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First Quarter Moon

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Themes

🎓 Take the Course Lesson

Overview

In this lesson, we introduce astronomy and astrology teachings related to the First Quarter Moon phase.

Objective

Become familiar with foundational astronomy and astrology teachings related to the First Quarter Moon phase, and with practice considerations for aligning with the energy of a First Quarter Moon.

What You'll Get

Provide astronomy’s description of the lunar cycle including the point at which it’s called a First Quarter Moon. Explain whether the light (illumination of the moon) is increasing or decreasing at this time. Provide themes that may be associated with the First Quarter Moon, and examples of asana, pranayama and bandha practices that you might choose for aligning with First Quarter Moon energy. Also comment on philosophy and mythology teachings that may be a good support for this time.

Introduction

When to View

The First Quarter Moon rises at noon.
It is high overhead at sunset.
It sets around midnight.

Astronomy Basics

The Moon phases are: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter and Waning Crescent.
The First Quarter Moon occurs about a week after the New Moon.
When seen from above, the First and Third Quarter Moons occur when the moon is at a 90-degree angle to a line between the earth and sun.
The official astronomy term is “First Quarter” as opposed to “Half” because the moon is one quarter of the way through its cycle of orbiting the earth, as measured from one new moon to the next.

Appearance

One half of the moon (50%) appears illuminated.
The First and Third Quarter moons are also sometimes called “half moons” because we see exactly half of the moon illuminated and half in shadow.
A key astrological point is that “light and dark are in balance.”

At the First Quarter Moon, the part of the moon that is illuminated is increasing.
A common astrological theme for the first quarter moon is effort.

Theme Ideas

Physical Action
Effort / Tapas
Building
Possibilities
Clearing Obstacles / Ganesha
Tension
Growth
Individuality
Secure Foundation for Growth

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