Have you ever wondered why witches and avid stargazers pay so much attention to the Moon? There are many reasons why! Out of all the planetary bodies, the Moon’s close proximity to Earth makes it extremely influential—especially when taking into account its magical relationship with our closest star, the Sun.
Every month, the legendary kiss between the Sun and Moon repeats, offering us a new beginning. When the Sun and Moon align in the same place in the sky, we experience a New Moon. And while you can’t see it physically, as supposed to a Full Moon, the New Moon is the lunar phase you want to tap into when you’re focusing on manifestation. And manifestation requires setting intentions, which is why a New Moon ritual should be your go-to practice when harnessing the power of the universe!
A New Moon Manifestation Ritual for Setting Intentions
When conjuring a New Moon manifestation ritual, the following steps can help:
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1. Reflect.
Manifesting with the New Moon involves more than just a moment—it’s a journey. Before your ritual, take some time to go within and think about what you truly desire. Begin by reflecting on what has transpired for you in the last month, during the last lunar cycle. This is best done during the two days leading to the New Moon, the lunar phase called Dark Moon or Black Moon.
2. Set up your space.
During any ritual, it’s always important to clear the energy, for example by lighting incense or burning a favorite herb. It’s also important to have the four natural elements present, which normally involves bringing in the two that are missing: Fire and water. This can take whatever form you like, for example lighting a candle and setting out a small bowl of water.
3. Set your intention.
This is the most important part of the entire ritual process: Your intention. The energetic connection you have with whatever or whoever you want to bring into your life is the vehicle for it to become a reality. This involves writing it, repeating it out loud, and visualizing yourself already enjoying it. Repeating a mantra in the past or present tense helps you master this step. For example, if my New Moon ritual is about manifesting a book deal, my repeating mantra would be, “I just signed a book deal, and I am getting paid $22,000 to pen my idea.” Think big and be as specific as possible!
4. Fuel your intentions.
Now, if I don’t yet have an idea for a book or don’t have the habit of writing, well, it would only make sense for me to begin! As the Moon gains light again after the New Moon, we are being invited to take action on that specific intention. Super-charge your ritual by repeating your mantra and taking practical steps as much and as often as possible.
A New Moon Manifestation Ritual for Setting Intentions
A New Moon Bath Ritual
As the ruler of the oceans, the Moon has a strong connection with the element of water. To fully soak in the lunar magic, try out a New Moon bath ritual. You will need a piece of selenite, your favorite cleansing herb, bath salts, your favorite essential oil, and some flowers.
1. Cleanse your bathroom—spiritually.
Begin by clearing your entire bathroom spiritually (hopefully after cleaning it physically!). Light your incense or herbs and move it counterclockwise, imagining the smoke clearing out any negativity that might be lurking around.
2. Turn on the water.
Next, begin filling your bathtub with water while clearing your mind. Allow yourself to be taken over by the sound of the water and just relax.
3. Charge your bath
Once the tub is full, pass the selenite over both the essential oils and the bath salts as you charge both with your intention. Grab them in your hands while reciting a powerful mantra or expressing your desires. After you’ve charged your oils and bath salts, add them to the bath water. Lastly, add the flowers to your bath.
4. Take a bath.
Now it’s time to get in! While soaking in the tub, imagine every drop of water being the vehicle delivering your desires. As the flowers touch your skin, imagine yourself blooming just as much.
A New Moon Bath Ritual
While you can DIY your ritual bath with your own epsom salts, oils, and herbs, you can also choose a pre-made bath kit. This one includes ultra Epsom salt, Himalayan sea salt, organic jasmine flowers, organic raspberry leaf, and organic lavender.
A New Moon Candle Ritual
Candles are a favorite tool for not only setting intentions, but also deepening your sense of spirituality. Candles connect us with the fire element. If you’re trying to kick-start a project or habit, this New Moon candle ritual is for you!
1. Gather your materials.
You will need a pen and paper; a dark blue, white, or silver candle; and an essential oil that matches your intention. If you’re trying to attract prosperity and success, orange and bergamot will do the work. If you’re searching for protection, use patchouli. For romance or self-love, rose would do the trick.
2. Dress your candle.
Begin by dressing your candle by rubbing it with essential oil. Again, you want to charge your candle by mentally thinking about your intention while doing so.
3. Light your candle and start writing.
Once your candle is dressed, light it. Gaze at the fire while visualizing your dream coming to fruition. Then, write down what you want to manifest. Take as long possible in this step, as it is the most important one.
4. Bury the paper.
Once you’re finished, bury the piece of paper with your intentions on it in your backyard or a park. Bonus: Choose someplace you often visit so you can remind yourself to follow up on your New Moon intentions.
A New Moon Candle Ritual
Narayana Montúfar is an astrologer, artist, and writer who finds inspiration in the symbolic language of astrology. She is the author of Moon Signs: Unlock Your Inner Luminary Power. Narayana currently serves as the Senior Astrologer of Astrology.com & Horoscope.com, and her work has been featured in numerous lifestyle publications like Vogue, Teen Vogue, Refinery29, InStyle, Brit+Co, Bustle, Pop Sugar, Women’s Health, Romper, and more. She was also featured as one of Medium.com’s Authority Magazine 2020’s Strong Female Leaders, Destig Magazine’s Top Artists to Collect in 2020, and one of Vogue’s 13 Astrologers to Follow in 2021.