Moon Dances
For the Northern Hemisphere
March 7 - April 5, 2008

Click here for a printable date table.
For a print-friendly version of this page click here.
For printable graphics click on * printable image * below graphic.

Look Up! The Moon, waxing and waning, impressively promenades across the dark sky, partnering with the sparkling stars and glowing planets. Who is the Moon dancing with tonight?

3/7 ~ A New Lunar Cycle Begins ~ Easter's New Moon
3/8-10 ~ Luna’s Thinnest Crescents Are Smiling!
3/12-16 ~ Let There Be Light!
3/18-19 ~ "Fulling" Luna Visits the Lion
3/21 ~ Easter's Full Moon
3/27-30 ~ Predawn Luna Is a Delight
4/3-4 ~ Luna Thins and Disappears!
The Pisces Night Sky
The Aries Night Sky
The Night Sky ~ Home Page

Current Phase of the Moon

Click on the Moon links for meditative insights and additional information.

New	Waxing Crescent	First Quarter	Waxing Gibbous	Full	Waning Gibbous	Last Quarter	Waning Crescent
3 / 7 / 08		3 / 14 / 08		3 / 21 / 08		3 / 29 / 08
9:14amPST		3:46amPDT		11:40amPDT		2:47pmPDT
17:14 UT		10:46 UT		18:40 UT		21:47 UT

Note: When the right side of the Moon is illuminated, the Moon is increasing or waxing. When the left side illuminated, the Moon is decreasing or waning. (Of course, this only works in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere the effect is just the opposite!)

Moon and Sun Data
One Specific Day
One Year Table

UT Time Conversion

A New Lunar Cycle Begins ~ Easter's New Moon
Friday, March 7 – 9:14am PST; 17:14 UT
Planetary Evolution, Revolution ~ Progress Toward the ONE

Image: Distant Suns / Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

east–left, west–right, north–top, south–bottom

The New Moon is really a no Moon! This Moon is too close to the Sun to be seen. It is hidden from our view by the Sun's glowing light.

Note: For those living in San Francisco this New Moon takes place above the eastern horizon about 2 hours after sunrise. The Sun, New Moon and planets are located in the same constellations for other parts of the world; these constellations, in differing time zones, lie in a different location above or below the horizon.

 

Reflections ~ The New Moon of Easter

The Easter Festival is the first of the three major spiritual planetary festivals, The Festival of The Risen One. It has traditionally been celebrated as Easter in the western hemisphere at the Full Moon during Aries. In present time this is the Festival of the Risen, Living Christ, and honors the time of resurrection and the birth of divine ideas.

The New Moon of Easter occurs this year during the sign of the World Savior, Pisces. The energies of this sign fuse the soul and form producing the Incarnated Christ, the fully liberated Divine Human Being, the Light of the World, the Risen One.

With every New Moon our soul goes into meditation; a potential is enlivened and a seed of consciousness is formed deep within. Take some time to create a sacred space. A new cycle is beginning.

Reflections ~ New Moon, Aquarius, Uranus

The New Moon and Sun lie in the constellation Aquarius and are in conjunction with the planet Uranus. The Moon is in exact aspect with this planet just a couple of hours after the lunar cycle begins and the Sun on the following day.

The constellation Aquarius is one of supreme importance to our solar system at this time. We are at the "dawning of the age of Aquarius," when our Sun after 2000 years will leave the constellation Pisces and reside in the constellation Aquarius at the time of the vernal equinox.

… with each passing decade its influence [Aquarius] gains momentum and potency. It is largely related to the changes now taking place in our world, particularly towards group consciousness, focus and service. And because it is an air sign, its influence is all pervasive and inter-penetrating.

... the intensive self-consciousness of Leo expands into the group awareness of Aquarius. The individual becomes the universal, losing their personal identity in the good of the whole, yet retaining their spiritual identity. Aquarius Zodiacal Deity

Uranus evokes the freedom urge and shakes us loose from constrictions, ultimately leading us to inclusiveness. Its nature excites, uproots and awakens humanity.

The modern day Aquarian is believed to be ruled by Uranus—the erratic revolutionary—which energizes the Universe in a most electrifying manner. Jim Maynard

The very old and very new are at odds creating an extreme tension on the planet. As this lunar cycle begins, change is not only emphasized but a sure thing with the location of the Moon, Sun and Uranus in Aquarius.

Reflections ~ New Moon, Pisces, Pegasus

The New Moon, Sun and Uranus travel across the heavens in the company of the Circlet of Pisces and Pegasus the Flying Horse. We are reminded that the cycles of the human condition take us in and out of the mental, emotional and physical realms. Again and again we refine the vehicles for the manifestation of soul and spirit. Turning darkness into light and evil into good, we experience evolution resulting in progress.

The head of the southern fish of Pisces (the Circlet) reaching from Pisces into the last few degrees of sidereal Aquarius articulates the transition from the high mental artsciences into the wet emotional and palpable Piscian world--often a circular process of growth. ... The circlet also exemplifies the circular nature to the conformation of life and to our process of growth. Nick Fiorenza 3/10/05

The stars of Pegasus ... in general represent the refinement of self, of the physical vehicle or vessel through which soul expresses--so we may express and live from the true essence of soul beyond the fear-instilling emotional dramatics of the world of human affairs. Nick Fiorenza 3/10/05

Reflections ~ Capricornus, Venus, Neptune, Mercury

At the time of the New Moon we find we find Venus, Neptune and Mercury at the eastern border of Capricornus. This constellation carries the seeds of death for the present material life and awakens one to the higher frequency of spirit, initiating a new cycle of earthly effort.

Neptune in this constellation inspires one to make their dreams a reality by rebuilding structures or creating new ones. Venus in Capricornus creates cohesive, sustaining interconnections on Earth that make Love aligned with the Will of God a physical reality. Mercury positioned in this constellation intelligently relates the spiritual Self with the individual living in the outer world.

Venus and Mercury are both positioned in Capricornus through March 10. For most of this lunar cycle they transit the constellation Aquarius, while Neptune remains in Capricornus.

The Aquarian theme of group awareness, moving toward the ONE, is pronounced by the Venus / Mercury transit through this constellation. Venus in Aquarius powerfully distributes Love-Wisdom within our world, forming a realization of the inter-connectedness of all and enhancing the ability to network. Mercury in Aquarius helps us bring forth the ideas and philosophies that lovingly unite and integrate humanity.

In Summary

This lunar cycle is potently aligning us with the evolutionary, revolutionary planetary process of the Transition of the Ages and the emergence of the Risen Ones. Change in its rare grand and frequent minor cycles, ultimately refines the substance of our various vehicles, for the pure expression of soul and spirit. The individual is destined to recognize the united ONE in all that is and eventually becomes service oriented and universal. This persistent evolution results in Progress, a Divine Truth of Deity. The lunar theme for this cycle is Planetary Evolution, Revolution ~ Progress Toward the ONE.

World Day of Prayer
New Moon Friday, March 7

World Day of Prayer is a global Christian ecumenical movement
initiated and carried out by women in over 170 countries.
Prayer and action are inseparable.
Both have immeasurable influence in the world.
2008 Theme: God’s Wisdom Provides new Understanding.

Radiant Life Global Meditation
This meditation, which culminates at the
Full Moon in Aries, begins with this New Moon.

[Return to Menu at top]

Luna’s Thinnest Crescents Are Smiling!
Look West Just After Sunset
Saturday-Monday – March 8-10

Image: © EarthSky Communications Inc.

* Printable Image *

Luna's Thin Smiling Crescents

Deborah Byrd founder of Earth & Sky encourages us to look for young Moons now. Around the time of the spring equinox they are easy to see because their path, the ecliptic, rises straight up from the horizon and they appear higher than normal in the sky each night. Usually these Crescent Moons rise on an angle, which keeps them lower on the horizon. To learn more about the above map and these Moons click 3/9 Earth & Sky.

Note: The path of the morning Sun, Moon and planets is just the opposite! It is not straight up, but rather on an angle close to the horizon. The morning ecliptic keeps the old waning Moons and Venus and Mercury low on the eastern horizon before dawn.

Reflections ~ Waxing Crescent Moon

As the Moon grows in the light provided by our Sun,
we too grow in the light of our Soul.

Overcoming obstacles to the new incoming awareness begins with the waxing Crescent Moon. What was conceived at the New Moon, Planetary Evolution, Revolution ~ Progress Toward the ONE, is now in the process of waxing or gestating.

March 8, Saturday, Uranus is in solar conjunction today. Change is in the air! Begin looking for the thinnest youngest Moon after sunset around 6:15pm. Slim smiling Luna lies in the faint stars of Pisces. Algenib the wing of Pegasus the Flying Horse lies to the right of the Moon, which sets by 7:45pm. Use this New Moon Map for review and orientation.

New Moon Reflections for review: Uranus and Pegasus (Click Back to return here.)

March 9, Sunday, Mercury conjoins Neptune 0:53am PST; 08:53 UT and Daylight Saving Time begins in the USA at 2:00am. Set your clocks an hour ahead; spring forward!

New Moon Reflections for review: Mercury and Neptune (Click Back to return here.)

The Moon continues to transit the faint stars of Pisces. Shown in the map above, Alrescha the knot star joining the two Pisces fish, lies to the left of slender smiling Luna. Try spotting this star tonight.

Note: Mars and M35 are a binocular pair overhead (8pm - 9pm). M35 lies near the foot of Gemini. Maps 1, 2, 3

March 10, Monday,the two brightest stars of Aries are to the right of smiling thin Luna. Map + Description  Look for the Mars and M35 pairing again. (Review Note: for 3/9.),

The secret of Aries is the secret of beginnings, of cycles and of emerging opportunity. "It is the 'searchlight of the Logos, seeking that which can be used' for divine expression." Esoteric Astrology, p. 329

[Return to Menu at top]

Let There Be Light!
Luna Visits the Pleiades and Aldebaran
Wednesday, March 12 – Look High in the West 8:00pm
First Quarter Luna Shows Us Elnath and Mars
Thursday-Friday, March 13-14 – Look Overhead 8:00pm
The Red Triad Generates a New World
Luna and the Twins Move Us Toward the ONE
Saturday-Sunday, March 15-16 – Look Overhead 8:00pm

Image: Heavens Above / Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

Dated spheres represent the Moon's position on the given dates.
The sky view moves 15 degrees** west each hour.

Navigating with Orion ~ Winter Triangle ~ Great Winter Hexagon

Reflections ~ Waxing Crescent Moon,
Pleiades, Aldebaran

March 12, Wednesday, as Luna's Crescent phase waxes and smiles down upon us, the new incoming awareness grows within and we open to receive more light. At this time Luna draws our attention to the Pleiades star cluster and the red star Aldebaran, respectively imaged as the shoulder and eye of Taurus the Bull. Review this map and the sky chart above. Look Up! The Moon and the Pleiades are a special treat when viewed with binoculars.

The enlightened mind is the gift of Taurus the Bull when one transforms desire into spiritual aspiration. The Pleiades, intimately linked to Sirius and the higher aspect of mind, seed the enlightened vision of Aldebaran, which in turn holds a divine ideal that can aid humanity's evolutionary process through its political systems, its nations.

Take a moment to imagine all the nations of the world being showered with seeds of light that are carrying an illuminating, revolutionary vision for our world. Let there be Light!

Reflections ~ First Quarter Moon,
Elnath, Mars, the Red Triad

The First Quarter Moon, exact March 14 at 3:46am PDT; 10:46 UT, squares the Sun bringing up a tension, as it signals the balance between light and dark … moving toward the light. Obstacles to the new incoming awareness show themselves now. Move toward the light.

March 13, Thursday, the almost First Quarter Moon moves toward Elnath, the northern horn tip of Taurus the Bull. This star lies almost opposite our galactic center. When we look at Elnath we are looking toward the rim of our galaxy and the less-populated regions of intergalactic space, away from the crowded galactic hub.

Tune to Elnath for perseverance and breakthroughs as obstacles arise. Allow Elnath to expand your horizons, free you from limiting influences and align you with the heart of our galaxy and its blessings.

Note: The exact First Quarter Moon is in conjunction with Elnath.

BTW: This map will help you locate the Red Triad. Compare to the sky chart above.

March 14, Friday, tonight First Quarter Luna guides us to Mars. The Red Planet lies less than two degrees* south of the Moon and promises to delight observers. For an added treat use binoculars to view the pair.

BTW: A dark sky and binoculars will reveal the M35 star cluster below Mars and the Moon. This Messier Object lies near the foot of Gemini. See Mars Path.

Note: The Moon conjoins Mars 8:03pm PDT; 03:03 UT 3/15.

Mars and two red stars, Betelgeuse and Aldebaran form the Red Triad. Review the sky chart above. These celestial bodies are acting as a generator for the creation of a new world. Mars the spiritual warrior is giving us plenty of opportunities and challenges to courageously interact with opposing forces. Betelgeuse is stimulating humanity's heart, increasing compassion, cooperation and service within our relationships. Aldebaran is providing an enlightened vision for humanity and its governing systems.

Look Up! Be blessed from on High and take part in the divine transition.

Mars ~ Planetary Treat During Pisces

Reflections ~ Gemini Twins

March 15-16, Saturday-Sunday, the waxing Moon approaches and passes the two brightest stars of Gemini first forming a triangle with the Twin stars and then diagonally aligning with them near Pollux.

Though opposites, representing the form (Castor) and spirit (Pollux), the Twins innately cooperate for the benefit of the whole. Pollux the eternal twin is associated with the fulfillment of the soul's greater evolutionary purpose.

Together they are and do something greater than either can alone. Imagine humanity unifying the soul and personality and expressing an inner divine potential that benefits all, as we move toward the ONE.

Reflections ~ The Waxing Gibbous Moon,
Leo the Lion, Regulus, Saturn

The waxing Gibbous Moon is more than half lit, moving toward its full sunlit phase. Illumination and growth are offered by this lunar phase, only if the obstacles from the past are cleared away. This must happen, if the energy released with the coming Full Moon is to be utilized.

March 18-19, Tuesday-Wednesday, the Gibbous Moon transits Leo the Lion. Tuesday it approaches the Lion's heart from the west, beautifully lining up with the blue-white star Regulus and the yellow-gold planet Saturn. Map Watch the Moon move closer and closer to Regulus as the evening progresses, until it is less than a degree* south of the star on Wednesday morning at 1:00am PDT; 08:00 UT. The Moon then moves closer to Saturn. Their conjunction occurs Wednesday morning at 6:33am PDT; 13:33 UT.

BTW: Leo the Lion lies overhead at midnight and sets in the west around 6:00am.

Wednesday evening the "fulling" Moon passes east of Saturn and lies below the belly of the Lion. Map 3/18+19. Review the sky chart above.

Leo the Lion, Regulus the Royal Hearted Lawgiver and Saturn Lord of Karma are preparing us to work together with divine will and purpose. They are evoking the Law of the Soul within humanity.

Now [with Saturn in Leo] the focus will be on leadership, honesty, integrity, and the leaders themselves will be facing stern tests. ... It often brings about shifts in national borders and even in regimes themselves.

... We must learn to balance the value of the individual with the needs of the collective. That’s the essence of the polarity between Leo and Aquarius.

... When we recognize that leaders are a necessary part of life and that one can operate best as a leader without hubris, we have made a leap in learning the lessons of Saturn in Leo. Jim Sher

Saturn is moving back toward Regulus the Lawgiver. The planet’s retrograde motion (12/19/07-5/1/08) is bound to show us our limitations and make us question the laws that are governing our lives. The rebellious freedom urge is pronounced with the placement of this cycle's Easter New Moon near Uranus in the constellation Aquarius. Review Practices that support genuine self-love, goodwill and the connection with our soul are needed now as we progress toward the ONE.

Note: We feel a retrograde planet's energies more potently because it is in close proximity to Earth.

Saturn ~ Planetary Treat During Pisces

Regulus and Leo the Lion

Easter’s Full Moon ~ Festival of the Risen One
Friday, March 21, 2008 - 11:40am PDT; 18:40 UT
Happy Easter, Happy Spring, Happy Everything!

Image: © Christophe Behaegel

Image Details

Christophe Behaegel of Belgium took this false color enhanced picture of the moon March 26, 2005. It is made up of 75 images stacked and color saturated at 600x magnification. The lunar surface composition matches the image captured by the Galileo Mission.

The Full Moon

Any Full Moon experience can offer us greater illumination of our essential divinity. Issues worked on since the New Moon come to a climax. If the restrictions of the past have been released during the waxing Moon, then the Full Moon can bring fulfillment. If not, the Full Moon might bring serious mental conflicts, possibly affecting the physical body.

What was conceived at the New Moon, Planetary Evolution, Revolution ~ Progress Toward the ONE, review above now comes to fruition and is birthed into the full light of our conscious minds.

Easter’s Full Moon ~ Festival of the Risen One

Easter's Full Moon is exact March 21 at 11:40am PDT; 18:40 UT. It marks the first of the Three Major Spiritual Festivals, The Easter or Aries Festival, celebrating the Risen One. In 2008 Good Friday and Purim occur on this day.

Note: The first Full Moon after the March Equinox helps determine the date of Easter, which is observed this year on Sunday, March 23.

It Is Written in the Heavens!

The Heavenly Holy Grail reveals the significance of the Easter Full Moon and its position in Virgo the Virgin's Holy Grail. It describes the celestial Virgin's relationship to the Big Dipper, Arcturus and Spica, and how Easter's Full Moon relates to the Sun in the constellation of the World Savior.

Ted says, "Ah, the power and prophecy of the Divine is not limited to one book or another, it is before us in the vault of heaven."

Aries Radiant Life Global Meditation
Celebrating the Aries Full Moon Festival ~ Easter
The Festival of the Risen One ~ The Cosmic Christ

Predawn Luna Is a Delight ...
Between Antares and Jupiter
Thursday - Sunday, March 27-30
Looking South  - 5:30am

Image: Starry Night Online / Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

Generate more star maps; just enter your zip code!

Note: Antares rises in the southeast around 12:45am; Jupiter at 3:15am.

BTW: The waning Moon low on the horizon promises to appear more colorful and larger than usual, as well as a special treat positioned between red Antares and brilliant Jupiter. View until sunrise.

3/30 5:30am All Sky Chart

Reflections ~ Waning Gibbous Moon,
Antares, Scorpius, Ophiuchus

Ideally the waning Gibbous Moon is a time that readies us to manifest anew. It brings illumination to the influences of the entire lunar cycle. If not, dis-ease results.

March 27-28, Thursday-Friday, morning Luna dances through the transforming burning ground of Scorpius, first near Antares, the red heart star of the cosmic Scorpion, then above the Scorpion's stinger at the foot of the medicine man, Ophiuchus.

Antares demands we take a stand for our truth, keeping visions current and ensuring growth, evolution and change, especially for humanity's governing systems. The stinger of Scorpius keeps us on the path of progress, while Ophiuchus the master of the initiatory forces governing life and death, guides us toward greater spiritual fulfillment.

Allow these potent forces to bring death and new life. It is time to rise like the Phoenix from the burning ground. Invoke healing for the nations of the world.

Reflections ~ Last Quarter Moon

The Last Quarter Moon can bring a crisis in consciousness as the Moon squares the Sun. This cycle's experiences have culminated and one must now prepare for rebirth by initiating change. The Last Quarter Moon is exact March 29, Saturday, at 2:47pm PDT; 21:47 UT.

BTW: National Dark Sky Week begins March 29 coinciding with the global initiative Earth Hour.

March 29-30, Saturday-Sunday, the Moon transits the constellation of Sagittarius the Cosmic Archer. The Last Quarter Moon first positions itself west of Jupiter near the spout of the teapot asterism. The following morning the waning Moon lies near Jupiter at the "teapot's" handle.

Note: The Moon conjoins Jupiter March 30 at 11:15am PDT; 18:15 UT and can be viewed east of Jupiter the morning of March 31 from 4:00am - sunrise.

The celestial Centaur rides toward the light with the temporary support of Jupiter and the long lasting partnership of "invisible" Pluto. They are bound for the Heart of our Galaxy (Galactic Center).

The cosmic Archer along with Jupiter and Pluto impress humanity to aim for the spiritual vision that expands our hearts and minds, which includes the “Whole” Truth that unites us all. Sagittarius Keynote

Pluto the agent of death packs a powerful punch in Sagittarius, where it brings unrelenting transformation to humanity's most basic belief structures. Expect that which no longer serves the greater whole to fall away. Ask for inner guidance during these times of transition and rebirth. Embrace the needed changes.

Jupiter ~ Planetary Treat During Aries

Reflections ~ Waning Crescent Moon,
Uranus, Venus, Mercury

The waning Crescent Moon phase brings enlightenment at a deep level, a time of conscious growth, clarification of values and the surrender to a new future. Rebirth can occur and playfulness can come forth.

April 3-4, predawn Thursday-Friday, this lunar cycle ends like it began, with the Moon transiting telescopic Uranus at the eastern border of the constellation Aquarius. April 3 a very thin Crescent Moon approaches Uranus from the west. The Moon conjoins Uranus April 4 at 0:51am PDT; 07:51 UT.

This lunar cycle is of the unexpected and spontaneous; even offering us a radical or shocking change that serves to break us from the conformity of the past and to engage us in a new way. After what may have seemed a diversionary journey, we can now return to a truer path...a fresh start... Nick Fiorenza 3/7/08 Lunar Planner

The last vestige of the waning Crescent Moon passes "invisible" Uranus and approaches Venus in the predawn sky Friday, April 4. This difficult observation occurs low on the horizon, in the Sun's glare, about 20-30 minutes before sunrise. At this time Mercury lies invisibly close to the Sun. View the 4/4 Sunrise Map; this morning's moonrise occurs at 6:00am; Venus rises at 6:15am and sunrise is at 6:50am. 6:30am All Sky Chart

Also see Venus and Moon Near Horizon Friday Morning for more viewing information regarding April 4-6.

Note: The Moon conjoins Venus Friday, April 4 at 2:43pm PDT; 21:43 UT.

The emanations of Venus help one begin to understand the causes and conditions of harmony and conflict; thereby lovingly and wisely linking the lower mind to the higher mind. Mercury illuminates the higher mind, linking the soul to the personality creating divine messengers.

The Spirit of Progress is calling and a new day is dawning! Imagine humanity walking through an open doorway into the light, with an intelligent spiritualized mind and a wise loving heart.

Mercury and Venus ~ Planetary Treats in Aries

April 5, Saturday, a New Moon occurs at 8:55pm PDT; 03:55 UT 4/6. More in the next edition of Moon Dances!

I'd like to know your thoughts about The Night Sky and
if you'd like reminders to Look Up! ...
send me an email.
May your Night Sky traveling always be filled
with Celestial Delights and Treats!
Susan Sun

[Return to Menu at top]

Getting Started in Astronomy
Download a free flyer of bimonthly star maps.

Link to Sky and Telescope's This Week's Sky at a Glance

Click here for NASA's solar weather report and more!

Click here for a printable date table.
For a print-friendly version of this page click here.
For printable graphics click on * printable image * below graphic.

Inspired? We invite you to participate! There are several ways to support our work.