New Moon Magic: The Importance of New Moon Circles

If you’re reading this, chances are good that you’ll be aware of the concept of a moon circle - perhaps you’ve even been to one yourself. I’m willing to bet (unless you’re one of my moon circle regulars) that the circles you’ve been to or heard of have taken place at the full moon, though. It looks far more impressive, the bright moonlight is ever so inviting, and the concept of a full moon just seems magical. I’m not here to dispute the magic of a full moon, but have you ever considered the importance of gathering at the new moon?

I run open circles for every new moon and full moon. I’d been doing my own rituals long before the shop opened, so when I saw the need for community, I opened them up in The Coven. It’s always surprised me though that my full moon circles are so much more popular; mostly because the new moon has always been more important to me.

So, what’s the difference?

At full moon circles, we meditate, we release and we practice gratitude. New moon circles are for setting intentions (which is what many people expect to do on the full moon) so there’s some very powerful energy in those circles. I never set intentions on a full moon (or during eclipse season), and that’s because the full moon and the new moon - and the phases in between - have very different energies to them that allow us to focus on different things. If we are to embrace that lunar energy and cyclical living, we must allow our intentions to follow the same cycle.

Before we all had smart phones, watches or even calendars, we were guided by the moon. So many facets of our lives are based on this lunar cycle, and quite often we don’t recognise this. Many gardeners who appreciate the old ways will use the phases of the moon to determine when to harvest their plants. The connection between the full moon and the movement of water on the earth’s surface means that a full moon is the best time to harvest leaves, as they will be crisper due to the water having moved through the plant. On a new moon, roots can be harvested as the water will be retained there.

Lunar phases affect us in much the same way.

Between a new moon and a full moon, the phases are waxing. The energy is growing.
Between a full moon and a new moon, the phases are waning. The energy is dissipating.

By setting intentions on a new moon, we can allow the growing lunar energy to assist us in manifesting and fulfilling those intentions as the moon waxes. The full moon is the pinnacle of lunar energy and a time to harvest the leaves and flowers of our intentions; to express gratitude to the people and energies who have supported us. During the waning period, we are able to rest and recharge to prepare us to begin again on the next new moon. If we set our intentions on a full moon, we’ve got a lot more work to do to get us that momentum we need, and we may struggle to recharge afterwards.

This is why I’ve always preferred the new moon. We might not be able to see its power as clearly, but there’s no better time to set things in motion. It’s a productive time, and by honouring this energy alongside the full moon, we can really make the most of this natural, cyclical nature that’s always been a part of us.

If you’d like to join me at a moon circle, they take place at The Coven in St Anne’s on every new moon and full moon at 7pm.
We’re not the journal in a circle types, so expect finger painting, bubble blowing, play doh and setting things on fire.
Find the information for our next circle here.