What cosmic body is more significant to life on earth than the moon? All 
plants and animals are entrained to their rhythm to the lunar cycles. For some, their germination, growth, and flowering entrain a particular phase of the moon of the lunar cycle. Hence, it’s not surprising the essence of these plants and their essential oil extraction, which possess their essence, would have subtle properties tied to the energy of the moon. Here, we’ll explore specifically essential oils for the New Moon.
Moon Worship
Many cultures since the beginning of time have worshiped the moon. Most initially gauged time and oriented their lives and livelihoods by it (e.g., fishing, hunting, agriculture) and the lunar cycle. A bright Full Moon could offer significant illumination for travel and other activities. A dark New Moon could be used to the advantage by hunters or warriors.
It’s no wonder the Moon holds a significant place in many origin stories, myths and fairytales, and spiritual views.
Symbolism of the Moon
Nearly every culture views the Moon as a symbol. It’s dynamic nature underscores its primary meaning: change. It’s notable influence in nature such as ocean tides suggests Moon energy is potent. And, the constant waxing and waning of light implies Moon energies are also changing according to the Moon cycle.
Essential Oils and Lunar Energy
Many essential oil subtle properities correspond well with the different phases of the Moon, their meaning, and related ceremonies created to take advantage of the current energy of the Moon.
More specifically, the it’s the intentions of the person that is paired with each Lunar Phase. For example, the Full Moon is a time to let go of what no longer serves you and the New Moon is a time for new beginnings. One lunar cycle plots out well the common theory of change.
Using subtle aromatherapy (energetic or vibrational attributes of essential oils) and essential oils’ effects on the mind, body, and spirit, specific essential oils are selected and used to support the intentions of each Moon phase and the associated ceremonies.
Complementary essential oils or blends can be diffused during the lunar phase or added to a lunar ritual, ceremony, or celebration.
What the New Moon Symbolizes
The New Moon is about beginnings. It’s a time to start a new activity, buy or invest in something new, change jobs, or adopt a new behavior (learn a skill, start a diet, etc). It’s also a good time to reflect on your true purpose and what new steps you can take toward that aim.
Because the New Moon is about beginnings and change, it is inherently hopeful, optimistic, and action-oriented. Filled with outward energy, the New Moon is yang in nature; although, one would hope not without some inward (yin) reflection.
Unfortunately, the outcome of change is uncertain, and this uncertainty can create some apprehension, insecurity, and anxiety. Thus, there are two sides to the New Moon. Each person and situation can possess a combination of hope and fear associated with a transition.
Essential Oils for the New Moon
When choosing essential oils for the New Moon and New Moon ceremonies, I look for those that release blockages and allow the transition to take place.
I also use those oils that cultivate openness, action, and enthusiasm toward new experiences; and calm and allay any reservations, fears or anxieties associated with change and the unknown.
Fundamental to the choice is the context and the mental and emotional status of the person making the transition or participating in a New Moon ceremony. Some essential oils that I frequently select are:
- Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum)
- Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
- Galbanum (Ferula galbaniflua)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
- Jasmine (Jasinum grandiflorum)
- Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha)
- Nutmeg (Myristica fragans)
- Orange (Citrus sinensis)
- Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
- Tangerine (Citrus reticulata blanco)
What New Moon Essential Oils Do
Cypress is a classic New Moon essential oil. It’s cleansing and grounding and creates a constructive atmosphere for evaluating choices. It’s particularly helpful with difficult or painful transitions because it instills inner strength and confidence, calms the mind and emotions, reduces anxiety, and uplifts the spirits.
Myrrh has many of the same attributes as cypress. It also unifies the chakra as well as spiritual elements and energies with the physical ones.
Tangerine and orange are also great choices. Both are uplifting and optimistic. They bring emotional vitality to transitions. Tangerine allows one to realize change without a great amount of anxiety, drama, or trauma. Orange helps one detach from drama, expel negativity, and feel confident and courageous. It releases negativity and draws in positive energy.
Nutmeg is similar to tangerine and orange in that it creates enthusiasm and an appetite for adventure. It releases the old energy, behavior, and thought patterns that are no longer of service, and prepares one for the new. It creates a welcoming foundation.
Galbanum sheds light on one’s life purpose and offers a new perspective. Cardamom encourages openness and a thirst for new ideas.
Ginger has a sharp, crisp fragrance like cardamon and it too creates drive and action and helps one overcome procrastination.
Several other essential oils may be appropriate where there is resistance to change. Jasmine, Frankincense (Bowellia cateri), and tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) create ease in transitions and reduce the fear and irritability that sometimes accompany change. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) promotes the flow of chi and encourages balance or rebalance following an adjustment.
Using the New Moon Essential Oil or Blend
First, How You Know A New Moon Is Approaching
A New Moon is when there is no visible Moon in the sky. It follows a Waning Moon and preceeds a Waxing Moon. There are two simple ways to determine if the New Moon is approaching.
- When the Moon is present at dawn, the Moon is waning and a New Moon is approaching.
- When the Moon’s dark or incomplete aspect on the right side and the Moon is darkening from right to left. This is the Waning Moon diminishing toward a New Moon. The opposite is true in the Southern Hemisphere: the Moon is incomplete on the left and darkens from left to right.
Using a New Moon Essential Oil Blend
How you’d use a New Moon blend varies with your beliefs and spiritual practices. Note that essential oils, essential oil blends, or dried herbs of the same plant or botanical species can all be added to the ceremonies.
It’s important to know the botanical name of the plant species because you want the specific healing properties of that species in particular. Check the properties of the essential oil because, despite being similar to the herb, there can be significant differences.
While dried herbs can be burnt along with traditional smudging herbs or sticks, essential oils should not be burnt. They can be diffused using a proper essential oil diffuser (see beginner’s guide to simple inexpensive diffusers).
New Moon Diffuser Oil
Diffuser oil can be added to any ceremonial space. Just a few drops of the blend will be sufficient because less is more when it comes to subtle aromatherapy.
However, a ceremony isn’t necessary. You can simply set an intention for the lunar phase, in this case the New Moon. Use the diffuser oils to match or complement the lunar energy of the New Moon. The blend can be diffused a couple of days before the lunar phase begins for preparation and a couple of days after for continuity.
Personal Inhalers With New Moon Blends
Personal Inhalers provide an easy, convenient way to carry the blend with you over a few days during the New Moon. The supportive scent can be inhaled wherever desired.
Essential oils can be added to ritual baths. Baths are often the ritual of choice with the moon because of the intrinsic relationship between the moon and water.
Make sure to use these wonderfully powerful natural substances safely. Choose the right essential oils, use only a few drops, and use a dispersant to ensure that the oils and water mix or emulsify. For more detailed instructions, see our blog post on using essential oils in the bath.
With or without a New Moon ceremony, always set a clear positive intention. Perhaps write the intention down and place it in a special place: in a Reiki box, under a crystal grid, or in some other special box or dish.
It doesn’t matter where you place it as long as the space is treated as a special place (or a sacred place) with a special or designated purpose.
Updated July 02, 2025
