Overview
#WaningMoon refers to spiritual practices aligned with moon phases: releasing, letting go, banishing rituals. Moon rituals became mainstream through Instagram witchcraft, astrology communities, and wellness influencers who integrated lunar cycles into self-care routines.
Practice Details
Rituals often include journaling, candle work, crystal charging, meditation, and intention-setting. New moon for manifestation, full moon for release and gratitude. The practice merges astrology (moon in zodiac signs), witchcraft, and manifestation culture.
Commercial Growth
Moon phase calendars, ritual kits, and lunar-themed products flooded Etsy, Urban Outfitters, and wellness brands. Apps like Co-Star and Sanctuary send moon phase notifications. Influencers like @thedailyhoroscope and @moonmessages built communities around lunar living.
Criticism
Skeptics note lack of scientific basis beyond tidal effects. Indigenous people and traditional practitioners critique appropriation of closed spiritual practices stripped of cultural context and sold as aesthetic self-care.
Sources
- Instagram moon ritual content 2013-2023
- The Atlantic: “The Mainstreaming of Witchcraft” (2020)
- Etsy moon ritual market data