The Light Side Of The Moon

October 16, 2007

by Christine Hall

The ancients understood many of the things that we've forgotten. For example, they knew all about the system of cycles within cycles, which is how nature operates in our lives. According to this knowledge, the 24 hour cycle of the day gives way to the 28 day lunar cycle. On our calendars, this would correspond to the month, if we hadn't decided that it was more important for this to divide evenly into the 365 day cycle of the year, which is why we lengthened this cycle to 30 and 31 days, which represents nothing that occurs in nature.

The lunar cycle is important to us for a variety of reasons, and it would never have occurred to our Pagan ancestors to try to adjust the length of this cycle for the sake of convenience. The ancients understood that the waxing and waning of the moon effects not only physical phenomenon like the tides and weather, but that this cycle has a profound effect on human beings. Even in modern times, our police and fire departments know to have more staff on hand on the evening of the full moon.

Nowhere is the effect of the moon more evident than in the bodies of women of childbearing years, where the ebb and flow of ovulation/menstruation normally operates on a 28 day cycle. In recent years, some have theorized that if our inner clocks weren't being thrown out of whack by environmental factors like artificial light, birth control pills and the chemicals in our food, that most women would ovulate with the full moon and menstruate on the new moon. According to this theory, men go through a similar 28 day cycle that's not quite so evident for obvious reasons.

Just as each of the four seasons is said to have distinct effects on the human psyche, the different phases of the moon are thought to have distinct effects on our emotions and on our thought processes. As far as the seasons go, autumn and winter are times for us to turn our attention inward to examine our inner lives, while spring and summer are times for us to look outward at the world around us. As we will see, a similar process is at work during the shorter 28 day lunar cycle.

New Moon: For all practical purposes, the new moon affects us for about 3 ½ days after the official new moon. At this time, the moon is between the sun and the earth, so very little is reflected. The new moon is also a "daylight moon," rising around dawn and setting around sunset. Because the sun and moon are on the same side of the earth during the new moon, the tides are higher (and lower) than at any other time during the lunar cycle.

The new moon is a time for rest and rejuvenation, as inner readiness is developing for the new cycle. At this time, people should allow themselves quiet time, in order to meet the next cycle with renewed hope.

Waxing Crescent Moon: This moon occurs from 3 ½ to 7 days after the new moon and rises during midmorning and sets during the evening. This is where our first sights of our visions for the new cycle are seen, making this a time for contemplation. This is a good time to think about things that have already passed, while we consider the possibilities of the future. During this time, the momentum to reach our goals begins to build.

Waxing First Quarter Moon: This is the moon that begins to appear from about 7 to 10 ½ days after the new moon, a moon that rises about noon and sets about midnight. At this time, the moon is at a right angle to the sun and the difference between high and low tide is minimized. It is during this time that we solidify our plans to meet our goals.

Waxing Gibbous Moon: Occurring between 10 ½ to 14 days after the new moon, this moon rises sometime in the middle of the afternoon and sets in the early hours of the morning. During this moon, we should find that our energy is fast flowing and that we are ready to put our full effort toward our goals. This is a time to connect with others who will support us and a time to be open to new ideas and solutions to challenges.

Full Moon: The full moon is on the opposite side of the earth from the sun so, at this time, the tides are at their extremes again. The full moon is also a "nighttime" moon, rising around sunset and setting around dawn. During this moon, some people may sense the pull of the sun from one direction and the moon from the opposite, causing their energy and feelings to become a bit scattered.

Generally speaking, this is the time when our enthusiasm is at its peak and when we often complete or recommit to our goals. This is also traditionally the time to celebrate with friends and family.

Waning Gibbous Moon: This moon appears from 3 ½ to 7 days after the full moon and rises during the evening and sets during midmorning. As we move into the quieter phases of the waning moon, we should begin to appreciate the things we have accomplished. This is a time to reap the harvest from the work that went into the first half of the lunar cycle.

Waning Second Quarter Moon: Appearing from 7 to 10 ½ days after the full moon, the second quarter moon rises around midnight and sets around noon. During this time we have the opportunity to evaluate what has worked for us and what has not. This is a time for turning inward, and for making decisions about changes that may be needed. This is also a time for letting go of things that are holding us back.

Waning Crescent Moon: This moon occurs from 10 ½ days after the full moon up until the new moon. Here, the moon rises in the wee hours of the morning and sets during the afternoon. This is the healing moon, and a time for dreams and visions. During this moon, people are more in touch with their intuitive selves and spiritual understanding is close at hand.

-- ! Jai Gurudev !