Have you ever experienced irritability and anxiety during the full moon days? Or a feeling of void yet hope during the new moon? Such effects though short-lived could be microcosms of the effect of the Moon on out body and mind.

It is a known fact that the Moon exerts its effects on the water bodies causing tides of various intensity. And since human bodies are comprised of 70% water, Moon affects the water balance in out body as well through the gravitational pull. This disruptive balance of water in our body results in upheaval and inactivity of emotions in our mind.

In Astrology, the Moon is considered to control our mind and emotions and therefore it has an effect on our emotions. It determines our psychological faculty and ability to deal with our feelings and senses. It represents our deepest needs, habits and reactions and controls our subconscious and conscious minds.

So, what can you expect from moon’s various moods?

In total, the whole cycle of moon takes about 29.5 days and there are 8 stages of the moon cycle contained during that entire period of time. The 8 stages or phases of moon are new moon, waxing crescent, first-quarter moon, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third-quarter moon and waning crescent.

As the moon governs our subconscious, there are parts of emotions and hidden feelings that we keep to ourselves without expressing it out. However, we do feel it at depth and at a soulful level. Moon sign refers to the placement of Moon in the zodiac sign at the time of your birth and it determines your innate qualities and inner needs. However, the changing phase of the Moon affects you regularly on a more tangible and substantial basis.

The Moon is called the Queen in astrology and thus radiates a strong feminine energy. The Moon is also the lord or the ruling planet for Cancer, the fourth zodiac sign.

• The positive nature of Moon brings in the constructive signs of joy, mental peace, sympathy and makes you patient and more perceptive by nature
• A negative nature of the Moon makes you prone to anxiety and unnecessary worry. It can bring depression and tension and even make you suicidal.
• There is a feminine side to the Moon as well which brings out your nurturing tendencies and binds your emotions to your subconscious.
• The Moon is worshipped and revered so that it guides our subconscious in a rightful way, paying heed to positive emotions and feelings
• The full moon can also surpass your mind and bring you face to face with spirituality and divinity.
• Moon affects the pineal gland in our brain regulating our hormones. It responds to the bioelectric aura within us and helps us in opening up to spirituality.
• The Moon in our mind accumulates the memories, experiences, thoughts, and patterns in our conscious, unconscious, and subconscious mind. This creates pent up anger, irritation, resentment and often a state of mindlessness.

The Moon is at full power at Full Moon when the energies are at its peak. With super high energies, the emotions are also full blown and thus we tend to grow more anxious towards life and everything around us.

During the full moon when the Sun gets conjoint with the Moon, there is a release of high energy, and it impacts the different zodiac signs depending upon their planetary positions. The distance between the Sun and Moon and its effect is known as Tithi which has a great impact on astrology.

The Hindus follow the Moon or the Lunar calendar which is also known as the Panchang. The Panchang shows all day-to-day dates and events, including the details of auspicious and inauspicious days. All the Hindu festivals are based on this lunar calendar in an adjustment of the lunar cycle.

Cycle of the Moon and its effect on our emotional wellbeing:

New Moon

The New Moon represents a fresh start and often is a clean slate. It is perfect for new beginnings – to learn a new skill or to start any new work or even to take any new decisions. At the time of new moon, the Sun and the Moon are both on one side of the earth (0 to 45° from the Sun). This is when the Moon reflects no light and therefore the operative word here in darkness. This darkness expands our other senses and scope of possibility increases.

The New Moon brings this positive energy in us which lasts for about 14 days till the time the Moon reaches its brightest point of full moon. During this time, the Sun and the Moon are not opposing each other and creates no tensions between the two bodies. The cycle of new moon brings a fresh start and makes you calm and motivated. The new moon is followed by the waxing crescent.

Waxing Crescent (typically lasts 7 days)

After the New Moon phase, the Moon is in the first quarter at a degree of 45° to 90° from the Sun. It is the first step towards a Full Moon. Even though there is still darkness, our senses are all heightened and supports the execution of the good work that we had already started. It is the best time to plan and begin your work for the coming times. You will be motivated and excited and deliver your work on time and live up to your expectations and intentions.

First-Quarter Moon

The first quarter Moon is when it is 90° to 135° from the Sun. This is the phase of the Moon when you may feel impetuous, impatient, and quite active. There could be resistance and frustration in terms of your goals and aspirations, especially if they have not come to fruition yet. However, this is also the time when you need to be in control and dominate your impulses, taking up responsibilities and is a period of activation. It is time to check the progress that you have made and establish your intentions properly.

Waxing Gibbous (typically lasts 5 days)

This is the time when the Moon is at 135° to 180° from the Sun. This time allows for deeper understanding and outlook. Acting on your intuition and introspection, this is the time for planning, preparation and adequate execution. What is required of us is to demonstrate more flexibility because the waxing Gibbous Moon can set us back a little in the path of progress. Adjustments are required and very conscious decision to renew and rework our goals.

Full Moon

The Full Moon is the time when the Moon is at 180° to 225° from the Sun. The Sun and Moon are at opposite side exerting great pressure and tension. This is the time of heightened emotions. You are prone to being overwhelmed and anxious during this time. You could also appear to be snappy and irritable. The full moon also sometimes causes changes in your sleeping patterns. Our emotional state and egos are at its peak. However, what is needed during this time is to release any resentment or fear and practice patience and calm to tide over this tirade of emotions.

Waning Gibbous (typically lasts 5 days)

During the phase of the waning Gibbous, the Moon is at 225° to 270° from the Sun. It symbolizes self-reflection and rebirth. At this time, you will become very self-aware which will become the basis for your personal growth. How you wish to channelize this energy is up to you, but you will be inclined to make positive changes and have the potential to grow. It is also time to get rid of your bad habits and negative thinking to work towards achieving your goals and accomplishments.

Third-Quarter Moon

At this time, the Moon will be at 270° to 315° from the Sun. This is the last quarter of the lunar cycle. Presenting as a half circle, the moon is illuminated. This is the time for realization of your dreams. It signifies your intentions and is an inward reflection for you to attain your full potential. You will be willing to forgo all your negative emotions and would want to purge the negativity out from your life.

Waning crescent moon (7 days)

This is the last phase of the lunar cycle when the Moon will be at 315° to 360° from the Sun. There will be an amalgamation of energies of the Sun and the Moon giving you stability and calm. You will become thoughtful and growth oriented. As a time for self-refection, you will need to embrace these feelings as each moon cycle is a chance to learn and eventually grow. The moon is now at the completion stage of its cycle and is once again energized.

Thus, these 8 phases of Moon with their different sphere of influence, has an effect on each one of us. The energy that the Moon reflects is the energy that keeps us going, through the highs and lows of live.