Why pay attention to the changing cycles of the Sun and Moon?

We are rhythmic creatures. Our physical bodies have their own rhythms. Our hearts beat like a steady drum, and our breath brings the gentle rising and falling of our chest, which gives the sensation of being rocked by the waves of the ocean. We live in communal rhythms of 9 to 5 jobs, Monday through Friday work weeks, and yearly rituals such as birthdays, anniversaries, and religious celebrations.

A natural rhythm is also created by the Moon as she moves through all her changing phases, going from New Moon to New Moon in 29.5 days. You can view that cycle by following the changing Moon in the diagram below. Begin at the far right, on the darkened New Moon, which in the sky is hidden by its close proximity to the Sun. Then proceed counter-clockwise, first to the waxing crescent, and continue around to the left until you return at the New Moon, 29 days later, to begin again.

Women’s menstrual cycles are linked to the 29 day cycle of the Moon, and are called “menses” after the word “monthly.” Woman who live together will often find that their menses. or “moon time” move in sync with each other, hence the idea of the Red Tent, where women would join together in rest and renewal during their bleeding every month.The earliest found indication that ancient peoples kept time is a carved bone called the Ishango bone, from 20,000 BCE that shows notches that appear to relate to the 29 days in the cycle of the Moon. The Moon also determines the rise and fall of the tides of the oceans, bringing the Moon its connection to our emotional watery nature. Hence the word “lunacy”, relating our emotions to Luna, the Moon.

We are also part of the natural rhythms created by the Sun. The daily cycle of sunrise and sunset creates circadian rhythms that set our awake and sleep cycles. The Sun also creates the seasonal cycle that begins March 21 at the Spring Equinox, when the growing light stirs new growth (and our moods). Next comes June 21st, the Summer Solstice, when the abundance of heat provides the fullness of growth and when we spend the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer. During the Fall Equinox of September 21st  the Sun begins its decline and the days become shorter and colder and the earth produces the abundant harvest that we celebrate at Thanksgiving. And the last phase of the cycle begins on December 21st at Winter Solstice, when the cold and darkness take hold and seeds rest in the ground, and we rest in bed.  And every year the Sun begins its cycle anew when the light of Spring again stirs the seeds to growth.

Participation in communal rhythms, like birthdays and New Year’s Eve, bring us into the emotional, spiritual, and physical bond of community. Likewise, the participation in the earth’s natural rhythms link us to the cosmos and heavens in a deep and profound manner that goes beyond intellectual understanding.

As a society we are losing touch with nature. A recent study by the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that children spend an average of 7 hours in front of entertainment media in a typical day. This is compared to the only 7 minutes the average child spends outside per day. And the night sky, which used to be such a powerful and awe inspiring part of our lives, has now become faded and nearly forgotten due to city lights and pollution.

By remembering to move in rhythm with natural cycles of the Sun and Moon we re-tune ourselves to the harmony of the cosmos.

We need these natural and cosmic rhythms. We need these connections in order for our Body to slow down from the rush of an overactive life. We need these rhythms for our Mind to clear out the buzz of technology and bring back the sound of silence. But most of all, we need them for our Soul and Spirit. We have within ourselves a natural connection to a divine Spirit, and that connection is hard wired into us through our Soul. But the Soul and Spirit are subtle and quiet and are easily overshadowed by the increased noise of our Mind and Body.

One way to remember our Soul and Spirit and provide them the stimulus they need to become central part of our existence, is to remember our connection to the cosmos and our link to the heavens, which we can do through these solar and lunar cycles.

The Importance and Meaning of the Full Moon

The Full Moon is a time when the Sun and Moon stand across from each other in the sky, aligned in perfect balance. The light of the Sun is reflected on the surface of the Moon, which acts like a giant mirror. During the time of the Full Moon each month, the night sky is illuminated. The Moon follows a circular path around the Earth each month and travels through the 12 zodiac signs, which represent 12 different qualities within you.

As an Astrologer, I use the imagery of the heavens to describe the inner workings of the self. The rich mythic imagery of astrology can provided a new perspective on the complexity of your life to help you find deeper meaning and direction on your journey. Once a month at the Full Moon, the Sun and Moon will be in a zodiac sign that appear at opposite points in the circle. Focus on these two opposing qualities to find a way to create a balance in yourself, and develop a marriage of harmony between the Sun and Moon. Each month I send out a Moon Letter that discusses the meaning of the month’s Full Moon. Be sure to sign up for the Newsletter, and check in on the Changing Sky for current information.