Moonlight Oracle

There are 8 phases of the moon. In these phases we are reminded of the birth, death and transitionary cycle's in between. The moon, like planet Earth, is always half-lit by sunlight. The phases describe how much of the moon is visible from Earth. The moons frequencies can influence our thoughts and impressions in the subconscious mind. Dive deeper into what each phase means for you physically, spiritually and mentally.   

New Moon: The side of the moon facing gets no directs sunlight, only reflections from Earth. Darkness in this phase denotes the beginning, a birthing of something new. Great time to set clear intentions, goals, new ideas, project and desires you want to go for. 

Waxing Crescent: As the moon moves around the Earth, the side we can see gradually becomes more illuminated by direct sunlight. Forward motion starts to build at this time. Identify your focus for growth and commitment, as the expansive energy supports new ideas and even the meeting of new people in your life.  

First Quarter: The moon is 90 degrees away from the sun in the sky and is half-illuminated from our point of view. We call it "first quarter or half moon" because the moon has traveled about a quarter of the way around Earth since the new moon. Our intentions that were set on the new moon are taking root. This phase symbolizes a time of strength, determination, focus, decision making, re-evaluation, along with a commitment to action. 

Waxing Gibbous: The area of illumination continues to increase in visibility and energy. More than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight. Ideas and plans can be cultivated and refined in this phase. It represents gaining and attaining. This can be applied to what you hope to gain and develop with your intentions. 

Full Moon: The moon is 180 degrees away from the sun and is as close as it can be to being fully illuminated by the sun from our perspective. The sun, Earth and the moon are aligned, but because the moon's orbit is not exactly in the same plane as Earth's orbit around the sun, they rarely form a perfect line. When they do, we have a lunar eclipse as Earth's shadow crosses the moon's face. Fertility, transformation, completion and abundance are met with open arms in this transition. 

This is the "waning" period, as the energy diminishes for the next cycle. Its an ideal time to let go of the things not in resonance with your higher self. Its a time for guidance, healing and magic. Basking ourselves, crystals, oracle cards and anything needing cleansed and charged is an opportune time. Releasing ceremonies can aid us in transitioning into the next cycle. 

Waning Gibbous: More than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight, but the amount is decreasing. This is a great time to focus on getting rid of bad habits, stressors or negative thinking. This phase is also known as the "dissemination moon", which improves energy for better communication, revelation and completion. 

Third Quarter: The moon has moved another quarter of the way around Earth, to the third quarter position. The sun's light is now shining on the other half of the visible face of the moon. This signifies the time to stop and go within. Reflection and re-evaluation for the future are present in this phase. This allows for higher universal perspectives and brings creativity and growth for the next upcoming stages.  

Waning Crescent:  Less than half of the moon's face appears to be getting sunlight, and the amount is decreasing. This phase signifies the end for the old cycle, and the start of the approaching new one. Take time to detach from the world and rest. Think things over and contemplate which ones to release. Prepare for the start of a new beginning. 

Finally, the moon is back to its new moon starting position. Now, the moon is between Earth and the sun. Usually the moon passes above or below the sun from our vantage point, but occasionally it passes right in front of the sun, and we get a solar eclipse! Way to go deep diver, use this information to help guide you in your relation to the moon cycles.