Guide to the moon
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Phases, eclipses, the supermoon, the blue moon and the black moon: astronomy first, then traditions and a few simple rituals.
MoonNew moonThe new moon is the phase in which the Moon, positioned between the Earth and the Sun, turns its unlit face toward us. We cannot see it: it marks the starting point of the cycle, in astronomy as in traditions.MoonFirst crescentThe first crescent is the thin arc of Moon visible in the early evening after the new moon. It announces the growth of the lunar disc, and earthshine often appears on the dark part.MoonFirst quarterAt the first quarter, the Moon has completed a quarter of its orbit and shows a half-lit disc on the right. It is an ideal phase for observing lunar features.MoonWaxing gibbous moonThe waxing gibbous moon is the phase in which more than half of the disc is lit, between the first quarter and the full moon. It can be seen early in the afternoon and for much of the night.MoonFull moonThe full moon is the phase in which the Moon, opposite the Sun, shows its entire lit disc. It rises at sunset and lights up the night; lunar eclipses can only occur at this time.MoonWaning gibbous moonThe waning gibbous moon follows the full moon: more than half of the disc is still lit, but the light is diminishing. It rises in the evening and can be seen in the second half of the night.MoonLast quarterAt last quarter, the Moon has completed three quarters of its orbit and shows a half-lit disc on the left. It rises around midnight and is seen mostly in the morning.MoonWaning crescentThe waning crescent is the thin arc of Moon visible before dawn, just before the new moon. It marks the end of the lunar cycle, and earthshine may appear on its dark side.MoonSolar and lunar eclipsesA solar eclipse happens at new moon and a lunar eclipse at full moon, when the three bodies are aligned. How they happen, safe viewing and traditions.MoonBlack moon and blue moonBlue moon and black moon are popular expressions, not astronomy terms. Each has several meanings: here they are, where they come from, and how often they recur.MoonSupermoonA supermoon is a full (or new) moon that coincides with the point of its orbit closest to the Earth. The term comes from astrology; the difference in size is real but subtle.MoonNew and full moon rituals, simple and without promisesSimple gestures to follow the lunar cycle: a notebook at new moon, a review at full moon, a candle used safely. A mindfulness practice, not a promise of results.
The meanings mentioned belong to tradition and symbolism. They are neither promises of results nor medical advice.