Moon Garden: Poetry for Manifestation

by Melody Godfred

Reconnect with your intuition, heal gently, and manifest your dreams with intention—one season, one cycle, one phase at a time.

From Melody Godfred, author of the international bestseller Self Love Poetry for Thinkers & Feelers, comes Moon Poetry for Manifestation, a one-of-a-kind poetry book where the moon becomes your manifestation guide.

This isn’t a book that pushes you forward. Moon Garden welcomes you home to yourself.

Inspired by the lunar cycles and set in an ethereal moon garden, this spiritual poetry collection combines deeply personal poems and meditative prose to help you slow down, soften, and realign—with your inner truth and the rhythm of nature.

Moon Garden reminds us that personal growth and emotional healing don’t follow a straight line. Like nature, transformation unfolds like a garden, blooming in its own time. Whether you're in a season of planting, tending, harvesting, or rest, this book offers wisdom, encouragement, and space to reflect on where you are—and where you’re meant to go next as you begin to move through the world with greater intention and presence.

More than a poetry book, Moon Poetry for Manifestation is a year-long companion for dream fulfillment and inner peace, guided by the quiet beauty of the night and the light that already lives within you.

Genres: Poetry

240 pages, Paperback

Published October 21, 2025

About the author

Melody Godfred is a poet, author, and speaker who is passionate about empowering people to love themselves and transform their lives.

Melody started her career as a litigation attorney, but soon realized a disconnect between her work and essence, so she left a prestigious position at a top law firm to launch Write In Color, her personal branding and career development company. She quickly established her reputation as a leader in the career development space. Through her work as a coach exploring the narratives of hundreds of women, and after undergoing several life transitions herself -- including motherhood -- Melody discovered a common trend: in their quest to fuel their careers and relationships, women were increasingly sacrificing their authentic selves, happiness and well-being.

Melody needed a reminder to choose herself each and every day and believed that other women did too, so she created the Self Love Pinky Ring, a self-commitment ring for women, and launched Fred and Far, her self love movement and community. Her ring and community instantly went viral around the world (Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, and more), and started a global conversation around self love.

In 2020, Melody published Self Love Poetry: For Thinkers & Feelers, a collection of 200 poems that instantly became and remains a bestseller. One of her poems (“I thought 2020 would be the year I got everything I wanted. Now I know 2020 is the year I appreciate everything I have.”) was shared on social media by Oprah Magazine just before the Thanksgiving Holiday, quickly going viral and eventually reaching hundreds of millions of people, in addition to earning a feature on Today with Hoda and Jenna. In early 2021, Melody signed a book deal with Andrews McMeel Publishing, re-releasing Self Love Poetry and publishing two more books, The ABCs of Self Love, an illustrated guided journal, and The Shift: Poetry for a New Perspective. Her latest collection, Moon Garden: Poetry for Manifestation is coming out on October 21, 2025.

In 2025, Melody began leading moon circles blending poetry, movement, meditation and more.

Melody is a trusted thought leader whose advice has been featured on Inc., Forbes, Huff Post, Bustle, PayScale, Motherly, Mashable, The Muse, and Fairygodboss, among others. Melody was a featured speaker at the Teen Vogue Summit and The Massachusetts Conference for Women, and has led personal branding and operational workshops for Farfetch, Murad, The YWCA, and more. She received her law degree from Loyola Law School with honors.

Melody lives in Los Angeles, CA with her husband Aaron Godfred and three kids, twin daughters Stella and Violet and son Teddy.

Her latest book, The Shift: Poetry for a New Perspective was released on September 27, 2022 (Andrews McMeel Publishing) and is a Goodreads Choice Award nominee for Best Poetry Book of 2022.

Reviews

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and introspective journey of self-realization, reconnecting to your intuition and therefore to your authentic self. "Moon Garden" is an enlightening expression of manifestations where the readers are invited to rebalance their lives.

This poetry collection envisions the power of "inner truth" and "transformation" while acknowledging the fact that healing and growth aren't linear. Like a whispered secret, Moon Garden tenderly awakens the profound experiences of pause, reflect and receive the support of light and guiding you to understand your intuition and align with your soulful sanctuary.

The author has delved into the two of the most beautiful realisations which are the gentle reminder of lunar cycles that allows your heart to appreciate the moments of life and let go of things that no longer serve you to make space for the new flow of abundance, connections, ideas and growth to prosper and at the same time connect with nature as a conduit for healing as well as a compassionate navigation to the ebb and flow of life.

If I have to describe "Moon Garden" in one sentence it would be a calming soul - nourishing experience and profound activation of peace within. I loved the affirmations and the meditations that were shared in this book. Reading them felt like guiding light in the tempest of dilemmas and uncertainties. This was a luminous journey, an adventure that I will forever cherish and definitely return to in the future.

[Kasey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moon Garden by Melody Godfred is an elegant, poetic overview of each monthly moon cycle. The book is beautifully designed, featuring a deep indigo, white, and gray color scheme, along with wonderful lunar illustrations. The work invites the reader to both manifest and self-reflect on their life’s journey.

I really appreciated the thoughtful structure of Moon Garden, which, to me, feels like it corresponds with the monthly lunar cycle. Each section begins with the month’s moon name and focus, before flowing into the reclamation of the new moon and the release of the full moon. Then, there is a monthly manifestation, followed by various poems, and then ending with a monthly affirmation. The poems in the middle of the structure are more unique and free-flowing, which helps prevent the sections from feeling repetitive.

I also enjoyed how the end of the book concluded the book as a whole, instead of just finishing the month of December. Two poems I thought did this especially effectively were ‘Hello, Moon’ and ‘Garden is Available’.

I read Moon Garden straight through from beginning to end. However, I do think I would have enjoyed the experience more if I could focus on the one section that corresponded to the current month. For instance, I was much more interested in the August section, as that was the month I was reading the book in. I believe this reading process could help the reader find the right mindset at the beginning of the month and then help them embody it throughout the month.

The only thing I did not care for about Moon Garden was the poems or stories about the author’s life. I’m sure that these moments are crucial for Godfred and were intended to make the book feel genuine. But this book encourages self-reflection, and I felt like I was taken out of my own reflection process when I was suddenly reading about someone else’s specific experience. Overall, I give Moon Garden by Melody Godfred 4/5 stars. Anyone who enjoys poetry or the mystical would enjoy this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Melody Godfred, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC copy of the book in exchange for my review! All expressed opinions are my own.

[Stacy Keene · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a stroke of luck, I received my ARC of Moon Garden, Poetry for Manifestation by Melody Godfred, just days before the Full Sturgeon Moon in August. So, after reading the brief introduction and studying Dustin Kalynuk's beautiful illustrations that represent each month's Moon cycle, I exercised great restraint and set the book aside to be included in my upcoming ritual. I am so glad I did. The author's insightful yet simple words set the tone for a meaningful release of what no longer serves me, leaving me feeling restored to wholeness.
After that wonderful experience, I read through the whole book, and how lovely it is. I especially like the unique structure; each Moon has its own section that is presented in a way to naturally leads you through its energy cycle. The entire book has the powerful feel of ritual even if you are just reading it. I cannot put into words how excited I am to incorporate this book into my monthly magic, meditations, journaling, and restful reading.
Thank you to Melody Godfred, NetGalley, and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this ARC to review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Seher · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this is the second book I’ve read by the author. The first one I gave 1 star so this is most definitely an improvement


1. Aesthetically this book is en pointe
2. Decent manifestations


What didn’t work

1. When she includes her child she sounds kind of LinkedIn-ey; like what did my baby teach me about life and work kinds stuff
2. Not always genuine; I really loved her November and December stuff which felt like they were from the heart. The others didn’t always feel that way

[Clara Lash · Rating 5 out of 5]

These poems were laid out in a very loving manner, and really sang to my moony/witchy heart. <3 As a woman who feels very drawn to the moon, this spoke to me down to the depths of my soul.

[readingcactuss · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5
An elegant and poetic book of poetry.
I enjoyed the aesthetic of the book very much. The colours, font and style were all beautiful.
This was a different view into the lunar cycle for me. It is similar to my views yet Godfried touched on some beautiful points about the moon. The writing style was enjoyable, easy to read and not repetitive.
The only part I did not enjoy was the poems about the author and her daughter. They felt forced and didn’t fit into the book’s narrative.

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

[Quilted.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon Garden was one of those books I didn’t expect to hit as hard as it did. It’s a quick read, but the poems are so intentional and calming they really helped me slow down and check in with myself. A few lines honestly stopped me in my tracks. It opened my eyes to where I’ve been holding tension and how I can move forward with more peace. If you’re in a season of change, rest, or just need a little clarity, this one’s worth your time.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moon Garden: Poetry for Manifestation (Paperback)
by Melody Godfred
The moon garden is a diverse moon calendar that shows metaphysical ideals through poetry. It has a monthly theme based on the moon cycle. Thought provoking. Elegant presentation.

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moon Garden: Poetry for Manifestation by Melody Godfred

Rating: 4 stars

There’s a hush to this book, the kind of quiet that feels like moonlight through curtains. Melody Godfred’s Moon Garden reads like an invitation to slow down: to notice, to tend, to believe that small, steady rituals can grow the life we long for. If you’re looking for a pushy guidebook or a strict “do-this-every-morning” blueprint, look elsewhere. This collection is gentler—a companion that meets you where you are and helps you move with the seasons.

At its heart, Moon Garden frames manifestation as a cyclical, tender process. Godfred takes the lunar cycle as a map—each month or phase becomes a mini-lesson in planting intention, tending wounds, harvesting lessons, and resting without guilt. The poems are threaded with short, meditative prose that nudges you toward inner knowing rather than outward performance. The tone is restorative: it encourages a kind of patient self-repair and a practice of living with more purpose and presence.

The book’s design feels like part of its magic. Deep indigos, soft grays, and crisp whites conjure night-sky stillness, while delicate lunar illustrations make each page feel like a stop in a secret garden. The aesthetic is not just pretty; it’s functional—helpful for sinking into the mood Godfred wants to set. The structure itself—a month-by-month, phase-by-phase pacing—works well as a year-long companion if you want a poetic ritual to return to over and over.

What I appreciated most is how accessible the poems are. They’re not densely academic or intentionally obscure. Instead, they’re lyrical and clear, often offering a line that lands like a small bell: a private truth, a prompt for reflection. The book doesn’t pretend emotional growth is linear; it affirms that healing is seasonal, uneven, and often surprising. That perspective is comforting and realistic, and it makes the practice of manifestation feel sustainable rather than performative.

If you’re new to poetic practices around intention, or if you simply love the moon and want a gentle guide through a year of inner work, Moon Garden is a lovely pick. It’s perfect for evenings with tea, for notebook-jotting after a quiet walk, or for returning to when life feels loud and you need a reminder that growth happens in cycles. Melody Godfred offers a soft, luminous space to manifest—not by force, but by listening, tending, and trusting the slow bloom.

Recommended for those who want tenderness with their practice, a pretty page to hold while thinking, and a small, steady ritual to carry through the year.

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

[Patrycja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books find you exactly when you need them. I felt a pull toward “Moon Garden” before I even opened the cover. I expected to like it, but I didn’t realize I would be completely enchanted.

Reading this collection was an incredibly personal experience; it truly felt like Melody Godfred wrote these words just for me. I was so consumed by the wisdom and beauty within these pages that I read the entire book in a single day. It isn’t just a book of poetry; it is a guide for the soul.

I love how the book is thoughtfully divided. It follows the phases of the moon, guiding you through a journey of self-reflection, release, and manifestation.

The illustrations are stunning and add a whole other layer of magic to the reading experience.
It is packed with “aha!” moments. I found myself marking so many favorite sentences that I eventually lost count.

While I finished it quickly, this isn’t a book you put on a shelf and forget. I know I’ll be returning to it every single month to align with the New Moon manifestations. It will be my go-to source for positive affirmations and a spiritual “lift” whenever I feel my energy dipping.

“Moon Garden” is a beautiful reminder that, like the moon, we are whole even when we are transitioning through different phases.”
This book spoke to my soul. This book called my name and I answered.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, I was blessed to get early access to Moon Garden by Melody Godfred. All thoughts and opinions in this review are mine and mine alone.

Melody does a phenomenal job breaking down each month of the year, what they represent, thoughts for the month, and manifestation meditations style poems. She has implemented parts of her journey - ie wisdom from her family - that allows her reach your heart in such a beautiful way.

If you are on a healing journey or in need of guidance/assistance to navigate your heart and soul - this is the perfect book to do that. Each poem brings light and love to the monthly moons.

[A T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon Garden is an inspiring collection that captures the magic of the moon and its cycles. Melody Godfred’s poetry is moving and real. Her words gently remind you of the power of intention and how manifestation begins within. The book itself is absolutely beautiful, inside and out. Like her other books, it’s one I’ll keep close and return to often. Can’t recommend it more.

[Heather S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon Garden is pure magic. The beautiful poems and reflections invite you to reconnect with the wonder and awe of nature and the gentle cycles of the moon. Through this connection, Melody’s poetry will illuminate the truest parts of yourself - intuition, love, hopes, fears, dreams and the beauty of slowing down and being truly present with the moment. This book will be a gift to your soul!

[Kathryn Filkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read all of this poet’s books, and her words have helped carry me through some very difficult periods. Moon Garden: Poetry for Manifestation feels familiar and steady, offering the same quiet clarity I’ve come to trust.

It’s a companion to turn to throughout the year, helping you stay grounded in the intentions you’ve set and move steadily toward the goals you’ve manifested.

[Nicole Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melody knocks it out of the park again. Her poetry speaks to my soul. I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone, even if you’re not much of a poetry reader. I’ll be reading this over and over again.

[Vanessa Spade · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are mystical and beautiful poems for each lunar cycle/month. You can come back for each month and read it again. I loved nearly every poem, if not all of them. I read it all in one day (the exact day it came out) and I want the paperback now so I can read it again for each month.

[Ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Transformative, tantalizing, transcendental.

Simply magic.

Everything Melody Godfred shares within these pages speak to me so deeply that I can feel it in my bones. My intuition tells me that this powerful book will aid my inner journey for many, many moons to come.

[Shan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25

[Bonnie Godfred · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book.
The poetry is thoughtful and inspiring.
The illustrations are lovely.

A great holiday gift to others. Be sure and get one for yourself.

[Rhina M. Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moon 🌚 Garden is a magical read full of poetry and affirmations for every season under the moon! Whimsical, peaceful, and an enchanting collection.

[Presley · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Robin Shelton · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5

This was an enjoyable read. I loved the way the book was structured and the moon phases/astrology themes carried throughout. The writing was understandable and it was a quick, easy read. While the poems were good, there weren't any that really stood out to me. I would still recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry and will be adding it to my collection.

*Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.