astrology Archives - Humanist Beauty

All About the Moon Cycle

Posted on July 19, 2022March 27, 2024 by Jennifer Norman

In ancient indigenous cultures, the Moon has always held a special place and was worshipped for its rhythms of life and the universe. Just as we move through different phases in life, so does the Moon; no matter if the Moon can be seen or not, it’s always with us. In this blog, we will explore the Moon cycle in nature and astrology, along with its connection to femininity and how it’s celebrated uniquely around the world.

Understanding the Moon Cycle

Pictured: Moon Cycles Source: Time and Date

Every 29.5 days, the Moon goes through eight phases. A Moon cycle can be described as changes in appearance created by shifting angles or positions of the Moon, in relation to the Earth and the Sun. Here are the eight Moon phases and their significance in nature:

New Moon

Moon Phase: Primary

Moonrise: Around Sunrise | Moonset: Around Sunset

Illumination: 0%

Position in Space: During this phase, the Moon is between the Sun and Earth. If the Moon’s path crosses the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun while the Sun, Moon, and Earth are aligned at New Moon, a solar eclipse happens somewhere in the world.

Waxing Crescent Moon

Moon Phase: Intermediate

Moonrise: Morning | Moonset: Afternoon

Illumination: 0.1% to 49.9%

Orientation: The right half of the Moon is lit in the Northern Hemisphere, while the left half is lit in the Southern Hemisphere.

Position in Space: During this phase, the Moon is transitioning from New Moon to First Quarter Moon. The Crescent phases can be an excellent time to see Earthshine, which is when sunlight reflected from Earth gives the dark areas of the Moon a faint glow.

First Quarter Moon (Half Moon)

Moon phase: Primary

Moonrise: Around Midday | Moonset: Around Midnight

Illumination: 50%

Orientation: The right half of the Moon is lit in the Northern Hemisphere, while the left half is lit in the Southern Hemisphere.

Position in Space: During this phase, the Moon has gone one-quarter of the way around Earth.

You can look for the First Quarter Moon in the blue afternoon sky.

Waxing Gibbous Moon

Moon Phase: Intermediate

Moonrise: Afternoon | Moonset: Early Morning

Illumination: 50.1% to 99.9%

Orientation: The right half of the Moon is lit in the Northern Hemisphere, while the left half is lit in the Southern Hemisphere.

Position in Space: During this phase, the Moon is moving from First Quarter to Full Moon. A couple of days into the Waxing Gibbous Moon phase, you can see the Golden Handle, which is a lunar light phenomenon that occurs when sunlight hits the Montes Jura Mountain Range at a low angle, causing the mountain range to glow in stunning detail.

Full Moon

Moon Phase: Primary

Moonrise: Around Sunset | Moonset: Around Sunrise

Illumination: 100%

Position in Space: During this phase, the Moon and the Sun are on opposite sides of the Earth. If the Moon’s path crosses the plane of Earth’s orbit around the Sun while the Sun, Earth, and Moon are aligned, a lunar eclipse can be observed on the side of Earth experiencing nighttime.

Waning Gibbous Moon

Moon phase: Intermediate

Moonrise: Evening | Moonset: Morning

Illumination: 99.9% to 49.9%

Orientation: The left half of the moon is lit in the Northern Hemisphere, while the right half is lit in the Southern Hemisphere.

Position in Space: During this phase, the Moon is moving from Full Moon to Third Quarter Moon, but it can still look nearly full for a few days after Full Moon.

Third Quarter Moon (Half Moon)

Moon phase: Primary

Moonrise: Around Midnight | Moonset: Around Midday

Illumination: 50%

Orientation: The left half of the moon is lit in the Northern Hemisphere, while the right half is lit in the Southern Hemisphere.

Position in Space: During this phase, the Moon has gone three-quarters of the way through its orbit around Earth. The Third Quarter Moon begins on the last quarter of the lunar cycle.

Waning Crescent Moon

Moon phase: Intermediate

Moonrise: Early Morning | Moonset: Afternoon

Illumination: 49.9% to 0.1%

Orientation: The left half of the moon is lit in the Northern Hemisphere, while the right half is lit in the Southern Hemisphere.

Position in space: During this phase, the Moon is moving from Third Quarter to New Moon.

The Moon Cycle and Astrology

Just like the Sun’s placement in the sky can help predict your personality traits and even influence current events, the phase the moon is in at any given time — and the cycle you were born under — has a huge influence on your life, mindset, and mood.

To find out what the Moon looked like when you were born, plug your birth date, time, and location into a birth chart generator, such as this one.

Here’s a deeper look into the influence the Moon cycle can have on you:

New Moon

The New Moon is a time of reflection. During New Moons, you can lean into the Moon’s energy by reassessing your options or reviewing your plans for the next few days, weeks, or even months.

Those born under a New Moon are adventurous, enthusiastic, and creative. They enjoy trying new things and facing new challenges in life. However, they are less likely to find a life partner than someone born on a Full Moon. They may be on the more thoughtful end of the spectrum regarding love, holding out for a perfect match.

Waxing Crescent Moon

During a Waxing Crescent, it’s important to make moves towards your goals and desired outcomes for the month. This is the time to start planting the seeds for your future by taking the first steps toward your goals.

Those born under a Crescent Moon are often self-assertive and determined with a desire to follow what may seem like an inner command or personal urge. These individuals are drawn to do good in the world; however, they can sometimes feel a sense of struggle and frustration in life.

First Quarter Moon

The First Quarter Moon is a time to take action. Try to be brave as you set forth the goals you are planning and reaching for. You may notice you tend to make more decisions during the first Quarter Moons.

Those born under the First Quarter Moon phase have a strong will and an ability to push through obstacles and make decisions. They often experience personal satisfaction in overcoming obstacles, but there can be a tendency toward escapism and a defeatist attitude engrained in their negative side.

Waxing Gibbous Moon

The Waxing Gibbous Moon is a time to take stock of where you’re at with your plans and goals and assess your strategy for moving forward. You can look at this phase as the time to refine ideas.

Those born under a Gibbous Moon are often eager to improve others and themselves and have an innate ability to evaluate things carefully, leading to the ability to bring things to a successful conclusion. They tend to have strong connections too, surrounding themselves with loved ones, friends, and family.

Full Moon

The Full Moon is when the Moon is the most energetic. During this time, your strength may be intense and your confidence high, so it’s the time for action. Those born under a Full Moon often have concrete ideas, but they may find themselves shifting quickly from emotional to logical thinking.

The Full Moon is a time for guidance and healing. An evening before this phase can be perfect for recharging your energy. Sit outside and bask in the moonlight. Also, crystals, oracle cards, and meaningful jewelry can be exposed to the Moon to cleanse and charge up with lunar energy.

Waning Gibbous Moon

The Waning Gibbous is also known as the Dissemination Moon, which brings about energy for better communication, revelation, and completion. This is a time to reflect on your actions from this past month, and also a great time to figure out ways to enhance your life’s journey.

Those born under a Waning Gibbous Moon may have an innate ability to demonstrate what they’ve learned, and they fight for what they believe in. On the negative end, there can be tendencies toward fanaticism or mental confusion.

Third Quarter Moon

The Third Quarter Moon can make it easier to let go of what’s not working for you. Each path is unique as we are all special in our talents and goals, but this is where you can be true to yourself as you make life yours.

Those born under the Third Quarter Moon often have organizational and managerial abilities. They have broad social ideals and can force issues and create a crisis to transform something, as well as build new systems and work for future goals regardless of personal cost.

Waning Crescent Moon

A Waning Crescent Moon is a perfect opportunity for downtime. This is the time for you to zone out and rest up as you have built a stable path. Before you step forward again, you’ll need to recharge your batteries.

Those born under a Waning Crescent Moon may experience eagerness to serve in organized groups and social institutions. They can often feel a sense of personal destiny or as if they’re being led by superior powers; they may even have a prophetic gift.

The Moon and Feminine Energy

There are so many representations of the Moon throughout various cultures. Most often, the Moon is represented as feminine energy, while the Sun is associated with masculine energy. This does not mean working with the moon is only for women as we each have both masculine and feminine energies in our makeup.

In the case of the Moon, feminine energy is associated with yin energy: being, feeling, receiving, surrender, ease, and flow. Feminine represents the softer, cooler, darker energies that allow us to flow with cycles, receive, and surrender.

Masculine energy is associated with yang energy: doing, thinking, action, effort, and forward motion. Masculine represents the harder, hotter, and firey energies that allow us to push forward, persevere, actively create, and make things happen.

The entire universe needs a balance of masculine and feminine energies to thrive in harmony, as do each of us. However, we live in a masculine society that, for thousands of years, has valued masculine energies over the feminine.

We believe the way to success is in hard work, pushing, fighting, the struggle, and overcoming obstacles. Excessive masculine energy may be the cause of increased violence, aggression, and exploitation of the planet. In our day-to-day lives, excessive masculine energy can cause burnout, anxiety, stress, and their resulting health problems.

Working with the Moon is one way to restore the energetic balance. Whether you are male, female, or nonbinary, working in harmony with the cycles of nature can help to bring a greater connection to the divine feminine and allow your life to naturally flow the way it should – with ease.

The Moon as the Triple Goddess

This Triple Goddess is symbolized by the Waxing, Full, and Waning Moons, which represent the three phases of the goddess – Maiden, Mother, and Crone. There have been countless representations of these three women in the arts around the world. Here is a look at the Triple Goddess in relation to the Moon:

The Maiden represents the Waxing Moon, growing larger in the sky. The Maiden symbolizes the early phases of life that are full of potential. Think new beginnings, expansion, youth, and excitement.

The Mother represents the Full Moon. Mother energy is full of creativity and nurturing; representing the midpoint in life. She is fertility, power, stability, and fulfillment. Whether you are caring for a child or loved one, or tending to a project or business, you are in your Mother energy.

The Crone represents the Waning Moon, growing smaller in the sky. The Crone symbolizes the last phase of life; one where we have gathered wisdom from living through the previous cycles and we can surrender knowing that we’ve done all we can. She is the elder, the teacher, the keeper of wisdom, and the holder of compassion.

Each month you have the opportunity to harness the excitement and potential of the Maiden, the power and fulfillment of the Mother, and the wisdom and intuition of the Crone. Learning to live in accordance with these Waxing and Waning energies can change how you see the world and your own life.

You can learn more about feminine archetypes here.

How To Begin Working With the Moon

While it may seem that there is a lot to learn, working with the energy of the Moon does not have to be an overwhelming task. You can follow these simple steps to begin your lunar journey:

Get a Moon cycle app, planner, or calendar. This will also help you see when the major shifts in the Moon phases are going to occur. Often standard calendars will include the New Moon, First Quarter Moon, Full Moon, and Third Quarter Moon.
Start small. Begin by becoming aware of the Moon. When you’re outside, look up. Notice when the Moon is Waxing, Full, Waning, or New. You’ll start to realize the rhythm and cycle and this will help you as you start to work with these phases.
Create your own routines, rituals, ceremonies, or habits that you do around the time of the New Moon and the Full Moon. These recommendations from Yasmin Boland are wonderful ways to begin your Moon rituals.
Find events near you. Check your local yoga studio to see if they have any Moon-related yoga classes or meditations. You can also scour the internet for women’s groups and Moon circles in your area. If there aren’t any events near you, you can join online communities that offer membership Moon planning, meditations, and rituals. The Human Beauty Movement (The HBM), for example, often hosts events surrounding the Moon cycle. Click here to join The HBM community and learn more about the upcoming lunar events.

Moon Cycle Rituals Around the World

The Moon has been celebrated by different cultures for various reasons throughout history. The following rituals of ancient and modern cultures around the globe can provide you with inspiration for your own Moon ceremony:

Native American Moon Dance

Pictured: Native American’s performing the Moon Dance Source: Pow Wows

The Moon Dance is an ancient indigenous practice of Native Americans that comes in addition to the Sun Dance. Both dances involve the gathering of a community and focus on praying and dancing for the sake of healing. The Moon Dance also worships the feminine energy and Mother Earth.

The dance aims at reuniting women, men, and children with the Earth and the essence of the Moon. It’s a three-day ceremonial dance taking place on the Full Moon. During the night, the community gathers together to dance, sing, and share sacred teachings under the Moon, while the days are for resting and recharging.

Hindu Full Moon Ritual

Pictured: Hindu Woman Fasting During the Full Moon Festival Source: La Croix International

Hindus believe that the Moon in its fullest state has a great influence on human anatomy, just as it affects the bodies of water on Earth. During a Full Moon, people might become restless, irritable, and even ‘lunatic‘, a term derived from the Latin word for Moon “luna.”

In Hinduism, the Full Moon day is called “Purnima.” It’s a very felicitous day in the Hindu calendar promising prosperity, and happiness. Therefore, it’s celebrated with a strict fast from sunrise to sunset and praying to the presiding deity, Lord Vishnu. After the whole day of fasting, praying, and reflecting, they take a dip in the river and consume some light food at dusk.

Lunar New Year in China

Pictured: Lunar New Year in China Celebration Source: BBC

Known as Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year, this festival is typically celebrated in China and other Asian countries. The celebration begins with the first New Moon of the lunar calendar and ends 15 days later on the first Full Moon of the lunar calendar.

Lunar New Year celebrations are known to usher out the old year and bring forth the luck and prosperity of the new one. Festivities often include firecrackers, fireworks, and red clothes and decorations. In addition, Lunar New Year is a time to feast and visit family members.

In Conclusion

Celebrating the Moon cycle can be very powerful for your self-development. The Full Moon, for example, always marks a time of change and re-birth; it’s a perfect time to let go of the things that are holding you back from living your best life and reaching your fullest potential.

How do you celebrate the Moon cycle? Let us know in the comments!

All About Astrology

Posted on August 5, 2021December 18, 2023 by Jennifer Norman

Humans have looked to the skies for guidance on everything from relationships to careers to family planning for thousands of years. The study of influence that distant cosmic objects, such as the planets and stars, have on our lives is called astrology. The position of the sun, stars, moon, and planets at the time of our birth is said to shape our personalities, directly affect our romantic relationships, and predict our economic fortunes.

The study of astrology is transformative, complex, and expansive. But despite its nuances, the most fundamental and commonly-known principle of astrology is rooted in the 12 signs of the zodiac.¹ You’ve probably found yourself reading up on your sign when standing in line at the grocery store or taking a quick peek at your horoscope online. While it’s interesting to know the dynamic strengths and annoying weaknesses associated with your sign, astrology is much more complex than you might have imagined, and it has a broader spectrum than just the zodiac signs.

What is Astrology?

Astrology is a type of divination that involves the forecasting of earthly and human events through the observation and interpretation of the fixed stars, sun, moon, and planets.² Astrologers believe that understanding the influence that the planet and the stars have on worldly affairs allows them to predict the destinies of individuals.

Western Astrology

Though Ancient cultures all practiced their own forms of astrology, the majority of astrological beliefs combined and evolved into western astrology, which is what’s commonly used in many countries today.

Western astrology consists of diverse methods and philosophies often divided by intended result:

Natal Astrology: Most people associate astrology with this branch, which predominantly relates to predictions and analyses based upon date of birth. Natal Astrology is founded on the concept that every occurrence is predetermined at the very beginning, which is sometimes known as the Law of Beginnings.³
Interrogatory Astrology: This branch can be further divided, but it generally refers to astrology that seeks to make specific predictions about the subjects or events within your life.
Mundane Astrology: This form is used to predict issues on national affairs, war, and economies.

A Brief Timeline of Western Astrology

While astrology has led to amazing scientific discoveries such as the heliocentric solar system, it is still widely criticized by the scientific community for lacking scientific basis.⁴ Throughout history, leaders have actively worked to shut down astrology. But despite their efforts, it has persevered. Most astrologers remain unphased and continue to study the sky for answers.

Mesopotamia and the Babylonians: From 3000 BC

Astronomical observation began with civilizations of Mesopotamia keeping a close watch on prominent constellations. After naming the constellations around 3000 BC, the sky-watchers in Mesopotamia discovered the five wandering stars that form the 7 original planets.⁵

The Babylonians were the first great astronomers. The minutes and seconds of modern astronomical measurements were derived from their numbering system. Additionally, the concept of the zodiac was first introduced by the Babylonians.⁶ The zodiac was defined as specific star constellations, the sun, and the planets. They determined that the zodiac appeared to move throughout the heavens and could be used to measure time if divided into equal segments. They selected 12 constellations to represent segments and identified them with the names of animals.⁷

The Greeks: From the 6th Century BC

The Greeks made significant advances in the field of astronomy and astrology, but they hampered European astronomy for over a millennium with their elaborate but incorrectly devised Ptolemaic system. The Ptolemaic system was the theory that Earth was the stationary center of the universe and all the other planets moved in epicyclic orbits within surrounding concentric spheres.⁸

During this time, astrology benefited greatly from the range and vitality of the Greek gods. The gods were often linked with the planets and constellations. They made astrology fun and exciting for the Greeks, which allowed astrologers to extend their range. The art found its lasting role as a method to cast the fortunes of ordinary people.⁹

Pictured: The Ptolemaic System Source: Quora

India and Other Countries: From the 1st Millennium BC

Vedic astrology, which is India’s own unique form of astrology, dates back to as early as 1000 BC. It derives from the Vedas of Hindu and was practiced by multiple ancient sages. The Indians used Vedic astrology to determine dates for important rituals and sacrifices, but over time, they started studying planetary movements in an effort to understand their own destiny.10

With Greek influence, the western version of the zodiac was introduced in India during the Hellenistic period.11 This same pattern occurred in many other countries as the years marched on. The age of science and age of reason attempted to reduce the appeal of astrology, but it continued to thrive in many areas of the world.

A Guide to the 12 Signs of the Zodiac

You can’t escape the presence of astrological signs in our culture today. From the monthly horoscope reading in your favorite magazines to references in television and music, the signs of the zodiac are all around us. Essentially, everyone’s birthday is associated with a particular zodiac sign. Your sign can act as a cosmic compass for understanding yourself and relationships. According to astrology, here’s what your zodiac sign says about you:

Aries (March 21 – April 19): Aries is the 1st sign of the zodiac and is represented by the constellation Ram. If your sign is Aries, you’re considered to be dynamic, adventurous, ambitious, and competitive. Aries are also natural-born leaders with a tendency to be impulsive.
Taurus (April 20 – May 20): Taurus is the 2nd sign of the zodiac and is represented by the constellation Taurus, a bull. Tauruses are dedicated, dependable, creative, and focused. They’re also stubborn and love to seek out pleasure.
Gemini (May 21 – June 20): Gemini is the 3rd sign of the zodiac and is represented by the constellation Gemini, which is made up of the Dioscuri – the twins, Castor and Pollux. Geminis are considered to be expressive, energetic, intelligent, and playful. They are also described as two-faced.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22): Cancer is the 4th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the constellation Cancer, a crab. Cancers are bold, compassionate, protective, and intuitive. They also tend to be passive-aggressive and distant.
Leo (July 23 – August 22): Leo is the 5th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the constellation known as the Lion. Leos are vivacious, outgoing, and fiery, while also being known to be proud or jealous.
Virgo (August 23 – September 22): Virgo is the 6th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the Maiden constellation. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be sophisticated, analytical, and practical. Virgos also have unfairly high standards for themselves.
Libra (September 23 – October 22): Libra is the 7th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the only inanimate constellation which is known as the Scales. Libras are social, diplomatic, and balanced, but they can tend to be too insecure or pragmatic.
Scorpio (October 23 – November 21): Scorpio is the 8th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the constellation Scorpion. Scorpios are known to be loyal, focused, resourceful, and brave. To strangers, they appear prickly and closed-off.
Sagittarius (November 22 – December 21): Sagittarius is the 9th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the Archer constellation. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be optimistic, intellectual, and independent. However, you may be too direct and arrogant.
Capricorn (December 22 – January 19): Capricorn is the 10th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the Sea Goat constellation. Capricorns are patient, hardworking, and disciplined. They can often be stubborn or too focused on perfection.
Aquarius (January 20 – February 18): Aquarius is the 11th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the constellation known as the Water Bearer. If born under this sign, you’re considered to be original, loyal, and innovative, while also being aloof and uncompromising.
Pisces: (February 19 – March 20): Pisces is the 12th sign of the zodiac and is represented by the Fishes constellation. Pisces are empathetic, creative, and intuitive, but can also be too delusional or sensitive.

Source: 123RF

All About the Elemental Signs

While reading your horoscopes, you’ve probably noticed the words “Fire sign” or “Earth sign.” There are actually four elements in astrology, which are Fire, Earth, Air, and Water. Each of the 12 zodiac signs falls into 1 of the 4 elements, so 3 signs are ruled by the same element. Here are the qualities that each elemental sign possesses:

Fire Signs (Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius): Fire signs are spontaneous, reactive, and assertive. They’re also creative, charming, and confident, but are often difficult to silence or contain and typically pursue big ideas with no apprehension. You can win the Fire signs over by asking them questions about themselves and letting them talk.
Earth Signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): These three signs come together to embody the reliable and practical qualities of the Earth element. As the most grounded element, Taurus, Virgos, and Capricorns respond well to the things they can’t see or touch. Earth signs are patient and practical, but they’re also known to be stubborn and inflexible. You can win them over by giving them food and wine.
Air Signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Air signs are intellectual and social creatures, and they tend to allow the universe to sway them in any direction it pleases. Air signs are also very curious and always seek out more knowledge. They have amazing social skills but can be fickle and cold. You can win Air signs over by chatting about politics.
Water Signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces are the most emotional signs within the zodiac and embody the fluidity of their sign perfectly. Water signs are nurturing, perceptive, and deep. However, their feelings can get hurt very easily due to their sensitive nature. They can also be moody and suspicious. You can win over Water signs by telling them your darkest secret.

Source: RelRules

Why is Astrology so Pervasive Today?

Astrology has been around for thousands of years, and it’s still a staple in our world today. It’s been gaining more popularity among young people that’s been unseen since the 1970s.¹¹ During the 60s and 70s, which some refer to as the “Age of the Aquarius,” astrology was on everyone’s mind. People loved the zodiac signs, and they couldn’t get enough. With the interest piquing Millennials and Gen-X, are we going to see a new age of astrology?

Many believe the pervasiveness of astrology today can be linked to the internet. Reading your horoscope can be done with a few clicks of a mouse. According to Callie Beusman, a senior editor at Broadly, the traffic for the site’s horoscopes has significantly grown in the past few years.¹²

Internationally respected astrologer, Jessica Lanyadoo, believes that people tend to turn to astrology during periods of instability and stress.¹³ The American Psychological Association (APA) has proven that Millennials and Gen Xers have been significantly more stressed than older generations. Plus, Americans as a whole have seen increased stress due to political issues and divides.¹⁴ Additionally, APA found that 63% of Americans are stressed about the future of their country, while 56% are scared to read the news.¹⁵

It’s understandable why people are flocking towards astrology; the world has been drowning in political unrest and environmental issues. Add the current pandemic and it’s obvious why we all feel a twinge of stress every day. Usually, when times get tough, people want to feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves. This is why astrology has seen a large growth in popularity. Just as it did throughout history, people will continue to lean on astrology to help explain what seems to be unexplainable.

What’s your zodiac sign and element? Do you agree with the characteristics associated with them? Let us know in the comments below.

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https://www.britannica.com/topic/astrology [2]

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geocentric_model [8]

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https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Journals/ISIS/54/2/Astronomy_and_Astrology_in_India_and_Iran*.html [10]

https://www.panmacmillan.com/blogs/lifestyle-wellbeing/the-popularity-of-astrology [11]

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/01/the-new-age-of-astrology/550034/ [12]