Phases of the Moon
Moon Beams
The Moon represents primal cosmic energy. It's always been there and it's always been connected to life on Earth. Our bodies are attuned to her cycles and fluctuations. Her cyclical course signifies the rhythm of life within us and within all beings that inherit the Earth.
- New Moon (cannot be seen from Earth), signifies new beginnings.
- Waxing Crescent Moon signifies intention.
- First Quarter Moon - half of the Moon is illuminated and the other half is shadowed. This phase signifies decision making.
- Waxing Gibbous Moon - ‘Waxing’ means the moon’s illumination is growing and ‘Gibbous’ means more than half of the Moon is illuminated. This phase signifies refinement.
- Full Moon - the sun illuminates the entire moon. This phase signifies release and sealing of intention.
- Waning Gibbous - ‘Waning’ refers to the decreasing of the Moon’s illumination and ‘Gibbous’ means more than half of Moon illuminated. This phase signifies gratitude.
- Third Quarter - exactly half of the moon is illuminated and the other half is shadowed. This phase signifies forgiveness.
- Waning Crescent - ‘Waning’ refers to the shrinking of the Moon’s illumination and ‘Crescent’ means less than half of the Moon is illuminated. This phase signifies surrender.
- New Moon - the Moon is positioned between the Earth and Sun so it cannot be seen from Earth. This phase signifies new beginnings, and the cycle begins again.
One way to connect to this energy and influence is to use the Moon’s energy to help set our intentions and clear negativity.
The Moon’s cycle is 29.5 days and it represents a full life-cycle. Each phase of the Moon has a different meaning and rhythm to the body.
Moon phases show us how the Moon affects the ebb and flow of our entire existence. Once we are attuned to the Moon, we can activate her innate powers.
This 29.5 days is called its synodic period. So it takes about a month for the moon to go through its phases; the word month is derived from "moon".