Modern astrology tends to assign eight phases to the cycle of the moon. Commencing with the new moon from when the first sliver of light appears in the sky, moving through three waxing phases until the full moon, then moving through three waning phases before it disappears from sight, only to reappear again. What I find interesting is that the briefest of moments when the moon completely disappears from sight many astrologers tend to include this moment within the waning crescent phase. From a more esoteric point of view, there is a difference.
When the moon is not visible at all in the sky, this brief period of time is referred to as the “dark moon”. It is often seen as a time of ultimate rest, of deepest silence, and that magical pause between the exhalation (of the waning moon) and the first inhalation (of the new moon).
I personally see the dark moon as being similar to the unhewn stone of the Celtic tree calendar, the only day of the year that is not ruled by a tree and its corresponding ogham letter. The secret of this stone is found within the potential that it offers.
Another similarity can be found in the ancient Roman Festival of Acca Larentis, which today is considered to be a sacred day to the Goddess Laurentina, Mother of Lares. Laurentina was an earth goddess who guards the dead and seed corn. She commemorates the old year as well as the potential of the new year to come.
With the first sliver of the new moon reappearing in our skies from 4:29am tomorrow morning (AEST), you might simply want to undertake a meditation to help you ground and gain some clarity before opening yourself up to the Taurean energy of new moon.
This forthcoming new moon will invoke the energy of the materially focused earth sign, ruled by the planetary goddess of abundance, Venus. It is in this dark divine feminine energy that creation and birth can occur, reminding us to re-engage back with our physical body, emotions, and senses in order to discover what is right for ourselves. In short, this new lunar cycle is about empowerment and radical self care.
Taurus energy is all about self care that preserves your energy for what you truly value, setting boundaries, and not neglecting your well-being for the comfort of others. Putting yourself first is the ultimate form of self care, and this Taurean new moon urges you to break out of any devaluing and limiting situations with its connection to rebellious Uranus in Taurus.
I normally organise the Full Moon Meditations and Ceremonies to take place on the evening prior to the actual date of the full moon (6:47 pm here in Adelaide) however due to commitments Friday evening, the February Full Moon gathering will be taking place on Saturday, 27 February 2021 at 8:00pm.
This full moon will be in the mutual earth sign of Virgo which is known as a sign of health and healing. This makes it an auspicious time to let go of anything that is standing in the way of your wellness — unhealthy habits, unchecked emotional baggage, or even clutter in your home. Use the illuminating power of the full moon to see exactly what needs to be cleansed out of your life to allow for fresh growth.
Join me at Grange Beach for a meditation and ceremony under the full moon.
We will be meeting at the northern end of the grassed area in front of the Grange Hotel just prior to 8:00pm. Shortly thereafter we will venture down to the foreshore.
Children are welcome to attend however they are the sole responsibility of their parents/guardians.
In a few days time the current waning moon will come to the end of this current cycle before disappearing from view only to re-appear once more. Here in Adelaide the first sliver of light of the re-emerging new moon will take place around 5:35am on Friday, 12 February. The astrological sign will be Aquarius, the water bearer, the exact sign it was in for January.
Over the last few years a lot more people seem to be interested in working with the moon’s waxing and waning energies. It is common these days to come across memes, Facebook postings and the like that offer basic advice such as:
Use the new moon as a time to set goals and intentions that you want to fulfill by the next full moon, and
Use the full moon to release something from your life so you can make space for something new and better by the next new moon.
Or if you work with all the eight phases then:
The new moon is a blank slate, the time of fresh starts, taking time for yourself, soul-searching, manifesting, setting goals and intentions, reboot.
The waxing crescent moon is the time to put in the work to manifest the goal or intention that you set during the new moon.
The first quarter moon is when you need to work on your motivation, overcome any procrastination and deal with self-sabotaging behaviours.
The waxing gibbous moon is a time to make refinements to your goals, and your strategy, see what is working and what is not.
The full moon is a time to celebrate and reap the benefits of what you set in motion during the new moon.
The waning gibbous moon is a time of releasing and letting go of things that no longer serve you such as negative self-talk, fear, relying too much on others, or even toxic relationships.
The last quarter moon is a time to make space to receive. If you have ended say a toxic relationship, then clear space to welcome a positive, motivating friend.
While there is nothing wrong with working with the lunar energies as such, my personal preference is to take into consideration all the other cosmic happenings that are taking place around the new moon before I “plant” any intentions. This means that instead of focusing purely on “low level” (materialistic or mundane) needs and wants, I am also considering what I call “higher level” manifestations to assist other more spirituality aligned aspects in my life.
In working this way, it also means that new moon intentions need to “marinate” in the energy for a longer period of time that enables us to undergo the appropriate experiences and even shifts in patterns to occur. As such the seed that has been planted often does not actually manifest properly until the timing of the full moon in that originating sign.
In other words, intentions that I planted during the January new moon (Aquarius) and which I am intending to plant during this upcoming new moon, I actually will not expect to see manifestation until the July and August full moons.
I explain more about how I personally work with the moon in my next book (that I am still writing). However I thought I would share the above just to give of a bit of food for thought that there is a lot more available to us in the greater scheme of things if we take the time and explore a little bit deeper.
A Gregorian year is upon us which means it is time to get out the diaries in order to work out when the differing phases of the moon occur in your neck of the woods. I have recently shared some of my thoughts about working with the moon, and more importantly, understanding the correct timing. This video can be found here: Timing and the Moon – YouTube.
For anyone working magick, knowing when the moon moves from the different phases can provide additional energies to not only your spell crafting but other magical workings such as what rituals you undertake, any devotional work you may do, or even simply in the understanding of your place in the greater scheme of things – why you do or feel the way you do.
The following chart is calculated to Australian Central Standard Time (ie, South Australia) and also takes into consideration Day Light Savings which is observed here in South Australia.
New Moon
First Quarter
Full Moon
Last Quarter
6 Jan – 8:07 pm
13 Jan – 3:30 pm
21 Jan – 7:31 am
29 Jan – 5:46 am
5 Feb – 4:07 am
12 Feb – 5:35 am
20 Feb – 5:17 am
27 Feb – 6:47 pm
6 Mar – 12 noon
13 Mar – 8:51 pm
22 Mar – 1:10 am
29 Mar – 5:18 am
4 Apr – 7:32 pm
12 Apr – 12 noon
20 Apr – 4:28 pm
27 Apr – 1:01 pm
4 May – 5:20 am
12 May -4:29 am
20 May -4:42 am
26 May – 8:43 pm
2 Jun – 4:54 pm
10 Jun – 8:22 pm
18 Jun – 1:24 pm
25 Jun – 4:09 am
2 Jul – 6:40 am
10 Jul – 10:46 am
17 Jul – 7:40 pm
24 Jul – 12:06 pm
31 Jul – 10:45 pm
8 Aug – 11:20 pm
16 Aug-12:49 am
22 Aug – 9:31 pm
30 Aug – 4:43 pm
7 Sep – 10:21 am
14 Sep – 6:09 am
21 Sep- 9:24 am
29 Sep -11:27 am
6 Oct – 9:35 pm
13 Oct – 1:55 pm
21 Oct – 1:26 am
29 Oct – 6:35 am
5 Nov – 7:44 am
11 Nov-11:15pm
19 Nov-7:27 pm
27 Nov-10:57 pm
4 Dec – 6:13 pm
11 Dec-12:05 pm
19 Dec-3:05 pm
27 Dec-12:53 pm
When working with the moon, I prefer to work just prior to the actual date to ensure that I am utilising as much of the preferred energy as I can. For example, if I want to perform a manifestation spell to coincide with the February full moon, I would perform it on the evening of the 4th February because after 4:07 am the lunar energies will start to wane.
Pray to the moon when she is round, Luck with you will then abound. What you seek for shall be found, On the sea or solid ground.
A rule of thumb when working with the moon is:
New Moon: Psychic work and planting “seeds” of what you want to manifest (bring into your life).
Waxing Moon: Invoking and manifesting magick.
Full Moon: Final manifestation, psychic or gratitude workings.
Waning Moon: Banishing, removing obstacles.
Some magical people also work with the dark moon. As mentioned in my video, I consider this phase of the moon to take place just before the new moon, when there is not even a slight sliver of Lady Lunar in the skies.
A special Full Moon Gathering will be taking place on Tuesday, 29 December 2020 on the evening prior to the actual timing of the full moon (1:58pm ACDT on 30 December 2020) at Grange Beach, Adelaide.
Celebrate the closing of what has been a rather challenging year for many of us as the moon resides in its own astrological sign of Cancer, enabling us to contemplate the base upon which we have built our lives, our concept of “family” (biological or chosen), the place we call “home” and the love that comes from deep within.
This Cancer Full Moon is also the time for birthing into the world energy, ideas, projects associated with our own life’s foundations.
Participants to bring: Something biodegradable to represent what you wish to release from your life (ie, flower, shell, pebble). Small candle (ie, tee light) Drums (optional)
The new moon marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle is often considered to be the time for the manifestation of wishes and desires that you would like to bring into you life. At 6.01am on the morning of Saturday, 17 October 2020, the moon will be transitioning from dark into new moon in the astrological sign of Libra. It will also be a “super” new moon, meaning that during the moon’s rotation around the earth, it will be moving into its new moon phase at it’s perigee, the closest point to the earth.
Libra offers the opportunity to bring things in your life into balance and creating the much desired sense of harmony. Maybe you are being pulled to keep things “nice” rather than venturing into fundamental questions in order not to disturb the peace. The lesson here is learning to share your good and bad feelings. Step into your own power and do not be afraid to be who you really are, despite what is expected of you.
On the evening of Friday, 16 October 2020 I will be opening the covenstead to a selected few who are interested in making the most of this transitioning energy through crafting our new moon wishes and empowering them through sacred chants and ritual.
A light supper will be undertaken afterwards.
If you would like to be included then email me for more details.
According to local stargazer, Paul ‘Starman’ Curnow (lecturer at the Adelaide Planetarium), the red planet Mars will be putting on a bit of a show over coming weeks. At least for those of you that have access to a telescope. The best time to view Mars will be from around 9:30pm (ACST) onwards (towards the east) in order to give it time to rise above the hills, trees, or any buildings that may obscure your view to the horizon.
On Tuesday, 6 October 2020, Mars will be at its closest point to the earth at 14.10 GMT. It will come within about 62-million kilometres of the earth and therefore it will be a great opportunity to have a closer view of the planet. This distance may sound a lot, but this is quite close in planetary terms. The Earth and Mars only make close approaches about every two years, which is why a flotilla of spacecraft are being sent off during these times.
If you do not have a telescope, you can still venture outside and do a bit of star gazing as Mars will be able to be seen from with the naked eye, especially when combined with the dark skies of Australia.
The ancient Egyptians referred to Mars as Her Descher, which basically means ‘very red’. Mars is the same planet named by the Romans after their god of war, as well as an agricultural guardian, a combination characteristic of early Rome. He was the son of Jupiter and he was the most prominent of the military gods in the religion of the Roman army.
Based on an ancient prayer to Mars, the above is one that I have written for use when calling upon Mars to lead you his strength and courage.
Modern astronomers denote the New Moon as the day the moon is at zero illumination. They mark this as the exact point when a new moon cycle begins, ie the New Moon. Modern calendar makers have followed suit & what is marked on most calendars as the New Moon is actually the time when the moon is at 0% illumination.
However when the moon is at 0% illumination this is, technically, the Dark Moon. The New Moon begins when the moon shows the very first, tiniest sliver of illumination.
While modern astronomers tend to use these terms interchangeably, they are actually two different parts of the moon cycle. And as such, they have slightly different energies and are supporting us in slightly different kinds of introspection and growth.
This week’s New Moon occurs tomorrow (17 September) at 8:30 pm (ACST). This is the moment the moon receives exactly 0% illumination and will begin growing again. Until the moon is illuminated again, we are in the dark moon phase of the moon cycle.
The Dark Moon is a very important part of the moon cycle. A part that is often forgotten.
This is where the wisdom of the ending cycle settles into our souls and our spirits. Without taking this moment of pause, we are missing this important integration of all our work and all our growth from the previous moon cycle.
It is not surprising to me that in our modern society we have lost the tradition of observing the Dark Moon. In so many facets of life we have dismissed this vital moment of pause. We rarely stop and rest when we complete one thing before moving on to the next. Rarely do we give ourselves these crucial moments of pause and reflection before diving in to the next thing coming.
In losing these pauses, we are also losing this vital time where we absorb and assimilate lessons learned & wisdom gained from our experiences. We are missing this crucial component of our personal growth.
The following information comes fromDanielle Blackwood, astrologer, author and registered counsellor, who addresses a number of cosmic happenings that will occur throughout this coming month, commencing with some tips on how to navigate Mars being in Retrograde.
Five Tips to Navigate Mars Retrograde Take a deep breath, and a moment to center yourself, because the intensity is just not letting up this year. Mars, the Warrior entered his own sign Aries on 27 June 27 for the next six months. The last time this occurred was 1988, and before that, in 1941. Mars will finally move into Taurus on 7 January 2021.
Mars is the principle of action and energy. It is the way we handle conflict and anger, as well as our sex drive and libido. In Aries, Mars can lead towards frustration, impulsive action, and hot tempers. When unchecked, Mars in Aries is violence, war and unbridled rage. Mars is also aligned with willpower, motivation and the ability to stand our ground and fight for what we believe in. When channelled mindfully, Mars in Aries is noble, passionate, strategic, and empowering. It is stepping into your sovereignty, standing your ground, and setting healthy boundaries.
Mars in Aries gives us the green light to break new ground, set plans in motion and heed the call to adventure. However, it might be best to wait on those new beginnings until Mercury stations direct on 12 July.
The following are tips for navigating the next six months constructively: 1. Channel your energy effectively. Choose a cause that motivates you and clear the decks for action. Be proactive. 2. Realize that anger is a normal human emotion. If you are angry, take a deep breath and express it in a clear and direct way. Own your anger and speak your truth. Sublimated anger turns into passive aggression, depression, or buried rage that comes out in a distorted way to someone to whom it was not intended. 3. If you’re feeling heated, count to 10 and take a deep breath before responding. If you need time out, take it. 4. Make space for regular self care. If you don’t, you will burn out. If you burn out, you will not achieve your objectives. Know when to take a break, so you can come back out refreshed, focused, and more effective. 5. Cool that Aries fire with exercise, mindfulness meditation, breathing, and time spent in nature. Go swimming. Start journaling. Dance. Eat nourishing, grounding foods and avoid stressing your nervous system with too much caffeine or sugar.
Saturn Retrograde into Capricorn On 1 July, Saturn moved into its last stint in Capricorn, before moving into Aquarius from December 2020 until March 2023. While traveling backward in Capricorn, Saturn will get closer again to Pluto, but doesn’t become exact as it did in January 2020. However, it is still close enough to intensify the Saturnian element in the mix, bringing a more sober, serious and discerning tone to the collective.
Full Moon in Capricorn and Eclipse (visible in North America) Fourth July brings a Full Moon and penumbral lunar eclipse in Capricorn. Beginning on 5 June, this marks three eclipses in one lunar month. The next time this will happen is in 2029. This eclipse season has been intense, illuminating that which has been hidden, closing old doors, and beginning bold new chapters.
This is a serious Full Moon. We may feel contemplative or melancholy. The unadorned truth of something may suddenly be brought to light, causing us to feel the somberness of what actually is, rather than what we wish it would be. The Capricorn Full Moon might also bring a reality check. This Full Moon can also show us where we need to be more accountable, roll up our sleeves and walk our talk. On the other hand, the Full Moon in Capricorn can also be a time of completion or reaching a milestone. It’s time to push past procrastination and self sabotage and commit to something important. Capricorn brings up themes of survival, commitment, responsibility, consequences, accountability, big business, institutions, banking, the patriarchy, and government. On a personal note, we may be re-evaluating priorities, and making some serious decisions before and after this eclipse.
Mercury Stations Direct Mercury stations direct on 12 July. In a few days, it will be all systems go as Mercury gets back up to speed. You now have the green light to sign contracts, launch something new, or consider travel – with one caveat – if you are starting something big, signing important papers, or buying transportation or tech, try and wait until Mercury is completely out of its shadow, 26 July.
New Moon in Cancer The Moon begins a brand new cycle in the sign of Cancer on 20 July. The New Moon in Cancer highlights themes of family, home and hearth, real estate, connection, belonging and security. All new starts and initiatives in these areas will be on the table now. We might be feeling extra sensitive, intuitive, and craving comfort. Perhaps nostalgia plays a part, and we can gain sustenance and wisdom for our next steps by reflecting on the past.
New Moons happen each month in a different sign, pointing out where we can best plant our new seeds of intention for the coming six months. Look to you chart to see what house this month’s New Moon/fresh start will be happening for you. This is your most fertile ground to plant those seeds. To make the most of this month’s New Moon, think about what home means to you. Do you like where you live? How can you make it more comfortable?
Cancer is also about family and family of the heart. The archetype of the Great Mother is also connected to Cancer, and all things associated with mothering and nurturance are underlined: food, shelter, protection and emotional safety. The Sun opposes Saturn today, lending a serious tone to this New Moon. We may be feeling the need for intentional solitude as we process emotions, memories and wounding.
We are already two weeks into the month of June so the timing of this article may appear somewhat irrelevant. According to many astrologers, however, there are still more pertinent cosmic activity to come, so the following incorporates a reminder of this journey that many of us are undergoing, starting at the lunar eclipse that coincided with the full moon back on 6 June 2020.
As a number of sources were used in the compilation of this article, please refer to these listed at the end of the article.
There is a lot of cosmic activity occurring throughout June 2020, especially with there being a rather powerful solar eclipse taking place at the winter solstice and six planets in retrograde. It is almost as if the universe is asking us to assess the paths in front of us, for there are many options being presented. As this month progresses we need to keep in mind that each and every one of us has their own route to follow. As such, this is the month of becoming aware of our own personal path and not to be distracted by what other people are choosing to do.
June is the month where we may feel a pull to judge others or deem things as good or bad. Instead of jumping to conclusions, the astrology of June is like a light turning on that shows all the dust that has been collecting. Many things are coming to light this month. It is important to remain passionate and take action. But it is also important to stay true to the peace that exists in our hearts
Friday, 6 June 2020 (4:42 am ACST) – Full Moon Lunar Eclipse in Sagittarius This full moon lunar eclipse kicked off a month of transformation. It was the beginning of a new journey, and was the first eclipse of a series of three that will occur. This is a time of feeling our limits. Even though we might be ready to expand there are still some things that need tuning. During this full moon eclipse we should allow ourselves to become aware of our limitations and learning from them, instead of ignoring or fighting against them. We have to be willing to expand our opinions or perceptions; while knowing that growth takes commitment and dedication. The full moon coupled with the lunar eclipse in Sagittarius is a great time to see where you’re at and make an inventory of your assets.
Friday, 19 June 2020 – Sun Conjunct North Node With the Sun is our identity and the North Node is our purpose in life, on 19 June the sun will be conjunct the North Node at 29° Gemini. This event occurs only once a year and as such it is the best time to ask: “Who am I really?” “What is my true purpose? What is my life path?”
When you ask yourself these questions, become aware of the very first answer that comes to you. Gemini has a curious, open-minded vibe. It is important that you don’t try to seek confirmations or validations to existing assumptions during this time. Like Gemini, be open minded and welcome new perspectives. Now is the time to also accept that you do not yet have all the answers.
Friday, 19 June 2020 (2:29 am ACST) to 12 July 2020 – Mercury Retrograde in Cancer Mercury retrograde is nothing to fear or worry about. It is a time to get in tune with ourselves and our thoughts. This Mercury retrograde will be occurring in the sign of Cancer, which invites us to become kinder with ourselves and others. This cycle will show us where we can nurture ourselves, but also where we need to step up our self care.
With Mercury turning retrograde this means that four out of the five planets visible to us (being Mercury, Venus, Jupiter, and Saturn) are all now retrograde, which is rather unusual. This is a time of deep introspection. As a Mercury cycle lasts for 116 days, this means that during the next four months it is a favourable time to start a project that connects the qualities of Mercury (writing, communication, learning, commerce, DIY) with the qualities of Chiron (healing, spirituality, astrology, herbs, alternative healing, shamanism, working on the family/karmic wound).
Sunday, 21 June 2020 (7:14 am ACST) – Cancer Season As the sun travels through Cancer for 30 days we are all washed with the light of this sensitive sign. It is a time to listen to our feelings and our emotions. This means acknowledging what we are sensing. It is been a massive year of shifts and changes. We are like caterpillars that have transformed into butterflies. This Cancer season is our first chance at spreading these new wings. However, we have had to say goodbye to the caterpillar which can bring up grief. Honouring our emotions and letting them flow like the tides of the ocean is the key.
Sunday, 21 June 2020 (4:11pm ACST) – Solar Eclipse Solstice in Cancer This solar eclipse is occurring in tandem with the solstice, which sets the scene for the next three months. (This is something that occurs at each solstice and equinox). This winter solstice however coincides with what is considered to be the most powerful eclipse for 2020. The impact of this eclipse will be that the upcoming three months will have a fated flavour. The solar eclipse in Cancer is a North Node eclipse which offers opportunities to rewrite the script of our destiny. South Node eclipses on the other hand tend to have a more karmic flavour.
The North Node is like a vortex and with a North Node eclipse, anything is possible. Be mindful however of what you do as there is always a reaction – usually occurring at a future South Node eclipse. We may feel like a crab, with one foot we go in one direction, and with another foot in another. This push and pull Cancerian approach give s us room and time to assess the environment, to take calculated risks, and still get to our destination.
Tuesday, 23 June 2020 (2:02pm ACST) until 28 November 2020 – Neptune Retrograde Outer planets such as Neptune are at their most powerful when they change direction, ie more keen to implement their “agenda”. As such, Neptune wants to dissolve our ego so we can be at one with the source. Neptune’s message is that separation is an illusion and that we are all one.
This transit is very spiritual and invites us to explore the magic within ourselves. The inner realms are fertile and ripe with miracles. It is when we look outside of ourselves for hope that we might be disappointed. Instead this is about having faith in our inner universes.
When Neptune is direct, we look for experiences of “oneness” outside ourselves. When Neptune is retrograde, we seek oneness within ourselves. At the Neptune station, you may have some experiences, insights, or intuitive messages (pay attention to your dreams) that will reveal how you can access those Neptunian resources within yourself.
Thursday, 25 June 2020 (4:18pm ACST) – Venus Stations Direct Venus ends her retrograde which began on 13 May 2020. Even though this cycle is ending, there are ample amounts of wisdom to carry forward. This is the time to walk our talk and make the changes we know we need to make. Venus wants us to stay true to our hearts and not fall back into old patterns. If you have been feeling confused, emotional, divided, torn between different directions, Venus direct will come with the much-needed relief and clarity.
Sunday, 28 June 2020 (11:15am ACST) – Mars in Aries Mars enters Aries where it will remain for the rest of the year. Usually Mars speeds through a sign, but because of a Mars retrograde occurring from 9 September 2020 to 13 November 2020, the planet of action will have an extended stay in Aries. This means there is no rush or urgency. In fact the lesson is to become patient, calm down and prioritize peace. Now is a great time to take bold action on any projects you are wanting to undertake.
Tuesday, 30 June 2020 (3:16pm ACST) – Jupiter Conjunct Pluto This is the sequel to the Pluto and Jupiter conjunction on 4 April 2020. The systems of planet Earth are changing and transforming. We can see it in our individual lives and on a collective level. Things are not the same as they were and there is a lot of room for improvement. Because both Jupiter and Pluto are retrograde during this conjunction it is time for us to make changes within ourselves. The new paradigm is born when we take responsibility for ourselves and the worlds we are creating.
This is the second of three occasions where Jupiter is conjunct with Pluto. The first conjunction occurred on 4 April 2020 when the Corona virus was in full swing, and the final conjunction will occur on 12 November 2020.
Pluto had been in Capricorn since 2008. While Pluto has a reputation of being overly secretive and working behind the scenes, Jupiter has the reputation of exposing, magnifying and inflating. We have a conflict of interest. In 2020, Jupiter is asking Pluto to do what he dreads the most: to reveal his hidden agenda.
Both Jupiter and Pluto are known for blowing things out of proportion. However there is always a positive side to everything. This second conjunction will likely come with a solution or alternative route to the problems that have been brought to our attention at the time of the first conjunction.
It is up to us to do our homework and act from our highest selves. Because the third conjunction in November will come with the final outcome. The good news is that Jupiter and Pluto have a reputation of being extremely generous. Now is the time to act wisely in order to reap the rewards later this year.
