Lunar Phases

Lunar Phases

The Lunar Cycle

The Sun and Moon’s synodic cycle

The Moon takes one month to orbit the Earth.

The Moon phase cycle starts at New Moon when the Sun and the Moon are conjunct. This happens once every month. At New Moon we can’t see the Moon when it is close to the Sun

The Moon starts to grow in light every day in the waxing part of the cycle. Around day fourteen it reaches the Full Moon when we can see the most light from the Moon. It begins the waning part of the cycle reducing in light back to the New Moon.

The Light and Dark of the Moon

The Moon is mainly dark for half of the month and mainly light for half of the month. The darker half is during the last quarter, balsamic, new moon and crescent phases. The light half is the first quarter, gibbous, full moon and disseminating phases. This light/dark difference is symbolic and has much to say about the meaning of the Moon and its phases.

Lunar Phases in the Chart

lunar phases are based on the angular relationship between the Sun and the Moon.

If the luminaries are in aspect to each other it must be considered highly in the chart interpretation.

Moon Timing

The synodic cycle is around twenty-nine and a half days.

The Moon is in each phase for around three and a half days.

The Moon is in each sign around two and a half days.

Planetary Phases

The planets also have phases shown by their relationship to the Sun. Particularly the inferior planets Mercury and Venus.

Eight Lunar Phases

There are eight lunar phases, four in the waxing period and four in the waning period.

Even if the Moon is not in aspect to the Sun it will be in the phase shown below.

Each phase begins at the exact aspect and runs through until the next aspect.

Lunar phases are closely related to the aspects between the Moon and the Sun.

Four Waxing Moon Phases

In the waxing half of the Moon’s cycle the four phases are new moon, crescent, first quarter and gibbous. During the waxing half of the month the light of the Moon is growing.

New Moon

Instinct

You see life through your own eyes, and not the eyes of others.

Subjective

You are subjective and struggle to see another person’s point of view.

Starts projects

You enjoy beginning new projects. You are good at starting jobs but not so good at finishing them. You have lots of energy and are independent.

Emergence

You have the potential to emerge and do good things. At this stage we don’t know.

Self-involved

Concerned with your life and your issues.

Crescent

Forward

You feel compelled to move forward in your life. You can do this when you have a strong foundation underneath from which to launch.

Self-belief

You have an opportunity to grow in your belief in yourself. As your life unfolds and expands you will become more comfortable with the feelings you have about your future path.

Eager confidence

You will probably face the future eagerly. In time you probably will develop inner confidence.

First Quarter

Forceful

You perhaps have the forcefulness of youth and there will likely be much subjective activity throughout your life. You prefer to lay a good base for your future and will take action to make this so.

Growth and building

You are likely to construct your own plans to suit yourself. Your life is likely to be filled with lots of personal growth and experiences with which you can build a firmer foundation on for your personal future.

Strong willed

You are usually strong willed, and some may even say ruthless.

Crisis in action

You have controlled energy expenditure. This comes in bursts and much can be done.

Gibbous

Contribute

You generally have a desire to contribute something of value to society.

You probably understand broad concepts and may have an impulse to clarify and work towards your personal goals or for a cause.

Overcome

You are the type of individual who can overcome obstacles.

You have a youthful approach to life.

Perfection

There is effort spend to get better at what you do.

Four Waning Moon Phases

The four phases in the waning half of the Moon’s cycle are full moon, disseminating, last quarter and balsamic.

During the waning half of the lunar cycle the light of the Moon is diminishing.

Full Moon Phase

Clarity

You can see the other person’s point of view and it is clear to you. You are very self-aware. You can discriminate between truth and lies.

Illumination

You can see the big picture and use broad strokes. It is all quite clear to you now.

Mature

You are supremely confident and have a mature outlook on life. You are realistic and accept things as they are.

Relationships

You can build fulfilling relationships confidently. You approach life through an adult’s eyes, there are no illusions.

Disseminating Phase

Transmit information

You are likely to have the desire to transmit what you have learnt through both study and your personal worldly experiences.

Probably you easily disseminate ideas to pass on to others.

It is as though you are on a crusade to share your learning.

Knowledge dispersal

Perhaps you wish to spread your wisdom and knowledge with other people as a disciple would.

You can probably use demonstration as a tool to impart your grasp of situations.

Convey Awareness

It is important for you to let others know what you know and share your beliefs with them.

You wish to make contact.

Last Quarter Phase

Objective

This indicates that you are fundamentally objective and can pass on your experience and sow seed for the future.

Crisis in consciousness

You may spend much time reorienting your outlook.

You may have a crisis in consciousness and be able to change your beliefs into concrete thoughts.

Old values become useless.

Pioneer

You perhaps can be a pioneer in your day, and, with time, posterity will appreciate you.

You may be tiresome and stubborn.

Readjustment and Reorientation

You may feel it has all come to naught and that it was not worth the bother.

A transformation emerges as you process life’s cycles.

Balsamic Phase

Release

You can become released from issues.

You are likely to be visionary and have belief in the future.

Sacrifice and Surrender

You may be called upon to sacrifice something in your life as a martyr perhaps.

You need to surrender to the karmic cycle of life.

Closure

You are good with closure of both relationships and situations but will mourn for what has past.

Starzclass

Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Lunar Phases

Referring to your chart.

Write the answers in your astrology journal.

 

  • What is the Sun’s position in degrees and minutes?
  • What is the Moon’s position in degrees and minutes?
  • What is the exact angular distance from the Sun to the Moon?
  • Name the lunar phase
  • Approximately how much light can we see of the Moon?
  • Is the Moon in the waxing or waning half of the cycle?
  • What is the Sun Moon aspect?
  • Write a paragraph about the Moon’s position by sign and house.
  • Write a paragraph about the Moon’s aspect to the Sun.
  • Write a paragraph about the lunar phase.
  • Write a paragraph about the Moon’s other aspects excluding the Sun’s aspect.
  • Over which houses, hemispheres and quadrants does the Moon have influence?
  • Explain the Moon’s essential dignity.
Astrological Ethics and Privacy

Astrological Ethics and Privacy

“It is not possible that particular forms of events should be declared by any person… it is necessary for [astrologers] to adopt inference. Only God can predict particulars.” ~ Ptolemy

Introduction

We as astrologers would certainly be wise to adopt inference about our readings especially in regard to our clients.

Here we will discuss some ethical predicaments in which an astrologer, or student, can easily find themselves.

Privacy

The privacy laws are always in effect and you need to be aware that they affect your work as an astrologer.

You cannot discuss the chart details of one person with another – even another astrologer.

Permission

If you want to use an individual’s chart details and personal storyline you may not do so without first obtaining their written permission and clearly stating whether the data will be used for research, teaching or for publication.

The public do not know the breadth and depth that an astrological interpretation can entail and how chart analysis will reveal features and motivations in someone’s life.

As an astrologer, you need to tread carefully here.

Children

A new mother comes to you and wants her baby’s chart read.

What do you do?

Obviously, parents make decisions for their offspring all the time.

Perhaps one way of dealing with interpreting children’s charts is to be found in the transits.

Prior to the first Jupiter return (age 12) the parents may request a child’s chart to be read and after the Jupiter return the child should agree to you doing the reading.

“Is he the one?”

A woman arrives at your office clutching the birth details of Mr. “Fifth Boyfriend this Year” and demands, “Is he the One?”

What do you do?

This really is an ethical situation where you are being asked to interpret charts for those who are not there and are unaware that it is happening.

There may be justification in some instances, but you will have to decide where to draw the line.

The Deceased

We often select famous people who are dead for chart interpretation practice such as Alexander Graham Bell, Albert Einstein or Michael Jackson.

If a private person has died and you wish to work with their chart details this usually is acceptable unless the death has occurred recently, and the family is still working through their grief.

You have to decide what type of astrologer you are and again you have to make the call.

Hit-and-Run

You have just left an energetic astrology meeting and are standing at the door casually chatting about the weather and someone thrusts their chart into your face and says breathlessly, “I have no planets in the seventh house, I was told it means I won’t get married, what do you think?”

Well, what do you think?

For a start you can’t stand there discussing her chart in front of other people.

What gets me about this scene is that during some point in her past someone told her the grim news and she has been carrying the baggage with her up until now.

There is no point to respond with another hit-and-run consultation as you stand at the door.

The way to handle this situation is to explain that many factors influence marriage and invite her to make an appointment to meet with you at a more appropriate time where you can gently go over how it all works and put her straight on this matter.

 

You are the Authority

Remember, as an astrologer (and as an astrology student) you are deemed the authority in all matters of an astrological nature.

From the point of view of your clients and the general public you are the wizard and as such you need to be careful to do no harm.

Your Chart

Look at your chart to see what your Saturn (respect and boundaries), Uranus (astrology) and Pluto (secrets) reveal about you and your approach to ethics and privacy.

Give some thought to the issues discussed above and it could help you decide where you stand.

Conclusion

Every astrologer has their own opinion on these introductory matters. It would do you well to think about what your views are before attempting a chart interpretation.

Starzclass

Aspiring Astrologer Activity: Ethics and Privacy

In your astrology journal, please do the following:

  • Consider three possible ways you may be challenged in your astrology business with family and friends surrounding ethics and privacy.
  • Decide if you will reveal information about a client’s chart to the person who pays for the consultation.
  • Consider which types of requests you will decline e.g. “Why did he die, can you look at his death chart?” “I’m sixteen years old, will you read my chart and not tell my parents?” “I think my partner is having an affair, will you read their chart for me but not tell them, I have the details for you?”

Extend Yourself

  • Write an astrological personal privacy statement which can be used on your website and in correspondence with potential clients (100 words).

 

Share on social with hashtag #starzclass.

Children’s Astrology

This is a series of topics on Children's Astrology. Many people do not know that a child can have their chart cast as well as well as grown-ups. That children are able to have their birth chart read is sometimes news to people. If you think only adults consult an...

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The Moon, Your Mother and Food

The Moon, Your Mother and Food

The Moon is an indicator of how you experienced your mother and food

How your mother shaped your eating habits is indicated by your Moon sign. Obviously, the full lunar complex needs analysis but try this as a first pass through the chart.

Instinctively we reach for the comfort food which is associated with early habits and patterning that our nurturing taught us.

If you trawl back through your memory banks to when you were a child sitting at the kitchen table maybe you can still hear these comments ringing in your ears.


Moon Signs

The Moon in Aries mother says, “Eat it while it’s hot” as she places a sizzling plate in front of you.

The Moon in Taurus mother says, “Don’t gulp your meal. Take your time and taste the food.”

The Moon in Gemini mother, drumming her fingers says, “Hurry up and finish your dinner I want the table for our jigsaw puzzle.”

The Moon in Cancer mother as she pats your hand says, “I prepared your favourite recipe, so when you eat it, it will make me feel good.”

The Moon in Leo mother dramatically says, “I have created yet another culinary masterpiece in my kitchen. I have put my heart into the preparation of your meal. I hope you appreciate it. Eat up.”

The Moon in Virgo mother, checking a packet’s food values label says, “Everything in this meal is healthy food so clean your plate.”

The Moon in Libra mother sitting opposite you says, “I’ll make a deal with you, If you eat your veggies we can have cake.”

The Moon in Scorpio mother whilst watching you closely says, “Don’t waste food, people in the world are dying of starvation, eat up.”

The Moon in Sagittarius mother says, “I’m trying a new-fangled recipe, what do you think? Oh, please have some more, I made plenty, in fact, there is enough so I can take what’s left to the big hall meeting later tonight.”

The Moon in Capricorn mother says, “I’m tired of cooking you the same old meals every day, but tradition is tradition, so eat what I say. I am your mother (and therefore the food authority).”

The Moon in Aquarius mother standing at the door says, “I have to dash out to my book club but you can find something to eat, can’t you? There is cold pizza in the fridge.”

The Moon in Pisces mother softly says, “I have had to sacrifice to provide this meal. If you don’t eat it I will be upset” and “But, I fed you only yesterday!”

 

 


The 12 Houses

The 12 Houses

The chart basics are four basic building blocks of knowledge. as a student of astrology you need to get a grip on some basic principles and this post is about the houses. The other building blocks  are:


The Meaning of the Houses

An astrological chart is divided into twelve sections, or houses, and each house is a different size.

The chart looks like a pizza where each house is a segment.

Each house represents a separate area of life and planets in houses suggest that a particular area of life, like family or work, is important to you.

The houses are like a slice of life.

 

First house

The first house shows you, your body, what you look like, your complexion, fashion style, gait, haircut and first impression.

Second house

The second house is all about money, credit and acquisitions. It shows your values and what you value more than money. It suggests your self-worth and self-esteem.

Third house

The third house shows your brothers and sisters, school, neighbors, local area, short journeys and community involvement.

Fourth house

Your home, hearth and family life is shown by the fourth house in your chart.

Your dominant parent (who is the one was there on a daily basis providing care and nurtured you) is shown by the fourth house.

Fifth house

The fifth is the fun house.

It shows your children, your leisure activities, your romantic dates, play dates, sport, concerts and your creative expression.

It suggests where you find entertainment and this includes risk activities like riding on a roller coaster, playing the stock market and gambling.

Sixth house

The sixth house is the house of your day-to-day work, pets, small plants, health and service to others.

It shows your diet and exercise appetite.

The sixth house in your chart shows your daily rituals, meditation and other habitual practices.

More on the sixth house.

Seventh house

The seventh house indicates your marriage, your partner/spouse, business partners and your relationship with other people.

It shows the general public, your relationship with others and open enemies.

Eighth house

The eighth house suggests your secrets, sex life, money from others, donations from others, support from others, inheritance, insurance, debt, death and taxes.

It shows the inevitable things of life.

Ninth house

The ninth house suggests your vision, life-path, travel, long journeys, higher education, foreign cultures, publications and religion.

Tenth house

The tenth house is all about your career, public standing, reputation and what the world knows you for.

It is where you are in the public eye.

It indicates your passive parent

Eleventh house

The eleventh house shows your choice of friends, groups and causes.

It is where you are a team player.

It shows your social conscious.

Twelfth house

The twelfth house is the house of your imagination, self-undoing, chronic health issues, institutions, dreams, sleep and your subconscious.

It shows your secret enemies.

 

The Lunar Nodes

The Lunar Nodes

Lunar Nodes The Lunar Nodes are points in a chart and they are an interesting part to the whole story when you read a chart. When I first started doing astrology I was not thrilled with lunar nodes as a concept as I was more interested in solar astrology being a Leo....