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Astro 101 by Dawn Elizabeth
The moon, nick-named the Queen of Mystery. You never know where she’ll pop up in the Sky. One thing is for certain, it takes little experience in living to recognize the powerful influences and effects of the moon on all living things. From the changing of the ocean tides, the growth spurt of plants to the cycles of women…it only takes moments into a 12-hour emergency room shift to know there is a full moon. By knowing the cycles of the moon, we get to know ourselves better and begin to recognize our own patterns, for better of for worse…and then go on to make the necessary adjustments.
Following the moon cycles can bring us deeper in touch with the intuitive knowledge that we all hold within our ancient and all-knowing selves, providing us the ultimate sense of balance. There are 8 lunar phases in all...the New Moon, Crescent Moon, Waxing Quarter moon, Gibbous moon, Full Moon, Disseminating Moon, Waning Quarter Moon and finally, the Balsamic Moon phase. All eight phases are completed within a 28-day lunar cycle.
For simplicity sake, below is a discussion of the four major phases (each occurring approximately every seven days). For more information about the other four supporting phases, please email Dawn at astrologyspeaks@hotmail.com
with your questions.
 New Moon
New beginnings, initiation, birth, a time to bring forth, time to start projects, start of a new cycle for the month. A feeling of energy, impulsivity, spontaneous planning. Fresh possibilities. Plant ‘seeds’ of new intentions….
 Waxing Quarter Moon
A time showing what changes or adjustments are needed to take advantage of the ‘new beginnings’ initiated during the New Moon. A time of things coming to a head. A time to go with or adjust your ideas. Time to build, create and plan. Give sunlight, water and fertilizer to the ‘seeds’ you planted during the New Moon.
Full Moon
A time of culmination, time for things to reach fullness, birthing. The trees are flowering. It's a time to balance the oppositions. Emotions run high during this time. Howl at the moon. Give gratitude for all that you currently have and all that you intend, as though it has already manifested. The full moon is a time of romance, fertilization, relationships, emotions and feelings. Full bloom. The fruit is ripe for the picking…
Balsamic Moon
Begin now to tie up loose ends and resolve old issues, before the next New Moon. Create the final outcome, savor the last satisfying taste of the ripened fruits of the Full Moon. Demonstrate dynamic conscious movement to create the final outcome. Your belly is full. The feast has come to a close. Time to rest, reflect, meditate and honor the silence. Take some time alone, go deep within. Contemplate, clear and release. Connect with Spirit. Another cycle has come to an end. The ground must be cleared away of its death and debris, in preparation for the next New Moon phase…
 Following are some suggestions for physical/spiritual things you can do to enhance each cycle...
New Moon Phase Ideas
Light a candle. Honor the cycle. Use whatever tools you use to connect with…crystals, sage, aromatherapy. On the day of the New Moon…take action…seize the moment. Make some gesture, big or small and plant your seeds of intent. Look at your birth chart. Where does the New Moon fall? What areas of your life are begging to be recharged and rejuvenated? Make a list…then start taking well thought out, disciplined steps toward your goals. Don’t despair if your energies feel low or you feel a little down. This is natural on the day of the New Moon. It is the darkest night of the month. You are right on track. In a day or two, look for the tiny Crescent Moon in the sky. The first glimpse of light...give thanks.
Waxing Quarter Phase Ideas
Remember that list? Are you comfortable with it. Do your ‘seeds of intention’ need watering…maybe some sunlight? Do you still have a taste for what you planted? Have your seeds sprouted? Or, is it time to make some adjustments? What area in your chart is illuminated by the waxing phase? There may be some clues or gifts there. Use them. Get out there and tend to your ‘crops.’ Imagine how delicious and satisfying the ‘fruits’ of your labor will taste. See yourself surrounded in abundance. Go out and get it!
Full Moon Phase Ideas
Give thanks, express gratitude Light a candle. Honor the cand honor Spirit. Behold the beautiful flowering of the seeds that you planted. Feast on the fruit. Fill your belly. Reap what you have sown. In what area of your life is the Full Moon shining? Is it the 10th house of career and social standing? Don’t forget to look also to the opposite house. Remember to balance the energies. If it’s the 10th house…then also integrate the 4th house of home, roots and family. Balance your career life, professional life and social standing with the needs of your deepest inner core, your roots, your family and your home front. Shine like a diamond in the sky. Dance, sing, feast and revel in the abundance.
Balsamic Moon Ideas
Light a candle. Cleanse your energy field (sage is wonderful for this). Connect with Spirit through meditation. Release, let go. Allow ‘death’ (metaphorically, of course) to come to whatever must ‘die.’ Receive a glimpse or vision of the new ‘birth.’ Remember, that when old doors close, new ones swing open ~ and sometimes the new ones won’t swing open until the old ones have been slammed shut. Where does the Balsamic Moon fall in your birth chart? What do you need to let go of in that arena of your life? Prepare for the New Moon.
~ Dawn Elizabeth ~
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