How to Make the Most of a Full Moon

Vogue

3 days ago

The full moon has captivated humans for millennia. It's inspired the lyrics of songs; been the subject of conspiracy theory; the source of creepy folklore. Across cultures and traditions, the moon's mystique has long been revered—the moon is said to represent everything from femininity to emotions to the cycles of death and rebirth.
Of course, the moon isn't just symbolic—it's also necessary for life on earth as we know it. It provides seasonal weather stability, dictates the length of the day, and controls the Earth's axial tilt. Without the moon, our planet might literally spin off into space, out of control. It also may not be a coincidence that most menstruating women's monthly cycles are around 28 days long—the same amount of time that the moon takes to complete its own cycle from new to full. 'The moon and its different phases have a real influence on countless things, from animals and humans to the tides and climate,' explains author Danielle Copperman.
With that all in mind, it's no wonder so many of us like to keep tabs on the moon. As the next full moon—the 'Stag Moon' taking place in the sign of Capricorn on July 10th—arrives, it seems only fitting that we make the most of it, too.
What are the different phases of the moon?
The moon's cycle lasts 28 days, during which time it moves from new moon to waxing to full moon to waning. Energetically speaking, these fullness cycles can represent our own cycles and timing. For example, when the moon goes from new to waxing, it gradually appears to 'fill' with light, and thus is believed to bring energy and abundance. According to many traditions, this is the ideal time to manifest your goals and desires.
Conversely, when the moon goes from full to waning, its light narrows, making it an opportune time to let go and put things in order. This can be literal, in the form of tidying up or decluttering, or personal, as in releasing negative thought patterns or past wounds.
While each cycle between the new moon and full moon are periods that signify transformation, the new moon and full moon are usually considered the most opportune and intense. 'They are the beginning and ending points of the cycle and are, therefore, the most powerful,' says Copperman, noting that many people anecdotally report that they feel either energized or strangely down during full and new moons.
The impact of the full moon
During a full moon, the moon is at its largest and brightest as its entire face is reflecting the light of the sun without being obscured by the shadow of the earth. 'The full moon is a period of illumination that can be very energetic, both when it's 100% full and in the few days leading up to it,' notes Copperman.