The New Moon Intention Ritual I Use Every Month

Once a month, the moon sits between the earth and the sun, and its lit side faces away from us. For a night or two the sky is dark. Then a thin silver crescent appears again. That turning point, the new moon, is the most natural moment I know for a fresh start, and it comes round about every 29 and a half days.

This is the intention ritual I use myself. It’s short enough to do on a work night, and you can repeat it every month for a year.

Why set intentions at the new moon?

In many witchcraft traditions, the new moon is a time for beginnings: the cycle is starting again, and the light that follows is traditionally used to grow what you plant now. There is also a simple practical reason. A monthly date gives you a regular moment to stop, choose what matters and check how the last month went. My moon phase reference explains all eight phases.

What do I need?

• One candle. White works for anything, or choose a colour that suits your intention.
• A small piece of paper and a pen.
• Something to seal the paper: a ribbon, a bit of string or a dab of candle wax.

If you want to match the colour to your intention, the candle colour reference covers twelve colours.

How do I do the new moon ritual?

1. Find the date. Any moon calendar or phone app will show the next new moon. The evening of it, or the evening after, is perfect.
2. Clear a small space and light your candle.
3. Write one intention in the present tense, as if it is already happening: “I am applying for jobs I’m excited about.” Keep it to one sentence and one area of life.
4. Write one action underneath, something small you will do this week.
5. Fold the paper toward you three times and seal it.
6. Keep it somewhere you’ll see it, like a drawer you open every day or the corner of your mirror, until the next full moon.

How do I write a good intention?

The action line matters as much as the intention. Research by Gollwitzer and Sheeran found that specific "if-then" plans, such as "if it is Monday morning, then I send one application", make people more likely to reach their goals. I write about how intention and action work together in do spells actually work?

What do I do at the full moon?

About two weeks later, open the packet and read it. Notice what has moved, even a little. Then either burn the paper safely in a dish, or keep it in a jar with the others, so that by December you have a year of intentions to look back on.

The full moon is also a natural night to let go of whatever is in the way; my full moon release ritual pairs with this one.

This is the same idea behind the sealed intention packet on my ritual table. Every customer’s wish is folded and sealed with wax before I light their candle.

How do I keep this safe?

Never leave the candle unattended, keep it at least 12 inches from anything that can burn, as the NFPA advises, and use a heat-safe dish if you burn the paper. If burning is not practical, tear the paper up and recycle it, or keep it.

When should I ask you to cast it for me?

If you’re starting a new chapter, such as a move, a new job or a new relationship with yourself, my fresh start rituals are cast the same day you order. You’ll receive photographs of your sealed packet and lit candle.