It seems that life feels so smooth and peaceful at times; we feel like there is a right-flow to the events we are a part of and the actions we take.  Likewise, there are times when it seems that nothing works in harmony and we are fighting tooth and nail to maintain any semblance of harmony and order.  Paying attention to the cycles of the moon and the signs she occupies throughout the month can be very helpful in achieving a larger percentage of the peaceful versus the chaotic energy that we tap into on a daily basis.

As our bodies are made up of over 70% water, astrologers believe that the ebb and flow of the moon's energy on our physical, mental and emotional bodies has a profound influence over us.  Just as our oceans and other large bodies of water are influenced on a moment-by-moment basis by the pull of the moons energy as it transits Mother Earth, so our body, our mental and emotional personas are also influenced by her magnetic pull.

In this first article, we will discuss the phases of the moon.

The phases of the moon encompass the broadest influence of the lunar energy.  The beginning of the monthly moon phase is marked by the New Moon.  This is the time when no moon is visible in the sky as the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, or in conjunction with the Sun.  The conjunction aspect in astrology is defined as any two planets or points of energy that are within 10 degrees of each other and its energy is described as POWER.  Whenever you see a new moon, you know the moon is in the same astrological sign as the sun.  In other words, when the moon was in its new phase on September 8th, she was in the sign of Virgo.

The New Moon energy is one of potential.  It is the best time to express your intention for the entire cycle of the moon.  It is a great time to start something new such as a new work or hobby project, or set a new goal for yourself for the current month.

The New Moon marks the beginning of the waxing phase of the moon.  In this phase, the moon increases in light, day by day, until it reaches the Full Moon stage.  To live in harmony with this phase of the moon, use this waxing phase to plant seeds and watch / help them grow.  During this phase you can set a goal; physical, mental or emotional, and then work to achieve it.  The goal should be something positive and life-affirming.  For example, you may want to set a goal to have more harmonious and effortless communication and understanding at your job.  You might want to write your goal down on a piece of paper and then meditate on it for 5 - 10 minutes.  While you are meditating, see yourself already having achieved the goal; communicating easily and harmoniously with everyone you come in contact with in your work place.  See them and yourself enjoying your work environment and being productive and prosperous.  Even (especially!) if they are people who can ordinarily be a challenge to be around on a daily basis.  See them enjoying their job, being productive and see yourself enjoying your interactions with them.

It can be amazing to see the changes that occur in a short time by doing this simple exercise.  You may want to repeat your meditation each day before going to work.  Sending your intention out ahead of you when you are working to achieve something often paves the way to success!  You may also want to burn a candle or some incense when you perform your meditation/visualization to help increase your focus.  After a short time, the ritual of lighting the incense and/or candle can instantly relax and transport you into the proper mind set you need to mediate on your goal.

The moon travels in its waxing pattern from the New Moon, through the Waxing Crescent, the 1st Quarter and Waxing Gibbous stages before it reaches the beginning of the next phase; the Full Moon and remaining waning phase of the moon's monthly energy.

During the New Moon and Waxing phase of the moon, energy is focused on creation and attraction.  When the moon become full, all of the energy that has been created during the waxing phase is released and expelled out into the universe.  Because of this natural energy of release and expulsion, the Full Moon is the best time to do a house blessing or cleansing of your personal space.

Astronomically speaking, the Full Moon is the time when the earth is in between the sun and moon and we can see the full face of the moon as the sun opposes it, 180 degrees opposite of the sun.  At the full moon, the moon will be in the opposite astrological sign that the sun is in.  So, on September 23rd, the day after the Autumn equinox when the sun enters Libra, the moon will be in Libra's opposite sign of Aries.

We've already discussed how the Full Moon energy is best utilized for releasing or expelling energy.  The energy continues to be released during the Waning phase up until the next New Moon.  During this waning phase, which starts with the Full Moon in the 2nd quarter phase and continues through the Waning Gibbous, 3rd Quarter and Waning Crescent phases, the energy is best utilized in our lives to banish away what is not wanted or needed.

This is a good time to set a goal to rid yourself of things that do not serve a useful purpose in your life.  Some examples are banishing negative traits from your personality, banishing long-term or short-term illnesses, cleansing yourself and/or your personal space, banishing debt or poverty,etc.  Just as in the waxing phase, you may want to set a goal or intention.  Spend 5 or 10 minutes each day meditating or focusing on your end result.  Again, using tools like candles and incense can help keep you focused during the time you set aside to create this leaner, happier, healthier you.

When working with releasing, banishing energy, always be sure to visualize what is replacing what you have banished; i.e. healthy body, relaxed state of mind, more money, etc.  Seeing yourself, healthy, happy, whole and complete is a vital component in your meditation/visualization that you don't want to leave out.

Next time we'll discuss the void-of-course moon and begin discussing the energy of the astrological signs as they are expressed through the moon in our daily living.  Take care and happy creating!