Luna and Her Phases The moon is about one-quarter the size of our earth, very large for a satellite. It has about one-sixth the gravity of the earth’s which is not enough to hold its own atmosphere. Without atmosphere, the sky is always black when viewed from the moon. And there is no wind, so footprints of the astronauts will remain there virtually forever. The moon has a daytime that is 14 of our days in length with high temperatures of 212°F. Its nighttime is the same length with lows of -240°F. The moon spins once on its axis every 27.33 days and takes the same period of time to orbit the Earth. The result is that we always see the same face of the moon. It’s familiar side is covered with dark patches called maria, surrounded by higher, lighter areas. The maria are believed the result of gigantic meteorites slamming into the moon’s surface. The unseen side of the moon is strangely devoid of any large maria. The moon is about 239,000 miles from the earth and the sun about 92,956,000. This closer distance more than makes up for the moon’s smaller mass and the moon gravitational force upon the earth is 2.5 times that of the sun. This force is felt by the earth’s oceans, atmosphere and even the mass of the earth itself, bulging 3-6” when the moon rolls past. 

New Moon At new moon phase, the moon is in alignment, directly between the earth and sun and therefore hidden from view. The new moon is the only time an eclipse of the sun can be seen, as it is the dark moon we see taking bites of the sun. The new moon rises and sets with the sun. They are in the same sign of the zodiac, emotions and desire working together. Their gravitational forces are combined in their pull on the earth. The new moon is generally a good time to begin new projects or for quitting unwanted activities. Transitions may seem to be accepted more calmly, a dark embryonic, soothing time to plan and rest.

Waxing The moon then slowly moves out of alignment with the sun. Illuminated on the right side, it rises and sets increasingly later than the sun. Waxing in size to the point of first quarter. The first quarter can be seen in the south at sunset and sets about midnight. At both quarter positions the gravitational forces of the moon & sun tend to counteract each other to the greatest extent, tides are neap. The moon continues as waxing gibbous, rising in the afternoon and setting after midnight. During the waxing moon any efforts to build up and strengthen the body are multiplied. Elements are absorbed more readily, both good and bad. It is a time for action and growth.

Full Moon The full moon is again in straight alignment with the earth and sun, but this time the earth is in the middle. The sun and moon occupy opposing signs, desires and emotions may seem to conflict. We see the entire face of the moon illuminated and we see one set while the other rises. An eclipse of the moon can only occur at full phase, when the moon moves into the earth’s shadow. The full moon is the time of highest emotion, energy and sensitivity. You may notice a heightened awareness of personal relationships. The body is at its peak for absorbing substances. Many believe it the optimum time to gather herbs and fruit. Peak growth, birth, is attained and if it hasn’t actualized at this time you may feel increased frustration and high anxiety. Try to enjoy your achievements and not focus on what is yet unfinished. 

Waning The moon then moves out of alignment, losing light from its right side, called waning gibbous. It rises early in the evening and sets after sunrise. At last quarter, again a period of reduced tides, it rises at midnight and sets about noon. It wanes, rising and setting increasingly later, past quarter till we see the waning crescent rising early in the am, seen as a sliver just before sunrise. The waning moon is the time for finishing and releasing, a good time for cleaning out home, body & mind. Nagging chores may seem easier. Many believe that detoxification and dieting efforts are multiplied in this time of reduction. You may feel drawn towards introspection.