The new or dark moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. This is a time when the moon and the sun are reuniting in the sky yet the suns light that is being shined upon the moon is not visible to us. The moon appears dark and in the sky and over the coming days we will watch it grow until it reaches its peak, and becomes full once again.
 
Think of this phase of the moon as a new born babe. New, fresh, limitless possibilities ahead. 

A time for New Beginnings
The new moon phase is the best time to undertake new projects or bring new ideas into being. Whether that is as simple as starting a new habit or as complex as starting a new business the new moon is the perfect time to begin.
 
When you start a new project try to break it down into attainable goals. What can you accomplish during the lunar cycle? Can you break down one large overall project or goal into smaller chunks? Setting goals that are unattainable will lead to feelings of failure and that’s not what we are looking for here. We want to use the potent energy of the moon to help manifest positive energy and realistic goal setting is one way to accomplish that.
 
A time for Positive Change
Think about areas of your life that have become stale or lackluster. Consider what could be done to rejuvenate and revive them. Maybe your job that you used to love is beginning to feel less than ideal. Perhaps your love life has lost its spark and is starting to feel routine and boring. The new moon is the perfect time to breath new life into these areas.
 
Set clear, positive intentions to change these lackluster areas of your life. Maybe it’s to find a new job or to find a way to find the joy in your profession again. If you’re dealing with a boring love life maybe your intention could be to actively work to reignite the spark with your partner - try new things or to have a clear, honest conversation about your feelings and your desire for change. 

Ideas for simple New Moon rituals

We are all for simple rituals that require minimal tools or time. We don’t align our rituals with any specific tradition. If you want to cast a circle or cleanse your space go for it. Take these as inspiration and build on them to fit your own preferences.

• Intention Affirmations: spend some time thinking about what positive changes you’d like to see in your life. Write an affirmation statement on a small piece of paper. Keep it positive and as if what you’d like to change is already a reality. Visualize your statement, see the positive change in your life. Look in the mirror and repeat your affirmation each morning or anytime when you feel like the situation isn’t where you’d like it to be. As far as the slip of paper is concerned, what you do with it is up to you. Light candles and burn your invention in your cauldron to release the power out into the universe. Tape it to your mirror as a reminder to repeat the phrase each day, or carry it around in your wallet until the change you seek has been made manifest.

• Sit or lay outside under the night sky. Feel the positive energy radiating from the moon. Feel it kiss your skin. Draw that power in with each inhale and breath the negative energy out with each exhale. Fill yourself with the positive. If visualizations help you, do this with your eyes closed and watch the energy trickling down from the sky, dancing across your face, arms, chest, legs, and feet. With each inhale watch the energy fill you up more and more unit you are glowing with positive energy. Use this positive energy to feed your intentions and fuel your projects.

• Charge your crystals with positive intentions. Select crystals that the reflect the intentions that you want to manifest this month. Hold them in your hands and whisper your desires to them. Visualize these intentions becoming manifest as you hold them in your hands and channel your energy into them. Leave your crystals outside or in a window sill overnight to super charge them with he energy of the new moon. If your crystals are small carry them in your pocket, purse or backpack, otherwise display them in your sacred space or altar.