Alchemy of the Waning Moon
As the full moon dips into darkness, it's an opportunity to rest, to reflect - and release
Of the many cycles in astrology, the one we feel most deeply is the moon’s cycle.
The first known records of astrology go back over 20,000 years, during the Ice Age. Tribes in Europe tracked the moon by carving its phases into cave walls.
The moon’s waxing and waning shapes our emotions and affects how we feel and think. When the moon is waxing, emotions move outward. You may feel more active, social, and ready to make progress. It’s normal to feel energized during the waxing moon—you’re in motion, out in the world, doing what you need to do.
But what happens during the waning moon?
As the moon shifts toward the last quarter and waning crescent, your energy may drop. The moon gives us light during the night. That light brings energy, hope, and the spark to take action. When the moon fades, your energy fades too.
But this low-energy time has value. The waning moon isn’t just about feeling tired or down (even though you might). The moon rules over all cycles—life, death, and renewal. The waning moon is the “death” part of that cycle. It is a time for stillness, grounding, and restoration. It gives you space to refill your energy for the new cycle ahead.
The three keys to working with the waning moon are:
Rest
Reflection
Release
Let’s explore each one.
Rest
In modern life, especially in busy countries, constant work is seen as normal. But this goes against our true nature. As the moon fades, your body and mind ask for deep rest. This is the time to recharge on every level—physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
You can’t keep going at full speed forever. If you try, you’ll burn out. Here’s how to rest well during the waning moon:
Sleep well – It’s not just how much sleep you get, but how good it is. Make your bed cozy and welcoming.
Eat to nourish – Give your body what it really needs. Listen to it. Don’t just eat what you crave—eat what brings health.
Set limits – There’s always something or someone pulling at you. Put your phone on silent. Limit screen time. Be present with yourself and those around you.
Reflection
This is one of the most powerful parts of the waning moon—and one we often skip unless we’re in crisis. Now is the time to reflect on your life, your goals, your emotions, and your relationships.
Reflection helps you see what’s working and what’s not. It can bring insight and show you what needs to change.
When you reflect, you become clearer about what matters. You can then either honor it—or question the thoughts that are leading you the wrong way.
Here are some helpful questions to ask during this phase:
What are my top priorities right now? Am I taking care of them?
How have I been feeling? Have I been calm and in flow—or stressed and off track? What needs to shift?
What do I want to focus on in the next moon cycle? Are there goals I want to move forward?
Release
We can’t carry everything; sometimes, we need to let go. Release is vital for staying well in your mind, body, and heart. Holding in emotions can harm your health, hurt your work, and weaken your relationships.
Use the waning moon to clear away what no longer serves you. Try these release tools:
Journal + Burn – Set a timer for 10 minutes. Write all your stress, anger, or pain. Let it out. Don’t hold back. Then crumple the pages and burn them (safely). Let the fire take it away.
Smudge your space – Use sage, sweetgrass, palo santo, or frankincense to clear stuck energy. Palo santo and frankincense work well if you’ve felt anxious.
Take a salt bath – Sea salt or Epsom salt can clear heavy emotional energy. If you don’t have a tub, use salt as a body scrub in the shower. Ten minutes is enough.
Pro tip: Reflect before you release. This helps move negative energy to the surface so it can leave. But if you’re feeling too raw, reverse the order—release first, then reflect once you’re calmer.
Why the Waning Moon Matters
This quiet part of the moon’s cycle is sacred. It lets you shed stress and heavy emotions so you can step into the next cycle clean, clear, and ready. Just as the new moon calls in new beginnings, the waning moon calls in healing and rest. Respect the darker part of the cycle as much as the light. Both are needed.
Rest and action are equal partners. Balance comes when both are honored.
May the stars guide your way,
Aleks