New Moon Energy

The meaning of it & simple ways to work with it.

When people think of working with the moon, I’d suspect that most people think of the Full Moon. It is, after all, the brightest and most visible moon in the sky. But sometimes I think the unsung hero is the New Moon.

She’s softer, quieter… she’s not fancy or screaming for attention… she’s not asking the world to take notice but she’s there, in her darkness, and in her moment. She waits for us to say “I’m ready” and then, in a way that only she knows, she helps us move forward.

The New Moon marks the start of the lunar cycle - a moment when the Moon is invisible or nearly invisible in the sky. It’s still there, but because it is cozied up next to the sun, the sun’s light isn’t reflecting on the moon and therefore we can’t quite see it. Its energy is subtle, quiet, and inward-turning. Where the Full Moon brings illumination and culmination, the New Moon offers a sense of beginning: a fresh start, a reset, or an opening toward whatever comes next.

This is the phase where we naturally turn inward. We’re a bit more introspective, introverted perhaps, hunkered down in the spaces where we feel comfortable. Our energy is softer, our intuition feels a bit more noticeable, and we might crave rest and relaxation before moving forward and before we start to “gain light”. It’s a time to listen to what’s stirring beneath the surface, to the ideas and intentions that haven’t yet taken form.

The New Moon & the Zodiac

Every New Moon lands in a specific zodiac sign (just like the Full Moon) - and that sign offers the tone or theme for the intentions we set and the things we want to begin. For example: 

A New Moon in Virgo might encourage us to set intentions around or highlight routines, healing, simplicity, and systems (common characteristics of Virgo energy).
A New Moon in Sagittarius may spark visions, exploration, optimism, and future planning (themes of Sagittarius energy).
A New Moon in Taurus supports grounding, patience, embodiment, and long-term intentions (themes of Taurus energy).

Noticing the zodiac sign can help you frame your intentions in ways that feel aligned with the natural energy of the moment - like floating down the river instead of rowing upstream. It adds a layer to the reflection, although it is not mandatory by any means. You can have a powerful New Moon practice without pulling anything extra in.

Practical Ways to Work With the New Moon

Working with the New Moon doesn’t have to be overly ceremonial or time-consuming. You don’t need to buy things or set up any particularly special place (most of the time I do my moon practices on my couch in the living room). The power comes from the awareness and the intention… anything else is just a bonus.

If you want to work with the moon but you’re not sure where to start, here are some simple, approachable ways to connect:

• Set or Refresh Intentions
Take a few minutes to jot down what you’re hoping to move toward or begin. These can be small, practical, deeply personal… whatever is on your mind and heart.

• Rest & Reset
Allow yourself to slow down. Take a nap, go to bed a little early, carve out a few extra moments of downtime for yourself if you can. Remember the New Moon is dark and doesn’t have the energy like any of the other moon phases… and so it’s ok if you don’t either. 

• Observe the Dark Sky
Step outside and notice the absence of light (from the moon). It's a reminder that beginnings often start in darkness. And while the unknown can feel uncertain at times, it can also feel powerful and full of potential.

Now, if you do have a bit more time or you want to spice it up a notch, here are some other things you can incorporate for a bit of extra magic:

• Light a candle: In the darkness a candle can be a beacon of light and what is possible. As you light the flame, 

• Create a small altar: Gather things that are specific to the season you’re in (i.e. winter, spring, etc.), the zodiac sign of the moon or the element associated with the moon. I tend to use crystals, color associations, plants, etc. as they tend to be things I have on hand. The small additions to your space act as a token of awareness for the energy of the season.

• Work with tools that add clarity: Tarot, meditation, or other divination methods can increase insights and intuitive messages. The moon and our intuition go hand-in-hand.

• Let the universe take the lead: IF you have a safe space to do so (i.e. a fireplace or bonfire pit), write down on a small piece of paper the intentions you want to set. Carefully light the paper on fire (or toss it into the fire) and watch the smoke carry it away. As you do, take a moment to think about it being carried off on the wind and how your intentions are now out in the universe, waiting to unfold. Find comfort in trusting the process that they will…and then make sure you’re taking action, too.

Remember, none of the above are required. As the moon connects us with our emotions, choose what feels nourishing and nurturing… choose what feels right to you… and let anything else go. 

The New Moon is gentle but powerful. A place to plant seeds… without worrying how or when they’ll grow.

As you work with it…

The New Moon reminds us that beginnings don’t have to be loud. They can be subtle, quiet, even tentative. This phase invites you to start where you are, honor what’s emerging, and set intentions that feel true for the season you’re in… both within and around you. Whether you spend two minutes or an hour connecting with the New Moon, the act of awareness itself is enough.

Chasing the Aurora Borealis, no moon in sight.