Moon Cycles For People Who Don’t Do Moon Cycles
A simple guide for those curious (but not necessarily crystal-carrying)
Have you ever noticed you sleep terribly around a full moon—or your kids seem unusually hyper? You’re not imagining it. The moon’s cycle, which we often associate with tides and telescopes, may be having more of an impact on our daily lives than we realise.
This isn’t about astrology. It’s about rhythms in nature—and how, as humans made up of around 60% water, we might just be influenced by the same gravitational forces that move oceans. In today’s busy, often disconnected world, it’s becoming more important than ever for us to reconnect with nature’s rhythms—and the moon offers a simple, powerful place to start.
If you’re a regular at my yoga or meditation classes, you may have noticed I sometimes reference what phase the moon is in and how it might be affecting how we feel—especially when sleep is disrupted or energy feels “off.” It’s never the main focus, but it often sparks questions. Over time, several students have asked to know more. So I wrote this as a simple, grounded introduction.
The Moon and Water: What We Know for Sure
The moon’s gravitational pull affects the ocean’s tides. High tides, low tides, and the movement of water across the globe all respond to the moon’s position in the sky.
And since humans are roughly 60% water, it’s not a wild idea that we might feel some of that pull, too.
Full Moon and Real-World Effects
Ask any teacher, nurse, or parent, and you’ll hear it: full moons tend to bring more energy, more emotion, and often more chaos. There’s research to back it up, including some surprising stats.
A 2017 study published in the British Medical Journal found that fatal motorcycle accidents increased by 5% during full moons—and even more so on supermoons. The theory? The moon’s brightness and attention-grabbing presence might distract drivers. But others suggest there’s more at play—possibly including poorer sleep and heightened emotional or physical reactivity.
Many people also report migraines, sleepless nights, and more vivid dreams during full moons—especially women and children.
The Four Main Phases of the Moon (and How to Work With Them)
There are four key stages in the moon’s monthly cycle, and each comes with its own natural energy shift:
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New Moon – The moon is hidden in the sky. Energy is low, and it’s a time to reset and set intentions.
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Waxing Moon – The light begins to grow. Energy builds. Ideal for action and progress.
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Full Moon – The moon is at its brightest. Emotions peak, sleep can be disrupted, and it’s a time to reflect or release.
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Waning Moon – The light fades. Energy slows. A time to pause, tidy up, and restore.
You can think of the waxing phase (from new moon to full moon) as a rising tide. It’s when energy tends to build, and a great window to take on new projects or get through that longer-term task. The waning phase (from full moon to new moon) is more like the outgoing tide—ideal for reflection, gentle progress, or tying up loose ends.
🌑 New Moon: Quiet Starts and Clear Goals
When the sky is dark, so is the energy. The new moon is a perfect time to reflect, get clear on what matters, and set intentions. Think of it like the soil before a seed is planted—resting, but full of potential.
🌓 Waxing Moon: Rising Energy and Momentum
As the moon grows brighter each night, so does our energy. This is often when people feel more motivated and focused. It’s a great time to begin projects, build routines, or make steady progress. If you’ve been putting something off, this is the window to get moving.
🌕 Full Moon: Peak Energy (and Sensitivity)
Sleep might be lighter, emotions might be higher, and the energy in general can feel “louder.” This isn’t a great time to start something new, but it’s perfect for releasing what no longer fits—habits, thoughts, clutter, relationships.
You can write down what you want to let go of, talk it out, or simply take stock.
🌘 Waning Moon: Rest and Review
After the full moon, energy starts to wane. This is a time for slowing down, restoring your energy, and taking care of unfinished business. If you’ve been feeling stuck, exhausted or unmotivated—this might be why. If possible, go gently.
How I Use The Moon (Without Letting It Take Over My Life)
I’m not obsessive about tracking the moon—but I do try to live in tune with its rhythm in a way that feels supportive, not overwhelming.
If I’ve got a big list of things to do and I’m dragging my heels, I’ll often check in with the moon. If we’re in the waning phase—especially close to a new moon—I usually notice I feel slower, less clear, and not quite ready to tackle big tasks. When I can, I delay those jobs until just after the new moon, when the energy starts to rise again.
That waxing phase (from new moon to full moon) is when energy tends to build, and I find myself naturally more focused, motivated and able to get things done with far less resistance.
There’s so much more depth to moon syncing if you want to go there—like which astrological sign the full moon is in, and how each one has a slightly different emotional theme—but you don’t need to know all that to start benefiting.
I mostly stick to the four main phases covered above, and occasionally dip into the deeper details when I feel curious or called to. This keeps the info in my brain simple and easy to remember – with the finer details not taking up valuable space or causing confusion, but still accessible when I need them. It’s never felt like a burden—in fact, it’s helped me feel more supported, more intentional, and a lot less like I’m pushing uphill.
This shift has been wholly transformative for me—especially in how I plan my time and manage my energy. I now recommend it to anyone, even the most sceptical. Why don’t you try syncing your diary, goals, or rest days to the moon cycle for a month or two and just see how it feels.
If it piques your interest, Kirsty Gallagher is a brilliant teacher to explore further. Her work makes moon wisdom feel both grounded and deeply relevant in modern life.
In Short:
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🌑 New Moon = Set goals, rest, reset
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🌒 Waxing Moon = Build momentum, take action
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🌕 Full Moon = Reflect, release, stay grounded
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🌘 Waning Moon = Rest, restore, finish well
You don’t have to know the exact moon phase every day to benefit. Just tuning in once or twice a month might help you feel more aligned with yourself—and with the natural world around you. Sometimes, that awareness is all it takes to make life flow a little easier. If you do experiment with syncing around your moon cycles let me know how you get on!