Moon Phases 

The following table gives the time of the phases of the Moon for 2024 and are in South African Standard 

It is a common misconception that the shadow of the earth falling on the moon causes the moon phases.

The moon actually travels once around the earth every 29.5 days and as it does so, it’s illuminated from the varying angels of the sun. At New Moon the moon is between the earth and the sun, so in reality the side of the moon facing us receives no direct sunlight. As it moves around the earth, the side facing us gradually becomes more illuminated by the rays of the sun.

In fact, the shadow of the earth falls on the moon only twice a year, when there are lunar eclipses.

By understanding these cycles and learning how to use them, we have a powerful tool to assist us when organising our lives.

New Moon

The new moon begins the cycle. It is a perfect time for new beginnings. Start making plans if you have been meaning to make changes, it’s a good time to start new relationships. Do a visualisation or meditation of the action that you wish to take and set your intentions.

Waxing Moon

This is the phase where the new moon begins to grow:

The Crescent Phase (3.5 days after the New Moon)
Time for expansion and growth. Start doing research to support the idea that you planted at New Moon. It is a good time to write your goal down and make the commitment. A good time for career (new job, higher education, promotion), and creative inspiration.

The First Quarter Phase (a week after New Moon)
Time to take action by asking others for assistance and support in order to enhance the path to your goal.

The Gibbons Phase (2.5 days after the First Quarter)
Continue with your preparations and make any necessary adjustments to your plans, then trust while you wait. Do not agonise, instead trust and wait.

Full Moon

The energies of the full moon are powerful and abundant. They push and drive you to full strength – there is more determination at this point than at any other time of the month. It is best spent doing something positively like meditating on the outcome of the goals that were set at New Moon. Allow yourself to be fully open to seeing what it is that needs to be seen, and make any further adjustments if necessary.

Clean the cupboards of unwanted goods or do an extra round of exercise. Channel the extra energy into something worthwhile to avoid arguments or unwanted aggressive behaviour.

Waning Moon

This is the phase where the Full Moon becomes smaller.

The Disseminating Moon Phase (2.5 days after the Full Moon)
Time to see how much you have learnt and in so doing also time to give back to others who have supported you in the process. Talk, share with others.

The Last Quarter Moon (1 week after the Full Moon)
Time to review and revise any portion of your goals and to let go / release any portion of that which does not serve you. Complete any activities or end any relationships that are no longer working. Drop any unhealthy habits or negative patterns of behaviour. Clear the air, get those negative feelings off your chest by either having a good cry or writing them down and then releasing them.
It is also good to remember that you need to take responsibility for your feelings and anything that you have created.

Dark Moon

The Balsamic Moon Phase or Dark Moon (2 – 5 days after the Last Quarter Moon)
When the moon isn’t even visible in the sky at night, it’s called a dark moon. It is the end of the cycle.
Time to prepare for the next cycle by letting go and trusting. Reflect on what you wish to release or change. It is also the time to rest and recharge your batteries. Spend time in quiet contemplation, be still. This will help you draw from you inner wisdom to help you deal with things.