Dark Moon & New Moon Energies

There’s often some mix up between the Dark Moon & New Moon phases, some may not even know the term Dark Moon! In this post, I clear up the definitions, and how to harness the energy of these moon phases, and of course, offer my Top 7 crystal suggestions for each.

DARK MOON -

The Dark Moon is the moment in the lunar cycle when the Moon is in full darkness, hidden from view as it sits between the Earth and the Sun. With no reflected light reaching us, this phase marks a natural pause - a quiet reset before the next cycle begins. Energetically and symbolically, the Dark Moon is associated with rest & introspection. It’s a time to slow down, release what has run its course, and sit with the unknown rather than rush toward clarity. Just as the sky holds no visible Moon, this phase invites us to embrace stillness, trust subtle inner guidance, and allow space for new intentions to form before they emerge with the New Moon.

For me, the Dark Moon is for rest and self reflection, I like to have a candlelit bath, meditate and get an early night! The Dark Moon isn’t about doing more- it’s about being, resting, and trusting the unseen. Even choosing to do nothing can be the most powerful ritual of all!

If you want to harness Dark Moon energy and do something special, here are some suggestions for ritual or spiritual practice for this phase -

Spiritual Practices

• Deep introspection or shadow work: Journal on what feels heavy, unresolved, or ready to be released. Ask, What am I being invited to let go of?

• Meditation in darkness: Sit or lie down in a dim or candle-free space to honour the Moon’s invisibility and deepen inner awareness.

• Intuitive connection: Pull tarot or oracle cards, practice automatic writing, or meditate to receive subtle guidance.

Self-Care Rituals

• Extra rest and sleep: Allow yourself to slow down without guilt; the Dark Moon supports restoration over productivity.

• Warm, grounding baths: Add Epsom salts, black tourmaline nearby, or herbs like mugwort or lavender for calming and intuitive support.

• Digital detox: Reduce screen time to create space for inner listening and nervous system regulation.

  
  

Ritual Ideas

• Release ritual: Write down what you’re ready to shed and safely burn or tear the paper, offering it to the darkness.

• Sacred silence: Dedicate an hour (or evening) to minimal talking, honoring the stillness of the Moon.

• Cleansing without manifestation: Cleanse crystals, altar tools, or your living space with smoke, sound, or intention- without charging anything new yet.

The Radiant Mystic's Top 7 Crystals for the Dark Moon -

• BLACK OBSIDIAN - Wonderful protective energy. Connects you to your truth.

• PEACH AVENTURINE - Such a gentle stone, perfect for self reflection & inner work. Relaxing, calming the emotions.

• LABRADORITE - Perfect for illuminating what needs to be shifted, released, changed. Clearing negative energy & protection. Labradorite is the ideal magical, mystical stone to use during this time.

• MOONSTONE - Associated with the Moon and feminine energy, Moonstone heightens intuition, and encourages inner growth. This stone can be used during Dark & New Moon phases. It is also wonderful for new beginnings.

• SNOWFLAKE OBSIDIAN - Keeps you focused and centred. Assists with self-reflection & shadow work.

• SMOKEY QUARTZ - Protective stone that dispels negative energy, including thought processes and stress. Grounding. Allows you to rest and restore, releasing any guilt associated with this.

• HOWLITE - The most calming stone!! Assists with restful sleep and meditation.

NEW MOON -

The New Moon marks the Moon’s first delicate sliver of illumination after the deep stillness of the Dark Moon, signaling the beginning of a fresh lunar cycle. Though the light is subtle, it carries powerful symbolism - this is the moment when intentions begin to stir and possibilities quietly take shape. The New Moon represents renewal, hope, and conscious creation, inviting us to turn our awareness outward again while remaining gently rooted in reflection. It’s an ideal time to plant seeds for the weeks ahead, setting clear but flexible intentions that can grow alongside the waxing Moon.

The New Moon brings me clarity and has me looking at new ideas and what I want to create in my life. I do alot of writing and planning at this time! The New Moon doesn’t demand immediate action - it asks for clarity, care, and commitment. What you begin now only needs a quiet willingness to grow.

Here are nurturing, intentional ideas that align with the New Moon’s energy of beginnings, clarity, and growth, ideal for spiritual practice, self-care, and ritual:

Spiritual Practices

• Intention setting: Write down 1- 3 intentions you wish to grow over the lunar cycle. Focus on how you want to feel, not just what you want to achieve.

• Visualisation meditation: Imagine your intentions already unfolding, rooted and supported, like seeds in fertile soil.

• Affirmations: Speak or write affirmations in the present tense to align your energy with new beginnings.

Self-Care Practices

• Body care rituals: Try dry brushing, lymphatic massage, or light movement like yoga or stretching to awaken fresh energy.

• Nourishing routines: Establish or refresh daily rituals - morning tea, journaling, skincare - as anchors for the new cycle.

• Hydration and light foods: Support renewal with fresh, hydrating foods and herbal infusions.

Ritual Ideas

• New Moon candle ritual: Light a candle, write your intentions, and place them on your altar or journal to revisit throughout the cycle.

• Seed symbolism ritual: Hold a seed, crystal, or small object while naming your intention, then place it in soil or on your altar as a living symbol of growth.

• Sacred beginnings altar: Decorate with white or soft-coloured candles, moonstone, clear quartz, fresh flowers, or symbols of new life.

THE RADIANT MYSTIC'S TOP 7 CRYSTAL SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEW MOON -

1. GREEN FLUORITE - Clears on many levels & aligns us with our Heart, so that all our thoughts, ideas, etc, are aligned with our inner truth.

2. CLEAR QUARTZ - For amplifying all our New Moon intentions! Enhancing healing & spiritual growth. Adding power to manifestation. Clarity & increasing intuition. It’s a great all-rounder! Just be aware that it AMPLIFIES as well as directs energy…if you are not in a great headspace, carry or wear a different crystal as Clear Quartz may increase this energy.

3. CHRYSANTHEMUM STONE - For strengthening connections to the Moon and cycles. Opens us to new connections, opportunities, ideas and brings awareness to aspects of your life that needs to be let go of. Reminds us of our Divine spark & aligns us with our Divine plan. Luck & manifestation stone.

4. AMETHYST - Ahhh…stress be gone! Amethyst is the best for peace, balance & clarity. Enhances deeper understanding of self & spiritual growth. Increases intuition & aids in psychic work.

5. GREEN AVENTURINE - If you are manifesting prosperity, abundance or wanting more luck & opportunity in your life, this is your crystal! But also, perfect at the time of New Moon, for releasing old patterns, habits etc, so the new can take its place.

6. LAPIS LAZULI - The Truth stone! Offers wisdom and awareness, aligning your intentions with your truth.

7. ROSE QUARTZ - Connects you to your Heart, aligning your intentions with this space and Divine Love. Assists in self-love & healing.

If you are working with the Moon’s energy for ritual or intention, although there can be a little crossover, essentially the Dark & New Moon are two different energies, to be harnessed for different kinds of work.

Take note of your energy, listen to your body & your intuition, as we experience the Dark & New Moons in the next couple of days, and go with the flow!

Blessings, Terésa xx

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