps you to tap into a higher state of consciousness. It boosts mental and spiritual power so that you can open the mind to see your true intentions, and pursue the solutions to your transformation. Moonstone is another essential crystal to work with during new moon rituals because it helps you tap into your feminine energy, which is already enhanced during the new moon. The combination of these creative forces can inspire the birth of fresh perspectives, ideas, and motivation. Now, a question for you: Where is your favorite spot for gazing at the moon? Share with us and comment below! Setting intentions on the new moon enhances your manifestation energy. So if you’re already setting intentions, why not set aside an intention that you really want to focus on for the next new moon? As Heather put it, “Creating a regular practice of setting new moon intentions is a mindful way to commit to your dreams and goals. The crystals she recommends for new moon intention setting are: Phantom Quartz—for spiritual growth and evolution Lemurian Seed Crystals—to represent the planting of new seeds, wishes and dreams Clear Quartz—to program your intention and activate the other crystals you use Another question for you: What is an intention that you’d like to set on the next new moon? Share with us and comment below! If you don’t have a specific intention that you want to work on, and would rather use the new moon as a time to connect and relax with the earth and cosmos, then just do that! Rejuvenating the soul by bathing in healing moonlight can have an impact on your mood and focus in the days that follow. Surround yourself with crystals to deepen your cosmic connection. The stones Heather recommends having around you are: Selenite—named after the greek goddess Selene, the goddess of the moon Moonstone—to facilitate a deeper connection with the moon Labradorite—to connect you with the energy of the universe and cosmos Unakite—to balance masculine and feminine energies through the energy of love Next up: We’ll be diving into chapter 13 to learn all about how to bring that creative spark back.