Lunar Rhythms

"Centuries of 'civilization' have not dimished our instinctive response to the waxing and waning moon, nor the power of her light in the nocturnal sky."*

Watching the Moon expand from a thin crescent to a full circle that contracts into darkness again reveals a natural pattern that unfolds each and every month, the natural cycle of light and dark caused by the relationship of the Sun, Moon and Earth.

The phases of the Moon are caused by the positions of the Sun, Moon and Earth relative to each other. The Sun always illuminates the half of the Moon facing it. When the Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of the Earth, the Moon appears "full", a bright disc. When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, it appears "dark". In between, the Moon's surface seems to expand (wax) to full, then contract (wane) to the next dark Moon.

Observing this cycle, being in phase with the month, is one of the ways to reconnect with Nature. Each phase of the Moon may be read as a symbolic marker, a signpost in the sky guiding us on our journey through life.

Hover over each of the moons in the composite image above to see which phase is which, then check out the "Current Moon" module below left to see which phase the Moon is in at the moment. Now read the brief description of each lunar phase below and reflect upon its qualities. For upcoming lunar events, use the calendar link on the left.

• New Moon

The thin crescent of light has just appeared at sunset but will get bigger and bigger over the next few days. The new Moon, therefore, symbolises beginnings, new ideas, potential, possibilities, the anticipation and expectancy brought by renewed energy. This is a time of potency, motivation and initial creativity.

• Waxing Moon

The Moon is now well on the way to fullness, big and bright in the evening sky. At this time, it stands for enthusiasm, enjoyment and cheerfulness. The promise of progress is now being realised and yet further increase is on the way. This is, therefore, a time of optimism, radiance and beauty.

• Full Moon

The brightest point of the cycle has been reached. The Moon's light is at its most powerful. This is a time of culmination, completeness and fulfilment. Earlier efforts bear fruit now and the high spirits and excitement of the harvest are readily apparent. This is a time of action although energy misdirected now could give rise to restlessness and wilfulness. There is tension in the air. How will you use it?

• Waning Moon

The illuminated part of the Moon is getting smaller and smaller now. The light is starting to decline. This is, then, a time of decrease, a time to let things go, to relinquish, to accept that winding down is now necessary. After the frenetic pace of the full Moon, more relaxation is now called for.

• Old Moon

The light will soon have disappeared completely and we shall enter darkness. This is a time for quiet, peaceful reflexion, introspection, a turning inwards. Spirits might be low now and energy has waned so tiredness and lethargy prevail. It is best now to wait patiently and passively for the light of the Moon to return.

* Hawke (2002). See the resources page for full details of all sources.

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