WAX & WANE

Author: Bonniebrook Okwei

  • New Moon May 26

    New Moon May 26

    The May new moon marks the beginning of summer’s abundance. This special moon phase arrives just as spring flowers reach full bloom. Nature reminds us that periods of quiet growth lead to beautiful results.

    Take time today to reflect on your own season of growth. The warming weather invites fresh starts and new directions. Your dreams and goals can flourish with intentional nurturing.

    Journal Prompts for Reflection

    • What three things are you most grateful for in this current season of life?
    • Name one area where you’ve seen personal growth in the past month.
    • What would you like to accomplish by the next new moon?
    • Write about a challenge you faced recently. How did you overcome it?
    • List three qualities you’d like to develop or strengthen.

    Gratitude Exercise

    Take a moment to write down five blessings in your life. They can be simple things like a warm cup of coffee or bigger things like good health. Focus on the feeling of appreciation as you write each one.

    Vision Setting

    Picture your life three months from now. Write down what you hope to see, feel, and experience. Be specific about the positive changes you want to make. Remember that small steps lead to big transformations.

    Action Steps

    Choose one goal to focus on this month. Break it down into three smaller, manageable tasks. Write these tasks in order of priority. Consider what resources or support you might need to accomplish them.

    Words of Encouragement

    Growth takes time and patience. You don’t need to have everything figured out right now. Focus on progress rather than perfection. Your dedication to personal development matters more than speed.

    <aside> Remember: Every new beginning holds special promise. Your intentions and efforts today shape your tomorrow.

    </aside>

    Closing Reflection

    End your journaling session by writing down one positive affirmation for the month ahead. Keep it simple, personal, and meaningful to you. This statement can serve as your anchor when you need encouragement.

    Return to these journal entries throughout the month to track your progress. Your growth journey is unique and valuable. Every small step forward counts.

  • 3rd Quarter Moon  May 20

    3rd Quarter Moon May 20

    This Third Quarter Moon arrives during the peak of spring flower season. May brings warmth, new growth, and fresh opportunities. The moon’s light falls on gardens bursting with color and life.

    This particular moon phase holds special meaning because it arrives just after the peak of the Eta Aquarid meteor shower. The night sky has been filled with celestial wonders. Nature displays its most spectacular beauty during this time.

    Journal Prompts

    • What positive changes have appeared in your life this spring?
    • Which goals feel ready to move forward with?
    • What habits or thoughts are you ready to let go of?
    • How can you prepare yourself for new opportunities?

    Take time to sit quietly and reflect on these questions. Find a peaceful spot where you can see the evening sky. Let your mind settle before you begin writing.

    Growth Check-In

    Think about the seeds you planted earlier this spring. Some may have sprouted while others need more time. Write down three things that are growing well in your life right now.

    Consider what needs extra care or attention. Just as a garden needs regular tending, our goals and dreams need consistent effort. List two actions you can take this week to nurture your progress.

    Looking Forward

    The coming weeks bring even more growth and change. Summer approaches with its warm days and bright possibilities. Think about what you want to achieve by then.

    Write down your main priority for the next month. Keep your focus simple and clear. Break this goal into small, manageable steps.

    <aside> Remember: Growth happens one small step at a time. Trust your journey and keep moving forward.

    </aside>

    Action Steps

    • Choose one area of your life to focus on this week
    • Write down three small actions you can take
    • Plan how you’ll track your progress

    Close your journal time by writing a letter to yourself. Share your hopes for the coming weeks. Include words of encouragement that you can read when you need inspiration.

  • Full Flower Moon May 4th

    Full Flower Moon May 4th

    The Full Flower Moon arrives in May when spring reaches its fullest expression. Gardens burst with new life, and wild meadows show their brightest colors. This moon marks the time when nature displays its most spectacular beauty. It reminds us to pause and notice the small wonders around us.

    This particular moon holds special meaning because it arrives during peak bloom season. Fruit trees display their delicate petals. Garden flowers open their faces to the sun. Even the smallest wildflowers make their presence known along roadsides and forest paths.

    Take Time to Notice

    Find a quiet spot outside during the evening of May 12. Look around at the natural world as the moon rises. Notice which flowers have opened in your area. Pay attention to the subtle changes in your garden or neighborhood.

    Journal Prompts

    • What positive changes are starting to show up in your life?
    • Which dreams or hopes feel ready to bloom?
    • How can you help nurture growth in yourself and others?
    • What new beginnings would you like to celebrate?

    Like flowers opening one petal at a time, personal growth happens gradually. Some changes appear suddenly, while others develop slowly over time. Every small step forward matters, just as every flower adds to the beauty of spring.

    Looking Forward

    Consider what you want to accomplish by the next Full Flower Moon. Write down three specific goals you’d like to achieve. Think about what steps you can take to move closer to these goals.

    Gratitude Practice

    List five things currently blooming in your life. These can be relationships, projects, personal growth, or actual flowers in your garden. Express thankfulness for each item on your list.

    <aside> Remember: Just as flowers bloom in their own time, your journey unfolds at its perfect pace. Trust the process of growth.

    </aside>

    Action Steps

    • Choose one area of your life where you want to see growth
    • Write down three small actions you can take this month
    • Plan how you’ll celebrate your progress

    Close your journal time by writing a letter to yourself. Share your hopes for the coming month. Include words of encouragement and reminder of your strength. Keep this letter where you can read it when you need inspiration.

  • 1st Quarter Moon May 4th

    1st Quarter Moon May 4th

    The first quarter moon of May 2025 arrives during a special time of renewal. Spring is in full bloom, and nature is bursting with fresh energy. This moon phase marks the midpoint between planting season and the abundant harvests of summer.

    Take a moment to reflect on your progress since the start of spring. What seeds of change have you planted in your life? What fresh starts have taken root? Write down three specific ways you’ve grown or changed since March.

    May’s first quarter moon brings a surge of creative energy. The timing is perfect for turning dreams into plans. Think about one goal that fills you with excitement. What small steps could you take this week to move closer to that goal?

    This particular first quarter moon falls on a Sunday, traditionally a day of rest and reflection. The weekend timing offers a perfect pause to plan the month ahead. Consider how you might use this natural momentum to push past any obstacles in your path.

    Journal Prompts:

    • What makes you feel most alive right now?
    • Name three things you’re ready to grow or develop in your life.
    • What old habits or thoughts are you ready to release?
    • Write down one promise you want to make to yourself.
    • List three actions you can take this week to move toward your goals.

    As you write, focus on gratitude for your current blessings. Think about the good things already present in your life. Consider how these existing blessings can support your future growth.

    Remember that change happens one small step at a time. You don’t need to have everything figured out today. Simply plant your intentions like seeds, and trust in steady progress.

    Quick Reflection Exercise: Close your eyes for a moment. Picture yourself three months from now, in August. What positive changes do you see? Write down the first three images or thoughts that come to mind.

    Take time to review your written thoughts tomorrow morning. Sometimes our clearest insights come after a good night’s rest. Keep this journal entry where you can see it daily as a gentle reminder of your intentions.

    May this time of reflection help guide your next steps forward. Your dreams matter. Your goals matter. Your growth matters. Trust in the perfect timing of your journey.

  • Eta Aquarids May 5 & 6

    Eta Aquarids May 5 & 6

    The Eta Aquarids meteor shower brings us something extraordinary – pieces of Halley’s Comet. This famous comet only visits Earth every 76 years. But twice each year, we can see its remnants as meteor showers. The Eta Aquarids in May is our first chance to witness this celestial connection.

    Edmund Halley discovered this comet’s pattern in 1705. He showed us how God’s creation follows perfect mathematical designs. The same particles that create these beautiful streaks of light have been part of our solar system since its beginning. They remind us of God’s endless creativity and the magnificent scale of His universe.

    The Eta Aquarids are special because they’re best viewed in the pre-dawn hours. This timing gives us a quiet moment for reflection before the world wakes up. The stillness of early morning allows us to focus on God’s presence and listen for His guidance.

    Journal Prompts

    • What long-term hopes do you carry, like Halley’s Comet carrying its light across decades?
    • How has God’s timing surprised you with unexpected blessings?
    • What dreams feel distant right now, like a comet far away in space?
    • How can you use this moment of quiet reflection to draw closer to God?

    <aside> Scripture for Reflection: “When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them?” – Psalm 8:3-4

    </aside>

    Take time to write your answers thoughtfully in the peaceful morning hours. Sometimes God speaks most clearly in these quiet moments under His vast sky. Consider how His perfect design includes both things we see daily and rare wonders like this meteor shower.

    Think about the patience needed to track a comet across generations. Consider how this relates to your own journey of faith and growth. Remember that just as these meteors briefly light up the sky, we too can shine God’s light in our corner of the world.

    Close your journal time with a prayer of thanksgiving. Thank God for creating such wonders in the sky and for giving us the ability to predict and appreciate them. Write down any insights or commitments He places on your heart during this special time.

  • Lyrids April 21 & 22

    Lyrids April 21 & 22

    The Lyrid meteor shower arrives each year in April, bringing light and wonder to the spring sky. This meteor shower has been documented for over 2,600 years, making it one of the oldest known meteor showers. The ancient Chinese first recorded this beautiful display in 687 BC. Tonight we can witness the same celestial beauty that has inspired people for generations.

    The Lyrids are special because they often produce bright meteors with long trails that last for several seconds. These meteors appear to come from the constellation Lyra, which contains the bright star Vega. This reminds us of God’s promise in Genesis 15:5, where He told Abraham to look up at the heavens and count the stars.

    As you prepare to witness this display, find a quiet spot where you can see the night sky clearly. Take a few deep breaths and let your eyes adjust to the darkness. Write down your thoughts about the following questions.

    Journal Prompts

    • What goals or dreams have been on your heart lately?
    • What would you like to achieve by the next Lyrid meteor shower?
    • What things are you most grateful for right now?
    • How can you use this moment of reflection to bring more light into someone else’s life?

    Take time to write your answers thoughtfully. The quiet moments under the stars can bring clarity to our thoughts. Sometimes the best insights come when we pause to appreciate the wonders above us.

    Remember that just as each meteor leaves a bright trail across the sky, we too can leave positive marks on the world. Think about the impact you want to make.

    Close your journal entry with a prayer of gratitude. Be thankful for the beauty of creation and for giving us moments like these to pause and reflect. Write down any final thoughts or commitments you’d like to make.

  • New Moon April 27th

    New Moon April 27th

    The new moon on April 27th, 2025, marks a special time of natural renewal. Spring peaks during this period, bringing fresh energy to our world. The timing of this moon phase creates perfect conditions for reflection and goal-setting.

    This particular new moon coincides with several natural phenomena that make it remarkable. Birds are especially active during this time as they follow their migration patterns. The Earth’s soil reaches optimal conditions for new growth, and the tides show unique patterns.

    Let’s use this time of natural renewal to reflect on our own growth journey. Take a moment to find a quiet space with your journal. These prompts will help guide your thoughts and prayers as you plan for the month ahead.

    Reflection Questions

    • What seeds of positive change do I want to plant in my life right now?
    • How can I better serve my family and community this month?
    • What habits would help me grow closer to God?
    • Which areas of my life need more attention and care?
    • What blessings am I grateful for today?

    Goal Setting

    Write down three specific goals for the next month. Keep them simple and achievable. Think about what steps you’ll need to take to reach these goals.

    Consider areas like:

    • Personal growth
    • Family relationships
    • Work or studies
    • Health and well-being
    • Faith and spiritual growth

    Prayer Focus

    Take time to pray about your goals and dreams. Ask for guidance and wisdom as you move forward. Write down any insights or scripture verses that come to mind during this time.

    Action Steps

    List three small actions you can take this week to move toward your goals. Keep these actions practical and manageable. Remember that small steps lead to big changes.

    Gratitude

    End your journal time by writing down five things you’re thankful for. Include both big and small blessings. This practice helps maintain a positive perspective as you work toward your goals.

    Remember that growth takes time, just like the natural cycles we see in creation. Be patient with yourself as you work toward positive change. Keep your written goals where you can review them regularly throughout the month.