Using the Lunar Cycle to Set New Year Goals
Putting It All Together
Working with the lunar cycle transforms goal-setting into a monthly ritual of action, reflection, and renewal. Instead of pressuring yourself to “get it all right” on January 1st, you create space to flow, realign, and try again—just like the moon.
So, as you set your New Year goals, ask yourself: “What if I gave myself permission to grow in cycles?”
Because growth isn’t linear—it’s cyclical, beautiful, and uniquely yours.
The moon is a mirror—reflecting cycles of growth, release, and renewal.
We’ve all been there: January rolls in, and we start scribbling down New Year’s goals like we’re writing a life manifesto. “Lose weight, start a business, save money, meditate every day.” The energy is electric… until February when the “new me” fades, and we wonder what went wrong.
The truth? The linear "set it and forget it" approach doesn’t work for everyone. What if we let nature guide us instead? Specifically, the lunar cycle—that gentle, ancient rhythm of beginnings, growth, release, and renewal. The moon offers a monthly framework for setting goals, realigning intentions, and giving ourselves permission to flow with life, not fight against it.
Ready to set your New Year goals with a bit of lunar magic? Here’s how.
Why the Lunar Cycle? A Natural Guide for Growth
The moon takes about 29.5 days to move through its phases, and each phase carries a unique energy that can be harnessed for goal-setting, reflection, and growth. Think of it as a monthly reset button—a way to reconnect with your intentions without the pressure of perfection.
New Moon: Fresh starts, setting intentions.
Waxing Moon: Growth, action, building momentum.
Full Moon: Clarity, celebration, reflection.
Waning Moon: Release, reset, let go of what’s not working.
By working with these phases, you’re creating a cycle of intentional action and reflection that aligns with you—not just some arbitrary calendar date.
The New Moon
Planting Seeds for Your Goals
The lunar cycle begins with the New Moon, a dark sky filled with quiet potential. This is your moment to plant seeds—goals, ideas, or intentions you want to manifest.
How I Use the New Moon:
Pause and Reflect: I sit with a notebook and ask, “What do I want to call into my life this month?”
Write Clear Intentions: Instead of overwhelming myself, I choose 1-2 goals. For example, “I intend to build consistency in my morning rituals.”
Visualize: I imagine my goals already fulfilled. How does it feel? What does success look like?
This phase is all about dreaming without limits. Allow yourself to imagine the life you want.
The Waxing Moon
Taking Action
As the moon begins to grow in the sky, so does your energy. This is the time for action—taking small, consistent steps toward your goals.
If your New Moon intention was to build a daily journaling habit, the Waxing Moon is when you set your alarm earlier, grab your notebook, and commit to the practice. Progress, not perfection, is the key here.
The Full Moon: Celebrate and Reflect
The Full Moon is a spotlight in the night sky. It’s a time of illumination and clarity. What’s working? What’s not? Celebrate your progress, no matter how small.
I like to ask myself:
What have I achieved this cycle?
What am I grateful for?
What lessons did I learn?
Sometimes, the Full Moon reveals obstacles or habits that need shifting. That’s okay—it’s all part of the process.
The Waning Moon: Letting Go and Resting
As the moon begins to fade, so does our energy. This is the perfect time to let go—of fears, doubts, or anything that’s not serving your goals.
I use this phase to slow down, reflect, and release. Maybe it’s time to stop multitasking or let go of that pesky inner critic. The Waning Moon reminds us that rest is productive too.
