THE FOUR PHASES OF THE MOON

The New Moon (renewal, birth, sowing and awakening)

The first phase symbolizes a young and vibrant Spring in which birth, growth and beginnings are emphasized. It is an excellent time to put seen into the ground, to start new ventures or open a business. People born during the first week of the lunar month are the Spring people – equipped with lively, innovative minds, free spirits and a love for new ideas and adventure. They are generally inventive and outgoing but are also impulsive and restless by nature.

The First Quarter (potency, maturity, full growth)

The second phase is identified with Summer, and it advocates both mental and physical maturity since it ends a the peak of the lunar month. A prime time to transplant seedlings and to fertilize the soil to promote lush growth. The Moon’s continuing ascent favors aggressive and forceful action. Summer, or first-quarter, people will likewise be strong-minded, as they are competent fighters, and capable doers. Full of potent energy, they are the leaders of the cycle.

The Full Moon (organization, harvest, collection, storage)

The third phase, commencing with the full moon, shows great affinity to Autumn, or the Fall. A time to harvest ripened fruit and grain, mend broken fences, cut wood for Winter, preserve food and consolidate one’s resources after the harvest. The moon begins her descent after the fifteenth day. Autumn children will like to organize, restore order, resolve problems and settle disputes with intelligence and calm reason. Theirs is the phase of the harvestor and collector.

The Last Quarter (completion, conclusion, hibernation)

During the fourth week of the lunar month, which is called the last quarter, the lunar month is in its Winter, and this is generally the time to settle debts, close a business or finish up a project. The waning moon is also conducive to the slaughter of livestock, extraction of teeth, cutting of hair, etc. It was also believed that operations done during this time will result in less bleeding. Winter people, born between the twenty-second- and-a-half day and the twenty-ninth-and-a-half day of the lunar month are the thinkers, keepers of confidence and makers of objective, analytical decisions. They possess cool, logical minds and are patient and persevering in their actions. Like potent roots that lie asleep in the warm earth beneath a blanket of winter snow, they will conserve their energy and burst forth with new life when the time is right.

CHART OF LUNAR PHASES

1st week – new moon to 7½th day2nd week – 7½th day to the 15th day

3rd week – 15th day to the 22½th day4th week – 22½th day to the 29th day

SEASON AND DIRECTION OF THE FOUR LUNAR PHASES 1st week – Spring – East Wood Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon2nd week – Summer – South Fire Snake, Horse, Sheep3rd week – Autumn – West Metal Monkey, Rooster, Dog4th week – Winter – North Water Boar, Rat, Ox