Moon Cycles
As our moon waxes and wanes during the lunar month this can have a profound effect on how we feel emotionally and physically. Scientists have said that the full moon exerts more gravity on the water in our bodies, disturbing our biological processes. Studies have shown increased admissions to Emergency departments at the full moon and a recent study in Switzerland showed that the stages of the moon affected the quality of our sleep. (July 2013 Current Biology)
The fact is we don’t really know exactly how the moon has an affect on us but it does: the moon’s amazing energy shines down on us and that energy changes throughout the lunar month. Our ancestors lived and worked with the cycles of the moon, they hunted and planted according to the moon’s rhythms, a skill that we have lost with our busy lifestyles. By learning to be more in tune with the moon’s natural ebb and flow we can improve the quality of our lives and those around us and have a happier more fulfilled existence.
The moon’s phases can be split into four: new moon, waxing moon, full moon and waning moon. These four give us the basic stages the moon goes through and can give us a good basis for looking at how the moon is influencing us. We can further spilt these into: new moon, waxing crescent moon, first quarter moon, gibbous moon, disseminating moon, last quarter moon, waning crescent moon, dark moon. Often the dark moon and new moon phases are seen as the same but I feel that they are two separate phases with very different energies.
Keeping a Moon Diary can be a very useful exercise in helping understand any differences in emotions or physical symptoms that may happen during the month. Make a note each day of whether the moon is waxing or waning and what stage it is at. There are applications that show you what stage the moon is at on the top right hand corner of this website and on the websites listed at the bottom of the page. Try and make some time every day to look at the moon or if it is cloudy in the direction of the moon and imagine that you are absorbing some of its powerful energy.
New Moon
During the time of the new moon the sun and moon rise together in the East. We are not able to see the moon because she is overshadowed by the sun’s brightness. The maiden goddess represents this moon, she represents youth, fertility, growth and new beginnings.
Astrologically speaking the sun and moon are in conjunction. This means that they are linked to one another and are enhancing each other’s energies. As we have both of them in the sky at the same time we can feel the force of their combined strength and this can spur us on to start new projects.
This new phase of the moon is perfect for making a start on anything new. You may be just at the planning stage at this very start of the moon’s growth, which is perfect for this type of energy.
Sun and moon combine at this time to make inspirational ideas a real possibility, this is a perfect time to get creative, write your ideas down as you go along so that you can see the progression, as they become reality. This is also a perfect time for any resolutions or affirmations. Speak them out loud and repeat them several times over to ensure they become your reality.
Waxing Crescent Moon
As our beautiful moon becomes more visible she appears to grow in size until we see a lovely crescent moon shape. This waxing crescent moon rises around mid morning and sets a little after sunset. The best time to see her in the Western sky is in the late afternoon.
This has been termed the ‘sprouting’ phase of the moon. It is the period of time when the ideas that germinated in the new moon phase will start to grow and develop into properly formed projects. This is a good time to really look at what needs to change in your life. For example if you want to improve your health now is a good time to work on a healthy eating plan or seek out a practitioner to aid any recovery you are seeking. Your skin and hair will naturally absorb more during this waxing moon as the moon pulls all moisture towards her so moisturizing is key now. Your body will thank you for looking after it at this time of the waxing moon!
Waxing Half Moon or First Quarter Moon.
When our moon is approximately a quarter in size she is termed the first quarter moon or waxing half moon. At this time she rises about midday and sets about midnight. We are thus blessed with the sight of her wonder for longer into the night now as she grows in fullness. On the first night of this phase we see a true quarter of the moon. Another lighted quarter of the moon shines just as brightly in the direction opposite Earth. Take some time if you can to notice the way she increases in size every night. Imagine that this increased growth is pouring energy down into your heart, making you stronger and more able to carry out day-to-day tasks.
This is the time of the month that you might find you are at your most productive. This moon phase is an excellent time for really getting stuck into any projects that you may have started during the new moon phase. You will possibly find that tasks seem easier as you put more of your increased energy into carrying them out. The waxing half moon phase is excellent for attracting luck and prosperity into your life; it is also a perfect time to work on improving relationships, new or old. Any activities that you carry out during the waxing phase of the moon will respond well to this increasing of the moon’s size and strength. This is a perfect time for blessings and affirmations that attract: that bring positive change, love and good luck into your life and that of those around you.
Gibbous Moon
The gibbous moon is the phase when the moon is almost full and she is visible from just after sunset right through the night until dawn.
From here until the full moon you can make the most of her incredible waxing energy. This is an ideal time for expressing your feelings and for making the most of the energy you are feeling. The moon is visible in the sky all night so try and make a point every evening of offering up a blessing for all that you have in your life and asking for help with any tasks that you are completing in time for the full moon.
As the moon’s gravitational pull on the earth affects not only the tides but all water it also pulls up moisture in the soil. Therefore it is good to plant seeds during the waxing cycle but especially just after the new moon and about 2-3 days before the full moon. So if you have any seeds to plant this is the time to do it to encourage the perfect growth from them. This was confirmed in a 1939 study by Dr. Lili Kolisko of Germany. To encourage your lawn to grow, mow during the waxing moon cycle so this is your last chance before the moon starts to wane.
Full Moon
The moon has reached her fullest size and potential at this time. She rises at sunset and sets at sunrise so we are able to gaze upon her beauty all night long. Her energy is at its peak on the night of the full moon, although this increased energy can still be felt for three days following the full moon therefore it is an ideal time to make the most of this.
The sun and moon are opposite each other at this time and the moon reflects all of the sun’s wonderful light. Now is a perfect time for celebrating and expressing your emotions.
The full moon is represented by the Mother aspect of the triple goddess and bestows on us, at this time, the wisdom and maturity that the Mother Goddess represents. The Mother goddess shows us that relationships are of paramount significance at this time.
You may find that you are restless at this time of the month with all the increased energy therefore it is important to find a channel for this energy. Strong tides of emotion swing and sway during this time, so make sure you don’t get carried away in the undertow. The moon energies are turbulent but highly positive now. This is sometimes the time during an acute or chronic illness when people feel their worst because our Full Moon intensifies whatever else is going on. Often people aren’t even aware that they’re sick until the Full Moon hits therefore it is a good idea to be extra vigilant about listening to what your body is trying to tell you at this time. This is also an excellent time for psychological therapy because emotions seem closer to the surface than usual. You may find that you are more honest with your feelings at this time therefore it is a perfect time to express them.
The Full Moon draws all of life toward it; even the ground rises several inches when the Full Moon passes overhead! In nature plants benefit from the increased light to aid their photosynthesis. Just as the plants and seeds grow at this time of the moon month, so can you grow to reach your true potential.
This is a peak time for psychic awareness and the heightened energy is sometimes a lot to deal with. Now is the time to use your energy to finish any projects that you have started and to take any action towards increasing the happiness in your life. It is a good period to ask for a promotion at work, raising money that you are need of, finishing any DIY project in your home, or conceiving a baby.
Enjoy this full moon, try and embrace its potential and if you are feeling a little restless, look around you and see how you can use this increased energy towards something productive. You will be glad that you got some nagging things finished once you enter the gentler cycle of the waning moon.
If you are someone that suffers during the full moon either physically or emotionally you can take steps to be prepared for this. Perhaps arrange childcare if you have young children, arrange your work load to be as light as it can be, have some relaxing music, herbs and aromatherapy blends to hand. Being in tune with the moon means you can manage the highs and lows because you are ready for them.
Disseminating Moon or Waning Full Moon.
As the moon begins to slowly loose her full and rounded shape she enters the waning phase and is called the disseminating moon, sometimes named the waning gibbous moon. At this point you will see her rising in the sky around mid evening and setting again mid morning.
Entering the stage of the waning moon signifies a time of looking within oneself, slowing down a little and letting go of anything that we no longer need in our lives and is preventing us from our happiness. This may include loved ones and friends, clutter in our homes, work situations, or phobias and fears that are holding us back.
After basking in the power of the full light of the Moon this is a time to look at your life and work out what works for you–and what doesn’t–in preparation for the next New Moon, when something new is born once again. Letting go of something or someone in your life allows space for the new to enter. This is not the best time to start a major project, as the decreasing light of the moon shifts our energy and our focus.
The waning moon is an excellent time to focus on protection. Look within your life to see what needs more attention. You may want to perform a protection blessing for your home, yourself or your loved ones.
Within nature the as the moon’s pull begins to fade the water is no longer being pulled upwards thus promoting root growth and the swelling of fruit. Planting root crops is still good at the time of the disseminating moon as well as perennials and bulb plants.
Last Quarter Moon
The last quarter moon rises around midnight and sets around noon and she is visible from the time she rises until the time she sets. Astrologically she is square to the Sun, which creates a challenge in their relationship. This is a time for assimilation, reflection and looking inwards. This will prepare us well for the new moon ahead when new ideas may be born again.
This phase of the moon is particularly helpful for meditative thoughts and for organizing things in one’s life that need to be sorted. This is a very insightful moon phase. Now may be a good time to engage in activities that increase your own wisdom, perhaps think of ways to be a little wiser when it comes to dealing with your job, your spouse or your teenagers!
Within the plant kingdom the last quarter is a resting period best for harvesting, pruning and cultivating. If you wish to slow down the growth of your lawn then this is the best time to mow it. Clearing weeds from your garden at this moon phase helps to keep them from returning.
In terms of your body, detox is the key here. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, green smoothies if you like them are ideal now to really cleanse your system. Your skin will benefit from body brushing and a salt scrub to brush away all those dead skin cells. Your body will naturally want to detox at this time so you are giving nature a helping hand.
Waning Crescent Moon Balsamic Moon
The very last crescent of our moon that we see in the sky is called the waning crescent or Balsamic moon. It is called this as balsamic means ‘a restorative state’, a time for healing and recuperation. At this time our moon rises at dawn and is visible until she sets in the early afternoon.
The Waning crescent moon is sacred to the Crone Goddess or Wise woman aspect of the Triple Goddess and the inner wisdom that she represents. This is a time when our thoughts may become clearer and we can see that the meditations carried out during the last quarter moon have been of use. It may be that we go through a period of transformation and change at this time, it is often a time of letting go of anything or anybody in our lives that we no longer need. This can sometimes be a time of unease, the Lunar cycle is ending, with it our cycle of progress and action is ending, however a new cycle has not yet begun. Therefore we must take time for ourselves and allow space for our thoughts to fall into place. If it is possible allow yourself as much calm as you can in your life.
It is a good time for removing obstacles to happiness and success and for banishing negative thoughts and influences. Anything that has gone too far to be repaired for now, we must let go of. Perhaps it will be re-started in the next, or a future Lunar Cycle. Maybe it won’t. However if the time has come to let go then that is what we must do and this is the ideal time to do it. The Balsamic moon is also a particularly good point in the month in which to remove any pain and sickness from your life or lives of others.
Sometimes this is called the phase of the wishing moon. Therefore mentally and physically, try to sow good thoughts as to what you would like to accomplish in the next moon phase. This is a good time to cleanse your unconscious mind of any negative influences that are cluttering your thought processes. Open your mind and in doing so you will open new doors ahead of you. This may the door to your heart, the door to a new project, a new holiday, whatever is needed in your life right now. This is a good time for preparing ourselves to be refreshed and ready for great momentum and new growth to come in the phase of the new moon. Meditation is absolutely key during this phase, try and make as much time for it as possible, I know it is really difficult and we all live very busy lives but if you could perhaps just get up twenty minutes earlier and fit in a quick mediation then you will surely see the benefit in a calmer and happier you, and all those around you will benefit too!
Dark Moon
There is a very short period of time before the moon starts waxing again which is called the dark moon phase as the moon is no longer visible to us as she rises and sets with the sun. This is a period of slowing down and resting as you may find that your energy is at it’s lowest in the dark moon phase.
The dark moon can be a time of intense change as it signifies the passing of the ‘old moon’ to see the birth of the ‘new moon’ Because of this the dark moon is a very powerful time to do some soul searching, perform divinations and uncover hidden issues. Pay attention to your dreams, maybe trying to write a dream diary to see what your unconscious mind is telling you. You may find that by looking at your dreams and looking within you challenge preconceived notions you may have had, sometimes this is necessary to grow in wisdom and strength.
This is only an overview of how we can live in accordance with the moon’s cycles, truth is there is a lot more that we can look at regarding our moon’s incredible power and a lot that we have yet to discover. We are blessed to have such an incredibly beautiful astral body so close to us, it is no wonder there have been so many Goddesses dedicated to her worship throughout time, long may we continue to gaze upon her beauty.
Article written by Alison Thompson
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