The Moon influences the tides, affects plant growth, and has long been associated with mood and emotion. If you follow astrology, you already know how significant the Moon’s energy can be in shaping our inner lives. Below, we outline the upcoming lunar phases, explain what they mean, and offer simple rituals to help you work with each phase’s energy.
The Moon’s Future Phases
The Moon moves through a roughly 28-day cycle, shifting its appearance and the energetic tone it casts down to Earth. Here we focus on the lunar phases coming up soon, what each phase tends to bring, and a practical ritual you can try to align with that energy.
First Quarter Moon
On September 13th, the Moon reaches its first quarter. Key points about this phase:
- The first quarter falls between the New Moon and the Full Moon.
- It is a waxing phase, meaning the Moon’s visible light is increasing as it moves toward fullness.
- Although called a “quarter,” it appears visually as a half moon.
This phase typically arrives about a week after the New Moon. With the New Moon earlier in Virgo on September 6th, the Moon’s energy is shifting from new beginnings toward the build-up and momentum of the Full Moon. The first quarter supports action and forward movement—especially in creative projects and personal initiatives. Ask yourself: what sparks your enthusiasm now?
A Ritual for the First Quarter Moon
This ritual is designed to kindle your inner creative spark and help it move outward.
What you’ll need:
- A piece of paper and a pen
- A match or lighter
- A metal bowl or other heat-safe container
Begin by clearing and centering yourself through a short meditation, gentle movement, or a cleansing ritual such as smudging. When you feel grounded, write this affirmation on your paper:
“I ignite the passion within to reveal my true creative potential.”
Fold the paper four times, light it carefully, and hold it over the metal bowl until it has burned as safely as possible. Place the smoldering paper in the bowl and allow it to finish burning. The fire symbolizes intention and the creative energy you are calling forth.
Full Harvest Moon
On September 20th, the Full Moon appears in Pisces. This Full Moon is also the Harvest Moon—the full Moon nearest the autumnal equinox. A few notes about Full Moons:
- Although the Full Moon technically occurs on a single day, its influence is often felt for roughly 48 hours before and after.
- Full Moons heighten emotions and bring matters to a climax or release.
- The emotional tone of a Full Moon is colored by the zodiac sign it occupies; this month’s Pisces energy tends toward sensitivity, imagination, and compassion.
The Full Moon is traditionally a time of releasing what no longer serves you. In Pisces, release may unfold through creative expression, dreams, or a deep emotional cleanse—allowing intuition and compassion to guide the letting-go process.
A Ritual for the Full Moon in Pisces
For a Pisces Full Moon, choose a creative ritual that allows feelings to flow. You’ll need:
- A canvas or sturdy paper
- Art supplies—paint, markers, collage materials, glue, glitter, or anything that inspires you
- Music that helps you feel open and expressive
- Comfortable clothes
Dress comfortably and set a playlist that invites movement or introspection. Place your materials out and allow yourself to create without judgment or expectation. Focus on releasing rather than producing art to impress—let color, texture, and marks carry your emotions outward. This practice is especially useful for processing feelings that haven’t had another outlet.
Third Quarter Moon
The third quarter Moon arrives on September 28th and marks the midpoint between the Full Moon and the next New Moon. This phase typically brings a quieter, inward energy. Key features include:
- A focus on reflection and integration.
- It is a waning phase: the Moon’s visible light is decreasing as it moves toward the New Moon.
- It can make unconscious patterns easier to notice, inviting thoughtful adjustment.
The third quarter is a good time to review what you learned over the previous lunar cycle and to clear away habits or attitudes that no longer serve your goals.
A Ritual for the Third Quarter Moon
This ritual centers on journaling to support inner clarity. You’ll need:
- A stick of incense or other mild incense substitute
- Your favorite journal and a pen
- A small, soothing candle
Light the incense to clear the space, then light the candle and take a few breaths while watching the flame to steady your focus. When you feel calm, write the following prompt at the top of a new page:
“What emotions or internal desires have been hidden from my sight?”
Allow yourself to write freely and honestly, using intuition rather than judgment. This is a time for honest self-observation and for noting patterns you may want to transform before the next new cycle begins.
New Moon
On October 6th, the New Moon occurs in Libra. New Moons mark beginnings and are ideal for setting intentions and planting new seeds. A few reminders about New Moons:
- Each New Moon falls in a different sign, giving it a unique flavor. A Libra New Moon emphasizes balance, relationships, and harmony.
- New Moons are associated with manifestation and fresh starts.
- Because the Moon is not visible at this time, New Moons can also bring a period of introspection or heavier emotions for some people.
The New Moon invites you to define what you want to bring into the coming lunar cycle and to begin taking small, intentional steps toward those goals.
A Ritual for the New Moon
This New Moon ritual is practical and easy to adapt. You’ll need:
- A piece of paper and a pen
- A clean glass jar with a lid
- Your intentions and a clear sense of what you want to attract
Begin by grounding yourself with a short meditation or gentle movement until you feel centered. Write down the things you want to manifest in the coming month—be specific and positive. Fold the paper three times and place it beneath or inside a jar filled with filtered or spring water. Leave the jar and folded list overnight under the New Moon’s darkness, then collect them in the morning. Keep the jar as “moon water” for cleansing or ritual uses, and carry the folded list with you or keep it somewhere safe. Mark items as they come to fruition and practice gratitude to reinforce your intentions.
How Will You Use the Moon?
Each lunar phase brings a distinct energy that can support different aspects of your life: initiation and planning at the New Moon, action and momentum at the First Quarter, release and culmination at the Full Moon, and reflection and integration at the Third Quarter. By learning the phases and experimenting with rituals that resonate, you can create a monthly rhythm that aligns your intentions with the Moon’s cycle.
Try these rituals for the upcoming months and notice which phases feel most powerful for you. Which lunar phase do you find most meaningful?