There are 13 lunations (complete lunar cycles) per year. Old traditions use these moon periods as important timing devices for all things relating to organic life, growth and death cycles. Ancient wisdom and practice suggests that for the two week period from a New Moon to a Full Moon (a waxing or growing moon) that we begin projects we wish to see grow and prosper. During the two week cycle each month that encompasses the Full Moon to the New Moon (the waning cycle or decreasing moon) we let go of or conclude things.

Even if one must engage in beginning a project during the waning cycle, be very aware of starting any activity 3 days before the New Moon. Those 3 days each month represent a phase called the Balsamic phase of the Moon. The moon at that time is invisible to us, having little to no light at all, concluding its monthly cycle and going into hibernation. Since it is the Moon's aspects to the Sun and other planets that give life and meaning, it is best to honor these dark moon periods and wait until after it has passed the Sun, especially beginning to bring things into the light of day at the crescent phase, 3 days after the New Moon each month.

The eclipse periods, as noted above, indicate times to be aware of unusual occurrences around normal operations of daily life. The eclipse produces a shadow over the Sun or Moon, a time when we may be surprised by sudden events from the hidden, mysterious realms.

Note the signs that each of these moons occur in. During the months your sun or moon sign is highlighted by a full or new moon eclipse, the events of your life can take dramatic and powerful turns.