At the New Moon Phase, when we cannot see the Moon’s light, we instinctively jump-start some new idea or vision. Three and a half days pass between phases, and at the next phase, the Crescent, information arrives defining that new idea or vision. At the First Quarter Phase, we’re urged to take specific actions towards manifesting the vision, and at the Gibbous, a major decision about this vision confronts us.
The Full Moon Phase, two weeks after the New Moon, brings revelations concerning the cycle’s vision, and at the Disseminating Phase we share what we’ve discovered with others. The Last Quarter enables manifestation of the vision into 3-D reality. The final phase, the Balsamic, is for letting go, for clearing out old issues and preparing for the start of the next Moon Cycle.
The eight phases of the Moon__ indeed, for any planetary cycle__ correspond to a human’s seven energy centers (chakras), plus an eighth center above the head which communicates with galactic divine intelligence, one octave higher. (Figure 2) Our intellect then can evolve beyond space, time and dissolution.
For astrologers, any natal planets or Angles (Ascendant, Descendant, Midheaven, Nadir) at 26, 27 or 28 degrees of a zodiac sign will be strongly affected by the New Moon and the entire Moon Cycle.
Synthesizing the elements of the chart wheel develops our higher minds, enabling us to “see whole”. This is a Jupiter function. Our intuitive knowingness greatly accelerates growth in consciousness. We begin to “see” and understand the Language of Light, which is first perceived as "phosgenes"__colored lights or symbols in visions, dreams or meditations. Later, as we continue to work with those inner technologies, our brains learn to automatically translate the incoming symbols into thoughtforms accessible to us as we speak or write.
When, through enlightenment, we reach the Observer Stage of consciousness evolution, we perceive ourselves from a higher vibrational vantage point, watching ourselves act, think and feel. All higher consciousness states occur on a collective spirit-soul level. In subconscious memory, all is recorded, but we may not always access it from a conscious beta-state. However, with Higher Self- Superconsciousness, memories will open to the everyday beta mind, too. At the end of even sixty or seventy years, in an Observer State, we can recall every single thought, feeling or experience we ever had in this lifetime and possibly, in other lifetimes as well. Our life lessons then occur beyond time and space as we explore advanced crafting through multi-dimensional realms. The environment within which we now create is Consciousness itself.
Cyclic astrology helps us get out of other people’s mental and feeling patterns, seize the patterns that are ours alone and use them to move through life in a more deliberate fashion. We perceive the behaviors that repeat themselves over the weeks and months, keeping us from being all we could be. As long as we still have strong feelings about something or somebody__ whether of fear, anger or desperate desire__ we are still emotionally attached, still holding a “charge”, and the issue continues to affect us. When we develop that unattached, Zero-Point emotional state, we can release from the controlling feelings.
As we heal our inner selves, we learn to respect both the wisdom of elders and the inherent innocence of children, cherishing their teachings and contributions. The United States, in particular, has long been without true spiritual guidance among its leaders. This fosters cultural difficulties. We need our elders to show us how to interact with society. Their ethical wisdom and pragmatic gifts to family, school and community can open the young to their inner truths and expanded minds.
When we make a change, things often get worse before they start to get better. Even though we know we’re managing life pretty well and becoming a more balanced person, those around us are used to relating to us in the old familiar way. When we suddenly act and speak differently, they get upset, not knowing how to respond to the new "us". The old games are no longer played; we don’t react to the manipulations or trauma-dramas__ or at least, we do so in a gentler way. People are thrown off balance, and a period of adjustment is needed before life settles down.
For many, a materially rich life has been purchased at a price of inner alienation and emptiness. How many people below retirement age find it nearly impossible to just sit in silence and do absolutely nothing? Instead, they define themselves by their work, achievements, personal appearance, possessions, activities or the entertainment used to keep their minds distracted from the fear of confronting their inner selves.
Perhaps the deepest of life’s secrets is how to cultivate our inner lives to ensure our elder years are filled with growth, joy, wisdom and a deeper attunement to Creative Force. As we review life’s journey__ walking through inner landscapes, peering into their misty valleys and ascending their heady peaks__ we observe the spiritual dimensions of Eldering.
Some people would rather remain hurt and dependent than risk becoming healthy and alone. Having learned to use our pains as power, we behold wounding as a primary reason for either defining or empowering ourselves. Behavior patterns rooted in our wounds become our tools of life, we study “spiritual intimacy” and we observe the contemplative rituals of Eldering. We release our painful history and move from “age-ing” to “sage-ing”.