The term "moon cycle" (or "lunar cycle") refers to the moon's continuous orbit around the earth. As the moon orbits the earth, its appearance (the "phase") changes and thus gives us an indication of the moon's progress in the cycle (the "age").
The sun always illuminates exactly one-half of the moon, but we see it at different angles as it rotates around the earth. With the naked eye, we can see only the part of the moon that the sun is illuminating. For instance, a crescent moon is what we call the moon when we see only a small portion of its illuminated surface.
This complete lunar cycle (New Moon to New Moon) is also called a "lunation". During this time the moon will completely circle the earth. That's the scientific definition, but you can take any phase; for instance a so-called "full moon cycle" would be from Full Moon to Full Moon.
We give the parts of the moon cycle different names, according to how the moon appears to us. In order of appearance:
1. New (also called the Dark Moon) - not visible
2. Waxing Crescent
3. First Quarter - commonly called a "half-moon"
4. Waxing Gibbous
5. Full - we can see the entire illuminated portion of the moon
6. Waning Gibbous
7. Third Quarter - another "half-moon", but the illuminated part is opposite of the First Quarter
8. Waning Crescent
9. New - back to the beginning
The powerful effect of the Moon is obvious. Look at how it pulls the waters around our world.
Effects on people:
Aside from the scientific explanation, the term "moon cycle" is often heard in astrological circles. According to astrology, the moon's cycle can affect the way we feel about things. In particular, when the moon is full or new, both males and females can experience dramatic changes in their mood and behavior.
When the moon is full, stress becomes a major factor and people become more sensitive to details. An overload of work will add to the frustration and people will deal with their own needs rather than paying attention to others' needs. Often, a lack of assertiveness will be obvious.
A new moon brings with it the sense of calmness. In this moon cycle, people's emotions get back to normal, their determination will return with the feeling that anything can be accomplished, and there will be more energy and acceptance of other other's ideas.
Powers of Moon Phases:
The Moon is in magick the way it is in life. Each moon phase generates an energy flow. If you want to work magick with the Moon -- which is one of the most important ways to enter into the flow of Magick -- you must perform your spells in harmony with the Moon's phase.
New Moon
New beginnings, fresh starts, optimism, hope and faith,
Waxing Moon
Building, accomplishments, creativity, strength, growth and learning, positive transformation, DRAWING magic
Full Moon
Protection, harvest, wish-fulfillment, manifesting desires, sexuality, achieving all dreams.
Waning Moon
Letting go, clearing away, cleansing, releasing, shedding old patterns, undoing bindings, opening up problem-knots, making space, BANISHING magic
Dark Moon
Rest, Peace, deep wisdom, divination, contacting the guru within, letting things die away completely
Activities:
Make a Moon Journal…..Do it for this whole month….Start by recording the date, time, phase the moon is in, zodiac sign the moon is in. Then make notes of how you felt that day, if you are on your menstrual cycle, your general mood, any personal issues you are in or working on. Do this every day and at the end of the month you should be able to see a pattern of how things in your life change and how the moon had an effect on you. Do this for multiple months and the pattern will be much clearer. This is a great way to work at attuning yourself with the goddess.
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