As a child, I remember my granddad checking the moon phases to decide on when to plant the crops in the garden, do the harvest but also when to get wood for the fireplace. I can still hear him saying that the Moon was good or not and it somehow stuck with me.

We can’t deny it, the Moon has a direct effect on our environment, the most obvious example being the tides, but knowing that we are largely made up of water, it’s not surprising to observe its effects on ourselves, on an emotional and physical levels. I’ve actually seen that first hand in my previous career as a midwife when for two days before and after a full moon, the unit was a lot busier with the number of broken waters and labours naturally initiated going through the roof!

So ok, we can feel the effects of the Moon on our bodies and it can provide support for our gardens, but do you know that we can also use the Moon phases for our homes and home projects?

Read on to find out what tasks or activities are best to do at which phase.

New Moon

The new Moon is the start of a new cycle, bringing new beginnings and ideas. However, as the energy is low, it’s better to focus on planning and brainstorming, opposed to getting things done.

This is an optimal time for:

• Creative thinking

• Defining your goals and intentions

• Starting new projects with the conception stage

• Buying and bringing new decorations into your home

• Looking at prospective new homes

• Planting seeds, flowers and crops

It’s also best to avoid any physical work in the house or garden or any house repairs, as well as moving houses or apartments.

Waxing Moon

The waxing phase takes place between the new and the full Moons, the energy is building up and it’s a period of growth. Now that you have mentally planned your project, it’s time to put things into motion.

Optimise this phase by:

• Going ahead with your plan, in a tangible way

• Reaching out to the professionals you need to get involved in the project

• Calling people, setting up meetings, getting some quotes, etc… - take action on all levels

• Following up on things you put in motion

• Doing your more strenuous house chores, tidying up and cleaning

Full Moon

This is the time during the Moon cycle where the energy is at its highest and is flowing easily, new projects have reached their fullness, we are usually feeling enthusiastic and sociable, so it’s time to celebrate, be grateful for our achievements and rest.

The full Moon is an optimal time to:

• Sign contracts, including leases and property purchases

• Commit to something

Both are the concretisation of your efforts and projects!

Waning Moon

The waning phase refers to the time between the full and the new moon, and with it, the energy gets lower. It is a time to reflect and evaluate what is no longer working.

This is an optimal time to:

• Tie up any loose ends to finish your project

• Pay any pending invoices

• Clear the clutter, get rid of anything you don’t want to take with you into the next cycle

• Do all kinds of houseworks including repairs

• Cleanse the energy of your space

Think of it as a time of completion and giving your space some TLC, the same way you would do for yourself.

As we all are unique, this post is more about general guidance than set in stone things to do at certain times of the month. Be sure to turn inward, tune in with yourself and start noticing when you feel a certain way and how events are unfolding in relation to the Moon cycle. You might be surprised at how much your project is naturally following it!

Julie