The Moon has 2 major cycles
The one I am describing is the synodic cycle of approx. 29 and a half days from one New Moon to the next.
New Moon: Seeds are planted
The chart of the New Moon is the key to influences for the coming month. It sets the theme. Look at your birth chart and locate the house where it ocurrs. This area of your life will be activated.
This is the beginning of a new cycle, when new ideas start to grow.
Traditionally astrology says this is a time to launch new projects. However the Moon is invisible for 3 days while it joins the Sun in a symbolic rebirth. Wait until the day after a New Moon to publicise your new venture. It’s also good (if you can) to plan any important event, such as opening a shop, getting married, moving house when the Moon is visible.
I know this as the worst moving house day I have experienced. It occurred on a New Moon eclipse in mid summer. Not only was it very tiring but the removal didn’t finish until 6pm. Time seemed to go very fast with nothing much achieved. From past home moving, I’d be out by 1pm at the latest!
First Quarter is ‘Springtime’- A Growth in Consciousness
The pattern of the new Moon emerges. The first quarter is a growth in consciousness which might be impeded by obstacles from the past. It’s a point of focus which indicates the necessity for change.
Take note of the element the Moon is in to see how easy or difficult that might be. Fixed signs -Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius all known to be stubborn and resist change. Mutable signs Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces can easily change and adapt. Cardinal signs Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn can indicate a dramatic time of action- a complete a change of direction is likely.
Full Moon is ‘Summer’- The Fruits are Appearing
The full moon is traditionally called a time of fulfilment. However the harvest is yet to come. We can now see the potential of the New Moon as things have come to light. If the restrictions of the past have been overcome at the First quarter this can be a time of success. If a negative attitude has dominated it can be stressful. This can be a time of serious mental conflict, hence the connection of the full moon with ”lunacy’ as emotions can get out of control.
Last Quarter is ‘Autumn’- Harvest -A Time to Reap the Rewards
This is also called a crisis in consciousness, as the full experiences of the month are culminating. This is time to prepare for the quiet time of the New Moon, to prepare for rebirth. As the Moon decreases in light it’s a time of meditation and introspection, of planning and preparing for the next cycle. It’s also a time to teach and pass on what we have learnt.
To read more I recommend the work of Dane Rudhyar.
Sign up to receive a FREE PDF on The New and Full Moons this year into April 2021, the eclipses and the Mercury retrograde cycles to look out for.