Essential oils and the moon

Many people who use essential oils share in their interest or holistic and energetic healing as well as natural health. For these people, the moon, or Lunar phases, are of great importance as the change un atmospherics and energetics are thought to have an effect on our experience and emotions. This makes sense when we consider that the energy of the moon itself creates the tides of the sea here on earth and the farmers have long used moon cycles to help the successful growth and harvest of their crops. As essential oils are derived from plants, and plants are formed largely of water, it can be implied that the moon works to affect the life cycle of plants too.  So, working with the plants through aromatherapy and herbalism to harness the therapeutic support we may need at each phase, is a beautiful way to connect with the moon.

Astronomers have identified and named the cycle of the moon in four main Moon phases: New Moon, First Quarter, Full Moon, and Last Quarter. There are also four secondary phases identified. These are: Waxing Crescent, Waxing Gibbous, Waning Gibbous, and Waning Crescent. The changing relative position of the Moon, Earth and Sun as they orbit means the amount of sunlight that reflects off the Moon changes every day and dictates the shape or “phase” that we experience on earth. 

New Moon: 

• Energy: New Beginnings
• Phase Notes: For setting new intentions and taking action at new beginnings. Time to plan for future work).
• Oils: Clary sage, Lavender and Lemon brings clarity, connection to your inner self, peace and calm but also a fresh upliftinging feeling, which is just what you need to set your intentions. swapping out the lemon for frankincense can help calm your mind to let in your creativity and inspiration. Also try Cypress, Patchouli, Bergamot and Grapefruit.

Waxing Crescent:

• Energy: Intention
• Phase notes: For reflecting on what you called in on the new moon and adjusting your plan as you move forward. It explores trust and self-courage. This is a good stage to work on your self-esteem and to take time for yourself.
• Oils: Bergamot is both uplifting and balancing, where as sweet orange and cedarwood essential oils can help build courage to help you visualise your projects and dreams coming true. Also try Ginger, Myrrh, Coriander, Cypress and Lavender.

First Quarter/ Waxing Moon:

• Energy: Decision Making
• Phase notes: For action, focus and determination at a time when you may feel a loss of confidence or faith in yourself. Time for preparation, blessing seeds and making wishes. Time of germination and emergence.
• Oils: Geranium, Patchouli, and Lemon are good for letting go of go of feelings of anxiety and worry, and Rosemary stimulates the mind and aids concentration. Spice oils add a fire element, which naturally aligns with the waxing Moon. Related to the heart chakra, our fourth energy center, they have inspirational and passionate qualities aligned with growth, creativity, and openness. Also try Peppermint and Wintergreen.

Waxing Gibbous:

• Energy: Refinement
• Phase notes: Energy levels increase and moon become more powerful. Determination is needed)
• Oils: Rose Absolute is nurturing yet elevating and can relieve overwhelming feelings if you start to feel these creep in. To encourage strength and determination, use oils like rosemary, peppermint, and lemon. Also try Bergamot, Thyme, Copaiba, Pine, Juniper and Cedarwood.

Full Moon :

• Energy: Release and sealing of intentions.
• Phase notes: A  great time to finish goals and projects. It’s a time based around results. Heightened emotions and intensity can also result in anxiety and high emotions, A good time for social gather­ings. Work for any project that needs growth to come to fruition such as love, fertility, and financial ventures. Time to reflect and let go of thoughts, habits or emotions that are not of use, let go of tensions and relax).
• Oils: To help release some of high energy and emotions that comes with the full moon, diffuse relaxing essential oils like bergamot, rose, and lavender. Find balance with sweet orange, geranium, and ylang ylang. Also try Cardamom, Eucalyptus, Myrrh, or Sandalwood. Copiba is a good choice when physical issues or ailments are present. Since symptoms may increase during Full Moon, and it has reputed pain-relieving properties. This oil is also known to reduce feelings of anxiety that may peak at this time in our lunar cycle. Its earthy aroma contributes to a sense of stability and well-being. Frankincense, Cedarwood and Orange are grounding, uplifting and offer stillness. Clary sage is also said to encourage restful sleep during this wakeful Moon time.

Waning Gibbous:

• Energy: Gratitude
• Phase notes: Work at this time for anything that needs to be removed from your life or anything that you wish to terminate or destroy. Slow down and relax and return to flow and restore your energy from the chaos of the full moon. A time for philosophy, and spiritual and emotional healing through forgiving past events and embracing love.
• Oils: Geranium is restorative, supportive and balancing. Use restorative essential oils like geranium, lavender, and ylang ylang. Also try Sandalwood and Myrtle.

Third Quarter:

• Energy: Release
• Phase notes: Cleansing and transitioning to rebalancing. Let go of anything holding you back and only keep what you feel actually helps you and what you enjoy.
  Oils: Oils that encourage you to let go, detox and refresh include pink grapefruit, eucalyptus, and tea tree. Juniper Berry is pungent yet cleansing. Try also Peppermint, Cardamom, Frankincense, Fennel, Sandalwood, and Tangerine.

Waning (Balsamic) Crescent:

• Energy: Surrender
• Phase notes: decluttering, tidying and organising thoughts. Prioritise your time to relax, soothe, and restore your energy before the new moon arrives to refresh your creative energy.
• Oils: Frankincense, sweet orange, lavender, and geranium promote quality sleep and a meditative state. Peppermint is fresh and clear, it can help with brain fog but also give you that awake feeling and mental clarity. Trees and flowers offer essential oils aligned with the releasing and receptive natures of waning Moon time. Lavender, ylang-ylang, jasmine, and geranium are florals for relaxation, comfort, and sentimental feelings. Though eucalyptus has a relaxing effect on many people, it actually stimulates blood flow to the brain and can help boost energy and alertness. If the dark phase of the Moon tends to pull your energy down a bit too far, diffuse, inhale, or massage diluted eucalyptus oil. It will also be suitable for house cleaning as you prepare for New Moon. Also try Sage, Basil, Cinnamon and Lemon.

Essential oils interact with medications and health conditions and must be used caution and following professional advice onlu by anyone who has a diagnosed health condition or using prescription medications!