Before we dive into the "ology" of the moon phases, let's review some moon-terminology. Have you ever heard somebody use the terms “waxing” and “waning?” Usually, they mean something is coming or going, increasing or decreasing, or expanding or contracting.
A similar concept applies to the moon. During a waxing moon, the area of light covering its Earth-side surface is increasing. So this phase begins as a small crescent and then grows into a full circle. Afterwards, it transitions to a waning moon as the area the sunlight covers diminishes.
The term gibbous refers to the fact that the sun’s light covers more than half of the visible surface of the moon. So a waxing gibbous moon refers to one where the moon’s illumination coverage is increasing from half-moon to full moon. Likewise, a waning gibbous moon refers to the phase of the moon as it goes from full moon to half moon.
NEW MOON
INTEND & BEGIN
A time for new beginnings and renewal. Do some self reflection within all areas of your life, and plant new seeds of intention that align with your core values and life's purpose.
WAXING CRESCENT
PLAN & DETAIL
A time to get creative and create a list of plans, intentions and actions you can take to bring your ideas into fruition. Look at all of the 6 Areas of Life: Love, Health, Wealth, Self Image, Career & Fun.
This moon phase indicates a time of strength, and determination. It is a time to put your ideas into tangible action. Move forth with concentration & commitment.
FIRST QUARTER
CREATE & DECIDE
WAXING GIBBOUS
REFINE & CULTIVATE
Prepare to manifest & refine your ideas & plans as momentum builds during this moon phase. This is a time to align with your highest hopes and dreams. Revisit your past intentions; audit & edit where necessary.
FULL MOON
CELEBRATE & SAVOUR
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A time of amplified energy & peak creativity. Look at your intentions made during the past moon phases, examine what did not work, and celebrate what has worked.
WANING GIBBOUS
REST & RELEASE
A time to release, receive & express gratitude for the intentions that have come to fruition thus far.
LAST QUARTER
SURRENDER WITH GRACE
A time to let go of any thoughts and actions that do not serve you. What habits or patterns can you begin to shift?
WANING CRESCENT
CLOSURE & NEW OPPORTUNITIES
A time to rest, reflect & contemplate. This is the final stage of releasing and letting go before the new seeds are planted with the new moon.
The moon, like Earth, is a sphere, and it is always half-illuminated by the sun. As the moon travels around Earth, we see more or less of the illuminated half. Moon phases describe how much of the moon's disk is illuminated from our perspective. The moon phases rotate from the new moon to the left to the waxing. This is interesting, as the direction left represents our lunar, feminine and yin energies.
All of our retreat, personal development and yoga programs are offered in conjunction with the moon phases. We incorporate specific practices that align with the healing and growth portions of our programs.
