29 Nov Moon Phases: What That Means For You
How many times have you caught yourself staring up into the night sky seeking out the glow of the moon? It’s only natural that people are drawn to the moon and all of its power.
Astrology tells the story of how the moon rules each person’s inner being, the part that often isn’t visible on the outside. The moon serves as the ultimate protector of your darkest secrets and purest emotions.
Many describe the moon in a motherly sense, taking care of each of us from the inside out.
If you have looked at the night sky more than once, you most certainly have noticed that over time the moon appears to change shape constantly. Myth and legends abound about the time each cycle when the moon hangs full and bright.
Sometimes the moon is simply a small curled sliver among a sea of stars, and other times still it is completely gone from view. Each phase of the moon is distinct and brings unique powers and energies to those of us basking in its glow.
In This Article
8 Phases Of The Moon
Let’s look at the eight phases of the moon, and what that means for you.
1. The New Moon
What It Is: When the sun, moon, and star line up on the same side of planet Earth we experience a new moon.
The light from the sun hits the far side of the moon and is not able to illuminate the moon for us to view.
The sun and the moon are in conjunction with each other and when we look up into the night we may only be lucky enough to see a faint outline of where the moon might be.
What It Means: The new moon is a great opportunity for you to re-energize your life. As the name implies, this lunar cycle is a great time for restarting an abandoned project, beginning something new, or letting go of old baggage.
During the new moon phase, it is wise to spend time removing clutter from your physical life and from your mind. If you are carrying guilt or shame, release it and allow yourself a fresh start.
New moon, new you.
2. The Waxing Crescent
What It Is: When the moon first becomes visible after the new moon phase we can begin to see a small crescent shape in the sky.
We say the moon is waxing waning because it should be growing larger in appearance each night during this time.
What It Means: The waxing crescent moon is a time for hopes and dreams. The new moon has left us recharged and mentally washed fresh. The waxing crescent phase is one where we are prepared to chase our passions.
Many people feel the excitement, optimism, and uplifting hope under the waxing crescent moon.
3. First Quarter Moon
What It Is: One week after we experience a new moon, the moon has become a first-quarter moon but in the night sky you won’t see a quarter of the moon, you’ll see half!
The one-quarter moon gets its name because the moon is one-quarter through with its cycle of phases.
What It Means: The first quarter moon requires persistence and action to be taken on all the dreams we thought up during the waxing crescent. Things that seemed as though they would be easy to achieve might be showing that there is going to be some work involved to reach your goals.
Don’t be surprised if during this phase you find yourself having to work through unexpected challenges. If you continue to actively participate in the goals you set during the new moon you can overcome any of the first-quarter moon’s obstacles.
4. The Waxing Gibbous Moon
What It Is: At this point, the moon is quickly approaching the full moon but is still not quite complete in its roundness. This is one of the two phases where the moon is easy to see both night and day.
What It Means: During the waxing gibbous moon you may find yourself spending time reviewing the progress you have made on goals for the month. You are able to objectively look at what you have done and make changes to your plans if needed.
The waxing gibbous phase is helpful for those wanting to practice reflection and intention in their actions. It helps us to tweak our life plans to keep heading towards optimal results.
5. The Full Moon or Harvest Moon
What It Is: A full moon is the result of the sun and the moon being on opposite sides of the earth. The moon receives direct light from the sun and we get the beautiful full moons so many people love.
What It Means: The full moon is a time when people feel stronger emotions and heightened senses throughout their day than normal. The pull of the sun and moon on our spirits can bring about tension in everyday life.
The benefit of the full moon is that this is the time when all of your hard work since the new moon is likely to be revealed and bring the rewards you have sought.
6. The Waning Gibbous
What It Is: The first stage of the moon becomes less visible after the full moon.
What It Means: After reaping the rewards of our labor during the full moon and riding the strong emotions of the phase, the waning gibbous moon gives an opportunity for reflection and gratitude.
The waning gibbous phase is often the time when people do their most charitable giving.
7. The Last Quarter Moon
What It Is: The last quarter moon shows us the flip of the first quarter moon. We are back to a visible half moon as the moon continues to shrink in the night sky.
What It Means: This is the stage where we are typically able to practice forgiveness of others. As the moon lets go of its illumination, we will find ourselves more easily letting go of the things that have wronged us.
8. The Waning Crescent
What It Is: The final stage of visibility before entering the new moon where the moon is once again just a thin curl in the sky.
What It Means: The waning crescent moon is a stage of total rest. You have had a full month of renewal, building, working, reaping benefits, and giving back.
During this phase, we are able to truly let our souls relax and surrender any remaining worries before entering the new moon again.
Conclusion
Knowing the moon phases allows us to align our spiritual practices, rituals, and intentions with the cosmic rhythm, amplifying their potency. From the waxing crescent symbolizing new beginnings and fresh energy to the full moon representing culmination and heightened manifestation, and the waning crescent signifying release and letting go, each phase offers unique energetic qualities to explore and embrace.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.