Moon Phases
Humans have an ancient and sacred relationship with the moon. Lunar calendars were probably the first method of time keeping developed by our earthly ancestors. In fact the words month and moon are etymologically related. The moon is directly related to the seasons and to the way we experience time. The moon affects the tides, way plants grow, as well as human fertility.
The phases of the moon are caused by the relative positions of the earth, sun, and moon. The moon goes around the earth, on average,
in 27 days 7 hours 43 minutes.
The edge of the shadow (the terminator) is curved, being an oblique view of a circle, giving the moon its familiar crescent shape.
Because the “horns” of the moon at the ends of the crescent are always facing away from the setting or rising sun, they tend to point upward in the sky.
The sun always illuminates the half of the moon facing the sun (except during lunar eclipses, when the moon passes through theearth’s shadow). When the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth, the moon appears “full” to us, a bright, round disk. When the moon is between the earth and the sun, it appears dark, a “new” moon. In between, the moon’s illuminated surface appears to grow (wax) to full,
then decrease (wane) to the next new moon.
NEW MOON
Something new is born; or the “seeding” of something new. We are acting with spontaneity, from a place of instinct. All information has not been revealed to us yet. There is no objectivity at this point in the cycle. It’s a good time for doing something new, but because we are lacking in information at this time, it is a risky time for important new endeavors, such as the beginning of a new business or relationship. It’s not a time for making solid commitments or promises, as new information may emerge later on that could change our minds. It’s a good time for making wishes or coming up with new ideas.
Keywords: Initial Urge; Instinct; Projection
CRESCENT
A time for collecting information, making contacts and learning more about our plan or project.
Keywords: Activation; Striving; Future
FIRST QUARTER
Issues emerge that require taking action or making adjustments. This can be considered a stage of conflict, but also of building. Things are beginning to take off and to gain momentum. The First Quarter Moon is a time for taking action, not for contemplation or reflection.
Keywords: Clearing; Action; Building
GIBBOUS
A time for organizing, integrating, and planning.
Keywords: Perfecting; Analysis; Interpret
FULL MOON
Full exposure and illumination come at the Full Moon stage. The plan bears fruit, blossoms, or culminates. A new perspective can emerge now. Information has now been revealed. Going public may be in order.
Keywords: Perfection; Completion Conscious; Illumination
DISSEMINATING
A time for sharing information.
Keywords: Imparting; Convey Awareness
LAST QUARTER
A time for readjustment or review arising from a crisis in consciousness. This can also be a time to reap the rewards or close a project/plan. This is not typically a favorable time for launching something new, as our “audience” may be critical or uninterested.
Keywords: Readjustment; Correcting; Disillusionment; Elimination
BALSAMIC
An unfavorable time for beginning something new, but favorable for closing something, putting it behind us, and for endings in general. A time for personal reflection, tying up loose ends.
Keywords: Incubation; Preparation; Closure; Surrender
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