Moon Phases Explained Scientifically

The Moon goes through eight phases every 28 days. It's probably easiest to understand the moon cycle in this order: new moon and full moon, first quarter and third quarter, and the phases in between. As shown in the above diagram, the new moon occurs when the moon is positioned between the earth and sun. At a full moon, the earth, moon, and sun are in approximate alignment, just as the new moon, but the moon is on the opposite side of the earth.

The first quarter and third quarter moons, or half moon phases, happen when the moon is at a 90 degree angle with respect to the earth and sun. So we are seeing exactly half of the moon illuminated. Once you understand those four key moon phases, the phases between should be fairly easy to visualize. The diagram above shows all eight phases. The moon is either Waxing or Waning at all times. Waxing means the moon is getting bigger until it is full. Waning means that the moon is getting smaller on its way down to new. The process of Waxing or Waning takes approximately 14 days. So the entire cycle of the moon which include all eight phases and the Waxing and Waning pattern takes 28 days.

The Moon's Orbit

You may have personally observed that the moon goes through a complete moon phases cycle in about one month. That's true, but it's not exactly one month. The synodic period or lunation is exactly 29.5305882 days Although the moon phases, or periods are exact numbers, the moon phase can't be precisely calculated by simple division of days because the moon's motion is affected and perturbed by various forces of different strengths. Hence, complex equations are used to determine the exact position and phase of the moon at any given point in time. Also, looking at the diagram, you may have wondered why, at a new moon, the moon doesn't block the sun, and at a full moon, why the earth doesn't block sunlight from reaching the moon. The reason is because the moon's orbit about the earth is about 5 degrees off from the earth-sun orbital plane.

The Benefit of the Lunar Cycle

So now that you have a scientific understanding of the moons orbit it is time to discuss the actual purpose or benefit of using this orbit and eight phases in human life We all learned about the moons orbit in science. But what we may not have learned is that the moon actually has an effect on the moods of individuals on the planet Earth. Just as the moon affects the ocean tides, the crops in a farmers field, and the birth of babies, the moon affects our moods. At the new moon, there may be a tendency for human beings on the planet Earth to feel more internally focused, or introverted. At the full moon, human beings become more extraverted or externalized. This is due to the light from the moon affecting our pineal glands as well as the moons magnetism. Scientists have proven that the moon is magnetic, which is why it is able to orbit the Erath. The moon is literally stuck in orbit!

The pull that the Moon has to the Earth is the very pull that the Moon has on the things and people on the Earth. So the Ocean tides are being pulled by the moon.

Spring Tides
When the moon is full or new, the gravitational pull of the moon and sun are combined. At these times, the high tides are very high and the low tides are very low. This is known as a spring high tide. Spring tides are especially strong tides (they do not have anything to do with the season Spring). They occur when the Earth, the Sun, and the Moon are in a line. The gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun both contribute to the tides. Spring tides occur during the full moon and the new moon.

Neap Tides
During the moon's quarter phases the sun and moon work at right angles, causing the bulges to cancel each other. The result is a smaller difference between high and low tides and is known as a neap tide. Neap tides are especially weak tides. They occur when the gravitational forces of the Moon and the Sun are perpendicular to one another (with respect to the Earth). Neap tides occur during quarter moons.

The Real Deal

If you think about it, such a large body of water can be literally pulled by the moon; you have to begin to ask yourself what human beings are made of. Last time I checked human beings were mostly water 80% water at least. So it is simple to see that the moon is not only pulling the vast waters of the ocean to respond, but it is also pulling human beings to respond in various ways, at different points in the cycle So to take that theory and apply it, we must understand the effects that the moon has on human beings and how it affects our moods at various times of year. This is what we have outlined for you in the sections that follow.

How the Moon Effects Humans

Human beings are prone to be highly affected by the lunar phases. Thus having an understanding of how we are affected will better our lives. We dont want to be like leaves in the wind being tossed hither and yon without knowledge of the benefits. We want to lead self-directed lives with full understanding of things that affect our lives and how to handle them. So the moon is out there affecting our moods. What moods does the moon put us in and why? Is there a benefit to going through these series of eight moons (corresponding to the eight moon phases)? Yes! Of course there is! Ancient human beings and even many modern thinkers have become well versed in the energy provided by the moon. Certain astrologers have been able to share valuable information about how human beings on Planet Earth can benefit from the changing moon phases. We have simplified this information and we, of course, take many individuals through these phases each month. The phases correspond to the particular mood that the moon puts us in at each juncture of its orbit around the sun.

Moon Phases and Moods

Human beings are being tossed into eight documented moods as the moon makes its way around the Earth every 28 days. These moods are actually beneficial to human beings when we harness them. The eight moods make up a cycle of manifestation that becomes possible when we use them. In other words, every 28 days the moon is literally aligning us to a powerful way to CREATE anything we desire! Here are the phases of the moon as we have interpreted them: Planning The planning phase is all about thinking deeply about what we as human beings desire in life. We are in the mood to plan for our future. Planting This Phase places human beings into the mood for deep visualization work; we can visualize our objectives effectively. Clearing This phase places human beings into a deep inner knowing about how to clear blockages that exist between what we want and what we have Gathering This phase places human beings into a mood of discovery and observation of the beauty of life.

 Seeing This phase places human beings into the mood of faith and optimism. It also opens our inner sight to see the HOW TO in terms of manifesting any goal. Leading This phase places human beings into the mood of pre-action or the ability to prepare for major change. Doing This phase places human beings into the mood for ACTION (This is the full moon of course) Using This phase places human beings into the mood to sell or market themselves to the world.

The Zero Phase

There is one more phase, but it is really not a phase at all. This is an over arching principle that is always in place in the Universe in which we inhabit. It is called the Peace Phase and this phase is always upon us it never goes away. Simply stated, we always are in the mood, or have the ability to illicit peace or deep calm from within. No matter what we are experiencing as we move through the lunar cycle. We always have the ability to be at peace with life, to feel deep inner comfort and knowing that all is well.

How To Use the Phases

Individuals who crave MORE from life use these moon phases appropriately to systematically manifest anything that is desired. We simply harness these moods and allow the moods to lead us on a 28-day journey that always ends in success and greater understanding All that has to be done is the initial observation of the cycle and then the overlay of these principles during the cycle. The way that we do this is simple. As the phases change, our behaviors should change

For example if we are in the Planning Phase we should not be lead to take rash action of trying to ACT on a new venture or ACT on a new relationship. Rather, we should utilize the mood that the moon has put us in to complete a deep thinking process about the PLAN. We will emerge from that phase with a plan or an objective. If we ACT out of harmony with the phases, sure, we can still be successful. However, success is more likely when we use the natural ebb and flow of the lunar cycles. When we do, it is like going with the rivers flow as opposed to paddling upstream. Nature has given us a great and effective system, a very logical system, to manifest anything we desire. And nature has even made it so that we will always be in the mood to manifest what we desire, however, many are unaware of these basic principles and keys to success. Essentially nature wants human begins to create desired end results. And thus it has given us the ability and the tools to do it. It is up to us to use these tools and make it happen! With the Lunar Cycle you can do just that in a very powerful way.

How to Get Started

If you want to test the benefit of using these moon phases to manifest any objective you should try the exercise below on your own: 1. Get yourself a nice moon calendar online and then overlay the cycles as listed below. 2. Allow yourself to take on the natural moods outlined above, in reference to attaining your goal. 3. Complete each step and see what happens by the end of that lunar cycle. 4. Expect Success! You will be utterly shocked at how easily and quickly your goals begin to manifest.

Moon Moods and Corresponding Lunar Phase

Planning Half Moon Waning Planting Crescent Moon Waning Clearing New Moon Gathering Crescent Moon Waxing Seeing Half Moon Waxing Leading Crescent Moon Waxing Doing Full Moon Using Crescent Moon Waning Peace This is the state of being that you should work from in all of your endeavors We have a little phrase we like to use for the Peace Phase: I will manifest exactly what I have set out for or something far better! And so it is! Remember. You should do each of the phases as the moon cycles shift. Allow yourself to be in the moods listed above. By the end of the 28 day cycle you will see dramatic results Goal Setting Tip: We have a standard format for writing goals 1. Include a sentence that outlines the goal as if it has already happened. Example: I am so happy that I have manifested an extra $1000 this month! 2. Include a follow up sentence that is a FEELING statement. Example: Money always finds me - I am a MONEY MAGNET! YES! In this way, you will find that your goals have more power behind them. Enjoy!