The moon is thousands of miles away yet so closely connected to the Earth and life on it. One example is the ocean tides that rise and fall in response to the moon pull. When there was no technology and radiation around us, many women would menstruate in coherence with the moon cycles. In old times, people followed the moon, also known as moon mapping. If we align ourselves with the moon phases, we can get through energy shifts. Moon mapping is a great way to harness the power of the moon phases.

A new moon is a powerful time to set intentions and analyze any energy shifts. It is a perfect chance to sow the seeds of new intentions and fresh beginnings. If you have been doubtful about starting something fresh, a new moon is an ideal time to do it without worrying about the consequences. A new beginning can be financial decisions, nurturing and focusing on a new relationship, or switching jobs.

A new moon is a sign of letting go of all the old programming that no longer serves you. Look in all areas of your life. If anything is burdening your soul, use a new moon's energy to help you get rid of it in the path of the least resistance. It also includes any unhelpful relationships that are hurting you. People bring in all sorts of energies into your energy field. So, a new moon is a chance to cleanse yourself of all the energies and make decisions compassionately letting people go in peace.

A new moon is a chance to reflect on yourself. Look for ways in which you can improve yourself and your life. If it means acknowledging any toxic patterns you have, then compassionately embrace them so that you can change them in the blessing of the new moon's energy.

Here are some ritual ideas for the start of a new lunar cycle

Cleaning up your house on a new moon and getting rid of clutter is something for which you will thank yourself later. Deep clean the crystal shrine or the ritual altar if you have any. Remove dust and wash anything that does not absorb moisture. If you want to add any new crystal or a new object to the altar, do it during this time. Light up incense or burn any sacred herb such as sage to purify the space.

Take a transparent glass jar (avoid a tinted jar). Fill it with water in the evening. Hold it in your hands and say your intention to the water as it listens. Set it out on the porch or deck for the whole night to soak in all the fresh energy of the moon. The next day, the water will taste different, and you will know the difference.

Picking the type of meditation to do during a new moon is up to you. The purest and most effective kind of meditation is the practice of stillness. Focus on your in-breath and out-breath while letting all the thoughts go away. You can offer gratitude on a new moon. Connect with your spirit guides to set a new intention or strengthen the confidence in an already made decision. If there is a need to release any old energy, meditation will make it convenient.

If you have something specific in mind, visualize it as if it has already happened. If it helps, write down your visualization and read it to yourself. While reading it, connect to all the sensations that arise.

A new moon journal will help you reflect on your decisions and actions. It is a catharsis of your thoughts. When you write your thoughts on paper, you become an observer of those words. From there, you can see what thoughts help you and what thoughts limit you in any way. Some journal prompts for a new moon could be:

What is one goal that I need to focus on in my life right now?

What is that one negative pattern I need to let go of?

How can I align with my higher self?

We have focused on one goal and one negative pattern. It is the small steps that make significant changes. Be compassionate and patient with yourself. There are new moons every month, which means you can work on one thing throughout the month before moving on to the next.

If you have been contemplating a new hobby or want to work on some newly set goal, a new moon is a perfect time to align with your new beginnings. Interestingly, you can plant actual seeds into the ground while holding your intention in your heart.

Everything in this Universe responds to intentions. If you light up a candle on a new moon thinking about lighting up your life, then that is what you will get. You can meditate while looking at the candle flame (trataka meditation) that will strengthen your third eye chakra, where you can use your intuition to make new decisions.

New moon yoga is named new moon salutation, and in Sanskrit, it is called Chandra Namaskar, which means saying hello to the moon. It is a sequence of yoga poses.

If possible, do all your new moon rituals while sitting outside directly under the new moon's energy. You will be in an ideal environment this way to manifest or make a new beginning while being charged by the power of the new moon.

It all boils down to what works best for you for a new moon ritual. If taking a bath, listening to frequency music, and lighting a candle is all you need, then that is enough. If you are more inclined towards making moon water and chanting mantras while meditating, then do it. Listen to the voice of your soul and see what it craves.