A New Moon Candle Ritual

What you need: A Candle!

A ritual is a symbolic gesture that backs up your intent. At the New Moon, we enter the unknown dark, so rich and mysterious. It’s a powerful time to receive, and set intentions.

In the week before the New Moon, you can let it sit as a question in your mind, as you go about the day. See where it falls in your birth chart.

Which astrological House? What planets does it engage with? This will bring out a stream of possible intentions.

What is the element of the Sun-Moon signs? At the New Moon, the luminaries (Sun and Moon) are in the same sign, and therefore, the same element (fire, earth, air or water)

Is this an element you’d like to activate more in your life? The elements are fire, earth, air and water.

Clearing Spirit, Body, Mind (in whatever order works!):

Spend time resting and quieting the mind.

Hold it as a question before you go to bed; see if it comes up in dreams.

Notice where your attention goes.

Watch for synchronicity.

Divine an intent with your Tarot, angel or animal spirit cards.

Trust that it’ll come.

The Gesture

Write down your intentions the day before the New Moon, or on the day itself. Suggestion: take a sharpie and write them on a 7-day candle.

If you’re inspired, put a few meaningful totems, pictures, herbs or stones around it that relate to your intention.

Light it and be with your candle fully focused on your intention. Keep it on your desk, altar or mantle. Let it remind you and help you stay committed to your intention.

Your Allies

If it feels right, ask for aid from angels, animal guides, ancestors, light beings and your own higher self.
Pay attention to who or what crosses your path. You might find a feather, for example, or a book (if you live in an urban area).

When no intentions come:

Think of the essence of what’s come up. Sometimes I’ll have a word or phrase come to mind. Or an atmosphere that’s best pondered visually, like with a New Moon collage.

It might be as simple as, “more fire, water, earth or air.” Or, the powerful act of surrendering to your highest good, and letting spirit do the rest.

Some affirmations:

I trust in the natural process of change, even if it takes me through the dark.
I let go of who I am, for who I am becoming.

By Molly Hall, Astrology Expert
Article published on and owned by About.com