New moon journal prompts are short questions that help you decide what to focus on for the month ahead, such as "What do I want to begin this cycle?" and "What is one small step I can take this week?" Light a candle on or near the new moon, choose two or three prompts, write freely for a few minutes each, and finish with one clear intention. The new moon is traditionally associated with beginnings.

What you need

A journal or paper
A pen
A candle (for example the AltarWell New Moon candle)
Matches or a lighter
Wick trimmer or scissors

Step by step

Check the date. Look up the new moon for this month. The evening of the new moon or a day or so either side works.
Light the candle. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch, set the candle on a stable, heat-resistant surface and light it. Take a few slow breaths.
Choose two or three prompts. Read through the prompts below and choose the two or three that stand out. You do not need to answer all of them.
Write freely. Spend three to five minutes on each prompt. Write without editing; short lists and single words are fine.
Distil one intention. Read back what you wrote and turn it into one short intention in your own words, plus one small first step.
Close and keep it. Extinguish the candle; never leave it burning unattended. Keep the page somewhere you will see it, and revisit it at the full moon about two weeks later.

Prompts for looking ahead

1. What do I want to begin this lunar cycle?

2. What would make the next four weeks feel well spent?

3. Which habit would I like to start, even in a small way?

4. What am I curious about right now?

Prompts for focus

5. If I could focus on just one thing this month, what would it be?

6. What can I say no to, to make room for that?

7. What is one small step I can take this week?

8. Who or what can I ask for support?

Prompts for intention

9. Finish the sentence: "This cycle, I intend to…"

10. How do I want my days to feel this month, and what would help?

11. What would I like to write about at the next full moon?

12. What is one word I want to carry through this month?

New moon ritual or journal prompts?

The new moon candle ritual guide covers the whole ritual from set-up to close. This page is the writing part in more depth. Use them together, or use the prompts on their own whenever you want to plan.

Moon phase dates

Find this month's new moon date and time (Central Time, from U.S. Naval Observatory data): Moon phases by month · Moon phase guide

Related candles

New Moon candle (Sea Salt & Orchid): for beginnings and quiet intentions.
Clarity candle (Eucalyptus Lavender Herb): for journaling and planning.

Candle safety basics

Trim the wick to 1/4 inch before every lighting.
Never leave a burning candle unattended, and extinguish it before you go to bed or leave the room.
Burn for no more than 4 hours at a time, then let the candle cool fully before relighting.
Place the jar on a stable, heat-resistant surface away from children, pets, drafts and anything that can catch fire.

More detail: Candle care & safety · FAQ