Dancing with the Moon Series – Part 2 – The New Moon

“In the dark silent womb of the earth, frost warms to water; micro-organisms stir, the rhythms of life awaken in the heart of the seed, after a long sleeping death in the cold hard ground, the flower-to-be comes alive in the bright green shoot with-in the shell. Above the ground, no one can see the momentous rebirth taking place or hear the whisper of new life.” The Lunar Cycle Report, Phillip Levine M.A.

Read Part 1: Dancing with the Moon Series: Introduction

The Faintest of Lights begins in Darkness

When the Sun and Moon align at the New Moon, there is a union of creative potential (Sun) and unconscious receptivity (Moon). This is the time of conception – the seed that contains the potential for the entire cycle is ready and waiting. There can be a feeling of excitement and anticipation – as if something important is in the air. Still, you have yet to determine what’s to come. There’s passion, a pioneering quality, and an innocence to the New Moon phase.

Because this is a time of unknowing, it can also be a time of vulnerability and doubt. Each new cycle begins subjectively. There is an inner stirring or a new interest at the New Moon, but the newness does not occur in a vacuum. The seed is already there. The New Moon is a turning point – both an end and a beginning – thus, what emerges takes place in the context of what has preceded it. However, the potential for new life is delicate and can be hindered or severely damaged if you’re unwilling to open to the new.

During the New Moon phase, we form our intent; we see it and act on it. The question to ask yourself is, “What do I desire?” Create a visual representation that you can focus on throughout the cycle. The idea is to let the desire become the goal and then to become clear about that goal without concern about how it will be accomplished. Trust yourself and your ability to learn, adapt, and manifest your desired goal.

At the New Moon (conjunction), you can think of a million things you desire, but they’ll all remain potential until you set your focus on something you can manage to achieve. That opportunity comes a couple of days into the cycle when a bit of discomfort (semi-sextile) forces you to get down to the business of change.

New Job Example

For example, say at the New Moon, you set your intention to find a new job, and for the next two days, you dream of all the things you’d enjoy doing and the places you’d like to work – no clear focus and a lot of imagination. If you stayed in that space, you’d be doing exactly what you’re now doing for the foreseeable future. Then, an unpleasant encounter (semi-sextile) with your boss renews your determination to manifest your New Moon intention. The new job you desired at the new Moon is no longer the dream; it’s now the goal you will carry with you into the Crescent phase, where you develop the resources to sustain the vision of the New Moon.

During the New Moon phase, the Moon moves from 0 – 45 degrees ahead of the Sun and waxes (increases) from no visibility to a thin crescent in the early evening western sky. Each of the 8 phases lasts just under four days.

Relating the New Moon to Your Personal Horoscope

Although you don’t need your horoscope to take advantage of the New Moon energy, having it can help you define this new beginning by meditating on the house where the New Moon is happening – this is where you are the most vulnerable at the moment. Still, it is also the area where personal growth is possible as the cycle progresses.

Born During the New Moon Phase

If you were born during the New Moon phase, you have tremendous subjectivity and self-absorption that might drive others crazy. But your lack of objectivity enables you to reach for things that others wouldn’t dare to attempt. You are a pioneer, an adventurer, and an initiator, and you’re here to say “YES” to life. The downside is that in seeing all the possibilities, you might begin, again and again, needing help following through or naming your direction.

Example: Annie Lennox was born in Aberdeen, GB on 12/25/1957, at 23:10 GMT – Sun 3 degrees Capricorn, Moon 10 degrees Capricorn.

Secondary Progressed New Moon

Each SP New moon phase is a pivotal point in your life. During this time, the seed is planted that will root, grow, blossom, and die back over the coming 28+ years. During your SP New Moon, you’ll sense something important is about to happen, but you have no definite expectation of what’s to come. You can feel vulnerable, confused, or excited, depending on the individual. Whatever occurs outwardly starts subjectively. You may move, marry, divorce, have a child, get fired, quit, or begin a new job or study, but whatever it is, it’s an important new beginning that sets your course for the next 28 + years.

“There are times in life when the firmament of our being seems to collapse, taking all the light with it, swallowing all color and sound into a silent scream of darkness. It rarely looks that way from the inside, but these are always times of profound transformation and recalibration — the darkness is not terminal but primordial; in it, a new self is being born, not with a Big Bang but with a whisper. Our task, then, is only to listen. What we hear becomes new light.” ~ Maria Popova, The Marginalia

George Clooney’s Secondary Progressed New Moon 

George Clooney was born in Lexington, Kentucky, on May 6, 1961, at 2:58 am (Birthtime accuracy: excellent). He entered his second SP New Moon phase on March 22, 1999, with his SP sun and Moon at 21 – 22 Gemini. His last appearance on ER and his beginning as an A-List actor happened at his SP New Moon. The Sabian symbol for Gemini 22 is, “Dancing couples crowd the barn in a Harvest Festival.” This degree suggests an ability to plunge into major and rewarding experiences without self-reservation.

John Lennon was born in Liverpool, England, United Kingdom, on October 9, 1940, at 6:30 pm (birthtime accuracy: excellent). John Lennon entered his first SP New Moon phase on December 27, 1961. His SP New Moon degree was between 7 and 8 Scorpio. The Beatles recorded their first studio album, Please Please Me, on February 11, 1963, during Lennon’s SP New Moon. Sabian symbol for Scorpio 8: “A calm lake bathed in Moonlight.” This degree suggests rapport and a quiet openness to inspiration. Below is John Lennon’s SP New Moon chart.

On a personal note:

I was born at the first quarter moon and had my first SP New Moon in December 1966 at 24 Capricorn. Sabian symbol for that degree is: “A woman entering a convent.” This implies gaining control over the self. I married at 16, had a son at 18, and became a licensed cosmetologist before I was 19. I was 22 in 1966 when I opened my first hairstyling salon in Brattleboro, Vermont. In retrospect, I see doing this as claiming my independence.

My second progressed New Moon was in July 1996 at 24 Aquarius. Sabian symbol for that degree is: “A Man turning his back on his passions teaches deep wisdom from his experience.” This implies turning your back on things that no longer work. Although I’d never had any previous interest and bearly knew my sun sign in 1993, I began studying astrology at MAAS as a fluke and more for entertainment than knowledge.

But! Astrology and everything studying astrology led me to took over my life! What did I do in 1996? I sold my last successful salon, rented out my home, and moved into a small rental house I owned to study and practice astrology. As you might guess, my friends and employees all thought I’d gone crazy. Synchronistically, that house was on Star Rd, just off Vesta Brook Lane.

You’re invited to share your comments and personal stories in the comment section.

Come back for Part 3: The Waxing Crescent Moon Phase.