CIRCLE
OF
STARS
The moon is a reminder that no matter what phase I'm in, I'm still whole (author unknown) Observing the natural cycles around us offers one of the most immediate and gratifying ways of stepping into relationship with Nature. Each season, and cycle has something to say to us about ourselves, about where we are in our lives, and where we are headed. In this blog post I'll share an overview of the 8 observable phases of the Moon, and offer a perspective on what they might mean, and how to work with them. There are many layers to take this deeper, and make it even more personal, which I'll cover a bit later in this post. I've also included a resource list, to help you find additional information should you be interested. The phases of the Moon as viewed looking southward from the Northern Hemisphere. Each phase would be rotated 180° if seen looking northward from the Southern Hemisphere. The upper part of the diagram is not to scale, as the Moon is much farther from Earth than shown here. - Wikipedia 8 Phases of the Moon Within about 29.5 days the Moon moves through a complete cycle of 8 observable phases, from New Moon to Full Moon, then back to New Moon again. In this time it moves through all the signs/houses of the Zodiac, spending about 3 1/2 days in each phase. Generally speaking as the light of the Moon increases from the New Moon phase, it represents growth and development. After the light of the Moon peaks as the Full Moon, it gradually decreases and represents release and letting go. Some definitions: Waxing - light is increasing/growing Waning - decreasing light (sometimes called Disseminating) Gibbous - light covers more than 1/2 of Moon, but not all of it Balsamic - soothing or restorative relating to healing or rest New Moon - planting a 'seed' in the earth - relates to the energy at the time of the Winter Solstice - new beginnings, fresh starts, impulse of pure potential - great time to set a goal, start a project - what new 'thing' wants to happen? Waxing Crescent Moon - the seed begins to sprout and put feelers out - relates to the energy at the time of Imbolc/Saint Brigid's Day - fresh energy to start projects, creative action building, gathering resources - energy is building, add actions to the intentions you set at the New Moon - what do you need to do to get the results you're looking for? First Quarter Moon - the seedling has growth spurts and is sending down roots to become a strong plant - relates to the energy at the time of the Spring Equinox - accelerating the process of what you're working on, a time for direct action - when obstacles come up, work through them and stay on track - review where you are and see how far you've come Waxing Gibbous Moon - the bud forms, fruit grows - relates to the energy at the time of Beltane - a time for patience, stay focused on where you're headed - if things aren't working it might be time to edit and refine - as you build up to the time of maximum energy constructive adjustments might be necessary Full Moon - the seed blooms into a fruit or flower - relates to the energy at the time of the Summer Solstice - peak energy, culmination, amplification - a time of completion - things that have been hidden or unknown are now illuminated Waning Gibbous Moon - the ripened fruit is shared, mature leaves change colour - relates to the energy at the time of Lughnasadh/Lammas - themes around harvesting, gratitude, receiving, releasing - share what you've gained at the Full Moon with others - what have you learned, and what can you let go of now? Last Quarter Moon - the fruit falls, flowers fade, seeds drop - relates to the energy of the Fall Equinox - a time of transition, readjustment, reflection, forgiveness - energetic support to break and release/let go of this cycle so you are ready for the next Waning Crescent Moon (Balsamic Moon) - the seed has now transitioned back to the soil, ready for a new cycle to begin - relates to the energy at the time of Samhain - a time of rest, release, introspection, recuperation, integration - a powerful time of regeneration, when you can gather your energy in preparation for the next cycle Making It Personal Your Power Moons As the Moon travels through the Zodiac it will at some point align with your Natal Moon sign (link below if you don't know yours). You will have 1 time each year that there is a New Moon in your natal moon sign - the same goes for the full moon. These are regarded as Power Moons! If the Moon happens to be in the same phase it was in when you were born, it's thought to be even more powerful (more about that later). These power moons are worth paying attention to!!! They are extra potent times when you might feel more creative, or you might feel the need to shine a light on something. If you have a heads up, and know this you can plan in advance. Remember that each phase lasts about 3/12 days, so keep that in mind. Using the link below (in the resources) you can figure out your Power Moons. As an example my Moon sign is Aquarius - the New Moon phase was in Aquarius on Feb. 11, 2021 and the Full Moon phase will be on July 23, 2021 (so watch out!!!) Your Moon Phase at birth in itself says something about the type of person you are. If you have your birth chart, and you see the Sun and Moon symbol together, that means you were born at a New Moon (Sun and Moon are conjunct) - if the Sun is directly opposite the Moon, then you were born under a Full Moon (the Sun is shining it's light directly on the Moon making it appear full). Check in the resources for a link to determine what your Natal Moon Phase is, as it's very likely in between these two points. There have been some studies to suggest that a Woman is highly fertile during her natal lunar phase! As well as biological fertility - the Power Moons (generally) are times of peak creativity, when you can really embrace and express your self fully in all ways. The meaning of the Moon Phase you were born under, can be taken from the ones I've shared above. For example I was born under a Waxing Gibbous Moon - so that might indicate someone who needs to stay focused on where they're going, and enjoys planning, editing and revising (yes!!!) The Lunar Weather As an additional layer that can be helpful, you can pay attention to the sign of the Zodiac, that the Moon is travelling through. I'll share a very brief overview of sign meanings below, including the element of the sign - which I think can be useful in getting a feel for what the sign represents for you personally. The day that I'm posting this there is a New Moon in Gemini, which also happens to be an eclipse - making it extra potent! The New Moon is a great time to begin something new, to plant a seed - to start, or re-start something. As it is happening in the sign of Gemini - it might have something to do with communication, and 'of the mind'. And so it might not come as a surprise that I've chosen today to post this blog! Moon in the Signs: Moon - Water - reflective, nourishing, the subconscious, cycles, sensitivity, inner world Aries - Fire - desire to start fresh, take action Taurus - Earth - desire for serenity, security, comfort Gemini - Air - favours the mind, and communication Cancer - Water - desire for peace and quiet, personal needs Leo - Fire - favours creative activities, self expression Virgo - Earth - favours organizing things, learning and doing work Libra - Air - favours relationship/partnership issues, cooperation Scorpio - Water - favours self examination, getting to the bottom of things Sagittarius - Fire - favours trying new things, adventure, taking chances Capricorn - Earth - favours long term planning, responsibility Aquarius - Air - favours originality, innovation, social justice Pisces - Water - favours using the imagination, spiritual pursuits, daydreaming Next Steps How can you personalize all of this, what does the New Moon (or ?) mean to you? The only way to really know, is to experience what it feels like for yourself, and then make a note of it. Perhaps begin by tracking the New and/or Full Moons each month (as well as your Power Moons)! Go outside and look up at the night sky, where is the Moon what phase is it in? what phase are you in? It's a great opportunity to check in with yourself. You can use an app (I use Night Sky on my phone to do this) or a website to learn more about when you can observe the moon in the area where you live. Keep it simple to start, and enjoy the journey! Other Interesting Information Gardening with the Moon Phases As long as people have been growing food, the Moon phases have been observed to affect crop growth. It's been found that the best time to plant things that grow beneath the ground (carrots, beets, garlic etc.) is just after a Full Moon, and conversely fruit or flower bearing plants do better when planted just after the New Moon. Thank you for reading my blog! My goal in offering these blogs is to engage others in a conversation with their own astrology. The birth chart can be likened to a cosmic mandala, a roadmap that leads us home to ourselves. It's one of the most powerful tools that I work with in my own life. Until next time - Carol Additional Information & Resources Moon Phase Calculator (also calculates Moon sign) The Tarot Lady’s Ultra-Deluxe Superfly Astrology Guide for 2021 (to calculate Power Moon dates) General info on Moon Phases Gardening by the Moon Why Do We Garden By the Moon? Fertility Cycles Lunar Effect on Fertility How the Moon Affects Your Cycle Books - if you want to dive deeper Mysteries of the Dark Moon - Demetra George Astrology of the Moon - Amy Herring Moonology - Yasmin Boland
1 Comment
Well Wisher
3/20/2024 01:37:28 am
Nice Article!
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Hi, I'm Carol - Thank you for visiting my Blog! I can be found most nights looking up at the Moon & the Stars, no matter what the weather. It was after I began learning Astrology and better understood the 'symbols' in my birth chart, that I felt 'seen', and gained some valuable perspectives about myself and my life!
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