Moon Phases

The Moon Phases in Astrology

Everyone can claim that they have observed the moon in the night sky grow at some times and shrink at some other time depending on its position in its varying cycle. This change is observed every month. It is common knowledge that the moon does not have its own light instead it just reflects the light of the sun at various angles. The moon cycle consists of eight phases. The moon is often observed to reach its peak at the full moon, a period of time when human emotions are said to increase.

When the moon is observed to be going from the new to the full phase of its cycle, it gets brighter and brighter. This process is known as "waxing" and it includes the phases of new, crescent, first quarter and gibbous. This process is observed to occur for a period of two weeks and it is often considered to be the fertile period in the Moon's cycle. It is often said that if you intend to have a child, then this period is your best time to do so. The waxing phase is also said to be a period when creative inspiration is higher.

However, when the moon is observed to be shrinking in size and losing its light, it is said to be going from the full phase to the new phase. This period is known as "waning" and it includes the phases of full, disseminating, third quarter and balsamic. This period is also observed to occur for a two week period and it is considered to be the barren time in the Moon's cycle. It is also said to be about retreat and completion. It is also considered to be the best time for hair and beauty treatment when you intend to reduce. As it has been said before, the Moon is said to move through eight different cycles each month and they are:
New Moon
New Moon
This is the first phase of the moon cycle when the Sun and the Moon are conjunct and are in the same sign. This period is said to represent the beginning of the planting cycle, when the seed starts developing into a tender shoot while it is still in the ground. However, this theory is said to be tentative and it is still in doubt. This period is also said to coincide with the winter solstice in the seasonal cycle. It is also observed that there is a great amount of enthusiasm in the air. It is said to be the period of new beginning making it the perfect time to move forward and start projects that you feel instinctively attracted to initiating. During this period, people are more subjective and even self centered.

New moons can create a solar eclipse where the moon blocks the sun's rays and creates a shadow on parts of the Earth.
Crescent Moon
Crescent Moon
The second phase of the moon cycle is known as the Crescent moon and it is the period when the moon is halfway between the New and the first Quarter moon. Since the Moon phases has been said to be closely associated with the planting cycle, it has been observed that this period is when the young organisms has to contend with the surrounding environment, which may appear difficult and hostile. This phase of the moon cycle has been said to coincide with the Candlemas holiday of the seasonal cycle. This holiday is midway between the winter solstice and the spring equinox, around the 1st of February. And also, during this period, it is noticed that there is a slight reduction in enthusiasm as a result of an emerging desire to produce tangible results from the energy being released. During this period, it is also observed that people tend to move forward with new ideas and impulses, even when faced with resistance. This is a great time to progress forward with your plans.

This phase occurs a few days after a new moon.
First Quarter Moon
First Quarter Moon
This Is the third phase of the moon cycle when the moon is waxing. This period is said to represent the period in the planting cycle when the organisms puts out its leaves and branches. It is a period of excellent growth. This period also corresponds with the Spring Equinox in the seasonal cycle. It is observed in this time that emotions are stirred and people start recognizing the fact that the new beginnings that they are making must also increase personal security in order for it to be worthwhile. This period is also when people start relying more on their gut instinct to guide their life. People may be faced with obstacles that require them to find a better way to integrate themselves with their environment.
Gibbous Moon
Gibbous Moon
The Gibbous moon is the fourth phase of the moon cycle and it is also in the waxing period. It is also halfway between the first quarter moon and the full moon. In the planting cycle, this is the period when the buds begin to appear carrying with them the ability to produce flowers. This phase also occurs at the same time cross quarter holiday of Beltane in the seasonal cycle around May 1st. This holiday happens half way between the spring equinox and the summer solstice. This period is also said to be the best time for synthesis that is, coming up with a practical plan from one point to another. It is also observed that people experience more distractions in this period. It is the period when people favor analysis in order to effectively integrate their aim with the people in the surroundings.
Full Moon
Full Moon
The fifth phase of the moon cycle is the full moon when the moon and the sun are seen in opposition to each other on the opposite sides of the earth. This phase also coincides with the summer solstice in the seasonal cycle when there is maximum light. It is also said to be the time for flowers to emerge in the planting cycle. In this period, people are observed to experience clarity when it comes to their views about others. This time is said to stir human emotions.

When the moon is at its closest point to the Earth in its orbit it is called a supermoon, and at its farthest point, it is called a micro-moon. Another cool thing that occasionally happens during a full moon is when the moon passes through our Earth's shadow, called a lunar eclipse. During a lunar eclipse, the moon will be a reddish color, like the picture above shows.
Disseminating Moon
Disseminating Moon
This is the sixth cycle of the moon cycle when the moon is halfway between the full moon and the Last quarter moon. It is also in the waning period. In the planting cycle, it is the period when the plant's first fruit emerge. This period also occur at the same time as the cross quarter holiday known as Lammas which is often celebrated around August 1st midway between the Summer Solstice and the Fall Equinox. This is the best time for transmutation and it is also observed that people tend to share more during this period.
Last Quarter Moon
Last Quarter Moon
The seventh phase of the moon cycle is known as the last quarter moon when the moon is waning. This is the period in the planting cycle when the plant is harvested and the parts remaining start to wither and die back into the ground. And the remaining parts of the fruits also start to prepare its seed for planting. It also marks the start of the end of the cycle. This period corresponds with the Fall Equinox of the seasonal cycle. This is the period when reaping is at hand. This phase is the best time to take responsibility for actively tying up loose ends of projects that are already in progress.
Balsamic Moon
Balsamic Moon
This is the last phase of the moon cycle when the moon is waning and half way between the Last Quarter moon and the New moon. This is the period of maturation of seed and the death of other parts of the plant in the planting cycle. During this period, all the energy of the plant is focused on the seed being prepared for the next cycle. It often corresponds with the seasonal holiday of Halloween, which is midway between the Fall Equinox and Winter Solstice. This is the period to reevaluate and reflect on your choices. It is also the time for rest and preparation.

This phase "ends" when the moon and the sun rise at the same time, which starts the lunar cycle over again starting with the new moon.