Journaling with the phases of the moon: new moon intentions and monthly reflection

If you’re someone who loves planning, creative journaling, and organisation, you’re probably always looking for new ways to stay on track and achieve your goals. The moon, which has long been a symbol of change and transformation, can be a helpful tool in this process. By understanding the different phases of the moon and how they correspond to different aspects of our lives, we can use this knowledge to set intentions, track our progress, and stay in sync with the natural rhythms of the universe.

The Phases of the Moon

Before we dive into how to use the moon in your journaling practice, let’s take a quick look at the different phases of the moon and what they represent:

New Moon

This is the beginning of the lunar cycle, when the moon is not visible in the sky. This phase is associated with new beginnings, fresh starts, and setting intentions.

Waxing Crescent

As the moon begins to appear in the sky, it enters the waxing crescent phase. This is a time for growth, learning, and taking action on your intentions.

First Quarter

When the moon is half-full, it is said to be in the first quarter phase. This is a time for making decisions, taking risks, and pushing through obstacles.

Waxing Gibbous

As the moon continues to grow, it enters the waxing gibbous phase. This is a time for refinement, fine-tuning your plans, and making adjustments as needed.

Full Moon

When the moon is fully illuminated, it is said to be in the full moon phase. This is a time for celebration, gratitude, and letting go of what no longer serves you.

Waning Gibbous

After the full moon, the moon begins to shrink back down. This is a time for introspection, self-reflection, and evaluating your progress.

Last Quarter

When the moon is once again half-full, it is said to be in the last quarter phase. This is a time for releasing old patterns, letting go of what no longer serves you, and preparing for a new cycle.

Waning Crescent

As the moon disappears from the sky, it enters the waning crescent phase. This is a time for rest, recuperation, and preparing for the next cycle.

tools for tracking moon phases

Using a moon phase app like Moon Plus can be a helpful tool for tracking the phases of the moon and staying connected to the lunar cycle. With features such as a lunar calendar, moonrise and moonset times, and notifications for important lunar events like the new and full moon, Moon Plus can make it easier to stay on top of your moon-related activities and intentions. Additionally, Moon Plus offers a variety of other features such as daily horoscopes, moon phase widgets, and more, making it a versatile app for anyone interested in astrology, spirituality, or simply staying connected to the natural world around us.

Setting New Moon Intentions

One of the most powerful ways to use the moon in your journaling practice is to set new moon intentions. The new moon is a time for fresh starts, new beginnings, and setting intentions for the coming lunar cycle. By taking some time to reflect on what you want to achieve and setting clear, actionable goals, you can harness the energy of the new moon to make progress towards your dreams.

To get started, you might want to use a printable template like the one I have designed for the Planner Lovers Resource Library. This template can help you clarify your intentions, break them down into manageable steps and track your progress throughout the month. The New Moon intention setting printables are available in A4, Half Letter and Classic Happy Planner sizes. Each size includes journaling prompts to fill in, along with blank templates for writing out your intentions. Here are some steps you can follow for new moon intention setting:

1. Start by setting aside some time to reflect on what you want to achieve. Consider what areas of your life you want to focus on (e.g. health, relationships, career, personal growth) and what specific goals you have in mind.
2. Using the blank journaling template, write down your intentions in a clear, concise way. Use affirmative language (e.g. “I am” rather than “I will”) and focus on what you want to create rather than what you want to avoid.
3. Break your intentions down into smaller, actionable steps. For example, if your intention is to improve your fitness, your steps might include things like scheduling regular workouts. Add these to your to-do list or habit tracker.

monthly reflection

Monthly reflection is just as important as setting new moon intentions because it allows you to review your progress, celebrate your successes, and make adjustments as needed. By taking the time to reflect on your journey each month, you can stay on track, stay motivated, and continue to grow and evolve.

So, what’s the best time to do your monthly reflection? Many people choose to do it during the waning gibbous phase, which is the time when the moon is beginning to shrink back down after the full moon. This is a time for introspection and self-reflection, making it the perfect time to look back on the previous month and evaluate your progress.

monthly reflection template

To do your monthly reflection, you might want to use another printable template like the one available for free in the Planner Lovers Resource Library. This template, available in A4, Half Letter or Classic Happy Planner size, can help you review your goals, track your progress, and celebrate your successes. Here are some steps you can follow for monthly reflection:

1. Take some time to review your new moon intentions from the previous month. Did you achieve what you set out to do? What went well? What could you have done differently?
2. Write down any insights or learnings from the past month. What did you discover about yourself? What challenges did you face? How did you overcome them?
3. Celebrate your successes! It’s important to acknowledge the progress you’ve made, no matter how small it may seem. Write down your accomplishments and celebrate your hard work.
4. Evaluate your progress and make adjustments as needed. Are there any areas where you need to course-correct? Do you need to adjust your goals or your approach? Use this time to make any necessary changes and set new intentions for the coming month.

By using the phases of the moon to guide your journaling practice, you can create a powerful tool for self-reflection, growth, and transformation. Whether you’re setting new moon intentions or doing a monthly reflection during the waning gibbous phase, you can tap into the natural rhythms of the universe to create a life that is in “flow” and aligned with your deepest desires.

Happy journaling!