The Moon Cycle: Through Phases & signs
By
Sheela Adhar
This excerpt was published as the astrology interpretation for the Earth Pathways Diary & calendar for 2021, which I was honoured to have been asked to write.
Our beautiful celestial being acts as a conduit which encapsulates & distributes the power & influence of universal flow upon our beloved planet Earth & all sentient beings. She holds an immense influence over us. Much like the Earth's cyclical nature, the Moon follows her own cycle of birth, life, death, regeneration & rebirth. Each phase either expanding its power (waxing) or slowly withdrawing (waning). Lunar cycles take up to 28 days, during which time the size, strength & shape of the Moon energies & Moonlight vary accordingly. In one month the Moon cycles through what the Sun & Earth take a whole year doing. Think of nature & the seasons.
The ebbing and flowing energies of the moon affect us as much as Earth’s tides. Understanding and working with the phases allows our minds, bodies and spirits to resonate and function on an holistic level. Our absorption of moon and planetary energies allows us greater understanding of ourselves, our relationships to others and to mother Earth, gifting us with a much healthier lifestyle and state of mind.
Void of Course Moon VoC
The Moon takes 2 1/4 days to cruise through each of the astronomical zodiac signs. During this time planetary aspects are formed. Culminating energies resonate through the Earth and into our daily lives and activities, adding momentum to our energies. During a period with no planetary influences, the moon’s course enters a void. VoC can occur quite often during the lunar cycle. In Ancient Greek astrology this void was known as, Kenodromia meaning ‘running in emptiness’. Through this period of idle energies, no impacting vibrations thrum through the Earth from the Moon , thus creating lacuna, Moments such as this require rest, self preservation and self care.
The Phases of the Moon
New Moon ~ The New Moon is a time for generating new ideas and planning new projects, new beginnings, for soul searching and discovering your personal truths. This is the Maiden Moon. Make time for new beginnings, to set new intentions, and plant and gestate seeds of hope.
Waxing Crescent ~ The seeds we plant need nurturing to encourage the beginnings of life, bringing to light the intentions set at New Moon. This is a time of attracting the light. The thin silver slither of Moon lets us know that energy and momentum are on the increase.
First Quarter Moon ~ You have nurtured your intention and now is time for the seed to take root. Channel the flow of lunar energies for optimum growth. This is a good time for drawing in, taking action, finding inner strength and endurance, and finding solutions to problems which arise.
Waxing Gibbous ~ A time of harmonious cultivation and surging growth toward fruition and manifestation. If the seed has taken root, by now you will know and you will have overcome any teething problems. You can now share what you have learned thus far. Gain help and advice from others in the know. This is a time for cultivation and co-creativity.
Full Moon ~ This is manifestation station, the blooming Mother phase, the fullness of the rounded belly of the Moon. You have birthed plans and they come to fruition. The amplified lunar energies enable you to release any negative energies which may have arisen, and be free of them.
Disseminating Moon/Waning Gibbous ~ Harvest time. Share with others what you have gleaned from your experience. Honour yourself, your accomplishments, inner strength and personal growth. Review the changes which need to be made for improvement. Enjoy a time of sharing for the greater good.
Last Quarter Moon ~ Energy is slower and reflective. Give gratitude. Recognise that which has become obsolete to your plans and release it. This is a time of maturity, organisation and learning from hindsight, looking inward, a little like Autumn leaves in the wind. Implement improvements, as the energy of the phases winds down steadily.
Balsamic/ Dark moon/ Fallow Moon ~ Darkness has an astounding energy of its own. Some will utilise this energy, others will rest with this Moon. The Moon has her rest period, as do we. Prepare for the next cycle, maybe with new plans, or maybe preparing improved plans. A time of transition and wisdom of the Crone.
© Sheela Adhar 2019
The Moon through the Signs
As the moon travels through each sign, we are affected by combined influences. The Sun represents our external ego, the image we allow others to see of us, our public personality. The moon reflects our inner most desires and intuition, our private personality. We are encouraged each full phase to release that which is no longer of service to us. Each sign has a different energetic way in which we can articulate this action. Furthermore, each sign has its positive and negative aspects which can play a role in our actions and reactions. The moon amplifies these energies with each full phase.
Moon in Aries
Action station Aries is full of fiery Mars energy. The beginning of a new cycle offers fresh ideas and energies which kick-start projects and new challenges for the ambitious. What do you believe in so wholeheartedly? Aries energy offers courage to stand in your authenticity and speak your truth.
Moon in Taurus
Earthy Taurus moon is grounded in nature. There is something quite special about the patient, generous and sensual energy this moon offers. There is a flow of practicality which gets work done efficiently. The steady heartbeat of the calm, dependable Earth vibrating beneath the hoof lends this moon its rhythm and method.
Moon in Gemini
Airy Gemini twins can sway from one person or activity to the next very quickly. It will all be in good fun though, as Gemini adds pace and wit to the proceedings. Mental stimulation and new activities keep the interest going. Think creatively and adventurously for these intellectual and sociable twins.
Moon in Cancer
Watery Cancer is in its own ruling sign and this can only mean heightening of psychic awareness and sensitivity to others. Cancer moon fills the water with the humble flow of nurturing. Finding yourself in a position to counsel or offer your humble surroundings as shelter at this time should be of no surprise, if you are going with the moon’s flow. The crab carries its home on its own back and loves its own surroundings for comfort, but mostly enjoys offering humility to those who are in need.
Moon in Leo
Fixed and fiery Leo sounds his regal roar to all those listening. The need for recognition may be strong with this moon, but keep the ego in check. That sexy confidence which Leo brings to this moon can spread affection, joy and happiness if honoured with freedom, respect and reciprocity. Warning not to fall for empty flattery or you may shut off from others completely, rather than sharing your warm heart and generosity.
Moon in Virgo
Earth mother Virgo adapts and flows with quick instincts. A love of nature thrums through this moon. An instinct to be of service to others may present itself, but take care not to overwhelm yourself with too much. Kindness during this moon can be taken a little for granted, so watch your heart. Using your methodical wisdom and eye for detail, this can be a time of finding perfect natural order within your own realms.
Moon in Libra
Airy Libra moon brings a sense of justice and balance as the sign of the scales dictates, this is diplomacy at its best. This moon is very powerful at bringing forth past problems which need to be discussed and released. It will force it if it has to, but in the most polite and strategic way. There is a beauty and sophistication to this moon which may invite you to be more sociable and sensual, but be careful to fill your space with those who compliment this feeling, as anything other will upset the balance of the Libra moon.
Retrograde Planets
Planets also have an ebb and flow to their motions of direct, retrograde and stationary. We perceive them to be travelling forward, then backward and halting altogether.
In ancient Greek the word ‘Planet’ means wanderer. Planets have a cycle to their motions, which we refer to as direct, retrograde and stationary. When a planet moves into retrograde it means that by optical illusion, the planet appears to move back through the zodiac sign it had previously been in. The planet will only go direct after it manoeuvres into the next sign. This illusion is created when the Earth’s rotational speed is greater than that of the planet in question. Although illusionary, retrograde planets still hold sway over us humans. Some of us are affected by the slowing of the planet’s presence and aspects. This withdrawal of motion creates a time for reflection and healing.
The Following are two of the more frequent retrograders of the Planets:
Mercury Retrograde ~ Possibly the most frequent retrograder of the solar system, Mercury goes retrograde six times over this year, for around 3 weeks at a time. Ruling all forms of communication, travel, electronics, business and personal documentation, Mercury retrograde is not a time to trifle with any of the above in a frivolous fashion. The trick is to rethink, revisit, re-edit, revise, and to think before you act.
Venus Retrograde ~ Venus retrogrades only once in every 18 months, for a period of up to 6 weeks. Venus is all about love and money. Avoid making any serious relationship or financial decisions during this time.
© Sheela Adhar
I hope you have enjoyed this brief look at some of my work. Thank you for your interest
Sheela
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