Last Quarter Moon and Consciously Creating Using Lunar Cycles

As we move away from the intensity of the full moon eclipse and toward the new moon, we are now coming up on the last quarter moon.  The last quarter moon prompts us, possibly through tension or discomfort, to make a change internally, in our thoughts or beliefs.  The full moon may have brought something to light in our lives and now as we integrate that information we see where we can change something within ourselves to better align with what we desire.

The two weeks between the full moon and the new moon is the waning cycle of the moon, and therefore is all about releasing and letting go whereas the period from the new moon to the full moon is about growing and building.
 
Following the cycles of the moon is an ancient tradition, and one we can still tap into today to align with each month’s cycle of energies.  A moon phase calendar can still be found in farmer’s almanacs today as a guide for planting.  The moon, being so close to earth, has a powerful effect on it and you can see this in how it affects our tides.  The moon actually causes the earth to rotate in tandem with the moon on a different axis than it would if it were not being affected by the moon’s gravitational pull.  In every twenty-four hour period, we have one high tide based on the earth’s rotation and a second based on the moon’s interaction. So why not harness this energy in our lives?
 
The moon’s cycles are intertwined with the sun.  The sun is what illuminates the part of the moon that we see in the sky; we see the moon because the sun is reflecting his light onto her. The sun is representative of the male energy, the light, yang, and conscious will.  The moon is the feminine energy, the emotions, water, dark, yin, and the subconscious.  The moon cycles then are the interplay of these two energies. 
 
The new moon is a beginning.  This is when the sun and moon are in conjunction, or “on” each other.  (A conjunction is formed when planets are six degrees or less to each other and it is exact at zero degrees.  Conjunctions blend the energies of the two planets.)  This is your time to sit down and think about what you would like to consciously create for that lunar cycle.  Generally it’s best to wait beyond the time the new moon is exact until the sun’s light starts to come in just a bit to do this.  Meditate on your intention, write down your goals, do whatever feels appropriate.  The point is to set your intention consciously.  Whatever sign the moon is in will be the energy being highlighted for this new beginning, and if you find the degree and sign of the new moon in an ephemeris, you can locate its house in your chart which will give you the area of life this new beginning can be made in (identity, expression, relationships, etc.)
 
The first quarter moon is when the sun and moon make a waxing square, meaning the moon is waxing, or the sun’s influence is growing, and the sun and moon are at a ninety degree angle to each other.  Squares mean change and this energy is increasing, so this is about building and taking action.  The first quarter moon is a good time to make sure that you are taking the action steps that support your intentions made on the new moon.
 
The full moon is the sun and moon at full opposition.  The moon is completely bathed in the sun’s glow.  This is illumination.   The light of consciousness is completely illuminating the subconscious.  What insight are you gaining?  What are you realizing in thought or in the world?  Here we feel the full energy of the sun and are more likely to lean to socializing and outward expression.
 
The last quarter moon is again a square between the sun and the moon but this time it’s waning, and the sun’s light is decreasing. The square here again is about change, but rather than an outward expression it is now turned inward.  This is where we reevaluate on a subconscious level.  Where do we need to shift our beliefs and thoughts to support what we are trying to consciously create?  This is a time to be aware of the changes that are trying to occur in your life and be fluid with them.
 
The three days leading up to the new moon is called the dark moon.  The dark moon represents the point in the cycle where we turn the furthest inward.  This can mean things deep within our psyche bubbling up to our awareness.  This is a time of rest and nourishment. This energy is prompting us to clean house psychologically and get to the bottom of anything held subconsciously that is blocking us from achieving our goals. It’s time to release and let go of those things that are not in alignment with that which we are consciously creating. 
 
And with that psychological house-cleaning, you have completed that lunar cycle and with the new moon can align more powerfully with a new set of intentions.  In this way you can use the moon’s energy each month to continue to spiral upward, like riding a thermal, through intention setting, action, realization, self-awareness and release, to living a life you have consciously created. 
 
Last Quarter Moon:  October 4th, 2:08pm MDT
Following the illumination of the full moon eclipse, take what has been brought to light for you at that time (probably in the area of self versus partnerships) and examine what change is being highlighted that you make internally.  Where are you holding beliefs that are outdated or irrelevant to what you want to see in your life?  Can you tune into thought patterns or stories that point to what the underlying beliefs are?
 
Dark Moon:  October 9th -11th
Turn inward.  Rest, nourish and do the psychological housecleaning based on what you found at the last quarter moon.  It’s time to release those old ways of thinking in preparation for the new moon.
 
New Moon in Libra:  October 12th, 5:06pm MDT
A fresh new beginning in the area of partnership.  Setting intentions around balance and harmony.  What will you be consciously creating with this lunar cycle?