Moon Phases Explained

There are 8 phases of the moon that occur over a 29.5 day period.  This is how long is takes for the moon to rotate around the Earth.  The Earth, Moon and Sun move together, perfectly in tune with each other, the gravitational pull between the planets creating a cosmic dance. The luminous part of the moon that we see and admire is the area reflected by the sun.

If you feel connected with the moon, you are not alone, in ancient times there is evidence to show that people would plan their lives around these changing energy patterns and relate these to their lives.  

NEW MOON

The moon is not visible to us at all.  The lunar energy at its lowest.

WHAT CAN WE DO AT THIS TIME?
It is considered to be a time for being reflective, resting and being gentle with yourself.  It is a good time to let go of old habits that do not help you.  Maybe a time to consider new beginnings.

WAXING MOON

After a dark New Moon the visible part slowly increases, starting with a sliver of a waxing crescent and increasing to a first quarter half moon, then a larger waxing gibbous. 

WHAT WE CAN DO AT THIS TIME?
This is a time of growth, expansion and increasing the energy in our lives.  Let new ideas start to blossom and look at new possibilities.

FULL MOON

After an increasing waxing moon, this is the brightest time where the whole moon is illuminated. 

WHAT CAN WE DO AT THIS TIME?
A time where we can feel much more in tune with our instincts and emotions.  We can often feel it is a time for inspiration, celebration and acceptance.

WANING MOON

After the full moon there is the waning of the moon which is becoming less visible to us.  What we can see gradually gets smaller going from a waning gibbous to a third quarter moon (half moon), lastly a waning crescent until the New Moon starts again.

WHAT CAN WE DO AT THIS TIME?
With the decreasing lunar energy it is a time for calm, peace and mindfulness.  It is considered to be a time to look after yourself well.