The moon has always captivated our imaginations. As it shifts through its phases, it offers us an opportunity to reconnect with the natural cycles of life. Each phase brings its own energy, from the fresh start of the new moon to the full bloom of the full moon. But it's the waning moon—the phase after the full moon—that holds its own special power: a time for release, rest, reflection, and yes, for reaping the rewards of the work you’ve already done.
In this blog, we’ll explore the unique energy of the waning moon, how it invites us to slow down, reflect, and honour the progress we’ve made, and how you can use this sacred time to take stock of your journey and prepare for new beginnings.
What Is the Waning Moon?
The waning moon occurs after the full moon, when the moon’s light begins to decrease and the illuminated portion of the moon gradually fades. This phase lasts from the full moon to the new moon, and it is often described as a time of "letting go" and "clearing space."
The waning moon follows a period of intense activity—the waxing and full moon phases—during which we’ve been putting in the work: setting intentions, taking action, and manifesting our desires. Now, the waning moon invites us to slow down, reflect, and “coast” on the momentum we’ve built. It's a time for easing into the rewards of our efforts, while also preparing ourselves for the renewal of the new moon.
The Power of the Waning Moon: A Time to Rest and Reap
The waning moon is a moment of grace in the lunar cycle. After the high-energy, goal-oriented phases of the new, waxing, and full moon, the waning moon invites us to stop pushing and start receiving. It’s a time to enjoy the fruits of our labour and reflect on our progress. It’s a time to appreciate how far we’ve come without needing to force anything more.
Think of the waning moon as a moment to coast. You've done the work—now it's time to rest, recover, and allow things to unfold naturally. Just as the moon begins to fade, we too are encouraged to take a step back, recalibrate, and honour the space we've created through our efforts.
The Waning Moon as a Time to Reflect and Rest
During the waxing and full moon, we were busy: setting goals, taking action, and manifesting what we wanted. But by the time the waning moon arrives, we’ve already sown the seeds. Now, it’s time to reflect on what has been achieved and allow the universe to work in its own time. The energy of the waning moon encourages us to stop pushing so hard and instead trust that the work is being done behind the scenes.
It’s also a time to rest. The waning moon is the perfect moment to give yourself permission to slow down, to take a break from any ongoing tasks, and to simply be. After the busyness of the earlier phases, this is a time to recover and recharge. Think of it as your personal lunar vacation—an invitation to pause, rejuvenate, and prepare for what’s to come.
Releasing and Letting Go
While the waning moon is often associated with release, it doesn’t have to be about doing more work or making big changes. Instead, this is a time to reflect on what you’ve already let go of during the previous phases. Whether it’s thoughts, habits, or emotional baggage, the waning moon invites you to take a moment to acknowledge the letting-go process and celebrate the space you’ve created.
It’s also a great time to release any lingering doubts or fears that might be holding you back from fully enjoying the rewards of your hard work. If there are any old stories or beliefs that are keeping you from receiving what you’ve earned, use this time to release them and make space for more abundance.
Reap the Rewards: A Time for Gratitude and Celebration
One of the most powerful aspects of the waning moon is its ability to bring us into a state of gratitude. After all the work done during the previous phases, the waning moon allows us to pause and reap the rewards. Take time to acknowledge the progress you’ve made and the things you’ve achieved. Reflect on what has come into your life, whether it’s physical, emotional, or spiritual.
In fact, the waning moon is a perfect time for gratitude rituals. Here are a few simple ideas:
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Write a Gratitude List: Sit down and reflect on what you’re grateful for. Write down everything you’ve accomplished, the progress you’ve made, and the abundance in your life. Acknowledge the hard work you’ve put in and celebrate how far you’ve come.
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Celebrate Small Wins: It’s easy to overlook small achievements when we’re focused on the big picture. During the waning moon, take time to celebrate even the smallest steps forward. It could be a personal victory, a work achievement, or simply a shift in mindset.
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Create a Celebration Ritual: Light a candle, offer a small prayer, or dance around your living room to celebrate the blessings you’ve received. Allow yourself to feel the joy of the rewards and the fulfilment of your efforts.
How to Work with the Waning Moon in Your Life
Now that we understand the power of the waning moon, let’s explore how you can work with this phase in your own life:
1. Celebrate What You’ve Accomplished
The waning moon is the time to acknowledge and celebrate all that you’ve achieved. Whether big or small, every step forward counts. Reflect on your goals, and take pride in your progress.
2. Rest and Recharge
After the action-oriented phases, the waning moon encourages you to rest. Take some time off from overworking and allow yourself to simply be. This is a time to replenish your energy, so you can return to the next cycle feeling revitalised.
3. Release and Let Go
As the moon wanes, take a moment to let go of anything that still feels like it’s weighing you down. This could be an old habit, a toxic relationship, or even a limiting belief that’s been holding you back from fully embracing your growth.
4. Reflect and Give Thanks
Use the waning moon’s energy to reflect on your journey. Take time to journal, meditate, or simply sit in quiet contemplation. What have you learned? What do you feel grateful for? This is the perfect time to thank yourself and the universe for all that has been.
Conclusion: Embrace the Waning Moon’s Gifts
The waning moon is a time of reflection, rest, and release. It’s not about pushing or striving—it’s about coasting, enjoying the rewards of your hard work, and making space for the new to come. By honouring this quieter, more introspective phase of the lunar cycle, we can find balance, cultivate gratitude, and prepare ourselves for the fresh start that the new moon will bring.
As you move through this phase, remember that the waning moon is a gentle reminder to slow down and give yourself credit for all that you’ve achieved. It’s a time to honour the work you’ve done, rest your body and mind, and create the space you need to begin anew when the time comes.
Call to Action:
Ready to align with the power of the moon’s phases? Our Lunar Diary 2025 is the perfect tool to help you work with each phase of the moon, from setting intentions to reaping the rewards. Start living in harmony with the lunar cycles today—click here to explore more.