The new moon isn’t a command; it’s a quiet room with the lights off. Once a month, the sky goes minimal and invites you to do the same: lower the volume, listen for one clear want, and choose a first tiny move. A new moon intention check is the gentlest way to meet that moment – no manifesting marathons, no pressure to overhaul your life, just ten minutes to realign what you’re doing with what you’re actually craving.
Think of this like a friendly system update. When the moon resets, you reset your settings: What’s draining? What’s worth feeding? What would make the next two weeks feel lighter and more honest? The ritual below works whether you follow astrology closely or simply appreciate rhythms. It’s simple by design so you’ll use it: quiet light, one page, and a single step you can take before bed or tomorrow morning.
✍️ Author’s Note – Sienna Reed:
I treat lunar cycles like tides: you don’t control them, you cooperate. On the new moon I ask one small question – what would feel good to begin at 10%? – and then I do exactly that.
Why the new moon is a good “reset window” (quick astro bit)
In astrology, new moons pair low external signal (no reflected light) with high inner signal (intuition, seed-level choices). You don’t need to “believe” to benefit: the absence of visual noise makes it easier to notice one priority and the friction around it. A short ritual helps you translate noticing into a micro-action you can repeat across the waxing phase (the two weeks of growing light).
The 10-Minute Ritual (one page, one candle, one tiny step)
Minute 0–2 — Dim & land
Lower the lights. Put your phone face-down. Take three slow exhales (longer out than in). If it helps, look at a dark window or a night sky photo; this primes your mind for “beginning” rather than reviewing.
Minute 2–5 — The two lists
On one page, split the space into FUEL and FRICTION. Under FUEL, write what gave energy this month – specific scenes or actions (walks after dinner, five focused emails, sketching at lunch). Under FRICTION, write what snagged – habits, schedules, dynamics that felt heavy. Keep both lists short and concrete.
Minute 5–7 — Choose one seed
Look at FUEL: circle one item you want more of. Then look at FRICTION: underline one item you want less of. Ask, “What is one 10% version of the circled thing I can do this week that also reduces the underlined thing?” That overlap is your new moon intention.
Minute 7–9 — Anchor it
Name a time + place for a first, tiny step (≤15 minutes). Example: “Tues 7:30, headphones on, 10-minute walk” or “Tomorrow 12:40, Notes app, outline three bullet points.” Write this line at the top of tomorrow’s plan or set a calendar ping.
Minute 9–10 — Close softly
Whisper the intention once. If you like ritual objects, place the page under a book or in a drawer. Blow out the candle. You’re done.
Micro-rule: if your step feels heroic, shrink it. New moons like seeds, not boulders.
Make it personal (three gentle lenses)
Body lens: What would help you feel clear in your body? (sleep window, water bottle at desk, short stretch after lunch)
Relationship lens: What would make connection easier? (one check-in text, shared calendar tweak, five quiet minutes on the couch)
Creative/work lens: What tiny move would make the next task less sticky? (open the doc, gather references, send one line)
Pick one lens per month. Rotating lenses prevents “all areas, no traction.”
Using the waxing phase (the two weeks after)
Treat your intention like a houseplant: light daily, water lightly. Repeat the same tiny step 4–6 times across the waxing days. You’re not aiming for drama – you’re teaching your brain that this action belongs in your week. If you miss a day, don’t restart the world. Just do the next one.
Quick Tips Box — do it tonight
Keep the page one sheet only; short lists are easier to act on.
Choose one seed that overlaps fuel and friction.
Anchor it with time + place (calendar ping if helpful).
Repeat the same tiny step several times during the waxing phase.
If it feels fuzzy, ask: What’s my easy 10% version?
Mini-Checklist (screenshot-friendly)
Quick Checklist:
✅ Lights down, three long exhales 🌙
✅ One page split: FUEL · FRICTION
✅ Circle a seed, underline a snag
✅ Write a 10% step with time + place
✅ Whisper once, close the page
Mini-Test: What kind of new-moon setter are you? (with results)
Q1. Which line makes you exhale?
A) “One clear habit would help.”
B) “One relationship tweak would soften the week.”
C) “One creative nudge would unlock momentum.”
Q2. Time feels easiest…
A) Morning (before messages)
B) Evening (after dishes)
C) Between tasks (12–15 minutes)
Q3. You stick with things when…
A) The step is scheduled
B) Someone else is involved
C) The step is small and interesting
Mostly A — The Anchorer (Result)
You thrive on repeatable slots. Choose a same-time daily 10% step (e.g., 10-minute walk at 7:30). Put it on the calendar for the next seven days.
Phrase to use: “Same place, same minute.”
Mostly B — The Connector (Result)
You keep promises when someone’s included. Pair your seed with a micro check-in (text a photo, share a note).
Phrase to use: “With you at 8?”
Mostly C — The Forager (Result)
You follow curiosity. Pre-list three tiny versions and pick whichever fits the moment.
Phrase to use: “Any of these counts.”
Troubleshooting (gentle fixes)
“I wrote too much.” New moon pages are small on purpose. Fold to half size and keep only the circled seed and the first step.
“The step didn’t happen.” Shrink it to two minutes or move it to a friendlier time. The point is repeatability.
“I want bigger change.” Let the tiny step handle the start. Plan a larger move at first-quarter moon when energy rises.
“I’m not into astrology.” Treat this as a monthly low-light night for choosing one priority. The sky is the reminder; the action is yours.
Quick Checklist (Astrology style)
✅ Dim lights
🌙 One page (Fuel/Friction)
🌱 Choose one seed
⏱️ Anchor time + place
🔁 Repeat during waxing days
Putting It Together
A new moon intention check is a quiet, useful rhythm: dim the room, list fuel and friction, choose one seed, and anchor a 10% move. Do it in ten minutes and keep it small. Then let the waxing days handle the growth. The reward isn’t magic; it’s momentum that doesn’t argue with your life.
🌙 Tonight: run the 10-minute page and set your first 10% step with a time and place.
🗓️ Over the next two weeks: repeat the same tiny step 4–6 times – light daily, water lightly.
📆 Moon Phases Self-Care: What to Do Each Week — match your tiny steps to the lunar rhythm.
🌙 Gentle Evenings: 10 Micro-Habits That Boost Joy, Clarity, and Sleep — make the night ritual easy to keep.
