Lunar lowdown: New and Full Moons

Published in The Scribe

     Every week you read horoscopes by your fave astrologer (i.e.: me), but every so often this astro- goddess mentions something about New and Full Moons and it’s confusing. You want to know more about them, but don’t know where to start.

Well, don’t you worry ‘bout a thang, boo. Cosmic Cannibal has your lowdown on New and Full Moons.     

     If you paid attention in astronomy 101 course, then you know that the Moon has a 28-day cycle. But what you might not know is that during this 28-day cycle, the Moon moves through each of the 12 zodiac signs. In doing so, the Moon aligns, opposes or does absolutely nothing with the other astrological planets.

     When the Moon aligns with or opposes the Sun, we get New and Full Moons. These are significant lunations for a reason: they mark the beginning and the middle of the lunar cycle.

     New Moons take place when the Sun and Moon are in the same degree of the same zodiac sign. These lunations happen once a month during each zodiac season. An example of this is the upcoming Libra New Moon. On Oct. 6, both the Sun and Moon will be in Libra at 13°, but this is the only time during Libra season when the two luminaries will align, so it’s kind of a big deal. 

     Symbolically, New Moon are the best days to plant seeds-- both metaphorically and literally. Since they mark the beginning of the lunar cycle, they are often associated with new beginnings. 

     If you’re looking to begin something in your life-- start a relationship, apply for an internship, get / grow out a haircut or plan a road trip -- then the New Moon is the time to do it.

     Full Moons occur when the luminaries are in the same degree but in opposite signs. On Oct. 20, we have a Full Moon in 27° Aries. This means that the Moon will be in the opposite sign (Aries) of the Sun (Libra) and in the same degree (27°). Full Moons can happen once or twice every month, depending on the length of the previous lunar cycle. 

      Symbolically, Full Moons signify an ending or conclusion. Whatever “seed” you planted on the New Moon will either sprout or wither in the days leading up to and following the Full Moon. 

     Full Moons are notorious for causing upsets, breakdowns and freakouts. They also tend to be more eventful than New Moons, because our feelings have swelled along with the waxing Moon. This swell results in a temporary frenzy that spurs us into drama and action. 

     Chaotic as Full Moons can be, they are a valuable part of the lunation cycle because they reveal to us what we need to release in our lives. If you set a New Moon intention to start dating or start a new internship or apply for grad school, by the Full Moon you’ll decide whether you should stick with this intention or let it go. 

     So there you have it: the lowdown on New and Full Moons. Now, when someone starts yammering about lunations, you’ll know exactly what they’re talking about. (Yw.)