Witchy, Moody, and Cosmic: A Playlist for Every Phase of the Moon
he moon pulls at more than tides. Its phases shape energy, emotion, intention—and yes, playlists. Whether you're lighting a candle on a new moon or dancing it out under a full one, music can help us lean into what the lunar cycle stirs up in us. Here’s a curated guide to aligning your listening with the moon’s rhythm. These shifts are called moon phases. The eight lunar phases are, in order: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. For simplicity, we’ve grouped them into four key moments with aligned mood and music.
New Moon (and Waxing Crescent) – Intention & Shadow Work
This is the beginning. The dark moon. A time to go inward, ask questions, and get honest with yourself about what you’re ready to call in—or let go of. These songs hold space for stillness, reflection, and truth.
Track Vibes: sparse arrangements, quiet intensity, dreamy
Playlist Includes:
- “Silent All These Years” – Tori Amos
- “Cassandra” – Florence + The Machine
- “Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have” – Lana Del Rey
- “Night Shift” – Lucy Dacus
- “Wild Time” – Weyes Blood
- “Show Me Love” – Tash Sultana
- “Forgiveness” – Patty Griffin
- “He Loves Me” – Brittany Howard
First Quarter (and Waxing Gibbous) – Build & Reclaim
Energy is rising. You’ve set your intentions—now’s the time to make moves. These songs push through hesitation and invite action, momentum, and voice.
Track Vibes: bold indie rock, rhythmic pop, defiant lyrics
Playlist Includes:
- “Rebel Girl” – Bikini Kill
- “Black Girl Soldier” – Jamila Woods
- “Broken Horses” – Brandi Carlile
- “My Name Isn’t Katherine” – Leith Ross
- “Self Control” – Laura Mvula
- “Pynk” – Janelle Monáe (feat. Grimes)
Full Moon (and Waning Gibbous) – Release & Radiance
This is your shine. The full moon is a time of heightened emotion, illumination, and letting it all out—good, messy, powerful. These songs are for open windows, catharsis, barefoot dancing, and wild release.
Track Vibes: soaring vocals, layered soundscapes, emotional crescendo
Playlist Includes:
- “Dancing Barefoot” – Patti Smith
- “Sisters of the Moon” – Fleetwood Mac (Stevie Nicks)
- “Running Up That Hill” – Kate Bush
- “Wanna Be” – Brittney Spencer
- “Ghost” – Indigo De Souza
- “You Don’t Own Me” – Lesley Gore
Third Quarter (and Waning Crescent) – Reflection & Letting Go
Time to exhale. This final stretch of the moon cycle asks us to release what didn’t work and prepare to start again. These songs soothe, ground, and guide you back to center.
Track Vibes: warm acoustic tones, honest vocals, gentle pacing
Playlist Includes:
- “The Circle Game” – Joni Mitchell
- “Let Her Go” – Joy Oladokun
- “Swan Dive” – Ani DiFranco
- “Borderline” – Solange
- “The Feast of Saint Valentine” – Natalie Merchant
- “Starlight” – Yola
- “The Trick Is to Keep Breathing” – Garbage
