Moon intentions: Exploring women’s psychospiritual growth through new moon rituals
Melissa Caicedo Farbman
Citation: Farbman, M. C. (2026). Moon intentions: Exploring women’s psychospiritual growth through new moon rituals. Journal of Ecopsychology, 6, 3, 1-12. https://joe.nationalwellbeingservice.com/volumes/volume-6-2026/volume-6-article-3/
Processing dates: Submitted 20th December 2025; Resubmitted: 16th July 2025; Accepted: 17th November 2025; Published: 5th February 2026
Generative AI statement: The author confirms that no Generative AI was used in the creation and development of this manuscript. All citations and references have been thoroughly checked by the authors.
Abstract
Moon rituals are ancient ecospiritual practices that are being reclaimed and readapted to support the daily lives of modern-day women, however little is understood about the impact of these sacred practices. This study investigates the psychospiritual effects of new moon intention-setting rituals on female practitioners. This research used an ethnographic qualitative approach to analyze and interview 15 women of various spiritual backgrounds, while combining the researcher’s own participatory observational experiences. In result, the data indicated that new moon rituals can support significant advantages. Furthermore, five major themes were discovered including 1) creating change and transformation, 2) increased positive mental health and well-being, 3) exploring femininity, 4) enhanced spiritual connection, and 5) community support. Overall, these findings suggest that connecting back to the cycles of nature through monthly moon rituals can be a therapeutic and empowering routine for women to envision and create the lives they desire.
Keywords: New Moon, Rituals, Women’s Spirituality, Ecopsychology, Mental Health, Psychospiritual
Biographies
Dr. Melissa Caicedo Farbman (Ph.D. Sofia University) is an adjunct faculty in the Psychology department at Sofia University (Palo Alto, CA). She holds degrees in Transpersonal Psychology and in Mental Health Counseling and combines spiritual methodologies
and wisdom traditions with modern psychological interventions into her therapy practice. Her research interests include ritual and ceremony, social media spirituality, transpersonal and nature-based interventions in mental health settings, and exploring women’s issues.
Email: melissafarbman3@gmail.com
https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5313-491X