The lunar phase of the Waning Moon is all about clearing, letting go, and creating space for something new. You can create Waning Moon rituals during this lunar phase when you want to boost your intentions to release something, clear blockages and sticky resistance, or open space for something new.

Ending Verses the Process of Letting Go

Full moon energy represents action and endings like severing a contract, signing over the title of a house, or turning in a resignation letter.

The Waning Moon retains the quality of letting go. However, it’s softer and less clearly delineated. This phase represents adjustment and reinforcement that supports the completion of a letting-go process.

Hence Full Moon endings are definitive, while Waning Moon release is a process of letting go that can be short or prolonged depending on the person and circumstances. Interestingly, the Full Moon phase is just an instant and the Waning Moon phase is 7.38 days.

Energy of the Waning Moon to Help You Clear, Let Go, and Open Space

The Influence of Lunar Energy

Even if you can’t feel the energy of the waning moon, it’s definitely there. The moon continuously exerts a significant influence on the earth and all its inhabitants. Consider that every day the moon dictates the time and intensity of the oceans’ tides – two high and two low tides.

According to the Water Science School of the USGS, water makes up approximately 60 percent of a human’s body weight. The heart, brain, and lungs are all in excess of 70 percent water. Therefore, it stands to reason that the moon could have a strong pull on you too.

Waning Moon Energy Over the Phase

Waning Moon represents the phase when the bright round disc of the full moon progressively diminishes from right to left in the northern hemisphere and ultimately completely vanishes into the dark new moon to begin another cycle.

Furthermore, as the strength of the energy to clear and release continuously diminishes, it evermore gently lessens or removes obstacles to starting something new at the onset of another lunar cycle.

Lunar Energy Supports Waves of Change Through Release and Opening

Even when change is desired, letting go can be difficult. It can entail releasing habits that are difficult to break or that some part of you doesn’t really want to give up. Change always has some element of vulnerability in that there are unknowns and, therefore, potential pitfalls. Finally, endings can usher in sadness, grief, and remorse.

This release and adjustment tends to unfold and move through stages of varying degrees of commitment and fulfillment. And, the progress can be iterative and uneven.

Sometimes, its unfolding change creates a whole new wave of unexpected subsequent changes. In this way, and despite the desire for change, release can be frustrating and exhausting.

Fortunately, Waning Moon energy helps counter the forces that challenge your resolve, stymie your efforts, and sabotage the fulfillment of your desired outcomes.

Anyone going through this process can find support and comfort in the lunar energy of this phase and the practice of Waning Moon rituals.

Three Simple Waning Moon Rituals

Waning Moon rituals are numerous. Many are similar to those for other moon phases as wall as everyday introspective practices. What makes the specific practice a Waning Moon ritual is the stated intention and timing – to release, sustain the change, and allow life to move forward in the desired way following the lunar cycle toward the next New Moon.

For the purposes of simplicity, just three selected practices are suggested here. Together they address some common obstacles that get in the way of letting go and manifesting desired change.

• First, a practice that soothes loss, grief, and remorse. It can also be used to reduce stress and stimulate revitalization.
• Second, a practice provokes new insights and opens the perspective.
• Third, a practice is used to challenge limiting beliefs that interfere with or block the transformation.

1. Aromatherapy

Using aromatherapy takes advantage of the subtle and therapeutic healing properties of aromatic plants. Add just a few drops of the right essential oils to a soothing bath and transform your mood (see my blog post on aromatherapy baths, foot baths, and aromatherapy bath safety tips).

Appropriate Essential Oils to Blend With the Energy of the Waning Moon

Although there are countless essential oil choices, included here are just a few that instill the kind of self-care needed during the waning moon.

• Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) for relaxation and sleep,
• Neroli or orange blossom (Citrus aurantium) for emotional support,
• Frankincense (Boswellia carterii) for invigoration.

Many strong, brightly scented oils are not appropriate for the bath because they can cause skin irritation. However, you can diffuse them through the air and create a revitalizing atmosphere (see my blogs on simple essential oil diffusers). Lavender, neroli, and frankincense are safe to diffuse.

But, here are several additional stronger, stimulating choices. All four oils encourage the flow of energy or chi.

• Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is bright, clears the mind, and strengthens resolve,
• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is perfect for focus and concentration,
• Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) sharpens the senses, promotes optimism and confidence, inspires, and relieves nervous exhaustion,
• Fragonia (Agonis fragrans) is remarkable in its capacity to move mental, emotional, and energetic blocks; revitalize; and inspire.

Use one of these aromatherapy applications as your waning moon ritual of choice whenever you feel the need or desire for support or reinforcement. (See more details in my blog post entitled “Essential Oils for the Waning Moon.”

2. Oracle Cards

Oracle cards are a tool for introspection.

The Power of the Oracle Cards – Opening the Mind

The power of the cards is in their ability to open and provoke curiosity and a more open focus. The thinking mind depends heavily on past experiences and the expected outcomes based on those experiences. It’s self-reflective.

In contrast, oracle cards don’t explicitly and concretely answer an inquiry. Instead, they tantalize the more spacious, curious, and creative mind. In so doing, new opportunities are revealed.

How to Use Oracle Cards With Waning Moon Energy

Use the simplest method of reading oracle cards. Start with a question or a request for guidance on a particular issue. Perhaps a stumbling block or decision point.

Shuffle the deck and pick a random card. Draw meaning from the image, what’s written, or both. Sense into it. What are you drawn to and why? Are there different ways to interpret the words?

Let the experience stimulate your senses and broaden your thinking.

3. Thought Work – Overcome Limiting Beliefs

What is Thought Work

Thought work can mean any cognitive process involving reasoning or problem-solving. However, here it means challenging thoughts or limiting beliefs.

We all have thoughts and beliefs that help us make decisions and guide us through life. Sometimes those very thoughts hold us back from moving forward. For example, I can’t change my profession without earning a whole new academic degree.

Challenging limiting beliefs is often essential during the Waning Moon phase of a transformation. It’s critical to see alternatives and new opportunities. (See my Releasing Limiting Beliefs in-person or virtual workshop to learn and practice a simple method.)

For More Information or Help With Using Waning Moon Energy to Clear or Let Go, See:

• Mind Body Spirit Blog and in particular posts on New, Waxing, Full, and Waning Moon energies and Moon Energy | Meaning of Moon Phases.
• Personal Growth, Natural Healing, and Wellness Workshops,
• Clearing Energy With Smudging ebook.
• Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) to release old emotional, mental, and behavioral patterns that no longer serve you, and clarify a new direction
• ThetaHealing to release of limiting beliefs and emotional patterns.

January 6, 2024