blog

papers

Harness the Moon’s Power to Plan and Grow Your Business in the Year Ahead: A Guide for Highly Sensitive Entrepreneurs

In this post, I teach you how to align your business planning for the year ahead with the moon’s rhythms as a way to honor your sensitivity and create a sustainable, intuitive path to success in the year ahead.

Why A Traditional Approach to Business Might Not Fit You

If you’re a highly sensitive entrepreneur with a history of childhood trauma or emotional neglect, you’ve likely noticed that most traditional business strategies just don’t fit you. The fast-paced, “hustle harder”, be bold and confident culture can feel overwhelming and even alienating because it doesn’t take into account the unique way you move through the world. Your body, your emotions, and your nervous system carry the imprint of your past experiences, and these influence how you work, make decisions, and manage your energy.

When you’ve grown up in environments where your needs weren’t consistently met or where you had to suppress your feelings to survive, it’s natural to carry patterns that make it harder to grow your business – such as patterns of insecurity, self-doubt, perfectionism, or fear of rejection into your business. You might struggle more with being seen, feeling confident, being productive or staying focused. Your highly sensitive nature amplifies this because your nervous system is finely tuned—it picks up on subtle shifts in energy, emotion, and even the expectations of others. While this sensitivity is a gift that fuels your creativity and intuition, it also means you can become easily overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or stuck in self-sabotaging patterns when traditional business advice pushes you to “do more” or “push through” or “be bold”.

Traditional strategies often ignore the emotional and energetic reality of highly sensitive people – especially highly sensitive people with a history of childhood trauma or emotional neglect.

We are a unique blend of fascinating qualities with a few frustrating obstacles we have to learn to navigate that other entrepreneurs simply do not.

Traditional entrepreneur advice assumes everyone has the same capacity to be confident and bold, work long hours, take big risks, or bounce back quickly from setbacks. But for someone with a sensitive body and a nervous system shaped by trauma, those expectations can feel impossible. You might spend as much energy managing your inner world—calming anxiety, navigating emotional triggers, or recovering from overstimulation—as you do on the external tasks of running your business. This invisible labor can make it feel like you’re working twice as hard to achieve half the results, not because you’re incapable, but because the approach simply wasn’t designed for you.

What’s missing in traditional strategies is the understanding that your sensitivity isn’t a weakness—it’s a unique way of experiencing the world. It’s where your greatest strengths lie: your ability to connect deeply, to sense what others need, and to approach your business with heart, intuition, and creativity. But to unlock those strengths, you need to approach your business or your creative dreams in a way that works with your sensitivity, not against it. You need a rhythm that honors your energy fluctuations, respects your need for emotional safety, and gives you permission to grow at a pace that feels sustainable and true to you.

This is where working with the moon’s cycles can be transformative. The moon provides a natural framework for aligning your work with your energy. Its phases remind you when to act and when to rest, when to focus outward and when to turn inward. By syncing your business activities with the lunar cycle, you create a rhythm that supports both your creativity and your nervous system.

The moon allows you to lean into the ebb and flow of your energy instead of forcing yourself to fit into a rigid, one-size-fits-all mold.

When you honor your sensitivity and work in alignment with natural rhythms, you’re not just creating a business—you’re creating a life that reflects your deepest truths. You’re building something sustainable, something that feels good to you, and something that lets your gifts shine in a way the world desperately needs.

The Moon Helps You Know When to Act and When to Rest

The moon has always been a symbol of intuition, reflection, and the mysteries of our inner world. In ancient astrology, the moon is seen as the receptive counterpart to the sun. While the sun represents action, willpower, and the drive to shine outwardly, the moon is softer, quieter, and deeply connected to your emotional and creative self.

The moon doesn’t push—it flows. It doesn’t demand—it nurtures.

And for highly sensitive entrepreneurs, especially those with a history of childhood trauma or emotional neglect, the softer, more flowing lunar energy can be a wise guide for building a business that feels aligned, sustainable, and true to who you are.

The moon invites you to live in a way that is intuitive and creative, to pay attention to the subtle whispers of your inner world rather than the external noise of the world around you. It teaches you that growth doesn’t always have to come from bold, confident moves; it can also come from a place of quiet listening, gentle action, and allowing yourself to move at your own pace. For someone with a sensitive nervous system, the moon’s rhythm can be a balm—reminding you to rest, reflect, and nurture yourself as much as you nurture your business.

This gentle, receptive energy is especially healing for those of us who grew up in environments where our needs weren’t met or where we had to overextend ourselves to feel safe or worthy.

The moon’s symbolism is deeply nurturing—it holds space for you to honor your needs, care for yourself, and grow without rushing.

Unlike the energy of the sun, which thrives on confidence, boldness, and taking action, the moon encourages you to turn inward. It reminds you that your value doesn’t come from how much you do or achieve but from the deep alignment you feel within yourself.

When you align your business with the moon, you’re choosing a way of being that honors your sensitivity. You’re embracing a rhythm that allows you to care for yourself while still moving toward your goals. Instead of pushing harder when you feel overwhelmed, you’re learning to pause and reflect. Instead of forcing yourself to be bold when you feel unsure, you’re learning to trust the quiet strength of your intuition. This lunar energy doesn’t rush, yet it always arrives exactly where it’s meant to go. And so will you.

Achieving your business goals in this energy feels entirely different from the sun-centered, “hustle” approach that dominates western culture. There’s nothing wrong with the sun-centered approach to business and it’s helpful to tap into as well – sun magic is just as important as moon magic – but, for highly sensitive people with a childhood history of trauma or emotional neglect, we need to align first with the moon then, when we need or want it, we can tap into that sun energy and be bold, confident and take action.

It’s about growing at your own pace, honoring your emotions, and trusting that even in moments of stillness, you are moving forward. The moon shows you that there’s power in receptivity, magic in intuition, and success in moving gently but purposefully toward your dreams. When you follow its rhythm, you’re not just building a business—you’re creating a life that nourishes and sustains you, inside and out.

Aligning with the Moon As You Plan and Vision Your Business for the Year Ahead

When you bring the moon into your planning and visioning for the year ahead, everything shifts. Plotting out the new and full moons for the coming year and visually marking the waxing and waning phases on your calendar is a simple yet powerful way to align your business activities with natural energy cycles. It’s like creating a map that helps you navigate your time, energy, and emotions in a way that feels nurturing and aligned. And it’s such an easy, simple step to take.

When you look at your calendar and see when the moon is waxing (growing in light) and when it’s waning (fading in light), you start to understand how to match your business tasks with the lunar energy. The waxing moon phases are ideal for growth, action, and outward energy—perfect for tasks like launching projects, networking, and creating content. The waning moon phases, on the other hand, are a time to slow down, reflect, and let go—ideal for reviewing progress, refining strategies, or wrapping up loose ends. By visually marking these phases on your calendar, you create a rhythm that honors both action and rest, helping you work with your energy instead of against it.

The new and full moons act as powerful anchor points in this cycle. The new moon is a time for setting intentions, reflecting on your goals, and planting seeds for the future. The full moon is a moment of culmination, clarity, and celebration—perfect for reflecting on what’s working and what you might need to adjust and for refining and amplifying the intentions you set at the new moon. When you have these key dates plotted out, you can plan your business activities around them, ensuring that you’re always working in alignment with the energy of the moment.

Doing this before the new year begins is particularly helpful because it gives you a bird’s-eye view of your year ahead.

You can plan launches, creative projects, and even periods of rest with the moon’s phases in mind. It takes away some of the guesswork and helps you feel more in control of your time and energy. For highly sensitive entrepreneurs like us, who can easily get overwhelmed by too much structure or pressure, this kind of planning creates a sense of ease. You’re not forcing yourself to be “on” all the time—you’re flowing with the natural cycles of growth and rest, just as the moon does.

This practice isn’t just practical—it’s also deeply nurturing. It reminds you to honor your unique rhythms and gives you permission to work in a way that feels good to you. It’s not about squeezing more into your calendar; it’s about aligning your actions with the energy of the moment, so you can achieve your goals with less stress and more ease. By planning with the moon, you’re not just organizing your year—you’re creating a business and a life that feels intuitive, balanced, and truly aligned with who you are.

A Closer Look At How To Work With the Moon’s Phases in Your Business

The moon moves through predictable phases, and each one carries its own unique energy. During the waxing moon, the light in the sky grows brighter, and so does the energy around you. This is the time to build, create, and take action. It’s perfect for starting projects, planning launches, or focusing on growth and expansion.

The full moon is a time of culmination. It shines light on what’s working and what’s not, offering clarity and insight. This is a moment to celebrate your wins, evaluate your progress, and take stock of what you’ve achieved. The full moon often brings heightened emotions and awareness, making it a great time for reflection and gratitude. You can also work with it to amplify your intentions.

As the light begins to fade during the waning moon, the energy shifts inward. This phase invites you to slow down, let go, and focus on releasing what’s no longer serving you. It’s a great time to wrap up loose ends, clear out clutter—whether physical or emotional—and prepare for the next cycle.

Finally, the new moon marks a fresh start. The sky is dark, symbolizing a blank slate, and it’s the perfect time to set intentions and plant the seeds for what you want to grow. This is when you look ahead, reflect on your goals, and tune into what feels aligned for the next cycle.

By working with these phases, you create a rhythm in your business that feels more natural and intuitive. The moon reminds you that growth isn’t a constant push forward—it’s an ebb and flow, a balance between action and reflection. When you align your work with this rhythm, you’re not just following a schedule—you’re creating a partnership with the natural world, and that connection can bring clarity, ease, and a deeper sense of purpose to your business.

A Closer Look

Let’s take a closer look at the everyday business tasks and how to plan those tasks in alignment with the lunar cycle. 

Waxing Moon Phases – Building and Growing

The waxing moon begins after the new moon and leads up to the full moon. It’s a time of increasing energy, where the focus is on building, growing, and taking action.

  • Business Tasks:

    • Start
    • Decide
    • Act
    • Initiate
    • Launch
    • Promote
    • Market
    • Start new projects or initiatives.
    • Work on tasks that require energy.
    • Execute a launch.
    • Write content.
    • Extroverted tasks like gathering, hosting, networking.
    • Set up systems, organize workflows, or invest in tools that support your growth.
    • Begin collaborations or partnerships.
    • Focus on building self-confidence and momentum.
    • Practice affirmations or visualizations that align with your goals.
    • Challenge limiting beliefs that say you’re not ready or capable of growth
    • Journal about your intentions and the steps you’re taking to manifest them.
    • Use affirmations or mantras that focus on growth and expansion.

Full Moon Phase – Celebration and Illumination

The full moon is a time of heightened energy and awareness. It’s a powerful moment for celebrating your wins, reflecting on what’s working, and gaining clarity.

  • Business Tasks:

    • Celebrate
    • Divination
    • Share
    • Get curious
    • Ask Questions
    • Refine and amplify your new moon intentions
    • Be social
    • Review your progress and measure results against your goals.
    • Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
    • Host webinars, launches, or events to share your work with others.
    • Gather feedback from your audience or clients to refine your offerings.
    • Reflect on what’s been illuminated—what’s working and what’s not.
    • Acknowledge and release emotions that may have surfaced during the waxing phase.
    • Practice gratitude for the steps you’ve taken and the growth you’ve experienced.
    • Use your art journal to create a gratitude spread or to visually celebrate your wins.
    • Perform a ritual to release what’s no longer serving you and make space for new opportunities.
    • Meditate under the full moon, focusing on clarity and insight.

Waning Moon Phases – Releasing and Refining

The waning moon starts after the full moon and leads up to the new moon. This phase is about slowing down, reflecting, and letting go.

  • Business Tasks:

    • Review
    • Refine
    • Release
    • Plan
    • Express Gratitude
    • Share
    • Teach
    • Subconscious clearing
    • Wrap up projects and tie up loose ends.
    • Review systems or processes and refine what’s not working.
    • Declutter your workspace or digital files.
    • Share testimonials.
    • Resolve conflicts or address lingering issues in your business.
    • Let go of perfectionism and self-criticism.
    • Process emotions that have come up during the full moon phase.
    • Practice forgiveness—toward yourself and others—for unmet expectations or mistakes.
    • Journal about what you’re ready to release in your business or life.
    • Perform a cleansing ritual, such as burning herbs or clearing your space with intention.
    • Meditate on what you want to let go of and envision the freedom it will bring.

New Moon Phase – Rest and Intention-Setting

The new moon is a dark and quiet time, perfect for rest, reflection, and setting intentions for the next cycle.

  • Business Tasks:

    • Set intentions
    • Vision
    • Dream
    • Plan
    • Connect with your highest potential.
    • Reflect on your long-term vision and set intentions for the upcoming month.
    • Plan and outline your next steps, focusing on what feels most aligned.
    • Research or brainstorm new ideas but hold off on taking big actions.
    • Rest and recharge to prepare for the next waxing phase.
    • Create space for stillness and self-care.
    • Reflect on your progress without judgment, focusing on your growth.
    • Journal about your dreams and goals, connecting to your deeper “why.”
    • Use your art journal to create a visual representation of your intentions for the next cycle,
    • Perform a simple new moon ritual, such as lighting a candle and stating your intentions out loud.
    • Meditate on the blank slate the new moon provides, imagining possibilities for your business.

What’s Next

I’ve just shared with you how aligning with the moon in the coming year can support your business but if you’d prefer to have a creative experience with me where we do this and so much more, I invite you to the 2025 Moon Magic for Entrepreneurs retreat! Whether you join me online or in person, I’ll walk you step-by-step through the process of aligning your business goals with the moon’s cycles, so you can create a year that feels intuitive, balanced, and aligned with your natural rhythms.

One of the highlights of this retreat is the 2025 Moon Calendar I create specifically for you. This calendar outlines all the full and new moons, visually maps out the waxing and waning phases, and highlights important astrological events you’ll want to consider while planning your business year. Don’t worry, we’ll go over it all in the retreat so you’ll know exactly what everything means and how to use it. It’s a beautiful, practical tool to help you stay connected to the moon’s energy as you move through 2025.

During the retreat, we’ll do so much more than just plan—we’ll create magic together. We’ll plot out your business launches in harmony with the moon, identify your personal power moon dates for 2025 (yes, you have them!), and learn how to use those dates to grow your business. We’ll also dive into some divination and connect with your spirit allies to receive messages about your year ahead. One of my favorite parts of the retreat is figuring out your business’s magic word for 2025. I’m a strong believer that every business deserves its own guiding word to set the tone and hold the energy for the year to come.

And because creativity is such a vital part of this process, we’ll also create a mandala painting that captures the vision you have for your business in 2025. This isn’t just about planning—it’s about infusing your year with your energy, intuition, and intention in the most creative and inspiring way.

During the retreat, we’ll also be working with the MAP Method, a powerful tool to clear subconscious blocks and align all the inner parts of you with your business goals for the coming year. This isn’t just a nice bonus—it’s a vital part of creating a year that truly feels aligned and achievable. As highly sensitive entrepreneurs with a history of childhood trauma or emotional neglect, we often carry old stories, fears, and doubts deep in our subconscious that can get in the way of our progress. These might show up as self-doubt, procrastination, fear of being seen, or even feeling stuck or overwhelmed when it comes to making decisions in your business.  If there’s a part of you that feels afraid or uncertain, it can hold you back even when you have all the tools and strategies in place. Aligning your inner world with your outer goals ensures that every part of you is working together toward the same vision, rather than pulling in different directions.

The MAP Method helps you gently address those hidden blocks without the need to relive the painful experiences that created them. It works with your subconscious mind to release the emotional weight of those old patterns, so they no longer hold you back. During the retreat, we’ll use the MAP Method to clear anything that might be standing in the way of you fully embracing your vision for 2025. Whether it’s fear, self-doubt, or simply the heaviness of past experiences, we’ll create space for clarity, confidence, and alignment to take root.

By doing this deep, transformative work during the retreat, you’ll leave feeling lighter, clearer, and more aligned with the year ahead. You’ll not only have a plan for your business, but you’ll also feel emotionally and energetically ready to make it happen – or at least be one step closer to feeling that way.

As a special bonus this year, you’ll receive forever access to my updated online course, How to Plan and Vision the Year Ahead in Your Art Journal (valued at $247 USD). This course is one of my most popular offerings, and it dives even deeper into the process of planning and visioning your year. It also includes step-by-step instructions to create your own angel vision board—a truly magical addition to your planning process and it includes many MAP sessions to support you. Since it’s online you can do as much or as little of this course this year as you want. It will always be there for you when you get stuck and it is updated every year so you’ll always have a way to receive the moon and astrological information for your business.

If you’re ready to approach 2025 with clarity, creativity, and magic, I’d love for you to join me. Let’s make this your most inspired year yet!

JOIN THE ONLINE RETREAT HERE
JOIN THE IN-PERSON RETREAT NEAR BRAGG CREEK, AB HERE

Dana da Ponte

 

 

Pin this post to your Pinterest board and share the magic with your online friends. 

 

hi i'm dana...

dana-da-ponte-sidebar

This is a space where art and spirit come together. On the blog, I share art rituals for working with the magic of the moon. I also work with the subconscious mind to lighten your emotional load and follow your creative dreams.

img-heart@2x

Work with Me

Subscribe to receive hand-drawn journal pages to enjoy every full and new moon:

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Previous posts