Moon
Dances Click
here for
a printable date
table. 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?
Click on the Moon links for meditative insights and additional information.
A New Lunar Cycle Begins east–left, west–right, north–top, south–bottom
Total Solar Eclipse August 1 the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth and eclipses (hides) the Sun for millions of observers in northern Canada, Greenland, Russia, Siberia, Mongolia and China. The total eclipse begins at sunrise in Canada (09:21:07 UT), peaks midday in central Russia (10:21:08 UT), and ends at sunset in China (11:21:28 UT). Totality Path Viewers near Novosibirsk, Russia witness peak totality, which lasts just under 2 1⁄2 minutes. A total solar eclipse is produced when the New Moon crosses directly in front of the Sun and is close enough to Earth to appear bigger than the Sun; hence, the Moon when viewed from Earth is able to completely cover the Sun.
As the Moon journeys in front of the Sun, a lunar shadow is cast upon the Earth. Although millions experience a total solar eclipse August 1, billions witness a partial eclipse, when the Moon covers only part of the Sun.
Maps and Info ~ Eclipse Animation Anyone can observe the total eclipse broadcasted live online at 3:00am PDT; 10:00 UT on NASA TV. You may also want to check out these additional webcasts. Watch
the Replay ~ View
the Eclipse Images BTW: Eclipses tend to come in pairs with solar and lunar complementing each other. The August 16 Full Moon is a partial lunar eclipse. Stay tuned to this edition of Moon Dances for details and reflections. Eclipse Frequency Reflections ~ Solar Eclipse A solar eclipse is always a supercharged New Moon that marks new beginnings. A new awareness is being offered to us by our shadow self, the dark void, the infinite unknown. This eclipse is a personal and global opportunity and challenge to come into a new balance and level of wholeness.
Reflections ~ The Sirius / Leo New Moon The Sirius / Leo Festival is celebrated at the Full Moon occurring during the Sun sign of Leo. This great world Festival and its lunar cycle are dedicated to the task of making contact with the evolutionary forces of Sirius, our Spiritual Sun and brightest star in the heavens. The influences of Sirius are focused through the star Regulus, the heart of the Lion, found in the constellation Leo. Awareness of the Leo-Sirius connection has a unifying effect on all of humanity and its world religions. During this time Soul-infused, focused humanity has the opportunity to align with the greater cosmic energies beyond our solar system. 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, Beehive, Review the above map … The New Moon, Sun and Mercury lie in conjunction with the Beehive star cluster (M44) also known as the Manger and Praesepe. It is found at the heart of the constellation of Cancer.
Like the scarab rising out of its dung or the lotus rising out of the mud we can emerge from the darkness into the lighted house of the Christ consciousness, the Group Soul (Manger/Beehive). The emanations of Mercury illuminate the higher mind creating a link between the Soul and the personality. Mercury conditions the personality life and creates Divine messengers. Mercury along with the Sun and Moon are activating Leo the Lion and it's three residing planets, Venus, Saturn and Mars. These planets are found respectively at the head, belly and tail of the cosmic Lion. They are preparing us to work together with the will and purpose of Deity, as they potently underscore Leo's Law of the Soul. Learn more about Leo and these planets in the text below the following star map. In Summary The order of our lives is being challenged with this supercharged New Moon. The infinite unknown is offering humanity a new awareness and the evolutionary forces of Sirius are impressing us. An alignment with the greater cosmic energies is possible; these heavenly powers are beckoning us. We are being guided through a doorway of higher consciousness and are being prepared to work with the will and purpose of Deity. There is no turning back. We are emerging from the darkness. Radiant
Life Global Meditation Mercury ~ Planetary Treat During Leo
The
Lion’s Twilight
Challenge
The Lion’s Twilight Challenge There is a 4 planet line-up low on the western horizon just after sunset. Three of the planets lie in the constellation Leo the Lion. The observation is challenging and binoculars are a must, though they may not be good enough to see the entire view. You’ll need a flat unobstructed horizon, clear skies and right timing. Rise & Set Times
August 1, Friday just after sunset, those in the Pacific Time Zone might be able to see the youngest Moon on the very night of the New Moon! Luna lies below and to the right of Venus. Scan the unobstructed horizon with binoculars or a telescope. The Moon sets in a light sky about 8:40pm, only 20 minutes after the Sun. August 2, Saturday just after sunset, a sliver of a Moon lies between Venus and Saturn, near Regulus, which requires a telescope for viewing. Luna sets about 9:10pm. How many planets can you see? August 3, Sunday just after sunset, a slim Moon guides us to Mars. Look above Luna to view the planet with binoculars. Good luck and clear skies! Moonset: 9:35pm. BTW: Look southeast on any of the above days to view easy to see brilliant Jupiter east of the Sagittarius teapot. The cosmic Scorpion lies in the south with its red heart star Antares. 8/1 8:30pm Sky Chart Look for the Summer Triangle north of Jupiter. Star Gazer's fun 1-minute video reveals a binocular view above the Scorpion's stinger. Reflections
~ Leo the Lion, Leo the Lion’s highest expression is the fully integrated personality who stands out from the "herd" and is ignited by the fire of Divine Will. The Light of Leo is the Light of the Soul. Its illumination prepares one for participation in the New Group of World Servers. Ancient cultures associated Regulus, the heart and brightest star in Leo the Lion, with the concept of royalty or kingly power. We know it as the Ruler, the Lawgiver. Regulus, the Lion-Hearted Lawgiver, focuses the evolutionary energies of Sirius and the Christ consciousness toward Earth, acting as a regulator for these liberating emanations. In the constellation Leo a backward question mark of stars curves up from Regulus. It represents the Lion's chest, majestic mane and head, this pattern is also called the Sickle. The Sickle has the ability to cut through confusion; the Royal, Lion-Hearted Lawgiver can then stimulate a response in humanity that expresses the higher Law of the Soul, the quality known as love-wisdom. Currently Venus, Saturn and Mars are potently activating Regulus and Leo the Lion. See map above. These celestial bodies are preparing us to work with the will of Deity by bringing forth the liberating Law of the Soul. Venus and the cosmic Lion bring into human awareness unjust relationships based on favoritism; together they create right relationship, which manifests the divine essence in all. Saturn in Leo brings about tests of leadership, honesty and integrity. Mars in the Lion's den, results in a difficult battle of transformation, when the dynamic vitality and creative urges of the lower self must come under the direction of the Soul. Mars positioned at Leo's tail star, Denebola the Changer, makes this especially so. Leo the Lion and its three planets shine their energies down upon us during the daylight hours while most of us are awake and about. They are "invisibly" influencing humanity's daily activities. Watch soul force increase and old ways die, as these cosmic forces do their part in helping us emerge from darkness.
Venus ~ Planetary Treat During Leo Saturn ~ Planetary Treat During Leo Mars~ Planetary Treat During Leo
The Moon Moves Toward Jupiter Sky Chart Notes Though the sky is still pretty light at 9:00pm, use binoculars to spot dim Mars and Saturn low in the west. Each day at 9:00pm, Saturn is seen lower on the horizon until it disappears from view 8/11. Mars, sinking much slower, remains at about the same altitude during the week.
The Moon anywhere in the vicinity of Jupiter is a dazzling delight. Three birds soar in a summer triangle above this gaseous giant planet. They fly the stream of the Milky Way (more below). Image Lyra at the western point of the triangle is frequently visualized as a vulture or eagle; its beak is the star Vega. Cygnus at the eastern point is a swan and its tail is the star Deneb. Aquila at the southern point is an eagle; Altair is its head star. The
sky view moves west 15º/hour. Look Up! Can you see the Milky Way? The Milky Way sweeps from Scorpius in the south to Cassiopeia in the north. The Summer Triangle lies overhead in the center of its star-filled sweep. A dark sky away from the city is needed to view the Milky Way. Moonlight can interfere with the observation.
Check Out Scorpius! Look for this cosmic scorpion, a sprawling "j" shaped constellation, in the southwest at sunset. Antares is the red heart star of Scorpius. Can you find the Scorpion's missing claws (now the constellation Libra) and its two stinger stars, sometimes called cat's eyes? Use binoculars to see M6 and M7 above the stinger. Track Bunny's Footprints in Scorpius throughout the year! Can you now name the two stars that the Scorpion, Kitty and Bunny have in common? Reflections
~ Waxing Crescent Moon, As
the Moon grows in the light provided by our Sun, Overcoming obstacles to the new incoming awareness begins with the waxing Crescent Moon. What was conceived at the New Moon, Emerging from Darkness, review above, is now in the process of waxing or gestating. August 6, Wednesday, the waxing Crescent Moon lies to the south (left) of Spica. Spica symbolizing the sacred womb of Virgo the Virgin, accepts and nourishes the seed of Arcturus, the herder of the Divine Will, emanating from the 7 rishis of the Big Dipper in Ursa Major. The emanations from Virgo nurture and shield the hidden divinity of each one of us. Namaste! Reflections ~ First Quarter Moon The First Quarter Moon, exact August 8 at 1:20pm PDT; 20:20 UT, squares the Sun at a 90-degree angle and brings up a tension between desires and emotions, as we struggle for fulfillment. Ideally any obstacles impeding the awareness conceived at the New Moon are overcome at this time. What new life is emerging within? Initiate actions that help it grow. August 7-8, Thursday-Friday, the First Quarter Moon moves through the constellation Libra. The missing claws of Scorpius have become Libra, the razor edged path, where neither spirit nor matter dominates. It is the path that brings forth the "cutting edge" ideas that transform our world. A point of balance is required. Choose the Libran Way, which synthesizes duality with compassion and the right use of the pairs of opposites. Reflections
~ Waxing
Gibbous Moon, Scorpius, 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. Review the above map … August 9-10, Saturday-Sunday, Gibbous Luna transits Scorpius, the cosmic Scorpion. Luna first lies at the head of the Scorpion and then passes to the east of its red heart star, Antares. When the Moon transits the burning ground of Scorpius, it activates the transformative power within us, the Kundalini Fire of Life. Scorpius is the seat of the coiled serpent power and Antares the serpent itself ready to be enlivened. Opposite Antares in the zodiacal wheel lies Aldebaran, the illuminating eye of Taurus the Bull, the star of enlightenment. Antares wields the Fire of God by its connection to Aldebaran. The Aldebaran / Antares axis is activated by the Moon's presence. Aldebaran emanates a governing vision for humanity, while Antares keeps the enlightened vision of the people current, ensuring growth, evolution and change. This political balancing act keeps expanding our mortal limits, often through conflict that ultimately brings harmony. Compassion and cooperation ease humanity's transition to Divine Governance and its emergence from darkness.
Reflections
~ Sagittarius Sagittarius rides toward the light, bound for the Heart of our Galaxy (Galactic Center). This Zen Archer along with Jupiter and Pluto are impressing humanity to aim for the spiritual vision that expands our hearts and minds, which includes the “Whole” Truth that unites us all. This vision is essential for emerging from the darkness. Sagittarius Keynote Review the above map … August 11/12, Monday night / Tuesday morning, the Moon enters the realm of the Archer and marks the bulging Heart of the Milky Way Galaxy. Nearby, "invisible" telescopic Pluto the agent of death brings unrelenting transformation to humanity's most basic belief structures. Resistance is futile.
Pluto retrograde (4/2-9/7) insists we face and release the past in order to move forward. Breakdown, overhaul, repair and healing can be expected. Pluto is named for the Greek god of wealth. When Pluto and the galactic center are in conjunction, wealth is symbolically joining the heart of our galaxy. The recent budding of abundance consciousness relates to Pluto’s galactic center alignment. Potential effects of this lengthy Pluto transit (2005-08) are the proper sharing of the world’s resources and the liberation of money for visionary services on Earth. The Perseid Meteor Shower peaks this night. Begin looking northeast at 9:00pm, best viewing around 2:00am. Our hero Perseus, in the process of initiation and self-mastery, has the ability to transform and transcend darkness. With this heroic spirit raise any obstacles and inner demons into the light. Take action for the greater good by moving beyond judgment. Claim true personal power to complete the greater mission and purpose of the Soul. Review the above map … August 12, Tuesday, Gibbous Luna approaches Jupiter from the west. The star Nunki lies between them. This star represents the vane of the Archer's arrow. Open to its guiding and stabilizing force that ensures the spiritual target is reached. The Moon moves closer to Jupiter as the night unfolds conjoining the planet 8/13 at 7:43am PDT; 14:43 UT. August 13, Wednesday, the Moon and Jupiter form a striking triangle with Altair the head of Aquila the Eagle. This royal bird of Jupiter (Zeus) soars above representing vision and freedom, lifting humanity into the realms of higher mind and intuition. Jupiter retrograde (4/2-9/6) can deepen one's intuition and wisdom and cause one to re-evaluate what has meaning in life. Watch this lunar triangle expand the next few nights with the Moon's easterly movement. Altair is also the southern point of the Summer Triangle, the Milky Way's transformational gateway leading one on the path to unity. Look to this area of the heavens. Allow the realm of the Archer to expand your heart and mind with a divine vision. Know that beneficent Jupiter bridges our solar system with the cosmos, producing wisdom and the externalization of the divine Plan on Earth. Look Up! Receive the blessings of our solar system, galaxy and beyond! Open to humanity's divine destiny. BTW: Saturn and Venus are at their closest setting in the west by 9:00pm. Map Their sobering energies of love shine down upon us during the daylight hours. Jupiter ~ Planetary Treat During Leo
Full Moon ~ Partial Lunar Eclipse east–left, west–right, north–top, south–bottom
Partial Lunar Eclipse August 16 the Earth passes between the Sun and Moon and its shadow partially eclipses (hides) the Moon. Observers in Africa, the Middle East and parts of western Asia and Russia have the best view. North Americans miss seeing this eclipse except for those in a small northeastern part of the continent. The event lasts 3 hours. It begins at 19:36 UT, peaks at 21:10 UT and ends at 22:44 UT. At maximum, 81% of the Moon is in the umbra, the deepest darkest shadow of the Earth. This is expected to change the color the Moon. Maps and Info ~ Eclipse Animation ~ Shadow Zones Live
Webcasts ~ 12:30pm PDT; 19:30 UT Reflections ~ Lunar Eclipse This lunar cycle, which began with a solar eclipse is now culminating with a lunar eclipse! Darkness appears where light once was. The perception of our lives is changing; a previously unknown dimension is revealing itself.
A lunar eclipse is a supercharged Full Moon. It is a time of endings, culmination points and major changes.
How To Deal With Eclipses ~ Eclipse Frequency Reflections ~ The Sirius / Leo 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. The Full Moon is exact 2:16pm PDT; 21:16 UT. What was conceived at the New Moon, Emerging from Darkness, review above now comes to fruition and is birthed into the full light of our conscious minds. During the Sirius / Leo Festival, the Soul Light within us is ever increasingly aware of the spiritual light emanating from Sirius. This great Sirian light is becoming more available, bringing to us a new opportunity, a new path. The Sirius / Leo Festival prepares humanity and in turn planet Earth for perfection and ultimate cosmic service, bringing us into contact with the Heart of God. Full
Moon Global Meditation Reflections
~ The Full Moon's Position Review the map above ... The Full Moon lies just east of Neptune, having exactly conjoined the planet and occulted it for observers in NE Africa, E Europe, W and central Asia less than 3 hours earlier at 11:24am PDT; 18:24 UT. The exact Full Moon lies at the border of Capricornus and Aquarius. The Moon is activating the diagonal line-up of Altair, Neptune and Fomalhaut. The emanations of Neptune and its constellation Capricornus tune us to a higher frequency of Spirit and its potential earthly expression. Altair, head of Aquila the Eagle, brings vision and freedom; Fomalhaut prepares humanity for the new age, as it drinks from the jug of Aquarius. This alignment pours new Life into humanity creating opportunities that make the spirit soar.
As the hours progress, the Full Moon enters the constellation Aquarius while it continues to transit Fomalhaut. The Moon and Fomalhaut are next seen diagonally aligning with Delphinus the Dolphin and then with Enif the nose of Pegasus the Flying Horse.
Allow serendipity to guide your way in a seemingly groundless world. Surrender your reasoning mind to the Divine Intelligence that flows through the universe. Make the leap to intuition and awaken to the promptings of essential divinity and the group soul.
Reflections ~ Full Moon's Illumination The Full Moon during Leo is illuminated by the Sun in the constellation of Leo, approaching Regulus the heart of this cosmic Lion. The Sun and Regulus are at their closest August 22-23. In addition, Saturn, Mercury and Venus, positioned in the belly of the Leo the Lion, are in very close proximity to each other. In review, Regulus, the Lion-Hearted Lawgiver, focuses the evolutionary energies of Sirius and the Christ consciousness toward Earth, acting as a regulator for the liberating energies of love-wisdom.
Leo the Lion’s highest expression is the fully integrated personality ignited by the fire of Divine Will. The self-awareness gained in Leo opens the door to the group service of Aquarius, which stands opposite Leo in the zodiacal wheel. The three planets in the Lion's Den are preparing us to work with the will of Deity by bringing forth the Law of the Soul, each in their own unique way. Venus and Leo bring an end to favoritism by creating right relationship. Saturn in Leo brings about tests of leadership, honesty and integrity. Mercury the personality's bridge to the soul can aid in soulic manifestation while in Leo. Whew! The Higher Law of Sirius and Leo the Lion is roaring through our solar system and it is bound to shake us to our core!
In Summary The Lunar theme, Emerging from Darkness, continues to be impressed and affirmed with the Full Moon. Both the solar and lunar eclipses reveal a dark or unknown dimension that is emerging into the light. The lunar eclipse suggests that our limited material viewpoint holds us in the darkness. This is the time for humanity to expand its awareness and align with the heart and soul, the Higher Law and its quality of love-wisdom.
This is a cycle of supercharged beginnings and endings. Expect surprising circumstances to challenge the order of life as shadow and covert energies are illuminated. Know that new impulses of spiritually potent energies are reshaping lives, leaving a feeling of groundlessness. It is time to open to transcendent guidance, to release the limitations and control of the reasoning mind and take the intuitive leap. Trust in the Divine Intelligence flowing through the universe and allow serendipity to bring safe passage. Expand awareness beyond the Earth and the solar system. Be receptive to the cosmic evolutionary forces of Sirius and a new Aquarian path of opportunity and service.
August 17-18, Sunday-Monday, the Moon approaches then passes Uranus. It exactly conjoins the planet Monday at 4:13pm PDT; 23:13 UT. Review the map above. Uranus evokes the freedom urge and shakes us loose from constrictions, ultimately leading us to inclusiveness. Uranus reaches opposition September 12 and is retrograde until November 26. This means we feel its energies more potently, down to our core and into the comfortable places in our lives. Review the Full Moon summary.
Luna Visits the Bull and the Twins
Reflections ~ Last Quarter Moon, Taurus the Bull 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 July 23, Saturday, at 4:49pm PDT; 23:49 UT.
Predawn Luna wanes as she transits the constellation Taurus the Bull August 23-25. This cosmic Bull is fully risen, low in the east-northeast by 1:30am. The enlightened mind is the gift of Taurus when one transforms desire into spiritual aspiration. Luna emphasizes our emergence. August 23, Saturday morning, the Last Quarter Moon lies to the west of the sparkling Pleiades, also known as the Seven Sisters. The famous star cluster marks the shoulder of Taurus the Bull and can be viewed paired with the Moon from its rising at midnight until dawn's early light. The Pleiades align us with Buddhi or universal mind; they transmit the Light of God into our minds, enabling God's light to descend on Earth. August 24, Sunday morning, the Quarter Moon lies northeast of Aldebaran, the eye of the Bull. The Pleiades can be seen to the west; the star Elnath lies to the east. This view can be seen from 1:00am until dawn. Aldebaran, truly the "Bull’s eye" star of enlightenment, holds a vision that is seeded by the Pleiades. It is a divine ideal that can aid humanity’s evolutionary process through its political systems. August 25, Monday morning, a Crescent Moon lies east of (below) Elnath. Look east 1:00am - dawn. Elnath, the northern horn tip (upper) horn of Taurus the Bull, is also a southern star in the constellation Auriga. 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. Elnath represents perseverance, breakthroughs and expanded horizons. It is aligned with the heart of our galaxy and its blessings. As the waning Moon transits this area of the sky, know that along with our personal, national and global struggles comes the hope of breakthroughs and positive change. Know that divinity, the soul, is part of humanity and spiritual aspiration brings enlightenment. Invoke the divine essence and its illuminating light during all struggles. This action initiates change and the emergence from darkness. Reflections ~ Waning Crescent Moon, Gemini Twins 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. August 26-27, Tuesday-Wednesday morning, Luna's thinning Crescent first lies above Gemini's knee star Mebsuta and then aligns diagonally with the Twin stars, Pollux and Castor. Moonrise: 1:45am, 3:15am Mebsuta means treading under feet. This relates to triumphant Castor the mortal twin, who has overcome death and transformed evil into good because of the sacred covenant he has with his divine twin, Pollux. As Luna transits the Gemini Twins we are reminded that each of us has an inner divine twin with whom we can make a covenant and work together to bring out the best in all situations. This sacred bond lifts us from darkness into the glory of Heaven on Earth. Take a moment to strengthen the bond with your divine Self. Be reborn in the Light!
A New Moon occurs August 30 at 12:58pm PDT; 19:58 UT. Stay tuned for the next edition of Moon Dances. This edition will be limited because it's time for me to take a vacation! May the greatest good come forth!
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