There's no doubting the moon's power over humanity, whether it's a profound cosmic power or simply a symbol passed down for hundreds upon thousands of years by our human forefathers.
Perhaps it's because it's a beacon in the dark, or because it forces us to confront the gloom. Perhaps it's because of the massive gravitational pull it has on the planet, changing and causing tides in both the outer and inner worlds.
Or that our genes are imbued with myriad tales and lore surrounding the moon, ranging from the sublime to the paranormal to the commonplace, in a way that transcends both time and culture.
Perhaps it is because of its persistent symbolic aspect which is just as significant to modern humans as it was to ancient humans.
Humans, like the tides, are influenced by the moon in more ways than many of us can think because we are basically water.It has an emotional and physical impact on us.
Lunar skin care is an invitation to indulge in some serious self-care. It creates passageways that allow you to reconnect with nature, your body, and the shared rhythm between the two.
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First quarter
Waxing Crescent
The first sight of a little crescent on the horizon signals the start of a new moon cycle. The crescent continues to grow until the moon is at a 90-degree angle to the sun. This is also known as the First Quarter and is an excellent time to change up your skincare routine and exercise self-care.
It has long been considered the finest time to begin a new hobby or undertaking. Because it is akin to the seasonal energy of spring, many people feel themselves inspired by the world around them during the First Quarter. Use this opportunity to reconnect with nature and get some fresh air, as well as to brainstorm new ideas for inquiries and tasks.
BEAUTY TIPS:
- Moisturize your skin, paying special attention to dry areas like your elbows, knees, and feet.
- Use an intense hair mask to nourish your hair.
- Experiment with including a new product into your skincare routine.
- To get the most out of this time, treat yourself to a pamper night.
TOP HEALTH SUGGESTIONS:
LEMON AND GINGER WATER TO KEEP YOU HEALTHY
Try replacing your morning coffee with a cup of hot water with lemon and ginger during the first quarter. This helps to balance the pH of the body and prevents inflammation and illness.
Fill a tea pot halfway with boiling water, then add 1 lemon's juice and a couple of pieces of freshly sliced ginger. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before drinking it in the morning.
BEST SCENTS:
Use fragrances that stimulate the mind and ignite the senses. Use fresh, invigorating scents that make you feel alive – such as lemon, rosemary, ginger and eucalyptus.
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Second Quarter
Waxing Gibbous Moon
More of the disc is lighted than is dark after the waxing half moon. The lighted area of the moon continues to grow until it reaches fullness. Because the body absorbs the most water at this time, it's critical to supplement with extra moisture. There is no better time to perform, represent, or celebrate than right now. Try incorporating a few minutes of 'brainstorming' into your everyday routine at this period.
BEAUTY TIPS:
- Get a spa treatment now
- Make sure you're receiving enough vitamins and minerals
- Stay away from harsh poisons like alcohol, salt, and sugar
- Use a lot of body oils, especially if you have dry or ageing skin
TOP HEALTH SUGGESTIONS:
ARNICA BODY OIL CAN BE MADE AT HOME
Half a glass jar should be filled with fresh arnica blooms, organic virgin olive oil, and left in a sunny location for one full moon cycle. Make sure the lid is securely fastened because you'll need to shake it sometimes.
After a month, filter the oil through a sieve and re-fill a dark glass bottle with it. To preserve its efficacy, keep it away from direct sunlight this time. It should last a few months in the fridge. You can use it as a massage oil or add 20 drops to your bath water.
BEST SCENTS:
Use fragrance to lift your spirits and combat worry. Citrus fruits like oranges and mandarins are high in antioxidants, and vetiver can help relax muscles and relieve aches and pains after a long day.
A little piece of Bloodstone and a drop of grapefruit oil added to a facial steam can help us feel more confident and conscious of ourselves.
The New Moon
The moon aligns itself with the sun to form a perfect opposition. We observe a Full Moon when all of the sunlight is reflected back to the earth. This is the most romantic phase of the lunar cycle, making it ideal for a date. The Full Moon is a moment when we're naturally propelled, when energy flows freely, and when things naturally come to a head. Emotions are running high right now, so it's a fantastic moment to express gratitude. Because we're so enamoured with love and romance during this stage, it's the ideal moment to set aside time for someone special.
BEAUTY TIPS
- Get your haircut now; use this as an opportunity to dress up
- Take a make-up class; get creative with your makeup
TOP HEALTH SUGGESTIONS:
USE NETTLE TEA TO INVIGORATE THE SCALP
Allow a cup of strong nettle tea to cool to room temperature after brewing it with two tea bags. After you've washed and towel dried your hair, Gently massage the tea into the scalp going from the front to the back.Repeat the process if you have a lot of tea left over, but don't wash it out. Because nettle stimulates hair roots, it aids hair growth over time; you should do this every full moon.
PERFECT SCENTS:
Warming scents like sandalwood, rose, and amber will fill the air with romance, while patchouli essential oil will improve the health of your hair and scalp by balancing natural oil production.
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Third Quarter
Waning Gibbous
The moon is in its final quarter, the Fourth Quarter, and its energy is similar to that of winter. Just before sunrise, it appears as a sliver in the sky. The moon and the sun will eventually rise at the same time, which will be the next new moon. It's the best time to get rid of body hair because regrowth is much slower at this point.
We are consciously slowing down towards the end of the Fourth Quarter, which is still quite busy and active. You should use this time to put any unsolved issues to rest and to purge your thoughts of clutter. We may rely on the age-old understanding of ayurvedic medicines for our skin. Toxins can be removed by massaging the skin with warm sesame oil, and acne can be treated by putting raw aloe vera on the face. Both will contribute to your skin's smoothness and radiance.
You will have become aware of certain things in your life that could be released since the New Moon. The final quarter provides us with tremendous energetic backing.
BEAUTY TIPS:
- Clean your make-up products
- Remove body hair
- Use soothing and calming skin care products
- Try herbal teas to alleviate inflammation
TOP HEALTH SUGGESTIONS
TREATS YOURSELF TO AN EPSOM SALT BATH
Epsom salts are known for their healing, exfoliating, and slimming properties, so taking a regular bath with them has numerous advantages. They can also be utilised for muscular relaxation and pain reduction.
Run a warm to hot bath and add two handfuls of Epsom salts to the water, along with 20 drops of essential oil. Bathe for 15-20 minutes and try to relax completely.
When you get out at this period, it's recommended to use cream-based moisturisers rather than oils.
BEST SCENTS
Right now, you need scents that help you unwind and slow down naturally. Pine and juniper help to relieve muscle aches, whilst camphor can be used to clear out any signs of a cold or cough.
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Fourth Quarter
Waning Crescent Moon
Continuing its journey, the moon is now decreasing and is known as the Waning Moon. Like the waxing process, it takes around seven days to complete the Third Quarter and its energy compares to autumn. Now is the best time to exfoliate your body and cleanse your mind.The first day of the Waning Moon is traditionally the finest day to begin a new health or fitness regimen. It's a good idea to establish a to-do list and be more organised during this time because things may feel frantic.
The Waning Moon is a good time to let go, release, retire, and get rid of whatever in your life that isn't helping you anymore. This could entail letting go of old habits, closing a business, or getting rid of outdated clothing.
BEAUTY TIPS:
- Exfoliate your skin with a body brush
- Drink plenty of water
- Use a detoxifying body lotion
- Begin a new health or exercise programme
TOP HEALTH SUGGESTION:
MAKE YOUR OWN BODY SCRUB
We’ll one orange, lemon, or lime and try the peel on a baking sheet away from direct sunlight for 3 to 4 days. Blend the peel in a food processor until it resembles a coarse powder once it has become brittle. To prepare the body scrub, combine two teaspoons with the same amount of porridge oats, one teaspoon of honey, and warm milk in a mixing bowl. To form a thick paste, stir the ingredients together. Apply the mixture to your entire body and wait for it to dry. After that, simply shower to reveal silky smooth skin.PERFECT SCENTS
Make use of smells that help you concentrate and calm your thoughts.
Peppermint can help with brain function, while cinnamon can help with digestion.
New Moon in the Fourth Quarter
The New Moon is an energetically charged clean slate that represents emotional renewal. When it comes to setting goals for the month ahead, self-care and skincare should be at the top of the list. Have you considered changing up your routine? Now is the perfect time to get started. It is described as a natural rest time since it is the calm before the next whirlwind cycle begins. This is the moon's dark phase, a time for rest, relaxation, and forward planning.Right now, we need to cleanse our bodies and minds, so settle in and choose a sacred area for meditating, manifesting, or self-reflection. We are also given an extra boost of intention-setting energy during the New Moon.
TOP HEALTH SUGGESTION
MAKE A SKIN SMOOTHING CLAY MASK
The clay will assist to unclog your pores, and the honey will soothe your skin. Combine the ingredients and apply to the face in a uniform layer, avoiding the eye area. Apply for 15 minutes or until completely dry. After that, spritz your face with water and massage the face mask off before applying a gelatin mask.
You will require one mask.
- 3–4 tablespoons milk (whole)
- clay (two tablespoons) (green or French clay and white kaolin are good choices)
- 1 tblsp. flakes of bran
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 2 drops Frankincense essential oil
BEST SCENTS: As it’s vital to get a good night’s sleep right now, use relaxing scents that help relieve stress and promote relaxation such as lavender, chamomile, vanilla and frankincense.
CONCLUSION:
Earth and nature's cycles are a constant source of inspiration for us as a method to connect with these rhythms and integrate ritual into our daily lives.The lunar cycle lasts 29.5 days and is divided into eight stages. Each phase has its own set of energies and spiritual meanings, which may be explained through science, experience, and faith.And the moon, with its cycle, is a powerful symbol of wholeness, metamorphosis, cycles, life and death, as well as soft light and deep darkness.