The Waxing and Waning of the Moon and Good Fortune 月の満ち欠けと開運
The Waxing and Waning of the Moon and Good Fortune
What is the Waxing and Waning of the Moon?
The waxing and waning of the moon is said to have a profound influence on our mind, body, and fortune. The four key phases in particular—The New Moon, the First Quarter Moon, the Full Moon, and the Third Quarter Moon—are turning points where the energy of the cosmos changes significantly.
By being conscious of this lunar rhythm and utilizing the power of each phase, it can serve as an aid in making your wishes come true and living with a serene heart. Here, we will introduce the special meaning of each phase and our recommended "good fortune actions."
The Meaning of Each Moon Phase
1.新月 (Shingetsu) New Moon – The Moon of "Beginnings and Wishes" This is a time of "reset," when the moon becomes invisible and a new cycle begins. It is the optimal time to plant the "seeds" of your wishes and goals, and it is overflowing with the energy to start something new.
- Recommended Good Fortune Actions:
- Make a Wish: This is the most representative New Moon action. It is said that your wishes are more likely to come true if you write down 2 to 10 of them by hand on paper within 8 hours (or at the latest, 48 hours) of the new moon. It is key to write them in an affirmative or complete tense, such as "I will..." or "I have become..."
- Start Something New: This is the perfect day to start a new project, study, or hobby.
- Set Goals: It is a good day to concretely define the goals you want to achieve over the next month or half-year and make a plan.
2. 上弦の月 (Jōgen no Tsuki) First Quarter Moon (Waxing) – The Moon of "Growth and Action"
This is the midpoint between the New Moon and the Full Moon; it is the stage where the seeds that were planted begin to sprout and grow. It is the best time to take concrete action and proactively pour your energy into achieving the wishes and goals you set on the New Moon. The power to absorb things and encourage growth is heightened.
- Recommended Good Fortune Actions:
- Take a Concrete Step Forward: Begin taking specific actions to achieve your goals.
- Review Your Plans: This can also be a period where initial walls or conflicts arise. Reviewing your plans to ensure they are feasible and making adjustments as necessary will lead to success at the Full Moon.
- Absorb Knowledge and Skills: This is a good time to learn something new or to proactively meet with people and exchange information.
3. 満月 (Mangetsu) Full Moon – The Moon of "Achievement and Letting Go"
The apex of the cycle, when the moon's energy is at its absolute fullest. It signifies the "harvest" or "achievement" of the seeds planted on the New Moon. At the same time, because the full energy will now begin to wane, the power for "release" and "purification" to let go of unnecessary things is also extremely strong.
- Recommended Good Fortune Actions:
- Give Thanks: By being grateful for what you have achieved and for the abundance you have been given, you will attract even greater fortune. Creating a gratitude list is also a good idea.
- Perform a "Letting Go" Ritual: A ritual of writing down bad habits, negative emotions, or unnecessary relationships on a piece of paper and then tearing it up (or safely burning it) is effective. This creates space for new energy to enter.
- Purification (Moon Bathing): The light of the full moon is believed to have a strong purifying effect. It is said that placing items like power stones or your wallet in the moonlight to "moon bathe" will charge them with energy and can lead to increased financial luck.
4. 下弦の月 (Kagen no Tsuki) Third Quarter Moon (Waning) – The Moon of "Adjustment and Letting Go"
This is the midpoint between the Full Moon and the New Moon; it is the stage for organizing the mind and body and for detoxing in preparation for the next cycle. Emotions become calm, making it easier to make level-headed judgments.
- Recommended Good Fortune Actions:
- Rest and Detox: Rest and relax your mind and body with a massage or a half-bath.
- Clean and Organize: By letting go of unnecessary items and cleaning your surroundings, you make it easier for your next New Moon wishes to find their way to you.
- Reflection and Gratitude: It is important to have time to quietly look back on your progress and feel gratitude.
Understand the New Moon as the energy of "beginning (+)" and the Full Moon as the energy of "completion and letting go (-)," with the First and Third Quarter Moons for adjustment. By being conscious of this cycle, your wishes will surely be granted by riding the rhythm of the moon.