A New Moon Ritual To Manifest Magic



Shani holds a mirror to your soul, so you can…
If you’re looking for a beginner’s guide to what a new moon ritual is and how to create your own new moon ritual and cast new moon spells, you’re in the right place.
Working in harmony with the moon cycle is a powerful tool for us as women since her cycle mirrors our own sacred cycle. We’ll explore this in more depth a little later in this article.
What is a new moon ritual?
A ritual is simply a special ceremony that you create for yourself or others. It’s a way of creating space for yourself, being still, checking in, and showing yourself some much-needed self-care and attention. You get to disconnect from the outside world, be still, and become one with yourself and nature.
Don’t let the word ritual put you off. It’s another word for routine, but it creates a sense of magic and power, infused with spirit.
For example, many people talk about their morning routines and how to create them. But I choose to describe mine as a morning ritual.
Moon rituals have been practiced by ancient cultures all around the world since the beginning of time. The moon is linked to the Goddess, and Goddess worship was the original religion of the earth. The moon has always been regarded as sacred because she rules the oceans and follows the same cycle that we do in our menstrual cycle (roughly 29.5 days).
There’s also much evidence that plants grow when nourished by the moonlight instead of sunlight, which meant ancient people would look skywards when deciding when to plant, grow and harvest crops.
Today, a moon ritual can be just as sacred and potent as it was back then. And more women each day are remembering this forgotten connection and tuning in to their moon cycle to find more harmony and flow in their lives.
The 8 phases of the moon
The moon has eight phases which you can work with, but the main four phases are:
- New moon
- Waxing moon
- Full moon
- Waning moon
Out of those four phases, the most potent ones to work with are the new moon and full moon. These are the two that I always choose to create a ritual for.
And if you’re new to working with the moon, a new moon ritual is the perfect place to start.
What does a new moon symbolize?
The new moon mirrors the season of Winter. The moon is dark, and so the sky is black.
This is typically the bleeding phase for women in their menstrual cycle if they’re following a white moon cycle. Every woman is slightly different, and our cycles will change often depending on the phase of life we’re in and what we desire most.
The new moon is the perfect time for a reset. It symbolizes wiping the slate clean, embarking on new beginnings, and planting new seeds of intention. In contrast, the full moon is a time for harvesting, expansion, and celebration.
During this season, our intuition is most potent. This is because the veil between the two worlds is thinned, and so our spiritual essence becomes inseparable from our earthly essence. Now is the time to find moments of stillness and quiet to receive the intuition and wisdom that wants to flow through you. Now is the time to reflect on what has passed so you can move forward with greater clarity, direction, and purpose.
How can immersing yourself in a new moon ritual benefit you as a woman?
Before I show you how to create your own new moon ritual, I think it’s important to first explain why you might want to work with the moon.
The moon cycle mirrors our menstrual cycle as women, the four seasons of the year, and the four feminine archetypes (maiden, mother, wild woman & crone).
There’s a reason why so many of us feel overwhelmed, burned out, and disconnected from our bodies. Our current society is a patriarchal, masculine-oriented one that does not honor women. We live within a man-made construct of weekdays, weekends, calendar months, and years.
Before this system was invented, every human followed the natural cycle of the moon. Each year had 13 moons instead of 12 months. Women would take rest during their bleeding days and focus their attention inward. We weren’t pushing against our natural rhythm like we do today.
Living in sync with the moon cycle is a powerful way to live in flow with your own cyclic nature and with Mumma nature herself.
But if you’re new to working with the moon and you’re not sure where to begin, don’t worry. It’s simple to start working with the moon and create your own new moon ritual, set intentions, and manifest magic in your world.
How to create your own new moon ritual & manifest magic:
1. Make your new moon ritual special to you
The most important thing to remember when creating a new moon ritual for yourself is to make sure it feels special and in alignment with you.
So don’t allow the list of ideas below to overwhelm you or make you think you should be doing something. There is already too much of this pressure place on our shoulders today.
Allow your intuition to guide you when designing your new moon ritual. Take and leave what you like. Explore some other ideas.
It’s great to venture out of your comfort zone and try new things. But if something feels uncomfortable or forced, it may distract you from your ritual and stop it from being as powerful and potent as it can be.
It may take a few times before you figure out what truly works for you. Give yourself that time and be patient. Experiment with one or more of the below suggestions, and trust your intuition wherever it may guide you.
Forget what you think you should do. Do what feels right in the moment. And remember, this might change from moon to moon.
2. Choose a time
Evenings tend to work best for most people, as work is usually over, and the kids have gone to sleep.
This is also an ideal time for a new moon ritual because the moon rules the night. Plus, on a full moon, when the sky is clear, you’ll be able to see it illuminating above in all its beauty.
But if you’re not able to find time on the day, that’s okay. Try and set aside time for your ritual within two to three days of the new moon while the frequency is still strong.
Do your best to set aside at least 30 minutes where you can be alone without distractions. Switch off your phone, dim the lights, and make sure you’re wearing something comfy.
If you’re not sure of the exact moon dates and times where you are, click here to find out and stay updated.
3. Gather what you need for your new moon ritual
Here are a few items you may want to use or have around you:
- candles
- crystals
- essential oils
- incense
- dried herbs tied in a bundle or braid (make sure you’re using ethical and sustainable herbs)
- a diffuser
- oracle/tarot card deck
- notebook & pen
- a nourishing drink (ideally something plant-based)
- music
- a plant or some fresh flowers in a vase
- a yoga mat/comfy cushion
- a pretty scarf or piece of fabric (for your altar)
You could use Spotify to create your own new moon ritual playlist or play whatever music you’re feeling in the moment.
Don’t worry about spending a tonne of money on all of the above. Some of them are totally free, for starters. Then pick one or two things to invest in that you feel drawn to. It’s not so much about the physical objects, but rather what they symbolize to you and how they move you.
4. Relax with a new moon bath ritual
As I mentioned, the moon rules water, and water is a symbolic way of washing away the old to welcome the new.
Running yourself a nourishing bath is a beautiful way to take care of yourself and create space for reflection.
You can choose to infuse your bath with whatever you like. Epsom or Himalayan bath salts, flower petals, or essential oils. Salts are a great way to cleanse impurities and negative energy from your body. Etsy has some lovely organic, vegan, handmade bath salts to choose from. Remember to choose a natural product that has been made with love.
Be sure to light some candles and play some music in the background to set the mood.
For more inspiration on creating a beautiful bath ritual, click here.
You could even go for a swim in the ocean if it’s close by.
Take a step back from the outside world. Surrender to the moment. Sit in the stillness and serenity of the new moon.
5. Create a nourishing atmosphere
I like to turn the lights off, light a candle or two, and put on some mood-setting music.
I’ll sit on the sofa or on my yoga mat on the floor, have my notebook and pen handy, and my oracle deck of choice, depending on the mood I’m in.
Tune in to your own body on the day to figure out what you need to feel supported and nourished.
There is no wrong way to create your own new moon ritual. It’s meant to be unique to you. So remember to have fun with it!
When the weather is nice, you might want to venture outside and sit on the earth underneath the sky. This will help you feel more connected to nature.
Just allow the spirit of the moon to guide you.
Each new moon will have its own sacred energy, depending on which astrological sign the moon is in. You could use this as inspiration and create a ritual that helps you invoke this energy.
6. Set up your new moon ritual altar
Creating a ritual altar made up of the four elements is the perfect way to ground yourself. It will also increase the sacredness and power of your new moon ritual.
These are the four elements and items you can use to represent each of them.
- Earth: crystals, flowers, or stones.
- Fire: a lit candle.
- Air: incense, or a feather.
- Water: a bowl or vase of water or a seashell.
For me, a candle is a must for any ritual I create. When it comes to crystals, don’t get too caught up in their meanings. Choose ones that you feel drawn to.
You can use a pretty scarf or piece of fabric to place these objects on to create your altar somewhere in front of you. Arrange them in the direction of the elements: Fire in the South, Water in the West, Air in the East, and Earth in the North.
Use astrology to guide you
Each new moon will fall into a different astrology sign each cycle, cycling through all 12 signs in a year. This sign will influence the energy of the moon. You can use the energy of this sign to inspire and guide you when creating your new moon ritual. Each sign will be represented by different colors, crystals, and aromas which you may choose to add to your altar.
Plus, this is a great place to focus your intentions around. For example, Cancer is a sign of the home, self-care, and nourishment. When the new moon is in the sign of Cancer, you might focus your new moon intentions around these themes.
- New moon in Aries
- New moon in Taurus
- New moon in Gemini
- New moon in Cancer
- New moon in Leo
- New moon in Virgo
- New moon in Libra
- New moon in Scorpio
- New moon in Sagittarius
- New moon in Capricorn
- New moon in Aquarius
- New moon in Pisces
7. Cleanse your space
Before starting your new moon ritual, you’ll want to cleanse your space. This helps to get rid of any lingering negative energy.
You can burn a wide variety of herbs including: garden sage, palo santo, cedar. sweetgrass, juniper, rosemary, lavender, cloves, pine cones, and basil.
Open your doors and windows so any unwanted energy can leave. Light your herb bundle for around 30 seconds, then blow on it to create smoke. You can use a feather to waft the smoke into all areas of your home, including hard-to-reach places.
And if you’d prefer to keep things cleaner and less fussy, then a few drops of your chosen essential oils into a diffuser will have a similar effect.
8. Cacao ceremony
If you’re looking for a nourishing plant-based drink for your new moon ritual, cacao might be perfect.
Cacao is a wonderful, natural earth medicine that is good for our physical health and has the power to open our hearts.
I experienced my first cacao ceremony while living in Bali in 2018, and it was beautiful. We meditated, we released, we received, we sang, and we danced.
The beautiful thing about cacao is you don’t have to save it for a group circle. I love making myself a cup of it when I’m having my own new or full moon ritual or any time I want to open my heart and get into a creative zone.
Sip on it as you soak in the bath or while you reflect and journal.
9. Meditate
Now that you’ve set your space up, grounded yourself, and removed any unwanted energy, you’re ready to sit down. You can stay here for the rest of your new moon ritual—unless you feel called to move.
I like to cross my legs and get into a comfortable lotus position. You might want to have your hands in prayer position, cupped in your lap, or down by your side. The choice is yours. You might even prefer to lie down—just be sure you’re not so relaxed that you drift off to sleep!
Close your eyes, and connect with your breath. Take some deep inhales and exhales. Be witness to thoughts coming and going.
You might want to call upon your guides, angels, or any other divine connection you feel supported by.
Enjoy the peacefulness of the moment. Continue your journey inward.
Stay here and meditate for as long as you like.
10. New moon rituals for letting go: Reflect & release
Next, it’s time to reflect and release.
This is where you use journal inquiries to help you explore your life right now. How you’re feeling, what’s out of balance, anything you’re holding onto that you need to let go of, any fears or worries.
New moon rituals are perfect for letting go of anything that feels heavy or is no longer serving you.
Grab your journal and a pen, and get writing. Don’t hold back. Even if you don’t know what to write, just keep writing. Allow everything to pour out of you. You can go back and make sense of it afterward.
This will help you clear out your mind and heart, so you can welcome in the new this moon. Journaling is also a great way to open up your intuition and strengthen that muscle.
Questions to ask yourself during your new moon ritual:
- What do I wish to let go of?
- What is holding me back or no longer serving me?
- Does anything need releasing?
- What feels out of balance?
- What’s on my mind right now?
- How am I feeling?
- What new experiences would I love to have?
11. Set new moon intentions
A new moon ritual is a perfect time to set new moon intentions and new moon wishes for the coming cycle and beyond. This is because the new moon is a reset that comes every four weeks, allowing us to choose again.
Intentions are very different from goals for a few reasons. Goals tend to be focused on the external, while intentions are generally more focused on an inner feeling.
For example, a goal would be I want to earn 10k this month.
Whereas an intention would be, I desire to feel financially abundant.
So take your time to think about what you want to call in. Think about how you want to feel every day.
Use what arose from your journaling to help you.
Your intentions can be focused on any area of your life. Your sacred work, your romantic relationships, your relationship with self, money, home, health – whatever you choose.
Just be sure to be specific when setting new moon intentions. The clearer you are, the easier it is for the Universe to join you in making it a reality.
Once you’ve chosen your intentions for this moon, take some time to write them down. Then read them aloud or quietly to yourself.
Don’t skip this step! This is what will help make them feel more real and bring them to life.
12. Visualize the new
You’ve let go of what no longer serves you and set new intentions for what you truly desire. Now it’s time to sit quietly again and visualize your dreams becoming a reality.
Picture a scene where everything you want has already manifested. See it. Hear it. Smell it. Feel it. Taste it.
Allow yourself to be swept away in the moment. Imagine how you’ll feel when your intentions become your new reality.
You might want to end this exercise by thinking, this or something better awaits me.
13. Open & receive
After completing my new moon intentions, I like to pull an oracle card for the coming moon cycle. When choosing a deck, pick one that you love the images of and feel connected to.
Pulling an oracle card is a great way to receive divine guidance.
You might begin by asking, what is this moon about for me? Shuffle the cards, then pick one when you feel ready.
Sometimes I’ll do a three-card reading instead. The first card represents where you’ve been. The second is where you’re at right now. And the third is where you’re going.
Remember, there are no bad cards. And if ever you don’t feel good about the card you’ve drawn, you have the power to choose again – so pull another one.
14. Closing your new moon ritual
I like to close my eyes, connect with my breath once more, and soak in the new energy I’ve created during my ritual.
You might want to take five or ten minutes here to meditate if you want to. Or perhaps do some gentle stretches or light yoga postures.
Keep your new moon intentions in a safe place. Re-visit them at least once a day; read them and visualize them as if they have already been completed.
And so it is.
Are you ready to create your own new moon ritual for manifestation?
New moon rituals are a potent time to focus on rest, reflection, and resetting. Interpret that however you like, and create a ceremony that feels good for you.
Remember that manifestation isn’t instant. Don’t expect anything to happen overnight. Trust in the process, and believe that the Universe is on your side.
You have the power within you to create a beautiful life you love. Believe that. Carry it in your heart during times of challenge or struggle.
The moon and her cycle will always be here for you to work with over and over again.
If you’re looking for a guide on what to do on a full moon, check out this article on creating a full moon ritual.
I’d love to know what your new moon rituals look like. How do you love to celebrate a new moon? Let me know in the comments below!
I found this so helpful thank you!
Hey Jen!
You’re welcome! So happy you found your way to this article 💕
Happy new moon to you!
Shani x
Found this really helpful , got my 2022 moon calender ready so I know when the moon phases are , I’m starting as I mean to go on making this time for me , thank you for your inspiration .
You’re welcome Natalie – hope you enjoy working with Her this year and beyond!
Love,
Shani ❤
Wonderful article. So easy to understand while I try to learn about the moon and rituals. Thank you for this
Hey Bree!
Thank so much for your kind words and I’m really happy you found this a helpful resource for diving deeper into moon rituals 🙂
Love,
Shani ❤
Thanku for this guide…. Loved to read as I m. New to this….. I have full hope n believe tht I will b able to do it too tonight…. Happy new moon n love for you❤
You’re welcome Saloni! Remember that your moon ritual can be whatever you want it to be – take and leave what you want from this list. Make sure it feels really good to you – there are no rules here 🙂
Hope you enjoyed celebrating the new moon!
Love,
Shani ❤
Thank you so much for sharing this! I’m feeling very inspired and looking forward to some self care, reflection and manifestation tonight 🙏 happy new moon 🌚❤
Hi Francesca!
You’re welcome – so happy this inspired you!
Happy belated New Moon to you too 🙂
Love,
Shani ♥
I love the perspective and rituals shared. Simple guide to be in the presence and essence of the moon cycle. Thank you!
Hi Francisca!
Hope you’re well and thanks so much for reading 🙂
You’re welcome – so happy to hear you enjoyed this guide to working with the energy of the New Moon.
Love,
Shani ♥