Over the summer, I have been tidying up my study materials and getting ready for the new teaching season which starts at the end of September. One of the topics I have been looking at recently is the Phases of the Moon, part of the Intermediate Level course. 

So why do we study Moon's Phases? The simple answer is that the study of astrology is all about CYCLES. Most of the events that we can observe in the world around us are cyclical in nature and reflect the archetypal pattern of birth, growth, death and rebirth. The earth rotates on its own axis every 24 hours, the astrological year begins at the Spring Equinox and progresses through all four seasons before starting anew. Almost everything, including people, have their 'seasons'.

The basic nature of CYCLE can be observed most readily between the relationship of the Sun and the Moon. This is known as the LUNATION CYCLE. The time between successive new moons when the Sun and Moon appear to come together in the sky is 29 1/2 days.

In dealing with cycles we consider the motion of two bodies - one faster and one slower moving planetary body. In the example of the Sun and the Moon, the Sun moves on average through the sky 1 degree per day and is the slower moving body. The Moon moves through 12 - 14 degrees per day and is the faster moving body. At some stage the faster moving body, in our case, the Moon, catches up to the slower moving one, the Sun, and moves past it to start off on a new cycle

Most people have already heard of certain of the Moon Phases - e.g. the Full Moon, New Moon, or a Crescent Moon. There are actually 8 distinct Moon Phases which we use in astrology, each lasts around 3 1/2 days. There are 4 in the waxing period of the Moon as it grows in size in the sky from New Moon to Full Moon. These are the New Moon, Crescent, First Quarter and Gibbous. Then, there are 4 more in the waning period when the Moon decreases in size from Full back to New again. These are Full Moon, Disseminating, Third Quarter and Balsamic.

Each phase has distinct qualities attached to it and this is why it is important to identify the Moon Phase you were born under. It can help shed some light on your particular approach to life. 

It is also important to know the Moon Phase that is currently going on in the sky at any point in time. For example, the next New Moon phase starts on September 8th, 2010. The time of the New Moon is excellent for starting 'new' ventures or projects, so take the next few days before then to see if there is anything you would like to begin. Then, two weeks after the New Moon, when the Full Moon arrives, see if whatever it is you started, has borne any results. Farmers used to plant by the Moon - think of the old Almanacs, and there are many other activities around which are affected by the lunar influences. 

That's it for now. A fascinating field of study and one we will look into more in the Intermediate Course. In the meantime, I wish everyone an excellent long weekend.

Title courtesy of Cat Stevens