The moon has always been a mirror for our cycles—waxing, waning, glowing, and retreating. In the 1980s, cartoons carried this same rhythm: heroes transforming, communities restoring balance, and light overcoming shadow. What if we read these shows as lunar archetypes? Each phase of the moon becomes a portal into nostalgia, ritual, and playful magic. 


New Moon — Hidden Potential
Rainbow Brite (1984) arrives in a dark, colorless world, embodying the new moon’s unseen spark. 
– Ritual prompt: Light a single candle in a dark room. Imagine Rainbow Brite’s rainbow slowly filling the space. 
– Playlist pairing: “Fade Into You” by Mazzy Star (dreamy new moon vibes). 


Waxing Crescent — Growth & Hope
She-Ra (1985) transforms from Adora into She-Ra, echoing the crescent’s emerging strength. 
– Ritual prompt: Write one intention on paper, fold it into a crescent shape, and tuck it under your pillow. 
– Playlist pairing: “Bring Me to Life” by Evanescence (crescent awakening energy). 


First Quarter — Challenge & Balance
ThunderCats (1985), especially Lion-O’s trials, embody the half-light, half-shadow tension. 
– Ritual prompt: Draw a circle, shade half of it, and journal about your current balance of light and shadow. 
– Playlist pairing: “Alive” by Pearl Jam. 


Waxing Gibbous — Refinement & Preparation
Voltron (1984), with its team uniting before forming Voltron, mirrors the nearly-full moon’s readiness. 
– Ritual prompt: Gather five objects that represent your strengths, arrange them in a circle, and notice how they combine. 
– Playlist pairing: “Closer to Fine” by Indigo Girls. 


Full Moon — Power & Illumination
Care Bears (1981) unleash their radiant “Care Bear Stare,” pure full moon energy. 
– Ritual prompt: Stand outside under the moonlight, arms wide, and imagine the Care Bear Stare flowing through you. 
– Playlist pairing: “Shine” by Collective Soul. 


Waning Gibbous — Sharing Wisdom
Inspector Gadget (1983) ends each mission with Penny and Brain quietly holding the true wisdom. 
– Ritual prompt: Share one lesson learned this week with a friend or your community. 
– Playlist pairing: “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears. 


Last Quarter — Release & Endings
Smurfs (1981) often resolve conflict with harmony, reflecting the quarter moon’s closure. 
– Ritual prompt: Write down one thing you’re ready to release, then tear the paper in half. 
– Playlist pairing: “Let It Go” by Def Leppard. 


Waning Crescent — Rest & Surrender
Fraggle Rock (1983) cycles of play and rest embody the waning crescent’s retreat. 
– Ritual prompt: Curl up with a blanket, listen to the Fraggles’ theme song, and let yourself rest. 
– Playlist pairing: “Disarm” by Smashing Pumpkins. 

Closing
The moon phases remind us that every cycle—like every cartoon episode—has a beginning, a climax, and a gentle fade. By weaving these archetypes into ritual, we honor both our inner child and our present wisdom. 

I invite you to choose your “Moon Phase Cartoon Avatars”.