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The
Moon influences every aspect of our lives. As it hangs high
in the night sky, it still remains a source of fascination,
intrigue and beauty for people all around the world.
The
moon's rotation or revolution
around the earth is approximately
28 days. The complete succession from a new moon
to a new moon is called a lunation cycle.
Phases and rhythms of the moon have been used for decades
in determining the ebb and flow of the tides, the most beneficial
times to plant and harvest, interactions with animals, women’s
menstrual cycles and in healing.
Ancient
civilizations respected the power of the moon and paid homage
to it in rituals, and celebrated it on their most festive
holidays.
In
traditions and early teachings of the Cherokee and other
North American Indians, the universal cycles of the Moon
and Sun protects our balance in life and guides our mood
and spirit. To the Indian nations, the moon is known as
“Grandmother Moon.” She, like "Grandfather
Sun" are both known as “Nu Dah.” She is
revered as a source of guidance and protection. Grandmother
Moon is also known as our keeper in the physical world and
in the spirit world.
Today,
many physicians and dentists of conventional medicine, as
well as natural and alternative practitioners, work more
openly in accordance with the moon’s cycles and phases
in therapeutic and healing processes.
In
astrology, the monthly moon phases hold influences upon
the zodiac signs. The moon symbolizes the passive and receptive
feminine (yin) energy. Therefore the moon provokes response,
and produces emotions and feelings. It reveals our deepest
and truest feelings, the way we react, and the way we nurture
and are nurtured.
The
moon is a connection to our roots - an ancient heritage,
where our soul’s memory is found. It is both, our
unconscious and our subconscious. The moon also represents
the inner voice deep inside our self. The voice of intuition
and where we are given guidance in spirit.
It
is also within the ever-changing phases of the moon, that
we can follow our spirit-guided intuitive self to seek out
new beginnings, pursue them, and then manifest our highest
goals and aspirations into fruition. This is called the
universal cycle of life. The process where we grow and evolve
spiritually while discovering our
life purpose, and achieve the goals to ultimately
fulfill our Divine plan.
THE
FOUR MAIN PHASES OF THE MOON
New
The “New” Moon is also called the crescent moon.
It is when you can see the very first sliver of light in
the sky. This phase promotes the energies of “new”,
for beginnings, endeavors and relationships. It is a time
for making positive changes and for planting the seeds of
ideas that will be harvested later.
Waxing
The “Waxing” Moon phase appears to be growing
in size, shifting from new to full as though it is gaining
strength. This is a time to focus on the energies of “increasing”
knowledge, communications, and financial matters. Healing
is also at it’s highest potential in this phase.
Full
The “Full” Moon phase is when we see her in
full illumination. This is a time of “fulfillment”,
in activities, and for perfecting ideas or commitments.
It is also the time when psychic abilities are more attuned.
Waning
The “Waning” Moon phase is when the size is
decreasing from full to dark. This is a time to focus on
“decreasing” energies. It is an excellent time
for completing previously begun endeavors, and for releasing
or letting go of negative or unwanted aspects.
ANOTHER PHASE OF THE MOON
Dark
The “Dark” Moon phase is the two or three days
when the moon is not visible at all. The Dark Moon and the
New Moon are sometimes considered the same. On average calendars,
it is indicated by a black spot. This time frame is an excellent
phase for “contemplation” on what has already
been accomplished, and what you want to accomplish in the
future.
WEEK DAY RULED BY THE MOON
Monday is day of the week ruled by the moon. Monday is also
known as the day of sabbath in the spirit world.
MOONS OF THE YEAR
Every month has one full moon. When there are two full moons
during a one month period, this is called a “Blue
Moon.” Every calendar year has one Blue Moon.
NAMES
OF THE MONTHLY MOONS
Ancient people assigned different names for each of the
monthly moons to express what the moon meant to them in
the given month:
January - Wolf Moon
February - Ice Moon
March - Storm Moon
April - Growing Moon
May - Hare Moon
June - Mead Mood
July - Hay Moon
August Moon - Corn Moon
September - Harvest Moon
October - Hunting Moon
November - Snow Moon
December - Cold Moon
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