The Moon, in its 29.6-day cycle through the zodiac spends approximately 2.5 days in Each of the 12 signs of the zodiac.
![]() Lunar Cycles
We use solunar information based on the sun and moon to provide a free lunar fishing calendar to forecast the best fishing times in your area.
The next time you pause to look at the moon, consider its changing nature. Observe your personal moods and the pulse of the public as the moon moves through its monthly cycle. The lunation cycle mirrors our daily experience of living. Each lunar cycle is about our personal response to collective needs. Giving attention to and working with the moon phases helps to tune into a natural manifestation cycle that affects everyone at the same time.
Gardeners, hunters, and fishermen have planned their activities by the moon for centuries. Science agrees the moon governs the action of tides and continues to affirm the correlation of lunar cycles with plant and animal behavior. See the links to news articles citing the most recent discoveries.
The 8-Phases
Most people are aware of the 4 quarters of the lunar cycle. They are noted on calendars and in newspapers. But this is only half the story. There are 4 other phases that lie between the 4 quarters shown on most calendars, giving us a total of 8. With a little attention, the eight phases are identifiable by sight. Note how they appear reversed in the Southern Hemisphere.
Southern Hemisphere
The function of each phase in a cycle is to support the next stage, on through to the end so that the cycle can begin again and continue moving forward. Although this page is about the 8 phases lunar cycle, the 8 phase meanings can be applied to any cycle. Symbolically, the number 8 represents manifestation, form, and physical reality. See the 8 phases of the Solar Cycle.
The first four phases make up the waxing or growing half of the cycle when the energy is building. The last four phases make up the waning or ending half of the cycle when the energy is released. This ongoing appearance, growth, decline, and disappearance represent the ‘eternal return’.
Waxing Half – Building
Waning Half – Releasing
The type of energy functioning in each of the phases alternates between active (yang) and receptive (yin), much like breathing is a two-step process — the breath is inhaled, then it is exhaled. The active phases are straight forward; choices are made and direction is initiated in the external world. These are the formative phases, which define the outcome of the cycle. The receptive phases are complex; information is gathered both from the consequences of previous activity and in anticipation of future activity. These are the mutable phases where changes occur internally and adjusting action is planned.
Active or Yang Phases
Receptive or Yin Phases
The term 'moon cycle' (or 'lunar cycle') refers to the moon's continuous orbit around the earth. As the moon orbits the earth, its appearance (the 'phase') changes and thus gives us an indication of the moon's progress in the cycle (the 'age').
The sun always illuminates exactly one-half of the moon, but we see it at different angles as it rotates around the earth. With the naked eye, we can see only the part of the moon that the sun is illuminating. For instance, a crescent moon is what we call the moon when we see only a small portion of its illuminated surface.
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We give the parts of the moon cycle different names, according to how the moon appears to us. In order of appearance:
For a more complete explanation of the moon cycle, please visit our page 'Understanding The Moon Phases', which includes a moon phase diagram.
Astrology and the Lunar Cycle
Aside from the scientific explanation, the term 'moon cycle' is often heard in astrological circles. According to astrology, the moon's cycle can affect the way we feel about things. In particular, when the moon is full or new, both males and females can experience dramatic changes in their mood and behavior.
When the moon is full, stress becomes a major factor and people become more sensitive to details. An overload of work will add to the frustration and people will deal with their own needs rather than paying attention to others' needs. Often, a lack of assertiveness will be obvious.
A new moon brings with it the sense of calmness. In this moon cycle, people's emotions get back to normal, their determination will return with the feeling that anything can be accomplished, and there will be more energy and acceptance of other other's ideas. ![]() Comments are closed.
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February 2023
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