Fasting at the New Moon vs. at the Full Moon: The Power of the Moon

Our grandmothers believed that the Moon could work miracles. It influenced the tides and, according to tradition, the fluids in our bodies, which are made up of 75% water!

Aligning our diet with the lunar phases gives us order, motivation and a sense of connection with nature.

Have you ever noticed that one day you feel like a goddess who ran up three floors with a finger in her nose, and the next day you wake up swollen, nauseous and wanting to eat the entire fridge? Maybe it's not your strong will that's to blame, but our faithful companion in the sky – the Moon.

Our bodies are 75% water. And if the moon can move the entire ocean and create tides, trust me, it can also exercise our inner „aquarium.“ After 50, when our hormones sometimes act like a roller coaster, aligning with the moon’s phases is the cheapest and most natural biohacking there is.

Let's see together how to use this celestial dance to our advantage without worrying about hunger.

The new moon is the phase when the moon is hidden. It is an energetic „zero point.“ The body is naturally set to getting rid of the old. It's the best time for a deep detox.

What happens to our body: During the new moon, the body has the greatest ability to get rid of toxins. The metabolism goes into a different gear. It is the ideal moment to say goodbye to all bad habits.

During the new moon, the moon "disappears" in the sky, and with it everything old seems to leave. Hormonally, we often feel lighter and we don't have such cravings, which makes the new moon an ideal partner for a reboot. Fasting during the new moon (new moon) is an ideal time for cleansing the body, when the body most easily eliminates harmful substances and regenerates. It is recommended to fast for 24 hours (or 12 hours before and after) only on water or herbal teas, or include a light diet (fruits, vegetables, juices). The new moon supports the start of a new cycle and detoxification.

• When to start: Lent begins at the exact moment of the new moon, when the Moon "disappears" from the sky.
• What to consume: It is best to drink only clean (ideally boiled) water, herbal teas or fresh fruit/vegetable juices.
• What to leave out: Avoid solid foods, alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and white flour.
• Recommended activities: Support cleansing with a sauna, lymphatic drainage or rest.
• Benefits: Accelerate metabolism, rid the body of toxins, prevent diseases and strengthen willpower. 

• 24-hour fast: If you feel like it, drink only plain water and herbal teas. If not, try a „liquid day“ – broths and vegetable juices.
• Herbs: Sage or dandelion will support the liver in its cleansing.
• Psyche: The New Moon is a time for visions. Sit down in a chair with a hot cup of tea and write down what you want to accomplish in the next month. Do you want to lose two pounds? Do you want to finally start that new course? Now is the moment when the universe hears it the most.

The full moon is the exact opposite. It's a peak, an explosion of energy, but also a phase when the body soaks up everything. At this time, we're like sponges - both the good stuff (vitamins) and the bad stuff (sugars and fats) are stored twice as fast.

The full moon is the peak of the cycle. You may be sleeping worse or feeling hungrier (you’re not alone, experts confirm this!). The body is like a sponge in this phase – During the full moon, the body is in „suck-up“ mode. Everything you put into it will be used 100% %. so that the body uses all this „suck-up“ capacity for quality micronutrients (vitamins), and not for storing fats and sugars, which it would store doubly heavily during the full moon. It is recommended to drink plenty of water or fruit/vegetable juices and rest.

• Timing: It is ideal to fast (or have a light day) directly on the day of the full moon, or 12 hours before and 12 hours after.
• Cleansing: The goal is to ease digestion and rid the body of toxins that accumulate during the full moon.
• What to eat/drink: Pure water, herbal teas, fruit and vegetable juices.
• Recommendation: If fasting all day is too challenging, try eating only fruits, vegetables, or light meals (rice, vegetable broths).
• Watch out for stress: According to experts, it is not advisable to fast when stressed. 
• Drainage: Drink nettle tea, it will help flush out the excess water that makes it hard to button your favorite jeans.

The full moon is the perfect time to start healthier eating habits. Most full moon fasts focus on easy digestion and cleansing. 

• How to do it: You don't have to fast hard here, just lighten up. Fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, or light salads are great.
• When to start? If the full moon is in the morning, fast that day. If it is in the afternoon or evening, leave the day of purification until the following day.
• Movement: The full moon encourages an energy boost – go for a longer walk, do some yoga, or treat yourself to a lymphatic massage to help with swelling.

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1. When the Moon waxes (letter D shape – Growing): The body is building, getting stronger and storing. It is time to replenish magnesium, calcium and vitamins. Exercise has the greatest effect on muscles. Be careful not to "settle" on the pounds. The body stores more, so avoid sweets, white flour and heavy fats.
2. When the Moon wanes (C-shape – Backs away): The body releases energy. You can eat a little more and the weight will come off easier. It is the best time for peelings, massages and everything that needs to come out of the body. This is our favorite phase! The body digests better, the metabolism runs at full speed and cravings decrease. You can even indulge in something „sinful“ in moderation.

Remember that the Moon is a feminine element. Her greatest strength is not to force things, but to let them flow. If you don't feel like fasting on a given day, don't force yourself into it. Sometimes it's enough to just stop rushing, notice the trees around you, and listen to what your body is telling you.

Every unpleasant emotion that surfaces these days is there only to let go and make room for something better.

The Moon and Earth are like two old friends dancing an endless waltz together. The forces that operate between them may still be a bit of a mystery to science, but those of us who trust facts and intuition more than mere impressions know our stuff. The Moon rules the oceans, controlling the tides… and since our bodies are made of 75 % water, it’s clear that this silver guide has a hand in how we feel.

On this night, the Moon shines brightest and we feel it in every cell. It is a time when everything is „more.“ The tides are strongest, emotions are more intense, and we can sometimes feel a little „off.“.

• Sensitive areas: Old scars, joints, or backs may become louder. What normally hurts us likes to stick out its claws during the full moon.
• Beware of sparking: Irritability and restlessness are common these days. It is better to avoid heated discussions, so that thunder and lightning do not fly unnecessarily.
• Sleep under scrutiny: The light of the Moon can inhibit our „sleep“ hormone melatonin. If you’re tossing and turning, try making a fragrant Ayurvedic tea – it's a caress in a cup.

What is a full moon a star for? It's a time of fertility and new beginnings. It's said that maternity hospitals are busy and mostly boys are born! But for us "big girls" it's mainly perfect day for a cleanse. Take a break from the fridge, stock up on fresh juices and let your body breathe. You will feel lighter than a feather.

As soon as the Moon starts to reverse, it's as if a boulder has fallen from us. It's a period of exhalation.

• Energy to give away: Exercise, movement, and housework will become effortless for you.
• Body is fine: We can even treat ourselves to something good to eat without the scale immediately frowning at us.
• Vitality tip: If you still feel tired, reach for spirulina or other green wonders. They will give you the right "kick".

The new moon is a quiet, magical moment. While the full moon soothes the body, the new moon speaks to our minds.

• New me: Do you want to quit smoking or try a one-day fast? Now is the time! Metabolism is running at full speed and the body is getting rid of everything old and unnecessary. It's space for growth, a clean slate.

The body now works like a sponge – it absorbs everything good (even the less good) with double the force.

• Love for the skin: Perfect time for nourishing masks and serums. Your skin will thank you!
• Watch out for the bites: Everyone likes to stock up on cookies now, so let's be vigilant. Wounds heal more slowly during this period, so be careful with yourself.

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And how are you? Do you feel the approaching full moon in your bones, or are you at peace? Do the lunar phases affect your daily functioning?

And will you try the next new moon with me? I'm going for it! I have to 😉

Yours, Daniela

Life crossroads: ASC, DSC, MC and IC – pillars of the horoscope