Moon Phases & Shadow Work: Aligning Your Healing with Lunar Energy
- Shadow & Sage
- Feb 20
- 3 min read
The moon has long been associated with cycles of transformation, intuition, and deep inner work. Just as the tides rise and fall with the moon, so too do our emotions and subconscious patterns. Shadow work—an introspective practice of uncovering, understanding, and integrating our hidden aspects—aligns beautifully with the lunar cycle, offering a natural rhythm for healing and self-discovery.
By working with the phases of the moon, you can harness its energy to support your shadow work journey, allowing yourself to flow with cosmic cycles rather than resisting them. Here’s how each phase of the moon can guide and enhance your inner healing work.
New Moon: Setting Intentions & Acknowledging the Shadows
The new moon represents darkness, stillness, and new beginnings. This is the perfect time to set intentions for your shadow work. It’s a moment to acknowledge what you want to explore within yourself—fears, patterns, or wounds that are calling for healing.
Shadow Work Prompts for the New Moon:
What hidden emotions have been surfacing for me lately?
What fears or limiting beliefs am I ready to confront?
What shadow aspects am I willing to work with this lunar cycle?
Ritual Tip: Journal under candlelight, using essential oils like mugwort or frankincense to enhance intuition. Write your shadow work intentions on a piece of paper and place it on your altar or under your pillow.
Waxing Moon: Embracing the Work & Gathering Strength
As the moon grows, so does its energy. This phase is about taking action, diving deeper into your shadow work, and gathering the tools and support needed for healing. It’s a time to explore your triggers, patterns, and subconscious beliefs with curiosity rather than fear.
Shadow Work Practices for the Waxing Moon:
Use EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) to tap through emotional blocks.
Work with herbs like chamomile and nettle for nervous system support.
Meditate with black obsidian or labradorite to gain clarity on shadow aspects.
Full Moon: Illumination & Release
The full moon brings heightened emotions and deep revelations. This is a powerful time to shine a light on the aspects of yourself that have been hidden, allowing for deep integration and release.
Shadow Work Prompts for the Full Moon:
What emotions have been amplified in me this cycle?
What shadow aspects have revealed themselves more clearly?
What am I ready to release in order to grow?
Ritual Tip: Perform a fire release ritual—write down limiting beliefs, fears, or old patterns and safely burn the paper as a symbolic release. Anoint yourself with a cleansing oil blend of lavender and cedarwood to help with emotional processing.
Waning Moon: Integration & Rest
As the moon wanes, its energy softens, making this the perfect time for reflection, integration, and self-care. Shadow work is intense, and this phase allows you to process what has come up and make space for healing.
Practices for the Waning Moon:
Take ritual baths with Epsom salts and ylang ylang for emotional soothing.
Work with your dreams—keep a dream journal to track messages from your subconscious.
Use breathwork or gentle movement to release any lingering tension.
Honouring Your Cycles
Shadow work is not about forcing yourself to heal overnight—it’s about embracing the natural cycles of growth, release, and renewal. By aligning your healing journey with the moon, you create space for deep transformation while honouring your own rhythms.
Each lunar cycle offers a chance to go deeper, shed old layers, and step more fully into your authentic self. Trust the process, embrace your shadows, and let the moon be your guide. 🌙✨
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