At Each Of The Phases Of The Moon

Rituals are performed in each of the phases of the moon – the full moon, the dark or new moon, the waning and waxing moon.

The Full Moon – The moon is full when it forms a perfectly round sphere and its light shines brightly in the night sky. The full moon actually spans a period of roughly three days before and three days after. Some say, this is the perfect time for transformation and fertility spells, for purging spells that will release those things that may be inhibiting spiritual growth. The full moon represents the Goddess as Mother.

The New (or Dark) Moon – This moon is hidden as it is directly between the Earth and the Sun. During this phase of the moon, some say, rituals are held that involve new beginnings, birth, re-birth and new undertakings. It is a time for the shadow self - looking within, meditating and introspection.

The Waxing Moon - Because this moon grows larger from right to left, it is sometimes called the right hand moon, resembling the crescent curve of the thumb and index finger on the right hand. This phase of the moon, lasting about 14 days, some say, is the time for rituals that draw things to you, bringing you growth, positive change, harmony, peace, protection, healing and love. The Waxing Moon represents the Goddess as Maiden.

The Waning Moon – This moon decreases in size from right to left and is sometimes called the left hand moon because of the resemblance of the crescent curve of the thumb and index finger on the left hand. This phase also lasts 14 days and as some say, it is the time for banishing negativity and disease, breaking bad habits, dissolving destructive addictions and relationships and using one’s deep intuition to learn what must be banished from our lives. The Waning Moon represents the Goddess as Crone.

This year - 2010, these are the nights on which the phases of the moon will occur:

Full Moon

Saturday, January 30
Tuesday, March 2
Tuesday, March 30
Tuesday, April 27
Tuesday, May 25
Saturday, June 26
Tuesday, July 27
Tuesday, August 24
Tuesday, September 21
Tuesday, October 19
Tuesday, November 23
Tuesday, December 21

New Moon

Friday, January 15
Sunday, February 14
Monday, March 15
Wednesday, April 14
Friday, May 14
Saturday, June 12
Sunday, July 11
Tuesday, August 10
Wednesday, September 8
Thursday, October 7
Saturday, November 6
Sunday, December 5

Waxing Moon

Saturday, January 23
Monday, February 22
Tuesday, March 23
Wednesday, April 21
Thursday, May 20
Saturday, June 19
Sunday, July 18
Monday, August 16
Wednesday, September 15
Thursday, October 14
Saturday, November 13
Monday, December 13

Waning Moon

Thursday, January 7
Friday, February 5
Sunday, March 7
Tuesday, April 6
Thursday, May 6
Friday, June 4
Sunday, July 4
Tuesday, August 3
Wednesday, September 1
Friday, October 1
Saturday, October 30
Sunday, November 28
Monday, December 28

As you may well know, there are lunar energies other than the waxing and waning moons – the phases of the moon within each cycle, the special moons – the Harvest Moon, the Black Moon and the Blue Moon – and Lunar Eclipses all influence the lives and affairs of men and women.

Monika Nolte has created this article about The phases of the moon for Wintergrove.net

Article Source: http://www.thearticleinsiders.com