Moon Energy in November - The Waning and Dark Moons
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As we move through the second half of November, we find ourselves closer to the beginning of winter. This year, the waning moon dominates this period, culminating in a new moon on December 1. During this two-week phase, the shorter days naturally encourage introspection and release.
The waning moon is a time to shed old patterns, habits, or mindsets, and November’s waning moon is particularly potent as it precedes the winter solstice—the darkest part of the year in the northern hemisphere.
This phase offers an ideal opportunity to reflect on what is no longer serving you, allowing you to prepare for winter with a lighter mental and emotional load. If you practice shadow work, this is an opportune moment to delve inward, confront your inner truths, and embrace the energy of transformation.
Here are some rituals and practices to help you connect with the waning moon and set your intentions for the next turn of the Wheel of the Year.
November Rituals and Practices for Letting Go
Journaling for Release
Journaling is one of the most effective ways to find clarity and identify areas of your life that need improvement. Whether you prefer a stream-of-consciousness style or guided prompts, journaling helps bring buried emotions and thoughts to the surface.
Here are some prompts to get started:
- What am I holding onto? (e.g., grudges, limiting beliefs, memories)
- What can I do in the next month to bring more joy or reduce stress in my life?
Recommended Tools
Journal Prompt Cards: These include over 100 prompts to guide your reflection throughout the year.
A Cleansing Ritual
A cleansing ritual during the waning or dark moon aligns perfectly with the phase’s energy of release. To perform one, follow these simple steps:
1. Prepare your space: Choose a quiet area and gather your tools, such as cleansing herbs (rosemary, sage, or lavender), saltwater, or essential oils.
2. Set your intention: Focus on what you want to release, saying it aloud or silently (e.g., *“I release all energy that no longer serves me.”*).
3. Cleanse: Waft smoke from herbs, sprinkle saltwater, or diffuse oils around the space. Visualize negative energy leaving and positivity filling the room.
4. Seal the ritual: Welcome protective and calming energy, then express gratitude for the cleansing. Ground yourself with water or tea afterward.
Letting Go Meditation
Meditation is a powerful practice for cultivating inner peace and clarity, especially during this time of release.
- Guided meditations: Perfect for beginners or those seeking structure, these meditations often include calming visuals and verbal guidance for deep relaxation.
- Solo meditation: Focus on your breath, a mantra, or simply observe your thoughts, allowing a freer, more personal exploration.
Both approaches help reduce stress, enhance mindfulness, and create a deeper connection with yourself, making meditation an excellent tool for emotional and mental release.
When I meditate or want to turn off any racing thoughts, I’ll listen to this creator on YouTube.
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- Meditation Cushions: I would only buy a specific meditation cushion after meditating on a regular basis for while, to make sure that you will actually use it.
- Essential Oils: Eucalyptus, lavender, or frankincense are ideal for creating a serene (almost spa-like) atmosphere.
The waning moon and dark moon phases in November provide an ideal time to slow down, reflect, and let go. Through journaling, cleansing rituals, and meditation, you can align with the moon's energy to shed what no longer serves you and embrace the natural cycles of release and renewal.
What practices help you release and reset during the waning moon? Let me know in the comments below!
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
The November Moon
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I always think of November as a transitional month between the busy short autumn days to the longer, slower winter evenings. For me the month is an invitation to slow down and breathe. While I’m reluctant to say goodbye to warmer days, there’s something deeply soothing about this seasonal shift.
The November Moon & Wheel of the Year
For those of us who follow a nature-based spiritual path, the November moon falls during Samhain, at the very beginning of the Wheel of the Year. This first full moon of the new wheel invites us to harness its energy and set intentions, seek clarity, or prepare to let go of the things that no longer serve us.
The November Moon & The Crone
Throughout history, cultures worldwide have named each moon, and November’s full moon is often called the “Dark Moon” or the “Beaver Moon.” The moon, embodying feminine energy with its 28-day cycle, has long guided planting and hunting seasons, seasonal celebrations and the ocean’s tides.
In the Triple Goddess tradition, the full moon represents the Mother, a symbol of fullness before transitioning into the Crone phase. I don’t think any other month of the year embodies the essence of The Crone like November. It is the end of the growing season, when everything dies. While at the same time it is a time for beginnings. If you are like me, mistakes have been made in the past twelve months. What can we learn from them? How can we grow? No matter what your age, tapping into your inner crone is tapping into your own innate wisdom - it’s like listening to the small voice inside - you know, the one that you might otherwise ignore.
If you’ve been caught up in the hustle of daily life, November is an ideal time to pause and reflect. Celebrating the November moon cycle can give you a framework to move from autopilot toward intentional practices and activities that will bring you joy and fulfillment.
Simple ways to connect with November’s moon:
Meditate under the moonlight, setting intentions for the new season. If you can’t catch the moonlight where you live because of weather/location, you could light a candle instead.
Journal about what you wish to release and what you hope to cultivate. These are my favorite journals that I have used for years.
Spend meaningful time with loved ones, enjoying the season’s warmth and connection. The holiday season is about to kick off. Rather than being stressed about dinners and gifts, how can you make this time of year feel easier and more enjoyable with the people you love?
Let go. During the waning moon period (the second half the moon cycle) focus on what you would like to release in your life. I dare you to get deep with this one - what is the thing, the habit, the relationship, the situation that you know you need to change?
November often gets a bad wrap because it signals the long cold months ahead (at least in the Northern Hemisphere). Approaching the darkest month of the year with a sense of curiosity, reflection and intention can help you enjoy this time of year instead of dreading it. Following the cycle of the moon is just one way to find inspiration for slowing down and embracing this season of transition.
Will you follow the November Moon?
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.
Connecting With the Moon: A Spiritual Practice for Everyone
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Why Connect with the Moon?
The Moon has long been a symbol of mystery, intuition, and emotional depth. Across cultures, the Moon has been revered for its influence on the tides, its connection to the cycles of nature, and its ability to inspire introspection. Whether you’re looking to enhance your intuition, find balance, or simply take a moment to connect with something larger than yourself, the Moon offers a powerful source of energy and wisdom.
What is Drawing Down the Moon?
Drawing Down the Moon is a sacred ritual that has its roots in modern witchcraft and Wicca. It is a practice where the participant, traditionally a high priestess, invokes the energy of the Moon or the Goddess into themselves. This ritual is often performed during a full moon, a time when the lunar energy is at its peak. The purpose of this ritual is to connect deeply with divine feminine energy, seek guidance, or experience spiritual communion.
But you don’t have to identify as a witch to connect with the moon as part of your spiritual path. Nor do you need to rely on another person or group to engage in this practice. The Moon is accessible to anyone who feels a connection to the Moon or is seeking to harness the power of the lunar cycle for personal growth, meditation, or reflection.
How to Connect With the Moon
Choose Your Moon Phase:
Each phase of the Moon carries different energies. The full moon is a time of culmination and clarity, perfect for releasing what no longer serves you. The new moon is a time for setting intentions and new beginnings. The waxing and waning phases are ideal for growth and introspection, respectively. Choose the phase that aligns with your current needs and goals.
Find a Quiet Space:
Choose a place where you can see the Moon, whether indoors or outdoors. If being outside isn’t an option, a spot where you can visualize the Moon’s light, such as near a window, will work. Make the space comfortable and conducive to meditation or contemplation.
Set Your Intention:
Before you begin, take a moment to set a clear intention. What do you hope to gain from this experience? Whether it’s clarity on a specific issue, emotional healing, or a deeper connection with your inner self, having a clear intention will guide your practice.
Center Yourself:
Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and center yourself. Focus on grounding your energy, feeling connected to the Earth beneath you and the sky above. Allow yourself to relax and be fully present in the moment.
Invoke the Moon’s Energy:
When you’re ready, gaze at the Moon (or visualize it if you’re indoors). Feel its light and energy filling you, starting from the top of your head and flowing down to your feet. You might imagine the Moon’s light as a soft, silvery glow that wraps around you like a blanket of calm and peace.
Meditate or Reflect:
Sit quietly and focus on your breathing. As you breathe in, imagine drawing in the Moon’s energy, filling yourself with its peaceful and intuitive power. As you breathe out, release any tension or negative thoughts. Allow yourself to simply be, noticing any thoughts, feelings, or insights that come to you.
Sit in Meditation:
Allow yourself to sit in this energy, meditating or reflecting on your intention. Notice any thoughts, feelings, or insights that arise. This is a time to listen to your inner voice and the wisdom of the Moon.
Express Gratitude:
When you feel ready to conclude your connection, take a moment to thank the Moon for its guidance and energy. This could be a simple “thank you” or a more elaborate expression of gratitude, whatever feels right to you.
Ground Yourself:
After connecting with the Moon, it’s important to ground yourself. Imagine roots growing from your feet into the Earth, anchoring you in the present moment. This helps you bring the insights and calm you’ve gained back into your everyday life.
Embracing Moon Energy in Everyday Life
Connecting with the Moon isn’t just a once-a-month ritual—it can be a part of your everyday life. Whether you’re a seasoned spiritual practitioner or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of the night sky, you can tap into the Moon’s energy whenever you need it. This practice is about recognizing the Moon as a source of wisdom, intuition, and emotional balance that is available to everyone, regardless of their spiritual path.
The Moon’s cycles mirror our own emotional and spiritual cycles, offering a natural rhythm that we can tune into. By regularly connecting with the Moon, you can cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself, your emotions, and your place in the natural world.
So, the next time you find yourself under the night sky, take a moment to connect with the Moon. Whether you’re setting intentions, seeking clarity, or simply enjoying its beauty, the Moon’s energy is a powerful ally in your journey toward inner peace and self-discovery.
Books About the Moon Lore & Magic
Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druids, Goddess-Worshippers, and Other Pagans in America
The Witch's Moon: A Collection of Lunar Magick and Rituals
Maiden, Mother, Crone: The Myth & Reality of the Triple Goddess
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The content provided above was developed in collaboration with ChatGPT, an AI language model by OpenAI. The initial ideas and concepts for the piece were provided by me, and ChatGPT assisted in organizing, formatting, and refining these ideas into the final written post. While the AI contributed to the structure and clarity of the content, the core ideas and creative direction remain my own.