New Moon Ritual: A Step-by-Step Guide for Intention Setting

By: Alejandra Amalia Villegas

During the new moon, the lunar phase is hidden in darkness, nearly invisible to the naked eye. All that can be seen in the night sky is the faint glow of stars and distant planets. Astronomers and laypeople across eras and cultures have used planetary movements to delineate time and ascribe meaning to its passage. The period following the waning crescent, when the moon is invisible to onlookers, historically marks the beginning of a new month. With the incoming month is a spirit of renewal, prayer or intention. 

While we’re unlikely to defer to clay tablets and stories shared by elders for guidance on engaging the heavens the way our ancestors did, the search is inborn. Nowadays we might find ourselves scouring WitchTok, the magic section of our favorite occult bookshop or websites like this one to clarify how to welcome respective transits such as the new moon. One of the strengths of lunar magic is its diversity of practitioners and eras to draw from. With this versatility is a drawback—an overwhelming amount of ambiguous, seemingly cultureless descriptions of Pagan approaches to manifesting with the moon. 

Much of the inspiration for lunar intention setting or ritual we encounter in spiritual wellness discourse is actually rooted in Greek traditions (modern and arcane), which was then exported into the U.S.’s Wiccan (nature based spirituality) circles. Beneath all of the complex exchanges of ideas and customs is a common thread we can use to guide our own approach to building a new moon practice. 

“The changes of the moon also regulate agricultural works. Usually, either the beginning of the lunar month or the time of the full moon are supposed to be perfect to start most works,” writes academic folklore specialist Oksana Tchokha in her work on lunar magic. In order to germinate something abundant and nurturing–or start fresh by letting go of what no longer serves us—-we symbolically follow the cycles of nature to support our desires. The new moon in Greek Paganism was an auspicious time to focus one’s intentions on drawing in prosperity (think planting a robust harvest) or on health and beauty (the moon is strongly associated with maladies but can be empathetic if we work with it). 

While we might think of invoking the new moon’s celestial influence as distinctly witchy, major religions like Hinduism, Catholicism, Islam and Judaism also recognize this phase as an opportunity to engage with and contemplate divinity. Whatever your belief system, you can tailor your intentions using this step-by-step guide to working with the new moon.  

What you’ll need: a piece of paper, scissors, writing utensil, a white, silver, or blue candle and matches (preferably) or a lighter, saucer or plate, and a spray bottle or glass of water. 

1. Place your work items on a flat surface where you can draw while seated. 

2. After dusk, find a location that gives a view of the night sky (outdoors if possible but near a window indoors works). If you’re visually impaired, any place that allows you to feel or think of the new moon’s potency will suffice. 

3. Spend time in quiet meditation, allowing a sense of tranquility to descend into your nervous system. Reflect on something you would like to release from your life or begin anew. Select one significant intention. 

4. Allow your imagination to flow. Envision a symbol (it can be simple) that represents your new moon intention. Hold this symbol in your mind’s eye, focusing on your desire. The image you’ve created is called a “sigil.” 

5. Return to your workstation and draw a 2 to 4 inch version of the symbol you envisioned. Cut around it in a circular shape no larger than 6 inches total, so your sigil is in a medallion form. 

6. Place your candle on your saucer and light it. Silver and white colored ones are ideal for jumpstarting a new endeavor while blue (especially deep blue) is powerful for the release of blockages or things which no longer serve you. 

7. Hold your sigil in your hands, focusing your thoughts on your new moon intention and its corresponding symbol. When it feels right, cautiously burn your sigil in the candle flame. Be careful not to burn your fingertips–you can use a pair of tongs, or quickly release the paper, allowing the flame to consume it without touching it. The spray bottle or glass of water is on hand just in case. 

8. You have released your new moon magic into the ether. Take a moment to welcome the incoming shifts you have invited. Remember not to leave your candle unattended. You can burn it down in one evening, or relight it if necessary. If you have an altar, feel free to move your candle to your sacred space. Whether the flame is ignited or not, the new moon is sustaining your wish just as it has done for aeons of faithful believers.  

Alejandra Amalia Villegas is an educator, scholar and practitioner of occultism. She holds a BA in English Literature from Marygrove College and a Master’s in Religion and Public Life from Harvard. You can follow her @gemineyetarot (IG/ TikTok) to keep up with her writing, research and offerings.