The Moon - Phases of the Moon

	We are very sensitive to the amount and quality of light we get each day, even if we are not aware of this fact. The phase of the moon and the quality and quantity of light it reflects effects all living things. The cycles of the moon effect us on a far deeper level than our 5 senses can detect, but these influences are constantly at work. Take the time to learn more about the forces that effect your life...
	Dark Moon - The dark moon phase lasts about 4 days, from the time the moon disappears to the time it reappears again as a thin crescent. The dark moon phase is the end of one cycle and the beginning of another, so it represents the cycle of death and rebirth, a transition from one state to another.
	During moonless nights, we automatically withdraw into our inner world a little. This instinctual "pulling back" from the external world may be due to the fact that we are getting less information from our eyes to some extent, but the lack of a moon effects us on a much deeper, more subtle level too. The Dark moon phase is a good time for rest and quiet contemplation, for introspection. Take this time to recharge yourself for the month ahead. Explore the potential of ideas. The dark phase is the phase of the mind. Return to top
	Waxing Moon - The waxing phase lasts about eleven days, starting with the first sliver of the new moon and continuing to the full moon. During this period, more of the moon is visible each night. At the halfway mark of this phase, the moon is 1/4 visible .(aka 1st quarter moon)
	This is a time to take the ideas of the dark moon phase and make them happen in the physical world. The waxing moon phase is a time of inception and beginnings, making this a good time to stop planning and start building. The waxing phase is the phase of the body and all physical things. This is a good period to start projects that will benefit you in solid, material ways. Return to top
	Full Moon - The full moon phase lasts about 3 days, and marks the transition between the waxing and waning phases. At this point, the moon and sun are opposite each other, with the earth in between the two. Before the full moon, more of the moon was visible each night, after it, less of the moon will be visible each night.
	This "in between" position may seem balanced, but you can still feel pulled in two directions, and this can lead you to make decisions you may later regret. During this phase of the moon, allow things to develop and mature instead of rushing them to conclusion. The full moon is the time of spirit. During this phase, faith in yourself gives you the maturity that lets you beat haste and allow your plans to bear real fruit. Spirit is eternal, never rushed. Return to top
	Waning Moon - The waning phase lasts for about 11 days, from the full moon until the moon vanishes from the sky at the beginning of the dark moon phase. During this phase, less of the moon is visible each night. At the halfway mark of this phase, the moon is 1/4 visible .(aka 3rd quarter moon)
	This is the time to finish what you have started, to conclude projects and enjoy the benefits of your labors. It's also the time to share these benefits with the people in your life. Energies are in decline, making this a good time to reach out to others for mutual support. The waning phase is the time of emotion. This is a good time to work on your relationships. Return to top
	Moon phases are about energy. The phases of the moon give us a clear visual indication of the amount and quality of the external energy that that surrounds and penetrates all life on earth. The moon is a meter, a gauge that allows us to see the level of energy in our physical system. Light is visible energy, and the power available in sunlight is staggering. Moonlight also contains this same energy, but in an altered form. When sunlight is reflected by the moon, the moon absorbs some of the energy and distorts other parts of the light. Thus moonlight is still energy, but it is energy in a different form, that is, it has a more complex structure and will effect living things in a different way. Modern science will tell you that a body at rest will remain at rest unless acted upon by an outside force. From another point of view, this may be stated as: an outside force (energy) will act on a body at rest. Light is energy, and its effect on us is very real. As you begin to understand some of the forces at work in your world, can take a more active role in determining how these forces affect your life. By understanding the basic principals, you will be free to use these forces to your advantage instead of being blown around by seemingly random winds of fortune. You will have taken the first step on the path to self determination. To continue your exploration... click here

	Featured Resource (in association with amazon.com)		Featured Resource (in association with amazon.com)
	Moon Wise : Astrology, Self-Understanding and Lunar Energies by Daniel Pharr Click here for more information		The Moon in Your Life : Being a Lunar Type in a Solar World by Donna Cunningham Click here for more information