People's daily experience of living mirrors the Moon's cycle around the Earth. Yet, few even notice the Moon unless she is dramatically full or disappears from the sky. Even fewer recognize her eight phases and fewer still actually know what each of her phases symbolizes. Astrologically, each New Moon marks an end of one Lunar cycle, as well as the beginning of something new.
The New Moon
At the New Moon the Sun, Earth, and Moon are almost in a straight line, with the Moon in between the Sun and the Earth. There's a New Moon every 29.5 days. During the New Moon Lunar Phase, the Moon moves from 0 to 45 degrees ahead of the Sun and gradually increases(waxes) in light from no visibility to a thin crescent.
The Astrological New Moon
The day of the New Moon your emotional needs (Moon) aligns with your "will to be" (Sun). The New Moon is the time to set your intention for the coming month, be it for a new project, idea, plan, thought, relationship, job, etc. This is the day to invite change into your life and be open to new possibilities. There's a pioneering quality and innocence to the New Moon and it's also a vulnerable time of unknowing.
New Moon Rituals
People often come together in "moon gatherings," where candles are lit, intentions are set, and a fresh start is summoned. Other people prefer a solitary ritual where they smudge their space with sage or diffuse essential oils, light a new candle, meditate and go deep within themselves to discover what they want to bring into their lives during the next month. However, your ritual could be as simple as sitting down in a quiet space and writing out your goals for the next 30 days.
The New Moon Phase: Making Your Desires a Reality
After your New Moon ritual, sit with your desire for the next couple of days. Visualize what your life would be like when your desire becomes your reality. Then focus on making this happen throughout the coming three weeks. During the New Moon phase, your desire should become your goal. You might not know or understand how it will be accomplished. The New Moon phase is a time of trust yourself and your ability to make it happen.
Focus on Something You Can Achieve
At the New Moon you could desire all sorts of things that are unattainable, so but be realistic, because what you focus on will only remain potential unless it's something you can actually achieve.
The Potential Is Delicate
During the New Moon phase, the potential is also delicate and can be hindered or severely damaged if you're unwilling to open to the new.
Relating the New Moon to Your Birth Chart
You don't need to know anything about astrology or have your birth chart to take advantage of the New Moon energy, you can follow the Moon with a Moon sign table. However, having your chart can help you define your new beginning. The astrological house where the New Moon is happening is the area of life where you'll be feeling more vulnerable and have the urge to begin something new. It's also where personal growth is possible as the lunar cycle progresses.
Born at the New Moon
If your Sun is exactly conjunct your Moon in your Natal Chart, you were born on the day of a New Moon or a Solar eclipse (a powerful New Moon). Your will (Sun) and emotions (Moon) are in agreement and the astrological sign of the New Moon is emphasized in your personality. As an individual, you're focused, charismatic, have a powerful presence, and are always ready to take the lead. But you are likely unaware of the strong impression you make on others.
Born Just Before a New Moon
If you were born just before a New Moon, you're deeply contemplative and somewhat of a loner. You have an extremely active imagination and can be psychic. Others may appreciate your wisdom and advice, but might find you a bit too eccentric to relate to on a deeper level
Born During the New Moon Phase
If you were born just after the New Moon you were born during the waxing New Moon. You are eager to make your mark on life and are up for any adventure. However, you may lack objectivity, but it's this lack of objectivity that enables you to go for things that others might not dare to attempt. You're a pioneer and an initiator. The downside is that in seeing all the possibilities, you can have difficulty picking a direction and find yourself always beginning again and again.
Your Progressed New Moon
Secondary progressions are a method astrologers use to bring an individual's birth chart into the present and provide context for life's happenings. The Progressed New Moon is based on your birth chart and unlike the monthly New Moon in the sky, it's uniquely yours. Each progressed New Moon is a pivotal point in your life when new and far-reaching intentions are set in motion.
Living Life In-Sync With the Moon
The Moon, like a clock, is an effective timer and you don't have to know anything about astrology to use it in your everyday life. At the New Moon and for the next two days you're introspective and your energy is low, so don't anticipate setting the world on fire. Just do what you have to do, set your intention for the coming month and think creatively about how to make it happen.
