It’s a Phase
Moon, like sun goddesses, can be found in every ancient culture but for now, I want to reflect upon the feminine receptive moon with its eight phases. Astrologically the lunar phases relate to growth and fertility as well as transformation. In the astrological chart your moon symbolizes your feelings, emotions and habitual patterning.
The moon is the sustainer and rules the astrological sign of Cancer, the watery cardinal sign that initiates summer and states, “I feel”. This feeling helps us intuit what goes on around and within us potentially even perceiving things beyond our five senses. As the moon rules our moods which fluctuate, we can envision how feelings can overcome us. At times we may find ourselves at the mercy of tumultuous emotions. But just as the moon changes phases, so do our emotions. There are eight phases of the moon over the course of its twenty-nine and a half day cycle.
But first, have you ever pondered how the phases of the moon also relate to the pagan holy days known as sabbats? True, the sabbats are tied to the seasonal cycles celebrating the earth’s journey around the sun but I find that each phase of the moon also correlates to one of the eight celebrated sabbats. I’ve been contemplating this so let me share my thoughts with you.
At zero to forty-five degrees between the earth and the sun we see a New Moon. A new moon represents birth and creative urges. I liken this phase to Yule, the Winter Solstice or longest night. At Yule the sun god is birthed with the promise of more light as the days get longer.
At forty-five to ninety degrees is the Waxing Crescent, a phase of initiation. This phase I liken to Imbolc, celebrated the first of February as green shoots are struggling to emerge from the earth. It is a time of energetic forward movement, preparing for the upcoming spring.
At ninety degrees to one hundred and thirty-five degrees is the First Quarter Moon, a time of growth and stretching into the new. This phase is similar to the sabbat Ostara, a time of new beginnings and renewal which coincides with the Spring Equinox, equal day and night.
At one hundred and thirty-five degrees to one hundred and eighty degrees is the Waxing Gibbous Moon which is expanding. This phase harkens to Beltane celebrated on May first. This lusty sabbat emphasizes gains, sexuality and growth as the ancients would gather around bonfires and make merry. Think of the phallic representation of the May Pole and the dance that’s still enacted to this day.
At one hundred and eighty to two hundred and twenty-five degrees is the Full Moon Phase. A culmination point in which the moon shines outward having achieved her maximum manifestation. Likened to Litha or the Summer Solstice, at midsummer the longest day is a peak time of light. At Litha the ancient pagans celebrated by jumping over bonfires for good luck. The woods and forests have reached their peak. It is a joyous time of fullness.
At two hundred and twenty-five degrees to two hundred and seventy degrees is the Waning Gibbous Moon, a time of dissemination. Likened to Lughnasadh or Lammas, celebrated on the first of August, this sabbat celebrates the first harvest and is a time of spreading the message and sharing the bounty.
At two hundred and seventy degrees to three hundred and fifteen degrees is the Waning Third Quarter Moon. This time of giving away, cleaning things out and engagement with others corresponds to Mabon celebrated at the autumnal equinox. This is a time of thanksgiving and sharing the bounty of grain, fruits and vegetables with others.
Three hundred and fifteen degrees to three hundred and sixty degrees takes us to the Balsamic Moon, a time of going inward. This phase corresponds with the sabbat Samhain, the last fire festival. The gardens have been put away, it is a time of final preparation for winter and cold temperatures. People head inside to “incubate” and prepare for the promised return of the light at Yule.
