Moon Dances
For the Northern Hemisphere
December 27, 2008-January 25, 2009

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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?

12/27 ~ A New Lunar Cycle Begins
12/28-31 ~ Luna's Smile Guides Us to 3 Planets
1/3-4 ~ First Quarter Moon ~ Transforming Evil Into Good
1/9-10 ~ The Twins Embrace Extra-Large Luna
1/12-14 ~ Leo's Luna and More!
1/17-22 ~ The Virgin Gives Birth ~ More Spiral Dancing!
The Capricorn Night Sky
The Aquarius Night Sky under construction
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
12 / 27 / 08		01 / 04/ 09		01 / 10 / 09		01 / 17 / 09
4:22amPST		3:56amPST		7:27pmPST		6:46pmPST
12:22 UT		11:56 UT		01 / 11/ 09		01 / 18 / 09
				03:27 UT		02:46 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

Rise/Set/Transit Times ~ Major Bodies

UT Time Conversion

A New Lunar Cycle Begins
Saturday, December 27– 4:22am PST; 12:22 UT
Pursuing Soul Purpose
A Demonstration of Divine Vision, Power, Flexibility

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 below the eastern horizon 3 hours before 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.

New Moon Reflections

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.

Kaus Borealis

The New Moon and Sun are in conjunction with Kaus Borealis, the star at the northern tip of the Archer's bow in the constellation Sagittarius. This star also marks the top of the Teapot asterism. Image of the Archer

It [Kaus Borealis] conveys a sense of strength and flexibility combined and this often shows up in the chart of people who can put force behind their reasoning, yet be flexible. The Living Stars by Dr. Eric Morse, p.94

Sagittarius, Pluto and Mars

Pluto and Mars pair up in the western end of Sagittarius above the tip of the Archer's arrow at the Gate of God, where the ecliptic and the galactic equator meet. Helpful Image

The Archer takes aim, zeroes in on the Light and Truth and knows the way to go. His useful intellect becomes illumined and with the intuitive perception is able to see a new type of goal. He unifies the dualities into a Divine re-union.

[Mars conjunct Pluto] Whatever task you take on, you will be able to work long and hard to accomplish it. You have the opportunity either to accomplish a great deal or to wreak havoc ... Robert Hand / Planets in Transit

At their highest these combined emanations give humanity strength, power, spiritual vision and the needed focus to make transformative changes in our world.

Solar Apex

North in the heavens above the New Moon, Sun, Pluto and Mars (not shown in the above map) lies the star Vega.

... what I really love about Vega is that it marks the direction our Sun and Earth are headed. In fact our Sun and Earth are racing towards Vega at the incredible speed of 12 miles per second ...

… At this speed it would take our sun almost a half billion years to reach it, if Vega wasn’t also moving. Astronomers call this point in space toward which our sun is rushing “The Apex of the Sun’s Way”. Star Gazer’s Script 2008 9/15-21 and Cartoon

Pluto and Mars remain in the vicinity of the Solar Apex (7° sidereal Sag), the tip of the Archer's arrow and Gate of God for one year. Nick Fiorenza gives the following insights about this planetary cycle.

Here we are asked to take aim and undauntingly pursue our ideals and dreams in total trust. To Believe! This amalgamation asks us to focus without hesitancy or doubt upon our soul purpose in life and to know that our unique paths, although often obscured, nest within the greater directive and in the spacetiming of the evolutionary cycle of the soul collective on Earth. Here we are asked to live true to our soul intent and to live and act in the now, in a moment-to-moment focus, undaunted, and in the zeropoint power of Divine Love. Nick Fiorenza 12/27/08-1/26/09 Lunar Planner

This lunar cycle is giving humanity the opportunity to demonstrate the existence of a Spiritual Hierarchy. Strength, flexibility, power, intuitive vision and transformation are gracing us from on high, so that we may pursue our soul's loving purpose in life.

Lunar Theme: Pursuing Soul Purpose ... A Demonstration of Divine Vision, Power, Flexibility

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

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Luna's Smile Guides Us to 3 Planets

December 28-29, Sunday and Monday at dusk, the two youngest whisker-thin Moons guide us to Mercury and Jupiter low on the southwestern horizon. Venus blazes above shining its light upon the elegant trio. These challenging observations are brief with Mercury setting just after 6:15pm. You'll need right timing and an unobstructed southwestern horizon; binoculars come in handy. Rise/Set Times

Dec 28-29 Map

Smiling Luna Visits Venus
Mercury Nestles Next to Jupiter

Image: Sky & Telescope Diagram

* Printable Image *

These scenes are drawn for the middle of North America. European observers: move each Moon symbol a quarter of the way toward the one for the previous date. Sky & Telescope

December 30, Tuesday, the slim Cheshire Moon smiles higher above Mercury and Jupiter and approaches Venus. Mercury nestles at the lower left side of Jupiter. The view begins disappearing around 6:20pm. Moonset: 8:00pm ~ Venus set: 8:45pm Note: Telescopic Neptune lies invisibly between the Crescent Moon and Venus.

December 31, New Year's Eve Wednesday, Mercury remains nestled next to Jupiter, now higher on the left side. Luna smiles to the upper right of Venus high above the horizon's planetary pair. Rise/Set Times ~ 5pm 12/31 Sky Chart

Additional December 31 events including two global meditations are listed in the Date Table.

Reflections ~ Waxing Crescent Moon

Overcoming obstacles to the new incoming awareness begins with the waxing Crescent Moon. What was conceived at the New Moon, Pursuing Soul Pupose ... A Demonstration of Divine Vision, Power, Flexibility, review above is now in the process of waxing or gestating.

Look Up! During these final days of the year and the beginning of a new lunar cycle, open your heart and mind to a new spiritual impulse (Neptune) that powerfully bridges the soul and personality (Mercury) and brings out the best in all (Jupiter) with a wise-love (Venus).

Sirius ~ Our New Year's Star

Planetary Treats During Capricorn
Venus ~ Jupiter ~ Mercury

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First Quarter Moon
Transforming Evil Into Good
Saturday-Sunday, January 3-4, 2009

Image: Goleta Air and Space Museum / Brian Lockett 2006

Reflections ~ First Quarter Moon,
Pisces, Algenib, Pegasus

The First Quarter Moon, exact January 4 at 3:56am PST; 11:56 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.

BTW: The Quadrantid meteor shower peaks Saturday morning, January 3. Look northeast, toward the handle of the Big Dipper, between 12:00am and dawn. There is no moonlight interference.

Use this 1/3 8pm Sky Chart for orientation ...

January 3/4, Saturday/Sunday night, the First Quarter Moon lies in a dark sky surrounded by the faint stars of Pisces, the constellation of the World Savior. 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

Above Pisces lies the Square of Pegasus. 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 the Flying Horse have the innate capacity for spiritualization and for inverting evil into good. The Quarter Moon transits the star Algenib found in the constellation Pegasus.

… fortuitous Algenib of the Great Square of Pegasus. Algenib, the wing of Pegasus, inspires us to lift ourselves above the emotional dramatics of the mortal world which feed our fear and keep us entrapped. Nick Fiorenza

Open to the emanations of Pisces, Alegnib and Pegasus as obstacles arise. Transform evil into good. Ride the wings of your soul toward the Light and through the gates of Paradise. The Light returns through you, a self-consecrated human being, who pursues the soul's purpose and is a manifestation of the Divine on Earth.

January 4, Sunday night, the waxing Moon journeys easterly through the constellation Pisces below the constellation Andromeda. Continue to take action by transforming evil into good!

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The Twins Embrace Extra-Large Luna
The Great Winter Hexagon and the Winter Triangle Rise in the East
Venus Is Dazzling in the Southwest
The Northern Cross Stands Upright in the Northwest
Whole Sky: Saturday, January 10 – 7:30pm

Image: Heavens-Above / Photoshop

* Printable Image *

Use this star map:
January 10 at 7:30pm
January 25 at 6:30pm*
* Venus joins telescopic Uranus;
the New Moon is not seen.

Rise and Set Times

Full Moon Exact: January 10 at 7:27pm PST; 03:27 UT 1/11

2009’s Biggest Full Moon and More!

This perigee Full Moon promises to be visually as stunning as December’s Full Moon, the largest of 2008, though it is slightly further from Earth and technically smaller. The Moon rides high in the sky opposite the winter Sun. It can be seen rising in the northeast at sunset, overhead at 1:00am and setting in the northwest at sunrise. See The Winter Solstice to learn more about the paths of the Sun and Moon. Watch out for those high tides!

Biggest Full Moon of the Year: Take 2

Venus is spectacular in the southwest. Blazing at magnitude -4.4, the gorgeous planet reaches its maximum greatest elongation of 47º on January 14 and achieves greatest brilliancy at magnitude -4.8 on February 19. Venus is high enough and bright enough now to cast shadows on the ground and a glow on the water! Look down and around! Learn more from this 2005 NASA Article.

Look northwest to see the Northern Cross standing upright on the horizon. Deneb, the top star of the Cross, is also the tail of Cygnus the Swan and the eastern point of the Summer Triangle, which is now disappearing below the horizon.

The Winter Triangle nestles within the Great Winter Hexagon. Luna's floodlight brilliance may interfere with locating all 7 brightest stars that make up these geometric gems. Look Up! What can you see? Look again another night, when Luna's light is out of sight! Navigate with Orion!

Reflections ~ 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.

The Full Moon is exact January 10 at 7:27pm PST; 03:27 UT 1/11

Full Moon Global Meditation
SouledOut.org invites you to participate
in the Capricorn Radiant Life Meditation

What was conceived at the New Moon, Pursuing Soul Purpose ... A Demonstration of Divine Vision, Power, Flexibility, review above now comes to fruition and is birthed into the full light of our conscious minds.

Reflections ~ Full Moon's Position

January 9-10, Friday-Saturday, the Gemini Twins embrace extra-large Luna. Review the Map above. The waxing Gibbous Moon first lies at the legs of Castor and the exact Full Moon at the torso of Pollux.

The Gemini Twins though opposites, Castor representing the earthly personality and Pollux the heavenly soul, innately cooperate for the benefit of the whole.

The role of the Twins is one of linking and uniting the mission of the soul into and through our incarnate daily affairs and mode of participating in the world. The Twins work hand-in-hand for the betterment and evolutionary fulfillment of humankind. Nick Fiorenza

Gemini keeps the interplay of energies between dualities active and flowing so that eventually they reach synthesis and unity. Gemini is sometimes called "the constellation of the resolution of duality into a fluid synthesis." Alice Bailey / Esoteric Astrology, pg. 347

Gemini at its highest represents a sacred union of the earthly and divine fires within; these "twin flames" unite as one in the heart. Castor the mortal twin with his heart ablaze, transforms evil into good and overcomes death because of the sacred covenant he has with his divine, immortal twin.

The Moon located in the constellation Gemini is also positioned within the Great Winter Hexagon, a celestial sacred shape made up of stars that guide the way and expand the heart. It lies over the Milky Way like a lens that leads to a place of Holy Communion. The Lakota other Plains Indians call this hexagon the Sacred Hoop and consider it to be extremely auspicious when the Moon and planets move through the Hoop. (To learn more search this article for THE SACRED HOOP.)

Reflections ~ Full Moon's Illumination

The Full Moon during the sign of Capricorn is illuminated by the Sun in the constellation Sagittarius.

The mountaintop experience associated with Capricorn represents a new cycle of effort, one that gives full expression to the earthly nature with immense spiritual possibilities. It opens the doorway to our divine head center and the immortal life of spirit.

Sagittarius the cosmic Archer takes aim, intuitively zeroes in on the Light and Truth and knows the way to go. He unifies the dualities into a Divine re-union.

In Summary

This lunar cycle's pursuit of the soul leads us to a really FULL auspicious Moon with the potential to manifest the sacred union of our "twin flames". With the cooperation of our soul and personality during Capricorn and the beginning of a new year, we are able to demonstrate a new cycle of spiritual effort that gives our earthly nature its full divine expression.

The illuminating Archer reminds us that it is humanity's intuitive perception, which leads to Divine re-union and the evolutiion of the fourth human kingdom into the fifth spiritual kingdom.

When the dual forces of the cosmic brothers (Gemini) become the energy of the one who rides towards the light (Sagittarius) then the fourth becomes the fifth. Humanity, the link, becomes the Hierarchy, the bestower of all good. Then all the Sons [and Daughters] of God rejoice. Alice Bailey / Esoteric Astrology, pg. 56

The Divine seeks us, as we seek the Divine. We are lifted higher and higher. We know a great change is occurring within us, and in all our realms of experience. Capricorn Radiant Life Meditation

Ponder the Demonstrated Existence of Our Spiritual Hierarchy.

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Leo's Luna Leads Us to Saturn
Saturn Opposes Uranus ~ Venus Is at Greatest Elongation

Image: Sky & Telescope Diagram altered with Adobe Photoshop

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

* Printable Image *

These scenes are drawn for the middle of North America. European observers: move each Moon symbol a quarter of the way to the one for the previous date. In the Far East, move them halfway. Sky & Telescope

Note: Early Birds can view Leo's Luna in the west before sunrise. Use this sky chart (generated for San Francisco) and enter dates to see the Moon's predawn location in relation to Saturn. By morning the Moon has moved a little east of the position shown on the image above. Generate a sky chart specific to your location.

The Moon conjoins Saturn 1/14 at 11:32pm PST; 07:32 UT 1/15.

Reflections ~ Waning Gibbous Luna, Leo the Lion

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.

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 and represents a Higher Law of Spirit. Leo's illumination prepares one for participation in the New Group of World Servers.

In the constellation Leo a backward question mark of stars curves up from Regulus, the Lion-Hearted Lawgiver. 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; Regulus the Lawgiver can then stimulate a response in humanity that expresses the quality known as love-wisdom.

Saturn in Leo brings about tests of leadership, honesty and integrity. With the planet currently positioned in the hindquarters of the Lion, we are bound to experience the hot air and foul breezes of our leaders and lawmakers! Denebola, the Lion’s tail star known as the changer, demands evolution. Saturn and the Moon influencing this star can create a powerful reaction and when the Lion's tail "wags" (is stimulated) swift judgment is passed and changes occur. Be aware! It's time to wake up to the Soul's Higher Law and take a stand for honesty, integrity and leadership in the world.

Saturn is retrograde 12/31/08 - 5/15/09. From now until May humanity has a "great opportunity to reformulate structures of belief that may be holding us back and to build new structures that easily support authentic expressions of our true radiant divine nature. Practices that support genuine self-love are especially helpful." Shamanic Astrology

Reflections ~ Saturn Opposes Uranus

Saturn and Uranus remain within a 2-3 degree opposition of each other. Their first exact pass took place on the USA's election day, November 4, 2008. Four more exact passes occur ... February 5 and September 15, 2009 ... April 26 and July 26, 2010.

The Saturn - Uranus cycle spans approximately 45 1/2 years. The last time this aspect occurred was 1964-1967. Major transformations of social order and customs. The Civil Rights Act of 1964. Johnson wins the presidential election by a landslide. Protests against the Vietnam War. The Beatles first tour of the USA. Widespread experimentation with mind-altering substances. "The sexual revolution". That just skims the surface! Fascinating and complex for the generation born during that time that are now experiencing major upheaval and reconfiguration in their lives.

We are at a threshold of new social, religious and cultural order. The threshold is a process which lasts about 2 years. The changes are at once swift as well as frustratingly slow. The crises we face awakens us to broaden our perspective of our collective, the larger whole of which each one of us is a part. Reassessment, coming to terms with responsibility and commitment and the roles we assume in our relationships, social and professional lives. Evolving maturity, seeking resolution. Bright ideas, innovation, technology. Contradiction. Laughter. New creative force. Lightening in the dark. Conflict and struggle. Revolution.

Our allies are the willingness to change, innovation, practicality, resourcefulness and compassion. Breakthrough to what's new! Jacqueline Lasahn ... AstroFlash 10/30/08

Saturn ~ Planetary Treats During Capricorn

 

Reflections ~ Venus at Greatest Elongation

Venus now rises high above the southwestern horizon and is at its maximum distance east of the Sun (47º) January 14. This is known as its greatest elongation. It lies in the constellation of Aquarius and is moving toward telescopic Uranus. Its brilliant emanations are impressing humankind as it blazes high in the night sky.

The modern day Aquarian is believed to be ruled by Uranus, the agent of awakening and electric change. Venus conjoins Uranus January 22 at 5:02pm PST; 01:02 UT 1/23. During this planetary transit humanity seeks excitement and new experiences through love and creativity.

The esoteric ruler of Aquarius is Jupiter. An esoteric ruler bestows the spiritual support for the Life Force / Personality. Venus is presently assisting Jupiter in anchoring the spiritual qualities of Aquarius on Earth.

Venus in Aquarius ... As Venus joins with Jupiter in this position, it is a placement which embodies a tremendous blessing and a most powerful potential for the distribution of the Second Ray of Love/Wisdom in human relations. The mind is inspired to work towards the creation of those technical advances which serve to provide a pathway for Jupiter’s Love to enter the life stream of humanity. As a rule, one [with Venus in Aquarius] is especially developed in the ability to view people in all categories. This permits an immediate attunement to the inter-connectedness of diverse peoples and groups. On the personality level, Venus in Aquarius may indicate a diffused quality in the way one relates to friends and associates. On the soul-centred level, however, a person radiates Love in all directions whilst maintaining an anchored centre as a stable focus for networking. Estosteric Venus

Ponder Love-Wisdom, a quality that is crucial for the demonstrated existence of the "Christed Ones" on Earth.

Venus ~ Planetary Treats During Capricorn

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Last Quarter Moon ~ The Virgin Gives Birth
Exact: Saturday, January 17 - 6:46pm PST; 03:46 UT 1/18
Moonrise: Sunday, January 18 - 1:00am
Waning Crescent Moon ~ More Spiral Dancing!
Dawn Tuesday-Thursday, January 20-22

Image: Goleta Air and Space Museum / Brian Lockett 2006

Reflections ~ Last Quarter Moon,
The Virgin Gives Birth

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 Saturday, January 17, at 6:46pm PST; 03:46 UT 1/18. It can be seen rising in the east around 1:00am January 18.

Note: Anyone can view the "inexact" Last Quarter Moon overhead in the day sky at sunrise and sinking in the southwest until moonset around 11:00am.

Waning Luna is positioned at the thighs of Virgo the Virgin, just east of the star Spica, representing the Virgin's womb. The emanations of this constellation allow the soul to grow and emerge within humanity, finally giving birth to the Christ consciousness, or full soul awareness, in the zodiac's polar opposite constellation Pisces.

It's as if the Virgin is giving birth to the Last Quarter Moon, and the essential divinity of humanity is being born anew on Earth. This birthing process is calling for change. How are the discoveries of this lunar cycle preparing you for a spiritual rebirth? How can you better pursue your soul's purpose? What changes are you prepared to make in your life in order that your spirit may thrive? The experiences of the Full Moon have culminated. It’s time to prepare for renewal.

Reflections ~ Waning Crescent Moon,
the Scorpion's Spiral Dance

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.

January 20-22, dawn Tuesday-Thursday, the diminishing Crescent Moon transits the cosmic Scorpion, Scorpius. Map

Note: The Moon occults Antares in daylight on Wednesday, January 21 for much of South America. Map/Timetable

The burning ground of Scorpius activates the transformative power within us and influences a turning point in the life of humanity and in the life of the individual human being. It reorients the personality to the life of the soul.

To be spiritually reborn we must die to that which no longer serves the soul and give birth to a greater good. In the realm of the Scorpion we partake in an evolutionary spiral dance of death and life. Ultimately we rise like the Phoenix and walk the Earth as a Christed One, demonstrating the soul's love, vision, power, creativity and flexilibity.

As this lunar cycle comes to an end, take some time to celebrate and bless humanity's spiritual birthing process.

See Date Table for additional events. Sky Chart 1/23 7am

January 25, Sunday, a New Moon annular solar eclipse occurs at 11:55pm PST; 07:55 UT 1/26. Stay tuned for 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

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Getting Started in Astronomy
Includes a downloadable Moon map and bimonthly star charts.

At Skymaps.com download a current monthly guide, evening sky map & calendar.

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

Spaceweather.com keeps you looking up!

Click here for a printable date table.
For a print-friendly version of this page click here.
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