Moon
Dances
For
the Northern Hemisphere
April
5 - May 5, 2008
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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?
4/5 ~ A New Lunar Cycle Begins
4/6-8 ~ Crescent Moon Delights
4/8 ~ Slender Luna Swallows Some of the 7 Sisters!
4/10-12 ~ Who Sees Luna Hide Mars and Mars Roll Around Luna?
4/14-16 ~ Luna, Leo the Lion, the Lawgiver, the Lord of Karma
4/18-19 ~ The Sacred Chalice
4/20-21 ~ The Wesak Full Moon
4/22-23 ~ Wesak's Waning Gibbous Moon
4/25-5/2 ~ Morning Luna Shrinks, Grows, Lies Low
The Aries Night Sky
The Taurus Night Sky
The Night Sky ~ Home PageMore to Come!
Click on the Moon links for meditative insights and additional information.
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| New | Waxing Crescent | First Quarter |
Waxing Gibbous |
Full | Waning Gibbous | Waning Crescent |
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| 4 / 5 / 08 | 4 / 12 / 08 |
4 / 20 / 08 |
4 / 28 / 08 | ||||
| 8:55pmPDT | 11:32amPDT | 3:25amPDT | 7:12amPDT | ||||
| 4 / 6 / 08 | 18:32 UT |
10:25 UT |
14:12 UT | ||||
| 03:55 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
A New Lunar Cycle Begins ~ The Wesak
New Moon
Saturday, April 5 – 8:55pm
PDT; 03:55 UT 4/6
Invocation,
Intervention ~ Intuition and Initiation
Image: Distant Suns / Adobe Photoshop
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 below the western horizon 1 hour and 20 minutes after sunset. 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 Wesak
The Wesak is a festival, which takes place in the Himalayas at the Full Moon of May (Taurus). It is said that at this festival, at which all the members of the Spiritual Hierarchy are present, the Buddha, for a brief period, renews His touch and association with the work of our planet. The Wesak Festival is spiritually known to be the supreme moment in the annual cycle, when the Buddha and the Christ come together in a sacred ritual, which releases forces that spark the spiritual fires of initiation.
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.
New
Moon, Sun and Three Planets
Pisces, Pegasus, Andromeda
As seen in the map above, the New Moon, Sun and three planets are enlivening the constellation of the World Savior, Pisces. The energies emanating from this constellation fuse the soul and form producing the Incarnated Christ, the fully liberated Divine Human Being, the Light of the World. These energies reveal the light of life itself, a light that ends forever the darkness of matter.
Mankind [Humankind] itself is the world Savior, of which all world Saviors have been but the symbol and guarantee. A Treatise on White Magic p. 100
The Square of Pegasus lies above Pisces. The ancient Babylonians called this square "The Doorway to Paradise." Today astronomers travel through this doorway or "window" to the edge of our Milky Way Galaxy and go beyond to other galaxies!
Both Pisces and Pegasus have the innate capacity for spiritualization and for inverting darkness into light and evil into the greater good.
... Now in sidereal Pisces ... we enter the wet emotional arena of life and are asked to use our intuitive, sensitive, and imaginative nature, but not to self-sacrifice or give away personal will and acquiesce to the fear-based illusory dramatics around us.
Below Pisces is Cetus, the technobureaucratic monster of fear-based mass-consciousness, above is Pegasus, the flying horse, which Perseus uses to rise above the monster. To learn of the story of Pegasus, see the story of the Royal Family.
... The principles and qualities embodied in each of these four stars [The Great Square of Pegasus] reveal the requirements for our psychophysiological preparation to become free from the bounds limiting us from participating in a more fulfilling and purposeful expression in the world. These four stars have long been associated with the feet of a table or stand, thus recognized as a supporting foundation or stage upon which something else transpires or rises from--much how Earth serves us in our spiritual evolution. Nick Fiorenza 3/29/06
The emanations of Mercury illuminate the higher mind, linking the soul to the personality creating divine messengers. Venus helps one begin to understand the causes and conditions of harmony and conflict; thereby lovingly and wisely linking the lower mind to the higher mind. Uranus is the agent of awakening and electric change, ultimately leading us to inclusiveness.
The New Moon transits Alpheratz as this cycle begins. This star, a part of the Square of Pegasus is also Alpha Andromeda, a part of the constellation Andromeda. It represents the head of the princess in chains, the one Perseus saves, while riding Pegasus the Flying Horse. Image ~ Myth
… Alpheratz is unadulterated, innocent, naive, uncorrupted by evil, wrong-doing or malice … Alpheratz requires we have faith that there are those who are destined to be by our sides to support our freedom from the entanglements that we find ourselves in. Nick Fiorenza 9/22/06
In Summary
Pisces, Pegasus and Andromeda remind us, when humanity invokes the Divine in all types of situations, saviors on all levels appear and intervene for our greater good.
Together in Pisces, Venus and Mercury help unify and spiritualize the mind giving us better access to the intuitive saving grace of Pisces.
Uranus, the constellation Pisces and the Wesak lunar cycle spark the fires of initiation that fuse the soul and form creating the saviors within humanity, as well as the needed changes for our planet.
Keep the faith during these times of transition! There is a Continuity of Revelation. Invocation, Intervention ~ Intuition, Initiation guarantee this Divine Truth of Deity.
Radiant
Life Global Meditation
Celebrating the Taurus Full Moon Festival ...
The Festival of Wesak ~ The Festival of the Buddha
This meditation, which culminates at the
Full Moon during Taurus, begins with this New Moon.
Mercury and Venus ~ Planetary Treats in Aries
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Crescent Moon Delights
Sunday-Tuesday – April 6-8
Look West Just After Sunset
How Many Young Moons Will You See?
Image: Doug
Zubenel
Story Behind the Image
MOON WRECK: Last month, on March 8th, Doug Zubenel decided to photograph the slender crescent moon from a scenic spot in the country near his home in Kansas. He turned his car onto an unfamiliar dirt road and proceeded into the sunset. That's when it happened: "The brilliant setting sun did not allow me to see the cement railings on a bridge over a small creek until I was very close. The next thing I knew, I had totaled my car."
Unscratched and undaunted, Zubenel got out, phoned the tow truck and, while he was waiting for the Sheriff, took the picture! [see more]
Another crescent moon like this one is due on April 6th and 7th. It will materialize low in the west as the sun sets and the sky darkens to cobalt blue. "All we need is clear skies," says Zubenel. And, oh, can anybody spare a ride? SpaceWeather.com 4/2/08
Note: The Moon seen above is a 1-day young crescent. The New Moon occurred March 7, 9:15am PST (11:15am CST; 17:00 UT)
Young Crescent Moons Spring Up!
During March and April, near the spring equinox, the path of the ecliptic, therefore the path of waxing Crescent Moon, rises straight up from the sunset horizon. Normally the ecliptic rises on an angle, which keeps the Sun, Moon and planets close to the horizon. This means the youngest Moons are positioned much higher above the western horizon, easier to see with later moonsets!
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 spring ecliptic keeps the old waning Moons and any planets low on the eastern horizon before dawn.
What's the youngest moon you can see?
Earthshine Is Best Now!
Earthshine, also known as the Moon's "ashen glow" or "the old Moon in the New Moon's arms," is actually sunlight reflected from our own planet onto the Moon's surface. During April and May the earthshine glow increases. Why this occurs in the spring remains a mystery.
Since the Sun's glare makes it impossible to see a New Moon except during a solar eclipse, normally the best time to view earthshine is 2-4 days after the day of the New Moon, with the third day being the best.
Note: With the New Moon being day 0, days one and two require an unobstructed view of the western horizon. Day three positions the Moon further from the Sun, higher up in a darker sky making it easier to spot. Day four the sunlit portion of the Moon grows causing the earthshine to dim.
As discussed above, spring's higher sunset ecliptic makes it much easier to see a young Moon, even the first day after the New Moon. Springtime's Crescent Moon is an earthshine delight, because it is seen for a longer time high above the horizon in a dark sky. Look Up! Let me know if you see a young Moon with earthshine.
Reflections
~ Waxing Crescent Moon
Three Young Moons
Overcoming obstacles to the new incoming awareness begins with the waxing Crescent Moon. What was conceived at the New Moon: Invocation, Intervention ~ Intuition and Initiation, is now in the process of waxing or gestating.
April 6-7, Sunday-Monday, the youngest Moons, a 2% and a 6% crescent, transit the constellation Aries below the sparkling Pleiades star cluster. Get out those binoculars for a special view of young Luna and the Seven Sisters just after sunset! BTW: Hilltops make observations easier, when your horizons are obstructed by trees and buildings.
The constellation Aries and the Wesak lunar cycle open a channel of direct communication between humanity and Deity. Take time to be still and spiritually receptive.
April 8, Tuesday, what is young Luna doing with the Seven Sisters? You won't believe it! Details below.
Mark Your Calendar!
Slender Luna Swallows Some of the Seven Sisters!
Look West -
Tuesday, April 8 - 8:00pm-11:00pm
Image: Stan Richard
Stan Richard captured this wonderful image April 1, 2006, as the Crescent Moon was about to eclipse the mini dipper-shaped Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters and M45. Photo details can be found here. A similar event occurs April 8, 2008.
The Pleiades (pronounced PLEE-ah-deez) are lovely by themselves, and on a clear night they can be seen with the unaided eye in the constellation Taurus the Bull. [Image] Known prehistorically, the cluster is identified as a group of women in many cultures around the world, from Australian Aborigine to Native American. IU News Room
Mark Your Calendar!
Begin looking for the Seven Sisters in the west as the sky darkens April 8. Star Map At this time a slender 12% Crescent "swallows" some of the Sisters! Have no fear they do reappear!
All kidding aside, with clear skies, this conjunction and occultation promises to be a dazzling "you gotta see it" event. Binoculars make this splendid encounter breathtaking.
The light of the thin Crescent Moon does not overpower the nearby stars. This offers the observer a memorable experience of the disappearance and reappearance of several stars, as they "wink" in and out behind the lunar limb. Star Gazer's Minute Video of the event.
North Americans will get the best views of this conjunction. From the East Coast, the Moon stands just to the lower right of the cluster as darkness falls. The Moon appears closer to the cluster's center the farther west you live.
From the West Coast, the Moon lies just above the cluster's stars. Regardless of your location, the Moon will have moved noticeably relative to the cluster by the time the pair sets shortly after 11 P.M. local daylight time. CDT Map Astronomy News 4/2/08
Note: The Moon can never hide this entire open star cluster because it is about twice as large as the Moon.
BTW: You might want to try locating "Ally's Braid" with binoculars or a telescope. Another View
Reflections ~ Pleiades
A new "season" of Pleiades occultations began for our world December 13, 2005 and continues until the year 2010! This cycle repeats every 18.6 years; the last occultations took place between 1986 and 1992. Hmmm ... what were you experiencing 18.6–19 years ago?
This dazzling star cluster, which draws us to Look Up has a unique relationship with our solar system and humanity.
In the works of Alice Bailey, the brightest star of the Pleiades, Alcyone, is said to be the Central Sun around which our universe revolves. It is also said that the Pleiades transmit the Light of God into our minds enabling God's light to descend on Earth.
Sirius is the seat of higher mind and mahat (as it is called, or universal mind) sweeps into manifestation in our solar system through the channel of the Pleiades. From: Path to Sirius
The Great Bear (will/purpose) - the Sun Sirius (love-wisdom) - the Pleiades (active intelligence) form a greater zodiac that conditions our lesser zodiac with its Divine attributes and evolutionary energies. These three constellations of the greater zodiac are associated with Shamballa - Hierarchy - Humanity respectively. Culled from: Esoteric Astrology ... see this online reference
Star myth information as related by Nick Fiorenza reveals that the Pleiades seed the vision of Aldebaran, which in turn holds a divine ideal that can aid humanity's evolutionary process through its political systems.
Hmmm ... as I was learning more about the Pleiades, a friend emailed me and said while she was in Hawaii swimming with wild dolphins, they told her they were from the Pleiades; they also healed her. I'd say this email was a remarkable and timely synchronicity, a communication from the dolphins, who wanted to inform us of their relationship to this sparkling star cluster and the healing of humanity!!!
Our Earth, humanity and the higher aspect of mind are intimately linked to the emanations of the Pleiades. This jewel of a star cluster is a friend to both the night sky traveler and the pilgrim on the spiritual path. Be blessed and spiritually empowered by their radiance. May they expand your horizons and fill you with awe and wonder and the Light of God.
Celebrate and align with the channel of communication that exists between humanity and Deity, especially now as the Wesak lunar cycle unfolds.
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Who Sees Luna Hide Mars ...
and Mars Roll Around Luna?
Friday, April 11- 9:00pm
Conjunction at 10:51pm PDT; 05:51 UT 4/12
Looking West-Southwest
View
the Night Before and After Too!
Thursday, April 10 - Saturday, April 12
Image: Starry Night Online / Adobe Photoshop
Generate more star maps: Just enter your zip code!
April 10, Thursday, the waxing Crescent Moon lies just past Elnath about 1/3 of the way to Mebsuta. Helpful Map/Text Look for Mars and the two triangles it helps form. The Red Planet creates the Red Triad with the two red stars, Betelgeuse and Aldebaran. Mars also forms a triangle with the two brightest stars of the Gemini Twins, Castor and Pollux. Both triangles shift their shape with the eastern movement of Mars. Learn more about Mars, Castor and Pollux: Star Gazer 5-minute Video
Who
will See the Moon Hide Mars ...
and Mars Roll Under the Moon?
April 11, Friday, as shown in the map above,the almost First Quarter Moon lies very near Mars conjoining the planet at 10:51pm PDT; 05:51 UT 4/12. Observers in NE Canada, Greenland, Iceland and N Scandinavia will see the Moon hide (occult) Mars around the time of its lunar conjunction.
Observers in areas unable to see an occultation, will have the opportunity to see Mars roll around the Moon as the night progresses! Look Up! Check out this 9pm All Sky Chart to view the visible sky; increase the hour below the chart to watch Mars roll around the southern (left) side of the Moon!
See First Quarter Moon reflections below.
Reflections
~ First Quarter Moon,
the Gemini Twins, Mars
The First Quarter Moon, exact April 12 at 11:32am PDT; 18:32 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.
April 12, Saturday, the Moon diagonally lines up with Castor and Pollux, near Pollux. 4/12 9:00pm All Sky Chart Look for the two triangles that Mars helps to create. (review April 10)
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.
Mars the spiritual warrior is giving us plenty of opportunities and challenges to courageously interact with opposing forces. Its placement in the constellation Gemini is emphasizing cooperation as a way of harmonizing the dualities.
Mars, Betelgeuse and Aldebaran form the Red Triad, which is acting as a generator for the creation of a new world. Mars as previously discussed provides the challenging opportunities for cooperation. 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.
April 11-12, Friday-Sunday, imagine humanity invoking the guidance of Deity and manifesting an inner divine potential which benefits all. Ponder the lunar theme: Invocation, Intervention ~ Intuition and Initiation.
Mars ~ Planetary Treat During Aries
Luna, Leo the Lion, the Lawgiver, the Lord of Karma
Monday-Tuesday, April 14–15 - Looking Southeast - 8:30pm
Can You Guess Where Luna Is Wednesday, April 16?
Images: The Newark Museum / Adobe Photoshop
Regulus and Leo the Lion Spring Up!
April 14-15, Monday-Tuesday, gibbous Luna lights up the head and heart of Leo the Lion. Luna's luminous glow makes seeing the outline of the Lion more difficult, however it guides you to two popular celestial bodies.
Luna lies west of the Lion's blue-white heart star, Regulus the Lawgiver April 14. Near Regulus to the east lies the yellowish orb of Saturn the Lord of Karma. April 15 Luna conjoins Saturn 9:45am PDT; 16:45 UT. In the evening Luna can be seen to the east of Saturn and Regulus.
Note: Look for the thin triangle formed by Regulus, Saturn and Algieba. As Saturn moves toward Regulus the triangle thins. It can be seen even in light polluted cities.
April 16, Wednesday, where's Luna now? Can you guess? Luna arrives at the tail end of the Lion, literally! The star to the left of Luna, when facing southeast is Leo's tail star, Denebola. Here's a view of the whole sky 4/16 8:30pm, Mars and the Gemini Twins can be seen in the southwest with the winter stars. You may want to review The Winter Triangle ~ The Great Winter Hexagon ~ Navigating with Orion. Clear skies!
BTW: Saturn and Regulus set around 4:00am now.
Reflections
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.
Leo the Lion, Regulus the Lawgiver and Saturn the Lord of Karma are preparing us to work together with the will and purpose of Deity. They are intervening and evoking the Law of the Soul within humanity.
Regulus focuses and regulates the energy of Sirius toward the Earth. The Royal, Lion-Hearted Lawgiver can then stimulate a response in humanity that expresses the Christ consciousness, the quality we call love-wisdom.
... History reveals that kings and leaders do not fare well with Saturn in Leo, especially when hubris is involved. It often brings about shifts in national borders and even in regimes themselves.
... 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
... As Saturn moves through Leo ... Many new leaders who have love in their heart will come to power ... Those who have long neglected to love others are going to find themselves in a state of darkness. Mahala Planet Alert 7/05
Gibbous Luna is bound to bring up obstacles in the way of right leadership, honesty and integrity. Denebola, the Lion's tail star also known as the Changer, may bring about swift judgment as it joins with Luna. Be aware as the Lion's tail "wags" in the moonlight!
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. Practices that support genuine self-love, goodwill and the connection with our Higher Power are needed now.
Note: We feel a retrograde planet's energies more potently because it is in close proximity to Earth.
Saturn ~ Planetary Treat During Aries
April 18-19, Friday-Saturday, the Moon first approaches Spica from the west, the brightest star of Virgo the Virgin, the Heavenly Holy Grail. The following night it lies east of and near this blue-white star. 4/19 9pm Sky Chart April 19 the sign of Aries ends and Taurus begins.
During these two days, imagine the Light Grid around planet Earth glowing and growing forming a sacred chalice, ready to receive the blessings of the April 20 Wesak Full Moon.
The Wesak Full Moon
The Wesak Full Moon, which occurs Sunday, April 20 at 3:25am PDT; 10:25 UT inaugurates the second of the Three Major Planetary Festivals. The Wesak Festival releases forces of enlightenment from our highest spiritual planetary center, Shamballa. These forces spark initiation and are stepped down for humanity through the Buddha, the Christ and the Spiritual Hierarchy. An ancient legend speaks of the gathering of these great Beings and the Buddha's blessing at the time of the Taurus Full Moon.
Full
Moon Global Meditation
SouledOut.org invites you to participate in the
Taurus Radiant Life Global Meditation
Celebrating the Taurus Full Moon Festival
The Festival of Wesak ~ The Festival of the Buddha
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.
The Wesak Full Moon is exact April 20 at 3:25am PDT; 10:25 UT.
What was conceived at the New Moon: Invocation, Intervention ~ Intuition and Initiation, (review above) now comes to fruition and is birthed into the full light of our conscious minds.
Reflections ~ Full Moon's Illumination
The Wesak Full Moon during Taurus is illuminated by the Sun in the constellation Aries. The Sun is near Mercury, above the jaws of Cetus. Taurus provides an opportunity for enlightenment, to attune to the penetrating Light of the Path. The constellation Aries and the Wesak Moon open a channel of direct communication between humanity and Deity. The planet Mercury facilitates this communication. The jaws of Cetus lure us into fearful, greedy and arrogant human experiences and relationships.
By invoking the Divine, we open to intervention, intuition, and initiation. We allow the illuminating light of the Wesak Festival to transform our vices into virtues. Opposition becomes cooperation, the veil of duality is lifted and unity rules our lives.
Full Moon's Position
The Wesak Full Moon is positioned in the constellation Libra and aligns with the stars Zubenelgenubi and Zubeneschamali. See Map and reflections below.
Wesak
Full Moon ~ Festival of the Buddha
Exact: Sunday, April
20 at 3:25am PDT; 10:25 UT
The
Evening's Full Moon Aligns with the Zuben Stars
Image: Distant Suns / Adobe Photoshop
top-north, bottom-south, left-east, right-west
Dated
circles represent
the approximate position of the Moon.
The Moon begins to rise around 8:30pm.
Note: For those living in San Francisco the exact Wesak Full Moon can be seen in the predawn sky, sinking in the west as Jupiter is rising in the east. Map The Moon is located in the same constellation for other parts of the world; this constellation, in differing time zones, lies in a different location above or below the horizon. The Wesak Moon moves toward the Zuben stars and aligns with them 18 hours later.
Wesak
Full Moon Reflections
Virgo the Virgin, Libra, Scorpius
Zubeneschamali and Zubenelgenubi
The exact Full Moon is positioned at the legs of Virgo the Virgin, which are located within the constellation boundary of Libra. Sidereal Virgo ends just after the star Spica, the Virgin’s sacred womb.
Libra was once a part of two constellations, Scorpius and Virgo. During the time of Julius Caesar the Romans created a twelfth constellation to represent Roman justice. They made the two pincer claws of Scorpius into the arms of Libra, the Balance. Libra was once considered the scales of the goddess of Justice, which Virgo the Virgin represented.
Libra’s two brightest stars, Zubeneschamali (zoo-BEN-ess-sha-MAH-lee) and Zubenelgenubi (zoo-BEN-al-je-NEW-bee), the "missing claws" of Scorpius are now Libra, the razor edged path. This path demands justice and the perfect point of equilibrium, a point of balance where neither spirit nor matter dominates.
Note: The name Zubenelgenubi derives from an Arabic phrase meaning the "Scorpion's southern claw" The star above it, Zubeneschamali means the northern claw.
When viewing the map above, it's as if Virgo the Virgin is giving birth to the Wesak Full Moon and humanity's Divine Self directly into the pincer claws of the Scorpion, the karmic and dharmic experiences of the human soul.
Zubenelgenubi, the southern claw, has a dual character. Eric Morse It can stimulate vengeance and miscarriages of justice that began in the name of love or it can help repair a relationship at just the right moment and even reconsider an earlier harsher judgment. This star has a karmic quality, revealing our past experiential patterns. Additional Reference
Zubeneschamali, the northern claw, arouses spiritual and mental focus. It is beneficent and aligns us with permanent happiness. Its quality is dharmic, reconciling the past, moving us into the future. Additional Reference
Wesak Energies ~ In Summary
At the spiritual high point of the year, when the Forces of Enlightenment pour into the world, the Wesak Full Moon is birthing our Divine Self into the karmic and dharmic, dualistic human experience.
The unfolding Wesak message of the heavens has been guiding us to tap into the channel of direct communication between humanity and Deity. The key is to look for unity beyond duality, to achieve balance on the razor edged path, as the fires of initiation rage. Allow the illuminating light to transform vices into virtues. Heal wounded relationships by recognizing, calling forth and aligning with the Divinity in all. While evolving out of fear, greed, arrogance and past mortal ways (karma) stand with spiritual poise. Expect a healing to occur. Give birth to the Soul on Earth and shift the present and future into Divine expression (dharma).
The Holy Grail of All Faiths
The Full Moon during Taurus is an opportunity to participate in an ancient, living, sacred ritual and celebrate the blessings that come to all of humanity at this time. It is important that groups of all faiths unite globally, invoking the divine in everyone. Together we are the Chalice, the Holy Grail on Earth, prepared to receive the outpouring of blessings from on High.
April 21, Monday, the Moon completes its journey through Libra. Review the Libran Way. Align with Deity in your everyday world.
Note: The Lyrid Meteor Shower peaks the night of April 21/22. Begin looking NE around midnight. The Gibbous Moon blocks out the fainter meteors. 2am looking east ~ 5am Sky Chart
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Reflections
~ Wesak's Waning Gibbous Moon
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.
Use the map above for orientation …
April 22-23, Tuesday-Wednesday, the Gibbous Moon first approaches then passes red Antares, the heart star of the cosmic Scorpion, Scorpius. The constellation Scorpius is the burning ground and synonymous with transformation. Moonrise: 10:30pm, 11:30pm
Antares wields the Fire of God, stimulates our kundalini and insures we are soul-aligned. This star demands we take a stand for our truth, keeping visions current and ensuring growth, evolution and change, especially for humanity's governing systems.
Allow the forces of initiation to bring death and new life. Align with Deity and invoke healing for the nations of the world. Expect Divine intervention and a continuity of revelation.
Note: Earth Day is Tuesday, April 22.
Morning
Luna Shrinks, Grows, Lies Low - 5:30am
Lunar Treats for Night Owls and Early Birds - Friday-Thursday, April
25-May 1
Look West ~ Big Dipper, Arcturus, Spica
Look
Overhead ~ The
Summer Triangle
Look South ~ View Brilliant Jupiter 1:45am - Sunrise
Find the Red Heart Star of the Cosmic Sorpion!
Image: Star Dome Plus / Adobe Photoshop
The dated spheres represent the approximate position of the Moon on the given date.
4/27 5:30am Sky Chart ~ All Constellations Named
Color, Size and Phase of the Moon
When the Moon lies low on the horizon, it tends to be more colorful because it travels through more atmosphere and pollution. The same is true for a rising or setting Sun, which looks orangey-reddish. The redder the color is, the higher the levels of pollution.
The Moon closer to a horizon tends to appear larger because of "moon illusion". Also from April 25-May 1 the Moon is growing in size because it is moving closer to the Earth in its orbit, from apogee to perigee.
As Luna grows larger she is also shrinking! Why? The illuminated part of Luna (her phase) is decreasing or waning, shrinking from Gibbous (more than half lit) to a slim Crescent. Image the Moon's Phase/Diameter
Whether you are a night owl or an early bird, you can enjoy colorful shapeshifting Luna, brilliant Jupiter and all the other heavenly treats shown in the map above!
| 4/25-27 | Waning Gibbous Moon: 12:30am, 1:15am, 2:00am |
| 4/28 | Last Quarter Moon: 2:30am |
| 4/29-5/1 | Waning Crescent Moon: 3:00am, 3:25am, 3:50am |
Reflections ~ Sagittarius, Jupiter, Pluto
April 25-27, Friday-Sunday, predawn's waning Gibbous Moon transits the constellation of Sagittarius the Cosmic Archer. The Moon first positions itself west of Jupiter on the spout of the teapot asterism south of telescopic Pluto. The following morning the Moon lies at the "teapot's" handle and finally just east of and near Jupiter at the eastern border of the constellation.
The Moon in the vicinity of brilliant Jupiter is a planetary treat for night owls and early birds, but its bright light does interfere with observing the stars of the constellation.
Note: The Moon conjoins Jupiter April 26 at 11:01pm PDT; 06:01 UT 4/27.
The celestial Centaur rides toward the light with the temporary support of Jupiter and the long lasting partnership of "invisible" Pluto. It's as if all three are directing humanity toward the inclusive Heart of our Galaxy (the 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 the constellation Sagittarius (2006 through 2020), 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.
Note: Pluto is retrograde (4/2/08-9/7/08). This means it is in a close orbital approach to Earth and its influence is more potent.
Jupiter ~ Planetary Treat During Taurus
Reflections ~ Wesak's 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 April 28, Monday, at 7:12am PDT; 14:12 UT.
Use the map above or this 5:30am map for orientation ...
April 28, Monday morning, the Last Quarter Moon enters the constellation Capricornus. Capricornus is aligning humanity with a new cycle of effort, initiation and service. It is tuning us to our immortal spirit and its earthly potential.
Capricornus reminds us, though lost in the light supernal, we turn our back on that light and journey back down the mountain to serve the radiant Life in the material world.
Reflections ~ Wesak's Waning Crescent Moon,
Neptune, Fomalhaut, Uranus
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.
Use the map above or this 5:30am map for orientation ...
April 29- May 1, predawn Tuesday-Thursday, the Moon transits a transformational triangle formed by telescopic Neptune, telescopic Uranus and the Royal Star, Fomalhaut, to the south.
The Moon conjoins Neptune 4/29 at 12:16pm PDT; 19:16 UT.
The Moon conjoins Uranus 5/1 at 1:14pm PDT; 20:14 UT.
These two planets, the southern Royal Star, Fomalhaut, and the transiting Moon are generating an awakening energy within humanity. Neptune at its highest brings in new spiritual insight; Uranus shakes us loose from constrictions, ultimately leading us to inclusiveness; Fomalhaut is associated with the transition of the ages from Pisces to Aquarius.
These energies are stimulating the freedom urge of our immortal spirit. Change is in the air! An evolutionary and revolutionary break with our outdated mortal ways is being called for. Awaken to the Essential Divinity in all. It's time to play in a brand new way!
Note: May 1 is Beltane , Global Love Day and there is a Global Ascension Meditation. Your conscious participation in these events can help make all things new!
BTW: May 2 Saturn is stationary direct 8:07pm PDT; 03:07 UT 5/3. In the following days watch it slowly move away from (east of) Regulus, the heart star of Leo the Lion. 5/2 9:30pm