The waning moon is probably the least known or recognized lunar phase there is. Maybe it's very energetics make people want to repress it's hidden power and potential. There was a time when the waning moon was even condemned. For centuries, darkness was something that has been made to believe as evil. It is in reality the shadow of the feminine essence. The part of the feminine that the patriarchy has since tried to suppress. This has caused for the shadow effect of the fear of anything unknown, dark, divination, tarot, black cats and witches.
"Because our perceptions of the dark are filled with images of loss, pain, and suffering, we react with fear, panic, anxiety, confusion, depression and desperation whenever we go through the many dark phase periods in our lives. Often what we have known in the past no longer exists, and what is yet to come has not yet appeared."
- Demetra George from The Mysteries of the Dark Moon
We are now reliving a new way to greet and meet the darkness. from a place of integration, grace and love. As darkness does not mean evil or bad. Darkness is the shadow of the light and much can be learned from it.
Symbolism
For those who know me, know that I love my symbolism. The waning moon phase is equivalent to the season of fall, when nature also experiences release from the falling leaves and withering plants that are now going into a winter slumber. It represents our premenstrual phase of our women's cycle. It further represents transformation, endings, death. Within the waning moon contains the energies of release, cleanse, and more of an inwards energy. Due to the darkness in the night sky, our subconscious minds are more activated than usual. We might dream more than usual.
In darkness, we find the hidden potential for transformation and growth.
In the darkness, is where roots and seeds germinate.
In the darkness, is where we were conceived, in the wombs of our mother.
In the moments of darkness, is where we finally say - we are fed up and create for change.
A phase to release and rejuvenate
The energetics of the waning moon is inviting us to release what has come up throughout this lunar cycle. Maybe a certain pattern become apparent, something that is no longer serving us. It is a good time to cleanse our beings energetically and declutter our spaces to create for room physically. Detoxes and inner cleanses are also supported by the waning moon energy, as energy is at its lowest, as are bodily functions.
Take the time to be, rest, and rejuvenate your energies.
How to release on the waning moon:
Burn a piece of paper - I speak about this often. It is a simple release ritual with the element of fire. Write down on a piece of paper you are ready to release and burn it. Fire as an element has the potential to rise frequency and transmute it into a higher energy.
Make an offering to the Earth - give back to Mama Earth with your intention to release whatever is burdening you. Go to a body of water / give the offering to the forest or backyard. Let your intuition guide you to where you desire to make the offering. Set a clear of intention while creating this ceremony.
Sea salt bath and scrub - rejuvenate your energies with a mineral/sea salt bath. natural salt absorbs negative energy and can leave you feeling renewed energetically. Scrub your skin with a natural scrub mix and peel off the old skin, like you are shedding a layer away, leaving behind the old, and welcoming in the new. Speak affirmations to yourself while doing this, i.e. I am shedding away xyz.
Declutter home - everything we do on one level can be felt on many other areas in our life. When we declutter our space physically, we are automatically clear out mental energy, and more. When we free ourselves from items that we no longer use or bring joy, then we are creating for new energy and space for what we truly desire.
Cry and have an emotional release - have an emotional release by crying or expressing how you truly feel on the inside! Let it all out. Crying is a physical release that our bodies view as a stress reducer. Allowing our emotions to flow when they come up can be deeply freeing and liberating and contributes to our overall stress levels and happiness.
Here are some journaling prompts for this moon phase:
What came up for this lunation?
What am I ready to release with this waning moon?
About the writer
Inés Kelly is a mentor, astrologer and space holder. Since 2019 she has been writing about the moon, the seasons and astrology.
Building community has facilitated healing in her life and in the life of others. She believes that is where the inner work happens.
Bringing ancient principles and weaving them into modern day life, she is rewriting the way we relate to one another through ceremony, ritual and coming back to nature.