THE EIGHT PHASES OF THE MOON & EIGHT YEARLY RITUALS



NEW MOON

Moon is 0-45 degrees ahead of the sun
Moon rises at dawn, sets at sunset
Moon is form exact new moon to 3-1/2 days after
The seed or project is initiated, an instinctive time, energy is within
Winter Solstice, December 21

CRESCENT

Moon is 45-90 degrees ahead of the sun
Moon rises mid-morning, sets after sunset
Moon is 3-1/2 to 7 days after the new moon
The new seed is challenged to move forward, a time of struggle
Candlemas, February 2, the beginnings of spring are felt

FIRST QUARTER

Moon is 90-135 degrees ahead of the sun
Moon rises at noon, sets at midnight
Moon is from 7 to 10-1/2 days after the new moon
The new project takes form; a critical time as it establishes itself in its 
environment; a time of action
Spring Equinox, March 21

GIBBOUS

Moon is 135-180 degrees ahead of the sun
Moon rises in mid-afternoon, sets around 3 a.m.
Moon is between 10-1/2 to 14 days after the new moon
A time to analyze the form of the seed or project; a time to perfect
Beltane, May 1

FULL MOON

Moon is 180-225 degrees ahead of the sun
Moon rises at sunset, sets at dawn
Moon is from 14 to 17-1/2 days after the new moon
The illumination and full meaning of the project is revealed
Summer Solstice, June 21

DISSEMINATING

Moon is 225-270 degrees ahead of the sun
Moon rises at mid-evening, sets at mid-morning
Moon is 3-1/2 to 7 days after the full moon
The meaning of the project or idea is disseminated or shared
Lammas, August 1

LAST QUARTER

Moon is 270-315 degrees ahead of the sun
Moon rises at midnight and sets at noon
Moon is 7 to 10-1/2 days after the full moon
The breakdown of form, dissolution
Fall Equinox, September 21

BALSAMIC (Dark Moon)

Moon is 315 ñ360 degrees ahead of the sun
Moon rises at 3 a.m., sets mid-afternoon
Moon is 10-1/2 to 14 days after the full moon
The impulse for new forms comes from dreams
All Hallows, October 31