The flowing phases of lunar cycles provide an energetic opening for you to pause, reflect, and connect with the larger spiritual purpose of your life. Harnessing lunar energy is a powerful practice in discovering your connection to the world around you. Each Moon phase offers a unique opportunity for manifestation and self-examination of ourselves and the communities of which we're a part. The greatest times of unified Moon cycle observation occur during the New Moon and Full Moon cycles—providing energetic pulls and gentle nudges for us to listen to our intuition.

Throughout this text, the phrase the Collective refers to the unified spiritual body of humans on this Earth. We each occupy this unified spiritual system through our individual energy systems. Your energy system is a current of power, an aura, flowing through and around you—connecting yourself and others to the transformational lunar power of the Moon.

Phases of the Moon
Think of each phase as a path toward rebirth, with the New Moon being an initial seed for reflection and the waning crescent as the last cycle of release before a new season of renewal. The Moon's magnetic power over our internal and external water bodies connects us both energetically and biologically with each Moon phase shift. In approximately four-day intervals, the Moon shifts through each phase with the rotation of our solar system—connecting each of us to the transformative power of eight major Moon cycles.

The New Moon
New Moons are a time of planting seeds, an opportunity to prepare the soil through hard work and dedication as we move toward the energy of the Full Moon phase in two weeks. New Moons serve as an energetic opening for the Collective to consider the path ahead. See this phase of the Moon as a fresh start, a moment to step into the newness and expansion of possibility. This is the time to dream big, letting your energetic system soar.

New Moon Journal Prompts:

• Over the past two weeks, which areas of your life have needed more support?
• How can you shift your energy toward renewal?

The Waxing Crescent
The waxing crescent presents an opportunity for you to lock in on personal goals. This energy of possibility exists from the collective energy gained during the New Moon phase, but action is equally required during this phase to carry the momentum forward. This phase is about stepping outside your comfort zone and leveraging the new experiences and opportunities in front of you.

Waxing Crescent Moon Journal Prompts

• How are you stepping outside your comfort zone, and who are you bringing with you?
• What is required in this season to move you to the next phase of understanding and connection?

The Second Quarter Moon
The second quarter Moon represents a crossroads in our logic, a moment to break through barriers and step into uncharted territory. It's a moment of self-reflection before the harvest, a rumbling moment of quiet and doubt before taking a new road. It's the time to look in the mirror and say, "What will I do?" This is a time to review your potential. Ask for your eyes to recognize the path ahead. Have the courage to stand tall.

Second Quarter Moon Journal Prompts

• Are you ready to move forward into the new, or is there more personal work to be done before you're ready?
• Do you see what you're capable of, or are you shying away from your true self?

The Waxing Gibbous
The waxing gibbous is a Moon phase of making active change toward the goals and intentions you set at the New Moon phase. During this time, envision yourself celebrating your hard work and achievements. Reflect on the growth and spiritual messages received during self-meditation and experience new levels of momentum and energy by staying focused and steady until the goal at hand is accomplished.

Waxing Gibbous Moon Journal Prompts

• What action steps do I need to refine and reshape to reach my goals?
• What distractions do I need to eliminate in my life to recenter my original intentions?

The Full Moon
Full Moons are a spiritual time of harvest and celebration, a culmination of the hard work and intentions set at the previous New Moon. This time of heightened Moon energy amplifies manifestations and intentions set during the preceding New Moon phase, enhancing the potential for personal growth and transformation. Harness this celebratory energy by drawing in those you love, channeling the energy of Collective unity as we all move toward new stages of growth.

Full Moon Journal Prompts

• What were my most notable victories since the previous New Moon?
• How have I grown over the last few Moon phases?

The Waning Gibbous
As the high-vibrating rhythms of the Moon subside, our energetic systems feel a collective release, calling us to rest. If you find yourself at a place of judgment during this phase, pause to acknowledge and give yourself credit for your accomplishments. Whether it be improving your personal health, work and business endeavors, romantic life, or family relations—each area of life will be up for evaluation during this cycle. Improving your life can be done without minimizing your accomplishments. Find beauty in the lessons learned as you progress through this moon cycle.

Waning Gibbous Moon Journal Prompts

• What areas of my life require more rest?
• Where can I ask for more support in my life?

The Fourth Quarter
The fourth quarter Moon provides another decision point during the Moon phase cycle. It calls many to question, "What’s next?" Harnessing this energy is about leveraging inner growth with the resources you have in front of you. Release moments of judgment on yourself and others and forgive yourself for previous mistakes made.

Fourth Quarter Moon Journal Prompts

• Are you fully ready to release what's limiting you at this time?
• Are you prepared to fully step into what you're being called to?

The Waning Crescent
At this point, we are brought to the edge of a new beginning, evaluating, reflecting, and preparing for the next discoveries and developments our spirits are being called to. This is often a time of heightened readiness for new discipline, feeling a pulse of excitement as we step into the new.

Waning Crescent Moon Journal Prompts

• What have I discovered in this moment that has rebirthed my spirit?
• Affirm: "I am conscious, capable, and ready for new outcomes in my life." What new outcomes are you ready for in your life at this time?

Qualities and Elements
Cardinal signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, and Capricorn) draw in self-starting energies, while the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius) lead to fierce determination. Mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces) bring ease to each Moon cycle, encouraging us as a Collective to bring more ease into our decision-making and go with the flow.

This repeating pattern within the zodiac cycle of cardinal, fixed, and mutable is a spiritual guide for the energy we can build our lives, relationships, spiritual practices, and major decisionmaking around, building with the swell of zodiac Moon power rather than working against it.

During each Moon cycle, these are some of the general feelings and experiences you can expect.

Fire Signs:

• Aries, cardinal, Emperor (tarot), ruled by Mars: Expect a surge of creativity and passion, pushing you beyond your limits.
• Leo, fixed, Strength (tarot), ruled by the Sun: You might feel a surge of creative energy, increased self-confidence, and a desire to take the initiative in various areas of life.
• Sagittarius, mutable, Temperance (tarot), ruled by Jupiter: Expect an increase in self-reflection, personal growth, and the unveiling of truths.

Earth Signs:

• Taurus, fixed, Hierophant (tarot), ruled by Venus: You may find yourself more focused on creating stability in your life and embracing activities that support your well-being.
• Virgo, mutable, Hermit (tarot), ruled by Mercury: You are encouraged to practice mindfulness, self-care, and self-acceptance.
• Capricorn, cardinal, Devil (tarot), ruled by Saturn: You may experience breakthroughs in clarity surrounding your life's purpose, aligning your actions with long-term goals.

Air Signs:

• Gemini, mutable, Lovers (tarot), ruled by Mercury: You may experience bursts of creativity and the ability to convey your ideas clearly, fostering connections and social interactions.
• Libra, cardinal, Justice (tarot), ruled by Venus: You may feel the need to balance life priorities, maintain harmony in relationships, and reduce mental load.
• Aquarius, fixed, Star (tarot), ruled by Uranus: You may experience a desire to reform habits, initiate inner dialogue, and foster community connections, enhancing your social and intellectual engagements.

Water Signs:

• Cancer, cardinal, Chariot (tarot), ruled by the Moon: You may find yourself more in tune with your emotions and focused on creating balance in your personal life.
• Scorpio, fixed, Death (tarot), ruled by Pluto: You are encouraged to embrace transformation and stand firm in your ideals.
• Pisces, mutable, Moon (tarot), ruled by Neptune: You may experience heightened sensitivity, increased intuition, and a need for privacy.

Through each Moon phase, our spiritual guides offer us opportunities to release the ego-driven, perfectionist aspects of our human experience, allowing us to tap into a flow state with each phase of the Moon cycle.

As an individual spiritual practitioner, you can use Moon cycles to connect with your deepest desires and spiritual questions.

Whether you engage in a daily or major New Moon through Full Moon observation, each Moon phase provides a spiritual offering for you to experience more, live more vibrantly, and be more connected than you could have previously imagined.

As your personal lunar observation and channeling practices are developed over time, you'll find deeper connections with the nature and the people around you.

Excerpted from Llewellyn's 2026 Moon Sign Book.