Moon Phases Simplified
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. The three objects are in approximate alignment (why “approximate” is explained below). The entire illuminated portion of the moon is on the back side of the moon, the half that we cannot see.
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, so the entire sunlit part of the moon is facing us. The shadowed portion is entirely hidden from view.
The first quarter and third quarter moons (both often called a “half moon”), 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 and half in shadow.
Once you understand those four key moon phases, the phases between should be fairly easy to visualize, as the illuminated portion gradually transitions between them.
An easy way to remember and understand those “between” lunar phase names is by breaking out and defining 4 words: crescent, gibbous, waxing, and waning. The word crescent refers to the phases where the moon is less than half illuminated. The word gibbous refers to phases where the moon is more than half illuminated. Waxing essentially means “growing” or expanding in illumination, and waning means “shrinking” or decreasing in illumination.
Thus you can simply combine the two words to create the phase name, as follows:
After the new moon, the sunlit portion is increasing, but less than half, so it is waxing crescent. After the first quarter, the sunlit portion is still increasing, but now it is more than half, so it is waxing gibbous. After the full moon (maximum illumination), the light continually decreases. So the waning gibbous phase occurs next. Following the third quarter is the waning crescent, which wanes until the light is completely gone — a new moon.
Moon Phases
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Love the Twisted Willow Wicca
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Hi Lynn, I found you! Spoke to you today, had been trying all day and really pleased I did. You thought I was a psychic as you said the energy was very strong and that we should ‘talk about my development’. I would be interested in this. I have lit my black, red and white candles and feel much calmer. Thank you for your insight into the situation. I await the outcome. Thank you again. Elaine NB. The lady that moved, the taxi driver.
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Ever wanted people to see you for the person you are on the inside and not judge you for your looks, your ethnicity or other societal beliefs, at Lynn’s workshops and retreats no one sees the outer you, only the inner you, your core, your soul, your spirit and will greet you as an old friend and openly welcome you in and teach you how to unlock yourself to a happier balanced life.
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Lynn sees your spirit. She will greet you as an old friend and openly welcome you in and teach you how to unlock yourself to a happier and balanced life.
I have had a couple of readings with Lynn now and each time she truly has been an inspiration, as well as being a very talented psychic she has a level of empathy that is beyond this world. She puts aside her own troubles to use her deeply compassionate nature to make you feel positive and able to face the future. Thank you so much Lynn, sending you big hugs.
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