The everlasting monthly cycle between Moon and Earth has always had a profound effect on our weather, tides, birds, fish, animals, plant growth and of course on we humans. Age-old traditions of seafaring, fishing, agriculture and wine-making are all founded on an intimate knowledge of the moon’s cycles, though today many of us have forgotten, or are unaware of, this rich heritage.
To attune yourself to the moon’s monthly cycle, simply go outside each evening and watch the moon each night growing bigger and smaller and note how it rises and sets, just as our ancestors did.
If the moon is growing bigger (waxing) it means energy is on the increase, peaking for a three-day period at the full moon. As the moon grows smaller (waning) energy decreases right down to the lowest point of the cycle when the moon disappears for three days, hidden by the rays of the sun. Then there’s the excitement of the beautiful new crescent moon appearing on the horizon as the monthly cycle begins again.
Emotional Balance
Living daily life in tune with the rhythms of the moon and the seasons is one of the easiest ways to achieve emotional balance. To see how this rise and fall of energy plays out in your own life, check the dates of the new and full moons in the moon tables at the end of each AstroUpdate, or in your moon diary/calendar, and note how you feel on those days. Withdrawn? Excited? Angry? Peaceful? Motivated?
Then check which zodiac sign the moon is on each day of the month and how this affects your mood. Do you feel more grounded and centred when the moon is in an earth sign (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn)? Or perhaps more in tune with your feelings when the moon is in a water sign (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces)?
Is the Moon Waxing or Waning?
Everyone can see when the moon is full, but here’s a little trick to help you tell the difference between the waxing moon (moon getting bigger and more powerful) and the waning moon (moon becoming smaller and less powerful). Think of the word “COD” (reversed to “DOC” if you are in the northern hemisphere). The “C” shaped moon appears during the waxing cycle as we move from new moon to full moon. The “O” represents the full moon, and the “D” moon appears during the waning cycle as we move from full moon to new moon.
In Australia if you can see the crescent moon (C) near sunset (west) it means it is waxing or growing bigger and if you can see the crescent moon (D) near sunrise (east), the moon is waning or growing smaller. Have fun!