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Full & New Moons & Eclipses Explained

The Moon goes through different phases as it orbits the Earth. Each phase has a unique energy and affects us differently. The New Moon represents new beginnings and setting intentions. The Full Moon is a time of culmination and heightened emotions. Other phases, such as the Waxing and Waning Crescent, have their own significance in astrology. The Moon’s cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days. It moves through the zodiac signs, spending about two and a half days in each sign. The sign the Moon is in at any given time influences our emotional state and reactions. Understanding the lunar cycles can help us align our actions and decisions with the energy of the Moon. Each month we experience a new moon then two weeks later a full moon. I think everyone has experienced the feeling of full moon energy, did you know new moons, positive and negative ions influence you too?

There are eight different phases in the Moon’s cycle with the New Moon being the first phase. When the Sun and the Moon have the same ecliptic longitude, it seems that the moon ‘disappears’. This is because, during the time of the New Moon, the Moon is on the same side of the Earth as the Sun, causing the dark side of the Moon to face our planet. More precisely, during the new moon phase, it’s hidden behind the Sun from sunrise to sunset, giving us the impression that it has disappeared.

This cycle has been appropriately named the ‘Dark Moon’.

The cycle from one Dark Moon to the next is called a lunation. As mentioned above, an average lunation lasts about 29 days, 12 hours, 44 minutes and 3 seconds (approximately). However, it does vary, because of the Moon’s irregular orbit patterns and the influence of the gravity conflict between the Sun and the Moon. A New Moon is an excellent time to let go of old habits and behavioural patterns that outlived their purpose, to bring new energy into your life. Everything is in decline now – life energy, emotions and physiological activity. Plans needing significant effort are not advisable now. This is an unfavourable time for people with low blood pressure and those prone to depression.

The term Lunatic comes from the word Lunar (Moon). Emotions, psychic energy and physical activity – everything is at its peak. This is the time of heightened creativity; nevertheless, for people inclined to high blood pressure, epilepsy or over-enthusiasm, the full moon period can produce too much excess.

Solar Eclipse

A solar eclipse is a natural event, as it takes place when the Moon comes between the Sun and the Earth in a continuous line. Throughout the eclipse, the Moon moves over the surface of the Earth. As we are on Earth and we will be able to see that the Moon is going to obstruct the light of the Sun as it totally covers the Sun. This can only take place during a New Moon, when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction, as seen from Earth. This is how a Solar Eclipse takes place. Solar eclipses are more external as this is when we deal with situations or circumstances that we might trigger unconsciously. Anything that happens during an eclipse would have occurred sooner or later—eclipses simply accelerate the timeline. 

Types of Solar Eclipses

There are three types of eclipses that occur, and these are total Solar Eclipse, Partial Solar Eclipse and Annual Solar Eclipse. A total solar eclipse occurs when the Moon completely covers the Sun, leaving only the Sun’s outer atmosphere, called the corona, visible. A partial solar eclipse happens when the Moon partially covers the Sun, creating a crescent shape. An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon is farthest from the Earth, and it appears smaller than the Sun, leaving a ring of sunlight visible around the Moon.

Lunar Eclipse

A lunar eclipse is a very powerful full moon, and an important factor that transforms a full moon into a lunar eclipse are the nodes; the Moon doesn’t have to be exactly conjunct with the nodes for it to be eclipsed; however, it has to be within a certain proximity. A lunar eclipse often corresponds with significant and unexpected changes. Anything that happens during an eclipse would have occurred sooner or later—eclipses simply accelerate the timeline. Any endings (professional, romantic, emotional or domestic) that arise during the eclipse season help clear space for exciting new opportunities and new beginnings.

Types of Lunar Eclipses

Penumbral lunar eclipse: The Moon passes through the Earth’s penumbra, causing a subtle darkening of the Moon’s surface. Partial lunar eclipse: A portion of the Moon enters the Earth’s umbra, resulting in a partial darkening of the Moon. Total lunar eclipse: The entire Moon enters the Earth’s umbra, causing the Moon to appear red or coppery in color, known as a “blood moon.”

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