“The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished." - Deng Ming-Dao, Everyday Tao: Living with Balance and Harmony
Humans have looked to the moon and its cycles for guidance for thousands of years. There are four major moon phases in each lunar cycle, and you can use these phases as a guide and as a means to practice self-care.
The Sun and Moon are aligned at the New Moon, with the Sun and Earth on opposing sides of the Moon. The term "New Moon" refers to the beginning of the lunar month. This is a time of fresh starts. Use this phase to establish new objectives and goals. This is an excellent time to start a new project.
Half of the Moon's face is illuminated during the First Quarter Moon, which is one of the four principal Moon phases. What part is illuminated depends on where you are on Earth whether you are on the left or right half. This is the growth phase of the lunar cycle. Here is where you can begin to generate momentum for your actions.
The Full Moon phase can be a restorative opportunity to begin incorporating the new lessons and experiences you've gained into your psyche. The full moon bridges the gap between your conscious mind, the language of the cosmos, and your soul, telling you everything you need to know if you're willing to listen.
Finally, the Third Quarter Moon has arrived. The last quarter moon illuminates what's holding us back and brings it to the forefront of our minds so we may let go of the tension and go forward.
There are the four primary moon stages just mentioned, in total there are eight stages in complete they are as follows. Showing the four main stages and the four intermediate.
New Moon
Waxing Crescent Moon
First Quarter Moon
Waxing Gibbous Moon
Full Moon
Waning Gibbous Moon
Third Quarter Moon
Waning Crescent Moon
Living by the ocean, yes, I'm in Savannah GA, Tybee Island is only 15 minutes from our home. I try to pay more attention to the moon stages and observe my body and mind's reaction. It's amazing to observe!
The Moon's gravitational pull is primarily responsible for the Earth's ocean tides. The Moon and Sun pull in opposite directions at the First and Third Quarters, resulting in the shortest difference between high and low tide, known as neaps or neap tide.
Around the Full Moon and New Moon, the tidal range is the biggest. The gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun combine during these Moon phases to draw the ocean's water in the same direction. Spring tides or king tides are the names given to these types of tides.
In Native American culture they did not use the Julian or Gregorian calendars to keep track of time. Even though there was a lot of difference, many tribes kept track of time by watching the seasons and lunar months. For some tribes, there were four seasons, and the year began in a certain season, like spring or fall. Others said that a year had five seasons. Some tribes used 12 Moons to measure a year, while others used 13. Some tribes that used the lunar calendar added an extra Moon every few years to keep it in sync with the seasons.
The Algonquin tribes, who lived from New England to Lake Superior, gave us the names we use for the full moons in the Farmer's Almanac. They are the names that the colonists used the most. Keep in mind that each full Moon was given a name for the whole lunar month in which it happened.
January - Full Wolf Moon - When wolves howled for food outside the villages, this full moon appeared. It is also referred to as the "Old Moon". Most of the Native American tribes, however, referred to this month's full Moon as "Snow Moon," despite the fact that this month's full Moon is actually in February.
February - Full Snow Moon - Typically, February is the month when the most snow falls. For some Native American tribes, this was the "Hunger Moon" because hunting became extremely difficult.
March - Full Worm Moon - Robins return each year around the time of this spring's Full Moon because the ground begins to soften and earthworm casts appear. This is also known as the Sap Moon, as it marks the beginning of the annual tapping of maple trees, which begins at this time each year.
April - Full Pink Moon - The emergence of the moss pink, or wild ground phlox, one of the first spring flowers, was heralded by this full Moon. The Egg Moon, the Fish Moon, and the Sprouting Grass Moon are all other names for this lunation.
May - Full Flower Moon - This month sees a plethora of flowers blooming across the country. The Corn Planting Moon or the Milk Moon was the name given by some Algonquin tribes to this particular full Moon at the time.
June - Full Strawberry Moon - During this Full Moon, the Algonquin people would go out and gather ripening strawberries. As well as the Rose Moon, it is also known as the Hot Moon.
July - Full Buck Moon - This is the time of year when bucks begin to grow new antlers. Because of the high frequency of thunderstorms in August, this full Moon was dubbed the Thunder Moon.
August - Full Sturgeon Moon - The sturgeon of the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain were most easily caught during this full moon, according to some Native American tribes. Green Corn Moon was another name for it.
September - Full Corn Moon - This full moon coincides with the time of year when corn harvesting begins. When the barley has been harvested and threshed, this full moon is also known as the Barley Moon. Autumnal equinoxes occur in September and October; the Harvest Moon is the full moon that occurs closest to the equinox.
October - Full Hunter’s Moon - When the leaves begin to fall, it's also a good time for hunting. This is the best time of year to go hunting and stock up on food for the long winter to come. This month's full moon is also known as the "Travel Moon" and the "Death Moon."
November - Full Beaver Moon - In order to have enough warm winter furs, both the colonists and the Algonquin tribes took advantage of this window of opportunity to set beaver traps before the swamps frozen over. During this full Moon, it was also known as the Frost Moon.
December - Full Cold Moon - There are longer and darker nights this time of year as the winter chill sets in. Some Native American tribes call this full Moon the Long Nights Moon.
Note: The Harvest Moon is the full Moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox. It can occur in either September or October. At this time, crops such as corn, pumpkins, squash, and wild rice are ready for gathering.
From the OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC
I hope you find my gathered information and explanation of the moon's cycles to be informative. In my final analysis, we are all part of the universe and interconnected. When we are able to recognize this and align ourselves with the natural cycles of the universe, we can achieve higher vibrations and levels of consciousness in ourselves and others.
A'ho Dawk'ee - Namaste
Catherine V.
A'ho Namaste
Some of my favorite things
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, on any amazon products offered. I'm an affiliate marketing agent for any linked products listed within my website and blogs. What this means, is, at no cost to you, I may be compensated for your purchase. In saying that, I only offer products that I love and feel good about promoting. This allows me to be able to continue to create content that I hope spreads light love and peace to others. All printable downloads and other offerings in my shop page are of my own creation.
DISCLAIMER:
A'ho Namaste creates peace movement content and this information is not presented by a medical practitioner and is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding any type of mental or physical issues. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read.
Light Love Peace
About The Author:
Catherine (Cat) Valliere
After a lifetime of exploration; 2020 Covid life, led me to a full time focus on the gifts of meditation, alternative health and spiritual well being.
Anything I share comes from a place of healing from within myself and in no way is meant to replace professional medical advice.
Please Visit ahonamaste.com
Comments