The Ultimate Guide to Moon Journaling (With Full Moon & New Moon Journal Prompts)

Have you heard of moon journaling before? It’s one of those things that, if you’re interested in the more holistic, spiritual space, you’re probably already a fan. 

But, even if you don’t consider yourself a spiritual person, moon journaling can still teach you how to support your mind, body and emotions as they ebb and flow throughout the month.

Here’s how to get started, with all the prompts you need (including full moon and new moon journal prompts).

 

What is moon journaling?

Moon journaling is journaling your emotions in line with the different phases of the moon. 

Whilst modern society might like us to feel and behave the same each day, the reality is that our feelings and  emotions can vary wildly from one day to the next.

One of the explanations for that change is the influence of the moon. We all know that the moon is what guides the tides around the globe, using its gravitational pull to move our oceans as it orbits the earth. But many believe that the moon can use that same gravitational pull to influence our emotions too.

And moon journaling is a way of understanding and harnessing that influence, in a way that gives your mind and body the support it needs to thrive.

What science says about the moon and your mood

If you’ve been reading our content for a while, you’ll know that we’re big fans of looking at scientific data. We even created  an entire product based on a scientific theory.

And science has more to say about moon journaling than you might expect.

The idea that the moon can influence human behaviour has been around since the Romans and the Greeks were in power. In fact, the word “lunacy” comes from the Latin term  lunaticus, meaning “moonstruck”. But now modern science is getting in on the act too.

Whilst the data has varied over the years,  scientists studying patients in psychiatric clinics have observed that their mood and sleep patterns “were tracking rise and fall of the Earth's oceans, which are driven by the gravitational pull of the moon.”

The benefits of mood journaling are worth paying attention to

1. You can better understand your emotions (and how they change)

Even if you’re unsure about the moon’s influence on your mood, moon journaling can help you better understand how your emotions vary through the month.

The modern world is designed for us to behave in the same way every single day. But the reality is that our emotions and energy levels can change dramatically, even in a 24 hour period. Moon journaling can help you uncover that, and start detecting triggers or external influences that impact your mood and wellbeing.

 

2. You discover new and different ways to take care of yourself

Once you understand the changes in your emotions, your moon journal can help you uncover different ways to help to care for yourself and support those emotions.

You might find that you’re always feeling anxious at a certain time each month, or that hurdles always seem to get in the way of your plans. Moon journaling allows you to track those themes, whilst encouraging you to seek out ways to overcome them.

 

3. You feel a connection to something greater than yourself

In an era when loneliness is all too common and  social media leaves us craving a connection with something bigger, moon journaling can fill that space. And you don’t even have to don an astronaut suit to give it a try!

There’s something magical about surrendering yourself to the universe and releasing the pressure to feel in constant control of your emotions. Your moon journal can be a reminder that there’s only so much you can do.

How to get started with moon journaling

Step 1: Get a lunar calendar

Whilst you need relatively few tools to start moon journaling, a lunar calendar is a must. It’s going to tell you what phase the moon is in throughout the month, so you know which journaling prompts to follow and how to start tracking the lunar cycle.

 

My Moon Phase is a great free lunar calendar app, available in Apple’s app store  here  and on Android  here. It has a clear, user-friendly interface with the moon cycle, moon rise and moon set times all easy available. It’ll also tell you whether it’s worth heading outside to try and spot the moon each night.

 

If you’re after an “offline” option,  we lovethis moon calendar from Etsy. It’s easy to follow, with extra little titbits like the summer solstice added in for you.

 

It’s also a good idea to  develop the practice of looking out your window to see the moon with your own eyes! Whilst apps and calendars are helpful, they won’t give you the same connection that you’ll feel when learning to track the moon cycle yourself.

 

Step 2: Choose your moon journal

If you want to take a written approach to moon journaling, then a lined journal is perfect. 

You’ll have plenty of space to write out each phase’s prompt, journal your thoughts and track your experience throughout the month.Our  moon and stars lined journal is ideal for that.

Or, you might prefer to illustrate the moon cycle.  A dot grid journal is the choice for you. 

You can still write out your thought and emotions, and answer the prompts, but you’ll also have room to draw each moon phase, doodle your experience and make any creative additions you wish. If that’s you, then  our moon and stars dot grid journal is the perfect pick!

Step 3: Pick a pen

You can be as creative or as minimalistic as you wish inside your moon journal. You might want to practice your  best journaling fonts, or illustrate what you see out of your bedroom window each night.

Either way, it’s important to find a pen that you enjoy using each month!  You can pick your colour here.

 

Step 4: Find your moon phase

Your lunar calendar will help you figure out which moon phase we’re currently in, so you can started by using the journal prompts listed below. 

There are four core moon phases and eight phases in total. The four main moon phases are:

1. New moon - when the side of the moon phasing the earth isn’t yet being lit up by the sun, so it often appears as tough the moon isn’t there

2. First quarter- this occurs when the moon is a quarter of its way through its cycle, you’ll find that the moon appears half lit and half dark

3. Full moon - this is our most familiar view of the moon and occurs when the entirety of the moon facing earth is lit up by the sun

4. Last quarter - this is the reverse of the first quarter, when the other half of the moon is illuminated as the moon enters its final core phase

The moon then goes through transitions between these main phases, this is known as the secondary moon phases. 

The secondary moon phases are waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous and waning crescent. Need some help remembering all that? The waxing phase occurs when the illuminated portion of the moon is growing. Whilst the waning phase occurs when it’s shrinking.

 

Step 5: Open your moon journal at moon rise

If you really want to amplify your moon journaling practice, try journaling specifically when the moon is visible.

You can use  Moon Phases to find out your local moonrise and moonset times, allowing you to tune in with the moon on an even deeper level through your moon journal.

🌑 What to journal: new moon journal prompts

Astronomers have broken down the lunar cycle into four main moon phases, the first of which is the new moon.

The new moon phase is your fresh start. It’s a chance to release yourself from any tricky moments of the past month, and retreat for a moment ready to begin again. It’s the perfect time to prepare to start something new.

 

Your new moon journal prompts

1. What are you hoping to accomplish this month?

2. What dream can you turn into an intention for the future?

3. If anything was possible, what would you do over the next 30 days?

🌛 What to journal: first quarter moon journal prompts

The moon enters its first quarter phase typically around a week after its new moon phase. 

The first quarter phase is when you usually start to see some hurdles and obstacles appear. These obstacles may try to hinder your progress towards the intention you set during the new moon phase.

You can use this time to take focused action and make decisions that move you past those hurdles and help to bring your intention to life.

 

Your first quarter moon journal prompts

1. What specific actions will you take to turn your intention into reality? How can you help yourself feel supported during this time?

2. What hurdles are you experiencing? How can you move past them?

3. Whatisin your control right now that you can use to move forwards?

🌕 What to journal: full moon journal prompts

The full moon phase can be a period of heightened tension. You’ll likely experience some strong experience as the results of your hard work over the last few weeks are revealed.

You may also experience a different sleeping pattern during this phase, as your mind and body adjust to what’s happened over the previous weeks whilst preparing for what’s about to come.

 

Your full moon journal prompts

1. Take a moment to reflect on the last few weeks. What has been your biggest surprise?

2. Write out everything you’ve accomplished during this lunar cycle. How does it feel to look back at this list?

3. How can you celebrate your progress from the last few weeks?

🌗 What to journal: last quarter moon journal prompts

Now, as you enter the last quarter of this lunar cycle, the time has come to let go. This is your chance to release the trials, tribulations and emotions that have come up over the past weeks. And prepare to begin again.

It’s also a valuable time for forgiveness, as you look back at the things that might not have gone as planned or moments when external hurdles stood in the way. Look at them, and then set them free.

 

Your last quarter moon journal prompts

1. What hurdles got in the way this month? How can you set them free?

2. Complete this sentence “I am proud of myself, because…”

3. Release all the negative energy from the last month out of your body and onto the page. Let it stay there, outside of you and away.

Strengthen your moon journaling practice with the Wheel of the Year

The Wheel of the Year covers ancient pagan celebrations such as summer solstice and winter solstice, which tie in with the cycles of the sun and moon.

Unlike traditional Western holidays, these ancient milestones are spread throughout the calendar year. Giving you the time and space to reflect, balance and dive deeper into your moon journaling practice.

Curious? Here’s a quick run-through. Try weaving your moon journaling prompts together with the theme of each celebration.

 

Yule: the winter solstice

You’ll likely have heard of Yuletide, a pagan reference to the Christmas season. Just like Christmas, Yule includes gift-giving, singing and family celebrations..

But it also marks the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. Yule marks a turning point, where the days begin to grow longer and lighter. It’s the perfect time to set intentions, find a little peace and look optimistically towards a brighter future.

 

Imbolc

Imbolc is halfway between the winter solstice (Yule) and spring equinox (Ostara). Taking place at the end of January or beginning of February, it’s associated with new beginnings.

This is a good time to reflect on any lessons you’ve uncovered in the year so far whilst refreshing your outlook for the months ahead.

 

Ostara: the spring equinox

Ostara marks the start of spring, so it is a natural time to consider planning and dreaming for the future. This is a great moment to consider your goals and plant any seeds that might help them come to fruition (away from the chaos of the New Year).

 

Beltane

Beltane marks the beginning of the traditional planting season and is a time to celebrate the wonders of nature.

Now that you’ve planted your seeds, it’s time to take action and focus on your creativity with fresh confidence. 

Litha: summer solstice

Litha is a beautiful time of year, where nature is in full bloom. Often referred to as Midsummer’s Night, Litha marks the longest day of the year before the days begin to grow shorter once again.

It’s an expansive time of year, with a focus on growth. Use it as a time to lean into your goals and ideas, bringing together all that you have to achieve them.

 

Lughnasadh

Lughnasadh is halfway between the summer solstice (Litha) and the autumn equinox (Mabon). As Lughnasadh traditionally celebrates the grain harvest, it’s a good time to consider your own harvest and what you’re celebrating so far this season.

 

Mabon: autumn equinox

Mabon takes places when light (day) and dark (night) are in equilibrium.

Because of this, it’s known as a time of balance. You can bring a little balance into your own life by reflecting on what you want to cast out and what you need to bring in for the rest of the year.

 

Samhain

You’ll know Samhain as Halloween, or the final harvest. It’s up to you how you use this time of year.

If you’ve lost loved ones, it might be a time to reflect, connect and give thanks to them. Or, you might prefer a different approach and choose to set your final goals for the year instead. It’s up to you.

Now you have everything you need to start moon journaling, you might be wondering where to start. If you’re new to the practice, we’d recommend starting with the four core phases of the moon and working through the journal prompts.

Then, once your moon journal becomes a natural part of your monthly routine, you dive a little deeper by connecting with the Wheel of the Year as well.

Get the perfect moon journal for your practice

Enough structure to get you started with moon journaling. And enough freedom to see where the moon takes you…