Wellbeing Journal
FIND OUR WHY THIS IS OUR MOST-LOVED DAY CREAM FOR OVER 25 YEARS*
With a luxuriously rich texture and 97% natural origin ingredients** that help replenish moisture and protect skin from environmental aggressors, it’s no wonder Moisture Replenishing Day Cream has become one of your most-loved products and skincare essentials. This moisture-boosting cream quickly became a Jurlique bestseller, garnering hundreds of 5-star reviews over 25 years*. But what makes this day cream so special? Here is what a few of you had to say…. “Love it and nothing can compare! Love this moisturiser and have been using it for more than a decade. I have a combination skin type. I’m in my late forties and the richness of the moisturiser still keeps my skin moisturised, hydrated and supple all day long. Will continue to use it for many more years to come.” - Mellany C “Luxury, comfort. This cream evokes such a comforting feeling, not only on my skin but also my senses. The smell is so calming, the way the cream is cool and then melts refreshingly into your skin. Just makes all my worries vanish and all is right in my world, seriously that’s what it does for me” - Robyn S. “My ‘friend’ forever. I am just over 60 and have been using this product for over 2 years now, thanks to a birthday gift from my dear friend who introduced me to it. To keep my skin moisturised, I use a tiny amount of this cream (in comparison to others). The cream and I are now inseparable” - Leena “The only cream you will ever need! I have been using this moisturiser for 20 years since I used to sneak it from my mum! I have used other moisturisers but ALWAYS come back to this one. It’s the only cream my skin actually absorbs. Has and always will be perfect.” - Christina K Why our beauty experts love Moisture Replenishing Day Cream We caught up with our favourite beauty experts to find out why Moisture Replenishing Day Cream is their go-to moisture-booster. “It’s the best protective moisturizer I’ve ever used. My go to cream on cold, winter mornings when I need an extra layer of clothing and skincare” – Rebecca Nicholls “My mum loves the MRDC. This is her go to moisturizer since she has had many rounds of Chemotherapy. Her skin has dried out so much, she loves how this nourishing cream melts into her skin and leaves it feeling comfortable, glowing, and protected” – Elena J*Launched in 1993 as Day Care Face Cream ** Based on ISO 16128-1 and ISO 16128-2 (including formulation water)
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WHEN TO USE A MASK IN YOUR SKINCARE RITUAL
Masks are the perfect way to step up your skincare ritual, providing the skin with an intense treatment to help tackle an array of skin concerns. While bringing life back to lacklustre skin, masks are also the perfect way to unwind with a little self-care ritual. Here are our top mask treatment tips and ritual ideas. TIP 1: Take a look at your skin and consider what is your primary concern. Is your skin dry and dehydrated? Is it tired and dull? Is it red and sensitive? TIP 2: Select a mask that will help address your skincare concern, whether a mask that soothes and calms, smooths the skin’s texture or deeply hydrates. TIP 3: Always apply a face mask to clean, dry skin, makeup-free skin. RITUAL 1: EXPRESS TREATMENT In need of a moisture boost? Jurlique’s Hydrating Mask can be used during the day as an express 10-minute treatment for an instant boost in hydration. Use as a quick treatment after completing the steps of your morning or evening skincare ritual. Alternatively, apply the mask throughout the day, whether sitting at your desk, relaxing in front of the TV or indulging in a candlelit bath. RITUAL 2: OVERNIGHT TREATMENT For the ultimate hydrating results, use as an indulgent overnight treatment. Take the opportunity to elevate your self-care ritual by taking all the necessary skincare steps. Ritual Tip: Cleanse your face, apply a balancing mist, serum, face oil and moisturiser followed by your overnight Hydrating Mask. RITUAL 3: EVENT PREPARATION If you have a special occasion or event, Jurlique’s Hydrating Mask is ideal for a glow-boosting dose of hydration. Use as the hydrating final step in your skincare ritual to lock in moisture for dewy, smooth and radiant skin. Whether you are looking for a radiance quick fix, an intense moisture boost or glowing, hydrated skin for your next big event, Jurlique’s Hydrating Mask is the perfect way to elevate your skincare ritual Discover instant hydration with our Hydrating Mask
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AN ECO-FRIENDLY PACKAGING RENOVATION
The Rare Rose range marks the start of an eco-friendly packaging makeover with up to 94% recyclable packaging. All cartons are locally produced, made with certified sustainable materials that are 100% kerbside recyclable. Our frosted and translucent Rare Rose bottles are 100% recyclable, made using recycled content, while our droppers, pumps, caps and tubes are recyclable in-store via Terracycle. While the beauty and skincare industries are taking strides towards sustainability, we all have a part to play. Opening up your bathroom cabinet, you will undoubtedly find a collection of bottles, tubes and bottles lining its shelves. So what can we do to limit waste and protect our earth? This is our eco-savvy guide to recycling and reusing your beauty and skincare products. Check the label A quick way to understand if your skin and beauty products are recyclable is by checking the label. The most common recycling symbol is the Mobius loop, which appears as a triangle with three arrows moving in a clockwise direction. Typically, coloured arrows indicate that a product is recyclable, while clear arrows indicate that products are conditionally recyclable and should be returned in-store for recycling. Check the colour For glass bottles and containers, another way to gauge the product's recyclability is to look at its colour. Containers that are transparent, brown or green are the preferred colours when recycling glass. Check your local council to see what can be recycled Knowing when and what to recycle can be a bit of a minefield, with each country, state and council having different guidelines. Stay savvy with what you can and can’t recycle by visiting your local council or Environment Protection Authority website. Here you can find information on household recycling, waste reduction initiatives and return and earn schemes. Check out TerraCycle Recycling is a complex process, with some recyclable materials not considered profitable ending up in landfills. Leading the charge in recycling hard-to-recycle materials is TerraCycle, which is on a global mission to eliminate the idea of waste. Collaborating with big companies across the globe, Terracycle is widely known for its innovative solutions in combating waste. Jurlique alone has recycled 150,000 pieces of empty packaging via TerraCycle since 2018. So what do you need to do to join the zero-waste revolution? Join Jurlique’s free recycling program with Terracycle and simply return your packaging in-store or download a free shipping label to ship your used Jurlique products to TerraCycle, and they will recycle them.
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HOW TO REVEAL RADIANT SKIN WITH JURLIQUE RARE ROSE EXTRACT
For thousands of years, the rose has been one of the most iconic flowers in the world. Favoured for its beautiful fragrance and known for its unique healing properties, the rose remains a favourite in the beauty and skincare industry today. Jurlique has cultivated roses in the pristine Adelaide Hills for over 35 years. Developed in collaboration with renowned rose breeder George Thomson, our exclusive Jurlique rose is a hybrid of 3 different rose breeds with a large, soft pink flower, delicate scent and powerful botanical benefits. Selected as the star ingredient of our Rare Rose range, the Jurlique Rose helps provide superior hydration throughout the day. Over the years, Jurlique has developed advanced technology methods to capture and magnify the unique properties of our Rare Rose. Discover the Supercritical CO2 Extraction method Clean, free of chemicals and more sustainable than other methods, the Supercritical CO2 method uses innovative technology to separate additional plant components at a higher concentration while also capturing the plant's fragrance components. Using this method, we are now able to capture a higher concentration of the Rare Rose powerful extract that has been proven to improve skin barrier function and help retain essential moisture while restoring suppleness and elasticity for plump, smooth and glowing skin. And for the first time, its delicate rose fragrance has been proven to help reduce the effects of the stress hormone cortisol, helping to calm the body and mind. Discover Jurlique’s Exclusive Bio-Intrinsic™ method Exclusive to Jurlique, this three-step process extracts and recombines high‐performing ingredients from our dried botanicals to further intensify their skin benefits. Using an ancient alchemistic process of purification, intensification and ashing, components are extracted and reunited to create a high-potency extract for maximum skincare benefits. Rose Droplet Technology The hydrating benefits of rose extract are taken a step further with Jurlique's breakthrough delivery system. Rose Oil extract is encapsulated deep into the core of a natural cellulose microcapsule delivery system (Microsponge™). And when these microcapsules make contact with the skin, they slowly release the Jurlique Rose extract, allowing it to boost and maintain moisture levels and radiance over 24 hours. Rare Rose Ritual The Rare Rose ritual harnesses the power of Jurlique's exclusive Rare Rose extract to deliver long-lasting hydration for glowing, supple and silky-smooth skin. Begin your Rare Rose Ritual with Rare Rose Serum, following with our brand new superpowered Rare Rose Face Oil. This glow-boosting face oil helps relax the mind while leaving skin hydrated, soft and glowing. For an extra-boost of moisture, follow with lightweight lotion or luxurious Rare Rose Cream that uses Rose Droplet technology to provide long-lasting hydration. As a final step in your Rare Rose Ritual, use Jurlique's new Hydrating Mask for the perfect express or overnight self-care treatment, providing skin with an intense boost of hydration and radiance.*Based on an in vitro study conducted by POLA Chemicals of the intercellular adhesion in HLEC and HUVEC. **Based on an in vivo study conducted by POLA Chemicals of the cortisol level in saliva before and after smelling the fragrance based on 32 participants.
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GIVING BACK TO NATURE THE MIYAWAKI WAY
At Jurlique, nature is at the heart of everything we do. We embrace a regenerative approach, following biodynamic* practices and farming in the most sustainable way possible to ensure we always give more back to the land than we take from it. 9 September 2022 will mark the 11th annual Tree Planting Day on Jurlique's pristine farm in the Adelaide Hills. Through our collaboration with Adelaide University, experimenting with best practices for rapid urban greening and biodiversity, this year, we are taking an exciting new approach to Tree Planting Day. The Jurlique team will plant a mini-forest, the first of its kind in South Australia, following the Miyawaki Method, a unique reforestation concept devised by Akira Miyawaki. Who is Akira Miyawaki? Akira Miyawaki was a Japanese botanist and winner of the Blue Planet, best known as an expert in plant ecology, specialising in seeds and the study of natural forests. Miyawaki observed how the trees that grew traditionally around shrines, temples, and cemeteries in Japan were native species while the vast majority of trees had been introduced by foresters to produce timber. Calculating that just 0.06% of Japanese forests were indigenous, Miyawaki pondered the consequences of the change in composition and structure of local forests What is the Miyawaki Method? By applying a concept known as potential natural vegetation, Miyawaki developed a method of ecological engineering known as the "Miyawaki Method" to help restore native forests from seeds of indigenous trees. In planting forests across Japan, Miyawaki was able to show how rapid restoration of forest cover and soil restoration was possible. These mini-forests grow ten times faster than conventional forests, generating 100 times more biodiversity, helping to cool urban heat islands, establish wildlife corridors, build soil health, sequester carbon, create pollinator habitats, and more. Jurlique’s Mini-Forest This Tree Planting Day, Jurlique's new mini-forest will cover approximately 300 square metres, hosting over 1000 native plants that will sequester more than 250 kilograms of CO2 per year, the equivalent amount of CO2 emitted driving from Adelaide to Sydney. Ways to reduce your carbon footprint Join us this Tree Planting Day by helping to curb your carbon footprint and making these simple changes: Use reusable bags when shopping Buy organic, local and seasonal food Compost food waste Walk or cycle instead of driving Buy vintage or opt for slow fashion labels Wash clothing in cold water Replace incandescent with LED lightbulbs Take shorter showers
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RITUALS FOR APPLYING RARE ROSE FACE OIL
Skincare is far more than its list of benefits. It's about cultivating a moment of calm in a busy day by creating a skincare ritual that not only enhances a product's benefits but helps to relax the mind and body. Rare Rose Face Oil is the perfect skincare ritual companion. Infused with natural oils to help moisturise and balance skin and exclusive Jurlique Rose Extract to restore suppleness and elasticity, Rare Rose Face Oil helps hydrate and restore the skin's natural glow, while its delicate rose scent helps lower cortisol levels and relieve stress. Discover our top two ways to use Rare Rose Face Oil and convert your ordinary skincare routine into a relaxing self-care ritual. GLOW-BOOSTING RITUAL Our glow-boosting ritual uses techniques that calm the mind while helping reveal your skin’s natural glow. STEP 1. Activate Microcirculation With Jacquet Pinch Technique Start your ritual by activating microcirculation and awakening the skin using the Jacquet Pinch Technique. Using a pinching and kneading movement, work upwards and outwards, smoothing fingers across the skin to finish. Then, gently warm 6 drops of Rare Rose Face Oil in the palms of your hands. STEP 2. Breath In The Relaxing Rose Scent Raise your hands gently to your face, and breathe in the relaxing rose scent to help destress and calm the mind. Then apply Rare Rose Face Oil using Effleurage movements by pressing the flat of your hand from forehead to neck. Repeat this 3 times for optimal absorption. STEP 3. Finish With Butterfly Wings Effleurage Complete your glow-boosting ritual with Butterfly Wings Effleurage by using a light touch as you flutter spread fingertips gently over your face. RESTORE & RELAX RITUAL Our restore and relax ritual uses Rare Rose Face Oil with Acupressure Point therapy—a traditional Ayurvedic massage technique—and controlled breathing to help alleviate stress and calm the mind and body. STEP 1. Breath In The Relaxing Rose Scent Begin this restorative ritual by applying 6 drops of Rare Rose Face Oil to your palms and gently warm. Raise hands to the face and breathe in the relaxing rose scent to help relieve stress. Start to apply face oil by gently pressing your fingers tips, from your forehead down to your cheeks and chin. STEP 2. Activate Acupressure points With Controlled Breathing Acupressure points are energy points in the body used for healing in Ayurveda. In this step, you will begin by slowing inhaling for 4 seconds and exhaling for 4 seconds, bringing awareness to your breath. Continue breathing as you activate your acupressure points, firmly pressing your third eye, forehead, temples and the front of your ears with your fingers. Then move to your cupid’s bow, chin and sternum. Complete your ritual by pressing in Rare Rose Face Oil with the flat of your hand, repeating 3 times for optimal absorption.
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AROMATHERAPY & SELF-CARE
Aromatherapy can act as a powerful self-care tool that can help ignite the senses and enhance our wellbeing. Essential oils each hold unique properties which can benefit our mental and physical health, working to calm the mind, stimulate the senses and reinvigorate the body. To learn more about aromatherapy's nurturing benefits, we caught up with Pat Princi-Jones, author of A Scented Life: Aromatherapy Reimagined, and aromatherapy specialist and beauty and wellness consultant Mirella Chiodo. What is Aromatherapy? Aromatherapy is essential oil therapy. It is the use of essential oils in a variety of applications, including inhalation and massage, to promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Aromatherapy is a therapy that uses aroma to engage the senses. It engages both the sense of touch and smell and is an essential component of wellness. It is a return to nature that allows us to reset and refresh aspects of our lives through the power of aroma. Essential oils are the working tools of aromatherapy. They are super strong, concentrated liquids from specific plant parts such as petals, citrus peels, roots, stems, woods, grasses, and resins. Essential oils have inherent properties. Some are sedating, balancing andrelaxing. Discover Jurlique’s range of aromatherapy essential oils What specific fragrances give you a different result? Essential oils can be grouped into four common fragrance families. Citrus (Sweet Orange, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lemon, Mandarin) are usually as vibrant and uplifting as the fruit they come from. They are cleansing, uplifting, joyful and have an unmistakable freshness. A word of caution: Avoid exposure to sun 12 hours after application to the skin Herbs (Lemongrass, Peppermint, Rosemary, Clary Sage, Marjoram) tend to be very stimulating and activating. They are used to detox mind and body and can kick start your day. They offer a reviving lift. A word of caution: Use sparingly on the skin. Check manufacturer’s warnings for pregnancy, infants, and toddlers. Woods (Eucalyptus, Frankincense, Tea Tree, Cedarwood, Sandalwood) are mostly grounding and are helpful when feeling overwhelmed, flighty, unfocused or unbalanced. They support meditation practice. Florals (Lavender, Geranium, Neroli, Rose, Ylang Ylang) are said to be harmonising, nurturing, and balancing. They are beneficial in creating stability and promoting comfort and care. They are renowned for their regulating effect. They can help open the heart chakra. A word of caution: Check with the manufacturer for pregnancy use How to use aromatherapy? (Body oils, essential oils, diffusers) There are 3 main methods that can be incorporated simply and easily to get you started on your aromatic journey. Remember, essential oils are very potent and therefore should never touch the skin unless otherwise directed. Diffusing is one of the most popular methods, helping to scent your environment and create a sanctuary for your family and loved ones. How To: Add a total of 6 drops of mixed oils to the water in your diffuser. Massage essential oils into the body for many health and wellbeing benefits, from increasing blood flow, and helping muscles unwind and relax, to finding your inner diva and arousing the senses. How To: Add a total of 6 drops of mixed oils to 12 ml carrier oil and apply gently to the skin. An aromatic bath is another soothing self-care practice. Soaking in an aromatic bath has amazing benefits — it is relaxing, comforting and therapeutic. How To: Add 3-6 drops of carefully chosen oils to 1 tbsp of Jojoba and add the mixture to warm bath water before stepping into the bath. Soak for 10-15 minutes. A word of caution: Do not use Lemongrass or Sweet Orange in the bath The importance of Aromatherapy Despite being overlooked in the past, today, people are realising that the sense of smell is probably one of our most important senses. It is linked directly to the brain via the limbic system, which is responsible for our emotional responses, our autonomic functions, and where memories reside. This makes aromatherapy an instant mood-shifting and brain-engaging scent. We assault the senses with so many synthetics including perfume, cleaning products, artificial flavours, and pollution. People are moving away from synthetic aromas and are seeking products that are natural and from mother earth. There is an emphasis on organic botanicals and essential oils are pure plant extracts. With wellbeing at the front of people’s priorities, we have seen a shift in people’s attitudes to what constitutes natural. They want to discover simple, honest ways of tending to their loved one’s well-being. Rather than focus on the symptoms of a condition, they want to seek the root cause and work on the whole body and mind and emotions with complementary options. Focussed breathing can shift our mood when we are anxious and stressed. We don’t take the time to breathe deeply, but expanding our breath and exercising the lungs and airways are more important than ever. What’s the best blend for a pick-me-up? For Emotional pick me up - Energy Blend Essential Oil For Focus - Balance Blend Essential Oil To Increase Vitality - Defence Blend Essential Oil Following a sleepless night - Relax Blend Essential Oil Recovery – Sleep Blend Essential Oil Disclaimer: Do not attempt self-medication for serious or long-term conditions without consulting a healthcare professional. The information contained herein is general, the recommendations and blends are not prescriptive, and may not be suitable for everyone. A small percentage of people may react differently to certain oils. The use of essential oils is at the consumer's own risk, and we disclaim all responsibility for any adverse reaction caused by inappropriate use or the use of poor-quality essential oils
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SELF-CARE FROM THE INSIDE OUT WITH JULIA BUSUTTIL NISHIMURA
How to nourish your body from the inside out Self-Care can take many forms, whether a day of pampering, a relaxing massage, a skincare ritual or a calming meditation. But true self-care is about nourishing the mind and body, both inside and out. Cooking nourishing, healthy food can be one of the best ways to prioritise our physical and mental health. We sat down with Melbourne-based cook and author of two best-selling cookbooks, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, to learn about nourishing both mind and body in the kitchen. Julia is influenced by her Maltese heritage and Japanese family, and her work celebrates simple ingredients, seasonal produce, and the joys of coming together at the table. Parsnip And Roasted Garlic Soup With Onion And Sage Soda Bread I love spending more time in the kitchen during the winter months preparing comforting meals for myself and the family. It not only of course nourishes us but also is so enjoyable and meditative. Something so simple, like a soup, can bring so much warmth and joy. Here I share a creamy parsnip and roasted garlic soup. I show you how to make the stock from scratch too, but of course, good quality store-bought stock is totally fine. When it’s really cold outside, too cold or rainy to leave the house, this soda bread is an absolute essential. It comes together wonderfully with pantry staples and uses buttermilk and bicarbonate of soda to give it a lift. Slowly fried onions and sage add a lovely flavour to the soda bread too and complements the earthiness of the soup. This is my ideal dish to make to nourish both the mind and body. Serves 4-6 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, plus extra to serve 2 leeks, white and light green part, roughly chopped 1 kg parsnips, peeled and roughly chopped 300 g Dutch cream potato, peeled and roughly chopped 1 apple, peeled, cored and roughly chopped 1.2 L chicken stock 150ml pure cream Sea salt and pepper Roasted garlic 3 bulbs garlic 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil Sea Salt Chicken stock 800g chicken wings 1 onion, halved 2 carrots, halved 2 sticks celery, halved 2 fresh bay leaves 4 peppercorns Sea salt Sage and onion soda bread 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 onions, halved and thinly sliced Small handful sage leaves, roughly chopped 300g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 200g wholemeal flour 100g rolled oats, plus extra to top 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 1 tsp fine sea salt 50g unsalted butter, softened 400ml buttermilk Salted butter, to serve DIRECTIONS Preheat the oven to 180C. Trim the tops off the garlic bulbs, just enough so the cloves are exposed, and reserve the tops for another use. Drizzle the bulbs with olive oil and season with a little salt. Wrap each bulb tightly in some aluminium foil, place on a tray and roast in the preheated oven for 30- 35 minutes, or until the garlic is soft. Allow to cool. Set aside. Meanwhile, for the stock, place all of the ingredients into a large saucepan and cover with plenty of cold water. Bring to a boil, skimming the surface for impurities. Reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer for 1-1 ½ hours or until the stock is well flavoured with a rich colour. Strain and keep the stock warm. Begin making the soup by warming the olive oil in another large saucepan over a medium heat. Gently fry the leeks with a pinch of salt for 3-4 minutes or until beginning to soften. Add the parsnips, potato and apple and stir to coat in the leeks and olive oil. Cook for another 3-4 minutes then pour over 1.2 litres of the chicken stock. Any extra chicken stock can be stored in the refrigerator for 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Bring to a boil over a medium-high heat, then reduce to low-medium and simmer for 35-40 minutes or until the vegetables are very soft. Increase the oven temperature to 190C. Line a baking tray with baking paper. While the soup is cooking, make the soda bread by first warming the olive oil in a frying pan over a medium heat. Add the onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until soft and beginning to colour. Stir through the sage and cook for 1-2 minutes further, until fragrant. Set aside to cool. Combine all of the dry ingredients in a large bowl. Add the butter and use your fingers to rub the butter into the dry ingredients until well dispersed. Add the cooked onions and toss through so they are evenly distributed. Pour in the buttermilk and mix just enough to bring the dough together. If too wet, add some extra flour. Turn onto a workbench and use your hands to gently bring the dough together into a ball. Transfer to the prepared tray and shape into a flattish round loaf. Use a sharp knife to make a deep cross shape into the loaf. This will make it easier to serve once cooked, but will also ensure even cooking of the loaf. Sprinkle with extra oats and bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until hollow when tapped. Allow to cool briefly. Once the soup is ready, pour in the cream then blitz with a handheld stick blender until smooth. Alternatively, process in a blender then return to the saucepan to heat through. Season to taste. Divide the soup into bowls and drizzle with some extra virgin olive oil. Serve with the warm soda bread slathered with butter.
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SELFCARE & THE MOON WITH COSMIC CUES
Bex from Cosmic Cures Is an Astrologer, female empowerment coach, crystal healer + founder of the Moon Child Sorority. She helps women align + shine with their own potential by harnessing the power of cosmic energies. Discover self-care by the moon with Cosmic Cure Just as the Moon goes through phases, so do we. Sometimes the Moon glows bright in the night sky and demands attention; sometimes it disappears into the shadows for a period of retreat. Sometimes we are beaming and full of vitality; sometimes our energy dips. Self-care doesn’t always mean staying in and having a candlelit bubble bath. Sometimes the best form of self-care is heading to meet friends and laughing long into the night, or taking yourself on a solo dinner date, or exploring a new exhibition or part of town with a loved one. Depending on what phase the Moon is in (ie: waxing or waning) and where the Moon is currently positioned (ie what zodiac sign it’s in), then our needs differ throughout the month. We can look to these two things to gain greater inspiration for self-care practices and greater understanding of what we need. What’s more, your needs change depending on your own Moon sign. Your Sun sign aka your Star Sign is the zodiac constellation that the Sun was in when you were born. Your Moon sign is where the Moon was positioned. The Sun is yang energy and represents our ‘outer self’. It indicates our purpose in life and our ‘ego’. The Moon, however, shows our ‘inner self’ and is receptive, yin energy. Our Moon sign shows our hidden, most private parts that aren’t immediately obvious to others. These are the traits that come naturally to us, that we often fall back on. It’s where we retreat to and find a sanctuary or seek nurture in. It also indicates how we act under stress and pressure, and how we can self-soothe. First: what’s your Moon sign? This gives an indication of your personal needs when it comes to self-care, self-soothing and nurture. If you don’t know your Moon sign then you can head to www.astro-seek.com or www.astro-charts.com or write your date of birth into Google followed by ‘Moon Sign’! If you have a Fire Sign Moon: (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): These Moon signs needs action. Your self-care will usually be taking the initiative, making plans and asserting your independence. Exploring somehow, or doing something exciting, fun and different, is a way you self-soothe. Some kind of activity based experience is also enjoyed. If you have an Earth Sign Moon: (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): These Moon signs are restored by being in nature. This can mean a grounding meditation with your feet on the earth, waking in a beautiful forest or mountain, hiking, or pottering in the garden. There is also a need to feel secure and stable for these Moon signs. Tending to the physical body – whether through massage, exercise or yoga – will help these Moon signs feel nourished and secure. They often need to feel like they’re keeping busy or doing something of ‘practical’ use so it can be hard for them to switch off! If you have an Air Sign Moon: (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): These Moon signs need to gather information to feel secure. If they are anxious, then getting more facts or understanding the situation sooths them. Self-care can also be found in companionship and the relationships they forge – spending time with others, exchanging ideas, feeling validated and enjoying the company of friends. Expanding the mind via reading, exhibitions and galleries/art is also a form of self-care. They often thrive in group situations and this is how they feel restored. If you have a Water Sign Moon: (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): These Moon Signs often need to have a sense of belonging and intimacy with others. There is a need for emotional depth and they will want to talk openly and deeply about feelings in order to feel soothed. One to one interaction, where they can form close emotional bonds and reveal their vulnerabilities/have a shoulder to cry on, is necessary for their sense of comfort. They also need to take time away from the energetic drains of others, as they are more empathic than other signs and require this privacy to restore them, otherwise they can ‘soak up’ negative energy or just expend it all on other people. Now: how we can align with the monthly lunar phases to practice self-care Every month, the Moon goes through 8 major phases. Each of these phases has an effect on our moods, our energy, and our needs. Because the entire set of 8 phases actually takes 27.5 days, each month is ever so slightly different. This is why the date of the Full Moon and the New Moon changes on a monthly basis. The 8 Phases are: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter Moon, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last/Third Quarter Moon, Waning Crescent NEW MOON: A New Moon is traditionally when we begin the lunar cycle. This is the point of new beginnings and fresh starts. It’s the lunar phase over which we set our intentions for the next 4 weeks, and can be seen as a kind of ‘new dawn’ every month. For that reason, taking some time to write down what you want to attract into your life, and how you want to align yourself, is very powerful over this Moon phase. A New Moon occurs because the Sun and Moon are in the same constellation, and so the Moon appears to disappear from the night sky. When we look up there is darkness. The Moon hasn’t gone – she’s simply retreated, just as we sometimes need to retreat into privacy. When we are denied the light stimuli from the Moon, our other senses prick up, including our intuition. Self-care practices over this phase include meditation, yoga and breathwork to centre yourself. Take some time alone to notice what emotions, feelings and memories come to you. This is a powerful time for reconnection. Journaling is also a wonderful tool over the New Moon as it encourages us to ask questions of ourself and our ‘inner knowing’ that we don’t usually listen to. I always encourage some kind of moon ritual over a New Moon, whether it’s joining a ceremony (online or holding one with friends) or just taking time to write your intentions for the upcoming month. WAXING CRESCENT: In the few days following the New Moon, the Moon will appear to reappear in the night sky. As the Moon moves away from the Sun, more light is reflected from the surface, so we get that glorious sickle shape that we associate with the Moon. ‘Waxing’ means growing, so each night the Moon appears larger. As the Moon grows in size, our energy increases. This is a wonderful time to use that dynamic energy to start putting plans into place. We are motivated to take action and begin things. We feel soothed and nourished when we initiate plans. It’s a great time to make plans with friends, commit to an exercise routine, explore somewhere new and broaden your horizons. FIRST QUARTER MOON: A week after the New Moon is the First Quarter Moon. When you look into the sky the Moon will appear sliced in half. Over this Moon it’s really important to notice where you are losing patience or wanting to ‘give up.’ The first blocks appear over a First Quarter Moon, so self care includes watching how you talk to yourself (are you being a cheerleader for yourself?) and looking ‘outside the box’ at other options you could be led towards. WAXING GIBBOUS MOON: The Moon is still growing each night (waxing) but now it is that slightly rounded, plump shape known as a Gibbous Moon. This is a time for abundance and celebration. Sharing the love with others, having a party, going to events… all of these things are fantastic to do. Your energy should be higher over a waning gibbous so you can put more effort into relationships, projects and experiences. FULL MOON: Half way through the cycle and two weeks after a New Moon is a Full Moon, when the Sun and the Moon are directly opposite each other on the zodiac wheel. The full force of the Sun’s light is shining on the Moon. This can be a very emotional and sensitive time, or you can feel very active, scatty and restless, depending on which sign the Full Moon is in. Things tend to come to the surface over a Full Moon, including our limiting beliefs. Over this Moon, it’s important to check in with your own energy. Sometimes you will feel drained and it’s a good time to just spend alone. Other times you’ll want to be surrounded by friends and socialise. Listening to your intuition and inner needs in order to nurture yourself is essential over a Full Moon. Getting to bed early is also advised, because sleep can be seriously disturbed over a Full Moon – and don’t forget to keep a note of dreams in your journal! WANING GIBBOUS Now the Moon is half way through the cycle and is returning back towards the Sun, it will appear to shrink/get smaller each night. This is its ‘waning’ phase. Over a waning gibbous we are still enjoying the abundance and celebration of what we have achieved over the lunar cycle so far, and can also start to focus on what we can offer ourselves and others. This is a great time to do something for another person – offer your help, be of service or treat them to a gift – and also to buy yourself a gift. This can be an experience such as a spa treatment or product, or give yourself the gift of an afternoon at leisure to read your book! LAST/THIRD QUARTER MOON This is the stage of the lunar cycle that arrives a week before the next New Moon, and we can see it as a kind of ‘cleansing’ stage. This is a great time to clean and declutter – sort through your desk/receipts/to do lists, organise your cupboards/wardrobe, and have a relaxing bubble bath or shower as a physical ‘cleansing’ to release stagnant energy. It’s also a very powerful time to forgive anyone you feel has wronged you, so you can release negativity before the next New Moon and fresh set of intentions. WANING CRESCENT MOON The Moon is back to its slither of crescent and is getting smaller each night. Your energy will naturally be depleting, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself over these days. Early nights, time spent with loved ones, nourishing meals, enjoying your own company – all of these are advised around a Waning Crescent Moon, and generally nothing where you’re having to expend too much energy or ‘put on a show’ in any way! Now you know the style of self-care each Moon phase encourages, you can find out what zodiac sign the Moon is on a daily basis in order to get inspiration on what kind of self-care activities to enjoy! You can check what sign the Moon is in via www.astro-seek.com, by googling, or the Cosmic Cures Astro-Guide subscription. Aries: Beginning projects, exercise like boxing, cardio or martial arts, being action oriented/ticking things off a to-do list, doing something high adrenalin like an amusement park or going on a date, following a passion project, having sex. Taurus: Making a nourishing meal, indulging in luxury (ie wearing a favourite cashmere jumper, buying your favourite chocolates, having a glass of wine alone or with friends), spending time in the home, snuggling in bed, getting massages (especially the neck), pampering spa treatments, spending time in the garden, going shopping. Gemini: Socialising, reading, going to a bookshop, crosswords, calling a friend for a chat, replying to all your Whatsapps, seeing siblings, Sunday papers. Cancer: Cooking for friends and family, baking, domestic pursuits, housework, spending quality time with family, bubble baths, early night, ordering your favourite takeaway, watching a weepie movie. Leo: Going to the theatre, watching your favourite movie, karaoke with friends, painting or creative pursuits, spending time with children, watching comedy, having a social media cull. Virgo: Going on a walk in nature, tidying up your space, clearing your emails or inbox. Unsubscribing from junk emails. Making a healthy meal. Doing a low impact strengthening workout like barre or weights. Libra: Going to art galleries, sorting through your wardrobe and wearing your favourite uplifting outfit, going on a date, seeing friends, hosting a party, having a makeover, getting your hair or nails done, going shopping, redesigning your living space. Scorpio: Having deep and meaningful 1:1s. Being intimate with others. Sex. Having some alone time to work through your feelings (or physical self-gratification!). Purging: decluttering or cleaning your space. Sagittarius: Going on a trip or planning a holiday, watching a documentary or listening to a podcast that expands your mind, learning something new, studying, exploring somewhere you’ve never been before. Trying something new: a restaurant, style of cuisine, museum exhibition. Capricorn: Working on a long term goal or project, literally working (over a Capricorn Moon we self-sooth by working towards our ambitions!), rock climbing, being in the garden, watching shows that are also informative ie quiz shows and cookery shows. Aquarius: Spending time with friends, going to a party (where you can leave when you want!), time alone to explore somewhere new and feeling unencumbered by others (especially good to walk in open space where you feel free and connected to nature/space) charity work, selfless acts, astrology, bird watching, astronomy/star gazing. Pisces: Dancing, reading/writing poetry, meditating, yoga, watching a rom-com, picnics in the park, being by the sea, lie-ins, NOW YOU CAN PUT THEM TOGETHER For example, if the Moon is waxing in Cancer, why not try a new recipe you’ve never attempted before and share the love by inviting friends round? If the Moon is Waning in Sagittarius, why not plan a night in alone with a documentary or film you’ve been meaning to watch, or take some time along to explore a new part of town alone, enjoying your own energy. If it’s a First Quarter Moon in Capricorn, you might want to brainstorm your career and make a vision board about your dream job as a form of self-care! If it’s a Last Quarter Moon in Pisces then swimming in the ocean to cleanse yourself then dancing away any lingering negative energy is a beautiful way to honour this Moon phase.
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