Mind Body & Soul
Phases of the Moon
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In ancient times, astrologer priests observed the moon's changing phases, not just to record time but to foretell the destiny of mankind. So powerful has been the moon’s hold on our collective imagination that, even today, scientists continue to study its effects on human beings.
Many people believe that the moon can influence our moods and actions, and that a little moon magic can maximise your chances for personal fulfilment and success.
The moon moves along an elliptical orbit around Earth, completing the circuit every 28 days.
In the phase called the new moon, the face is completely in shadow as the moon lies between the earth and the sun. This is considered the best time to reflect on new beginnings or to start planning a project you’ve been shelving.
As the moon moves along its orbit, it appears as a crescent on the right side of the night sky. As the visible part of the moon grows, it is said to be waxing.
The first three days of this phase are thought to be the time to initiate the plans you made during the new moon, for things will literally start to take off. It’s also one of the most positive times of the month, when you are likely to feel your confidence grow day by day and any inclination to hesitate about things will disappear.
About a week later the moon is in first quarter, resembling a luminous half-circle, and you’ll find that your efforts will start to yield results. This phase of accelerated growth is the perfect time to build up the ego and push your ideas through.
When the moon is more than half-illuminated, it is said to be gibbous. In this phase, your achievements are in sight but not quite ready to be fully grasped. You may feel you are being tested to your very limits and faith in yourself might falter momentarily, but hold firm. Your body may be buzzing with excitement and you feel you can live on adrenaline alone!
Seven days later, the moon will reach the second quarter of its orbit, where its fully lighted surface will appear as a complete orb. The light of the full moon will charge the nights with silvery electricity as the month moves to its climax.
Some suggest that dancing in the night garden will allow the full moon rays to fill your body and spirit with exuberance. You may feel alert and truly alive. Believers say don’t be surprised if love blooms or money comes your way!
A word of caution, though: be mindful that you remain in a positive and generous frame of mind for it is said that the full moon will exacerbate dangers and trouble for those caught up in negative thinking. If you have been ill this month, take heart because natural medicines and tonics taken during the full moon are said to be at their most effective.
One week later the moon dwindles into a half-circle again. This is known as the moon in its waning gibbous phase.
Just as the sunlit side of the moon turns away from us and the moon begins to wane, so too can we begin to feel depleted or dejected. This is the time to clean, purify and de-clutter. Restore yourself with long, relaxing baths.
The moon is said to be waning crescent when it progresses from full to new and the visible portion of the moon dwindles to a crescent once more. Feeling under-stimulated, more prone to depression or pensiveness can be the natural characteristics of this phase.
And in a few days time, when the new moon returns, you’ll have the opportunity to make new wishes and set a whole new set of exciting things in motion.
A silvery satellite; a revered ancient goddess; the cause of strange behaviour. There are many myths and magical powers attributed to the moon, but one fact remains – it will always hold a mystical fascination for most of the earth’s watchful inhabitants.
