If you’ve been wondering what all the talk is about Moon phases and why we should be paying attention to them, then this is the post for you. A clear and simple explanation of moon phases and why you should care. Let’s take it back to elementary school science; the Moon circles around the Earth once every 29 days. The Earth orbits the Sun once every 365 days. How the Moon appears in the sky depends on its position to the Sun. The part of the Moon that is lit by the Sun is that part we see illuminated in the sky.

Day 1 – New Moon (Intention Setting) The Earth, the Moon and the Sun are in one line with the moon closet to the Sun so that we see its shadow. This is why the New Moon is a dark one. A New Moon is the perfect time for reflection and intention setting. She brings with her the opportunity to explore creativity as she is dark and “empty” – fertile ground for new seeds of intention.

Day 2-14 – Waxing Moon Moon moves further away from the shadow of the Sun and becomes more illuminated.

Day 15 – Full Moon (Reflection and Evaluation. Releasing) The Moon is fully illuminated by the Sun giving us the impression of a perfect circle in the sky. This is a time for illumination and evaluation. Releasing anything that is not serving us and asking the Sun to return it to darkness.

Day 16-29 – Waning Moon Moon moves closer toward the sun, slowly becoming more in shadow so that the Full Moon becomes dark which starts the process all over again. From an energy standpoint let’s look at this cycle as a growth one. The New Moon is the rich a fertile soil waiting for seeds (intention). Once planted they are tended to for the next 14 days until you start to the see plants peeking up from the soil during the Full Moon. You look at what is growing. Is is what you wanted? Are there weeds there that need to be pruned? You see what is illuminated in front of you, reassess what needs to happen to reach your intention and adjust accordingly. For a simple New Moon ritual click here.

Now that you know what a Moon phase is, let’s talk about why you should care. Unless you still don’t which is totally fine. It’s not your thing. But for those of you for whom it is, there is a beauty in connecting to a force that is greater than us. I find comfort in connecting to a cycle that rules the oceans tides. It’s a reminder that in the bigger scope of things we are all just stardust made of the same materials of the Universe and that there are bigger things happening in this world than whatever mundanities of daily life I am dealing with. Because I’m a geek, I love the idea of tapping into the moons gravitational pull to help catapult my intentions into the Universe. Gravitation is the universal attraction force between all matter so if I can up my vibrations, why not? As a woman, connecting to the Moon (widely viewed as having a feminine energy) means connecting to the energetic qualities of receptivity, openness and nurturing, along with healing, renewal, interconnectedness, intuition and wisdom. There is a reason why women’s cycles follow the same general cycles of the Moon. Connecting with the phases of the moon can bring awareness to other cycles and rhythms within your own body, mind, heart, and spirit.

The Moon’s Phases and What They Represent

HOW THE MOON AFFECTS US

You might guess with a name like ĀTHR Beauty that we love the cosmos – the stars, the Moon, and all the mystical energies that weave their magic through our lives. So, today let’s dive deep into that Moon magic:

• How and why the Moon affects us

• What each moon phase means and how to make the most of it

• Moon-inspired products to get you in the moonlit mood.

• Charging your crystal-infused products in the moonlight

THE SCIENCE – WHY THE MOON AFFECTS USSince the beginning of time, humans have been tracking the Moon, observing its changes, and noticing our undeniable connection with its monthly ebbs and flows. Emotions, our sleep, our menstruation, and our love life have all been linked to the Moon. Why? And how does this happen?

THE GRAVITATIONAL PULL The Moon exerts a strong gravitational pull that causes the changing tides in our oceans and seas. This gravitational pull is at its strongest during the New Moon and Full Moon, so here we experience the highest and lowest tides. Considering we humans are made up of 70% water, it only makes sense that the Moon would have a similar impact on us mostly-water beings. It's thought that at the New Moon and Full Moon, like the tides, our emotions are pulled to the surface and feelings are heightened. What the science says: some researchers theorize that humans are reacting to subtle changes in the Earth’s magnetic field that occur with the Moon phases. When the oceans flow with the tides, the salty water (which is electrically conducting) causes the Earth's magnetic field to fluctuate. These changes have been shown to affect our alpha brain wave activity.

OUR SLEEP RHYTHMS Several studies have shown that people experience 30% less deep sleep during the Full Moon as compared to the rest of the month. Why is this? Researchers believe our internal biological rhythms may be linked to the Moon's cycle. Changes in sleep can have dramatic effects on your overall mood – causing irritability, decreased concentration and focus, impatience, and elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.

ALIGNING WITH THE PHASES OF THE MOON If we’re accepting that the Moon does indeed affect our sleep, our mood, and our emotions, how can we work with this mystical force? How can we sync up with these cycles and align with the flow of nature instead of being a victim of it? Well, let's chat about each Moon phase, how it can affect us, and how we can make the most of every phase! NEW MOON What looks to us like no moon (or a dark moon) happens when the Moon is positioned in alignment between the Earth and the Sun. We don’t see the illuminated side of the Moon that’s facing the sun, so it appears dark.

New moon effects- what it means for you This low-light phase can manifest as low energy for us. We may feel tired, introspective, and ready to indulge in some much-needed introvert time.

How to make the most of this phase Now is a fabulous time to curl up by the fire, put on some fuzzy socks, and spend some time with yourself. Take time to reflect on how you’re feeling and honor any inklings to stay home, cancel plans, and not return texts today.

WAXING CRESCENT 'Waxing' means that the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing. In the waxing crescent phase, only a crescent-shaped sliver is visible to us.

What this means for you After relaxing, recharging, and reflecting in the New Moon, you’re ready to go forth with new light and added energy.

How to make the most of this phase Write down your intentions for the coming month, and thank the universe in advance for all the beautiful things you know will be coming your way. Sit down with your crystals and visualize the next manifestation you’re ready to accept in your life. Drench yourself in our diamond-infused Desert Moon Illuminating Oil to raise your vibrations and reconnect with your sacred self. FIRST QUARTER During this phase, the Moon is at a 90-degree angle to the Earth and Sun. We see half the Moon illuminated and the other half in shadow. In the first quarter, we see what appears to be the right half of the Moon.

What this means for you This balance of light and shadow reflects the obstacles you’ll start to encounter as you bring your intentions to life.

How to make the most of this phase Go with the flow of life – embrace the yeses and takes the no’s as a signal for redirection. The universe may have bigger plans than you can imagine and you just need to follow the breadcrumbs that lead to your highest creative potential.

WAXING GIBBOUS Just like the waxing crescent phase, in the waxing gibbous the illuminated portion of the Moon is increasing towards the Full Moon.

What this means for you The waxing gibbous phase signals redirection, adjustment, and flexibility. Your plans are being challenged, and your patience is being tested.