Planning your month according to the lunar phases, helps you optimize your month’s energy and intentions and synchronize it with the natural rhythms of life.

The Moon’s phases symbolizes emotions, sensitivities, and inner truths. Whether you’re starting something new, seeking clarity in decisions or setting your goals and intentions for the month ahead, aligning your actions with the moon’s phases can help optimize your monthly planning.

Here are 9 ways on how you can do this:

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1. Waxing and Waning Moon Phases

The waxing and waning phases of the Moon, known as Shukla Paksha and Krishna Paksha respectively in Vedic astrology, influence activities differently.

During Shukla Paksha, as the Moon grows toward fullness, it’s considered auspicious for initiating ventures meant to grow and flourish – such as starting new businesses or inaugurating projects. It is considered a good time for action and expansion and it helps growth in the areas of life it influences, nurturing external areas of your life.

Krishna Paksha, when the Moon wanes toward newness, is seen as a period for introspection and withdrawal from worldly concerns. It diminishes external aspects and nurtures our inner world. It’s a time suited for rest, purification, fasting, concluding projects, and developing humility. It’s also an ideal time to cut cords, end toxic relationships, and surrender bad habits. Doing a cleanse, detoxing your diet, and simplifying your schedule are also supported at this time.

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2. Tithi’s

A tithi represents a lunar day and is calculated based on the relationship between the Sun and the Moon. It typically lasts between 19 to 26 hours, depending on the Moon’s motion.

Each of the moon’s waxing (Shukla Paksha) and waning (Krishna Paksha) cycles consists of 15 tithis (therefore a lunar month has 30 tithi’s). A tithi begins when the Moon is 12 degrees away from the Sun following the new moon (Amavasya) or full moon (Purnima).

Tithis are crucial for determining auspicious times for various activities and each have its own significance which can help us plan accordingly.

Pratipada – Ideal for initiating new ventures in business, education, and relationships.
Dwitiya – Favorable for growth and expansion, suitable for beginning projects, real estate, and investments.
Tritiya – Best for undertaking new challenges, symbolizing courage and willpower.
Chaturthi – Auspicious for establishing stability and security, good for contracts and financial dealings.
Panchami – Encourages creativity, perfect for artistic endeavors like writing and painting.
Shashthi – Good for fostering harmony in marriages and partnerships.
Saptami – Another Tithi for expansion, ideal for business startups and acquisitions.
Ashtami – Supports bold initiatives and new projects.
Navami – Aimed at success, great for launching products or celebrating promotions.
Dashami – Associated with victory, suitable for competitive wins or significant agreements.
Ekadashi – Focuses on purification, suitable for fasting and spiritual activities.
Dwadashi – Encourages forgiveness and charity, ideal for altruistic activities and settling disputes.
Trayodashi – Good for bold ventures and challenges.
Chaturdashi – Marks completions, perfect for wrapping up projects and finalizing deals.
Purnima – Signifies prosperity, excellent for starting new ventures or investments.
Amavasya – Dedicated to reflection, suitable for introspection and spiritual practices.

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3. Spiritual Activities

While every day holds potential for spiritual activities, certain tithis like Ekadasi, Trayodasi, Purnima, and Amavasya are especially sacred. These days, due to particular alignments of the Sun and Moon, are considered highly favorable for deepening meditation, engaging in worship, and performing spiritual practices.

Full Moon days particularly provide a powerful boost to spiritual practices, making it an excellent time for rituals and prayers.

These days will always be highlighted in the rituals section of the align app for you.

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4. No Moon (Amavasya) - Intention Setting

The New Moon or No Moon is the start of a new lunar cycle and acts as a reset, welcoming a new phase filled with new energy. This period is ideal for introspection, healing from past events, and re-engaging with your inner emotions.

It is also an auspicious time to set intentions (sankalpa) for the upcoming lunar cycle. Find a serene spot, sit comfortably, and meditate. Focus on your desires and aspirations, setting clear and positive intentions for the month ahead. The mind’s power is heightened during this phase, making it an ideal time for manifestation.

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5. Full Moon Purnima

Purnima, the phase when the moon is fully illuminated, represents the moon’s brightest and most powerful state. This period enhances intuition, sharpens clarity, and opens pathways to perceptive insights. Around the full moon, you might find yourself feeling more outgoing and recharged both physically and mentally.

The full moon is an ideal time for initiating new endeavors, socializing, and celebrating achievements. It’s also linked to heightened fertility, with a notable increase in births compared to new moons.

However, the full moon can also lead to an overflow of mental and spiritual energy, causing restlessness, sleep disturbances, and occasionally, erratic behavior. This is why the term “lunatic” originally related to the moon’s influence on human behavior.

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6. Dark Moon

The Dark Moon is the waning crescent phase of the Moon right before the New Moon. This phase could leave you feeling frustrated, drained, moody and restless. This is a time to delve deep into your intuition and challenge any restrictive beliefs, while also setting intentions for the future.

The dark moon phase supports internal reflection, allowing for the release of emotional burdens; it is a conducive time for fasting, meditation, and rest.

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7. Your Moon 2.5 Periods

When the Moon transits the 8th house from your natal Moon sign (Janma Rashi), that 2.5 day period is known as Chandrashtama.

The moon is uncomfortable in the natural 8th house of the zodiac which is ruled by Mars and is signified by Saturn. During these moments, it is common for us to experience heightened emotional sensitivity, mental stress, health issues, or unexpected problems.

This can be lightened or mitigated with awareness and rituals which you can find in the align app. You can also be notified when the Moon 2.5 period occurs for you or loved ones and also see these upcoming days on your Planner page.

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8. Align with the Nakshatra’s

The moon moves through the nakshatras (lunar mansions), affecting the energy of each day and the overall emotional climate.

Each of the 27 nakshatras is associated with a specific deity and has its unique qualities and characteristics. Understanding the essence of each of the nakshatras and their unique and specific influence on you on the days that the Moon transits it, can help you plan ahead and know how its energies will affect you in the future.

Rituals in the align app also help you align and tap into its positive energies.

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9. Plan for Maximum Efficiency and Success

Plan your month effectively with align27’s calendar planner, highlighting new moons, full moons, and Chandrashtama periods, enabling you to schedule essential tasks and events on optimal days. Your Green Days and Golden Moments within that day are an additional resource to ensure you plan when you’re on top of your game.

Whether it’s initiating new projects under the waxing Moon or reflecting and releasing during the waning Moon, understanding these cycles can significantly enhance your personal and spiritual growth. Tithis offer additional guidance on auspicious times for various activities, from starting ventures to spiritual practices. By planning with the lunar cycles, you can optimize your actions for success and harmony, fully embracing the natural ebb and flow of life.