General Description of Lunar Phases

General Moon Phase Descriptions

The phases of the moon can be likened to the growth of plants and are useful metaphors for understanding the natural cycles of our life.

1. Crescent Moon: The appearance of tiny shoots just as they are breaking through the earth. During this Moon phase we feel the desire to express ourselves in new or creative ways or to create new projects that reflect how we are feeling on an intuitive level. Ignoring this natural drive to create something new can cause us to feel overwhelmed by life.

2. First Quarter Moon: The plant absorbs energy, grows stronger and the first leaves appear.This is a time to throw ourselves into the management of the projects we have recently created. It is time to create structure and build a useful framework in order for our projects to succeed. This is the time to make dreams into reality.

3. Gibbous Moon: The plant now is able to fully receive the energy of both the Sun and the Earth and the first buds begin to grow. This the time to fine tune our projects or ourselves to more closely resemble our goals and higher aspirations in life. We have the energy and drive now to fulfill our dreams.

4. Full Moon: The buds in the fullness of the Sunlight become flowers. The full Moon represents a time of completion. Our project reaches it's zenith. We and it are well received. We are rewarded for our efforts and are recognized by others for our accomplishments. Everything, especially our inner light and power, are seen more clearly by others and ourselves.

5. Dissemination Moon: The flowers lose their petals and are transformed into fruit. Here is the time our project is put into practical use. We are able now to fully utilize all that we have learned and experienced. Our results are real and tangible. Life is sweet.

6. Last Quarter Moon: The leaves and remaining blossoms fall to the ground leaving only the seed pods to dry in the Sun. Time now to integrate into our daily activities all that we have been striving for. Here is when we can refine and strengthen our practices or projects. Consistent work through this time will form the beginning of lasting habits.

7. Balsamic Moon: The seed pods now burst open and the seeds float away in the wind. Here is where our emotions and our insight into ourselves or projects have extra support. We are able to see the far reaching aspects of ourselves and have sense of the future.

8. Black Moon: The Earth receives the seeds which lie dormant for a time awaiting the next growth cycle. A time for stillness. A time to allow our racing minds to find rest. This is an opportunity to reign in our emotions, and to slow down the pace of our life. It is a time for allowing our dreams the freedom to appear and disappear. Through non-movement and cultivation of no-thing-ness we allow the next cycle to come of its own accord.