Moon Dances
For the Northern Hemisphere
February 24-March 26, 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?

2/24-25 ~ A New Lunar Cycle Begins
2/26-28 ~ Luna's Last Evening Smile for the Goddess
3/3-4 ~ First Quarter Luna Rides the Bull
3/8-13 ~ Leo the Lion ~ Large Luna ~ “Lord-of-Less-Rings”
3/16-20 ~ Last Quarter Moon ~ Galactic Center
3/22-26 ~ Luna's Predawn Planetary Treats ~ A Rare Venus!
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
2 / 24 / 09		3 /3 / 09		3 /10 / 09		3/ 18 / 09
5:35pmPST		11:46pmPST		7:38pmPDT		10:47amPDT
2 / 25 / 09		3 /4 / 09		3 /11 / 09		17:47 UT
01:35 UT		07:46 UT		02:38UT

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
Tuesday, February 24 – 5:35pm PST (01:35 UT 2/25)
Creating a Wholesome Human Condition

Image: Distant Suns / Adobe Photoshop

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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 western horizon about a half hour before 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.

New Moon Reflections

With every New Moon our soul goes into meditation and aligns with the inspiration of the Nirmanakayas; 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.

The New Moon and Sun lie in the constellation Aquarius, which focuses the attention of humanity on the good of the whole; its energies allow the soul and spirit to express through substance. Neptune lies to the west and Uranus to the east. As the hours unfold, the Moon journeys eastward transiting the stars Fomalhaut in the south and Markab in the north.

With Neptune in the constellation Capricornus we want to actually accomplish (Capricorn) our dreams (Neptune). We want to rebuild structures or create a new ones. This constellation and planet are known to open the doorway to the head center and bestow humanity with divine purpose and vision.

Uranus is opposite Saturn. During the opposition of these two planets, energies build up and create crises that ultimately free the human spirit from oppressive life structures and dull routines. One must find a balance between Saturn's order, discipline, predictability and Uranus' change and original experience.

Fomalhaut, at the mouth of the great Southern Fish, Pisces Austrinus, drinks from the jug of Aquarius. This star is associated with the transition of the ages from Pisces to Aquarius.

Fomalhaut, one the "Four Royal Architects," [Royal Stars] inspires future vision for an evolved humanitarian-based society. ... Fomalhaut promotes the flow of resources within the human populous that creates a wholesome human condition. Fomalhaut defies convention and compartmentalization, but supports individuality, progress, and freedom. Nick Fiorenza

Markab, Alpha Pegasus, is the saddle of Pegasus the Flying Horse. It represents the body-temple, the vehicle the soul "rides" or uses to express its purpose on Earth.

It [Markab] brings us to look at how we are entrapable due to lower genetic or toxic resonances. Markab brings attention to not only the body, but to all physical structure in our lives through which we participate--to what we are doing in the physical. Nick Fiorenza

A Comet and a Dwarf Planet

Only hours before the New Moon, Comet Lulin at its closest Earth approach conjoins Saturn opposite the New Moon. This year the comet is interacting with the planets, as it travels backwards along the ecliptic.

The Comet is moving east to west around the Sun (through the ecliptic), in the opposite direction of planetary movement. This is Earth's precessional direction, more related to the evolutionary path of the soul collective. Nick Fiorenza / Comet Lulin

BTW: Comet Lulin conjoins Regulus February 27 and the Gibbous Moon March 7.

The evening following the New Moon, February 25, the dwarf planet Ceres, at its closest Earth approach, passes north of Saturn above the back of Leo the Lion. Map/Article 

Ceres along with Saturn and Leo the Lion encourage us to become aware of that which truly nurtures the soul's expression on Earth.

In Summary

As the lunar cycle begins, the good of the whole and humanitarianism are emphasized. Dreams of the soul are wanting to manifest. This requires attending to the physical, changing outdated habits and rebuilding structures for the expression of the soul and spirit.

Evolution, the transition of the ages and the New Moon alignments are insisting that we become aware of that which nurtures our essential divinity on Earth. We must build a new world, one that creates a wholesome human condition.

The Fact of Immortality & Eternal Persistence insures our progress.

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

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Luna's Last Evening Smile for the Goddess

Image: Sky & Telescope / Sky at a Glance Diagram

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Don't miss the final Moon-Venus conjunction of this season's cycle. They'll be a real eye-catcher at dusk on Friday the 27th, at least if you're in the longitudes of the Americas.

These scenes are always drawn for the roughly middle of North America (latitude 40° north, longitude 90 ° west). European observers: move each Moon symbol a quarter of the way toward the one for the previous date. In the Far East, move the Moons halfway. The blue 10° scale is about the size of your fist held at arm's length. Sky & Telescope

Watch Luna's smile grow on its ascending path to Venus the goddess of love and you will find a smile in your heart! The Crescent Moon in the vicinity of our brightest planet Venus is considered to be one of the most exquisite sights in the heavens.

By the end of March Venus will be lost in the glowing embrace of the Sun. Venus is in inferior conjunction March 27 and at this time the planet begins switching to the eastern horizon. Venus changes from a glorious "evening star" to a dazzling "morning star".

See Venus in the Day Sky!

If you can see the slim Moon in the day sky Friday, February 27, use it as a guide to locate Venus. Here's a helpful 1pm Sky Chart that can be generated for anytime and any day. It'll show you the position of the Moon and Venus during the daylight hours. You can use binoculars to zero in on the planet, although they are not required to view Venus in the day sky! Take up this daytime challenge and experience its unique planetary thrill! Keep your eyes safe; never look at the Sun with an optical aide! Generate Maps for Your Location

Reflections ~ Waxing Crescent Moon

Overcoming obstacles to the new incoming awareness begins with the waxing Crescent Moon. What was conceived at the New Moon, Creating a Wholesome Human Condition, review above is now in the process of waxing or gestating.

The energy of Venus establishes right human relations between all people and between nations. The planet's great potency lies in its ability to bring about harmonious relationships within pairs of opposites, thus furthering creative manifestation on all levels.

As the Moon and Venus visit, ponder and practice right human relations, as a way to foster a wholesome human condition.

The practice of right relations begins within one's self, bringing an alignment uniting brain, emotional body, mental vehicle and, eventually, the Soul. Right relationship between the individual, family and friends follows. Finally right group relations, right national and international relations unfold. Each step leads toward a more comprehensive Whole.

The practice of Right Human Relations will lead to the subsequent demonstration of humanity's innate divinity. Yet as the Science of Relationship is not yet developed, its deeper implications are not yet realized.

In this period of shift and change, the anchoring of right human relations in all aspects of our planetary life will create a climate and an environment in which a new world order can emerge and continue to flourish. From: The Law of Right Human Relations

Hmmm ... Venus rises shortly after the Sun and sets around 9:00pm. This means her planetary emanations of understanding, wise love, unity, creativity and beauty are shining down upon us all day long, everyday! With the help of this goddess of love we can practice incorporating one or more these qualities into our everyday life and create a better world. Are you up for the challenge?

BTW: Venus is transiting the constellation Pisces near the wing of Pegasus the Flying Horse. These combined emanations help us turn evil into good! See Venus, Pisces, Pegasus to learn more.

Venus Planetary Treat During Pisces

First Quarter Luna Rides the Bull
Let There Be Light!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Image: Earth&Sky Graphic altered with Adobe Photoshop

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Viewing the First Quarter Moon

The First Quarter Moon transits 6 hours after the Sun and can be viewed in the day sky. Look for it rising in the east at about noon, in the southern sky at sunset, and setting in the west 6 hours after the Sun around the midnight hour.

In the evening get out those binoculars for the best view of the Moon's terminator, the shadow line dividing the lunar day from lunar night. It is here that sunrise occurs on a waxing Moon. Lunar craters, mountains and valleys are accentuated along this line of contrasting light. Look again the following evening, Wednesday, March 4!

The First Quarter Moon is located in the constellation of Taurus the Bull, between the sparkling Pleiades (M45) star cluster, which marks the shoulder of the Bull and the reddish star Aldebaran, the Bull's eye.  Look west of the Moon to see breathtaking Venus which sets around 8:45pm; look east, north and south to see the bright winter stars that make up Orion, the Winter Triangle and the Great Winter Hexagon. Moonset: After midnight 3/3 7pm Sky Chart

Moon Forms Triangle with Aldebaran and Pleiades
Earth & Sky's Stellar and Lunar Description

BTW: On any night look for the diagonal line-up the Pleiades, orangey-red Aldebaran, and red Betelgeuse the shoulder of Orion. Winter Stars

Reflections ~ First Quarter Moon

The First Quarter Moon, exact Tuesday, March 3 at 11:46pm PST (07:46 UT 3/4) 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.

The Pleiades are intimately linked to Sirius, our Earth, humanity and the higher aspect of mind. 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, its nations.

See the illuminating light of the Pleiades and Aldebaran guiding global governance on all levels. Listen and ready yourself to play your part in anchoring this divine light on Earth.

March 4, Wednesday, Luna nestles near Elnath, the Bull's northern horn tip. 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. Free yourself from the influences that limit the expression of your divinity. Let there be Light!

Leo the Lion ~ Large Luna ~ “Lord-of-Less-Rings”
Sunday-Tuesday, March 8-10 – East at Dusk
Full Moon Exact: Tuesday, March 10 - 7:38pm PDT (02:38 UT 3/11)
View Saturn at Its Best, Leo the Lion and Luna from Dusk to Dawn

Image: Sky & Telescope / Sky at a Glance Diagram altered with Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

Lord-of-Less-Rings

Currently the telescopic rings of Saturn appear closed, nearly edge-on from the Earth’s point of view. Recent Images “Lord-of-Less-Rings” is Star Gazer's clever and accurate description of Saturn during this time. Normally the planet's rings are open, giving us an impressive telescopic view of this Lord of the Rings. Helpful Image

Sunday, March 8, Saturn is officially at opposition. This means the planet is at its closest, biggest and brightest for the year. It is opposite the Sun in the sky; the Sun shining directly upon the rings, produces extra reflected brightness.

Dusk to Dawn

View Saturn, Leo the Lion and Luna in the east at sunset (dusk), overhead at midnight-1:00am and in the west around sunrise (dawn). Rise and Set Times The map above shows the lunar positions at dusk. As the hours unfold and dawn approaches, watch “fulling” Luna move further to the east.

March 8, Sunday evening, Saturn is officially at its best for 2009 and an almost full Luna is positioned above Regulus, the heart star of Leo the Lion. To locate Saturn make a fist and hold your arm outstretched. About two fists east of Luna and Regulus you'll see the yellowish orb of Saturn. By the time dawn arrives the following morning, Luna is nestling closer to Regulus as it sets in the west. 6:00am 3/9 Sky Chart

March 9, Monday evening, an even fuller Luna lies below Regulus. By dawn the following morning Luna has moved much closer to Saturn. 6:00am 3/10 Sky Chart

March10, Tuesday evening, Saturn and the “officially Full” Luna are side by side. Watch them journey across the heavens all night long. As the early morning hours unfold Luna moves further east of the planet. 6:00am 3/11 Sky Chart

Saturn's Satellites

2009’s last transit of telescopic Titan across the globe of Saturn occurs March 12. This rare transit features both Titan and it's shadow; it is visible through a small telescope for observers along the Pacific coast of North America, Alaska, Hawaii, Australia and east Asia at 11:15 UT. See Seeking Saturn’s Moons to locate Saturn’s five brightest satellites. March 13 before dawn 4 of the planet’s moons cluster together, changing positions in as little as 10 minutes.

See Date Table for additional celestial events.

Saturn ~ Planetary Treat During Pisces

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

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’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.

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.

Imagine the Lawgiver's sickle clearing away obstacles and giving rise to a loving and wise humanity, which is governed by the fire Divine Will.

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 March 10 at 7:38pm PDT (02:38 UT 3/11)

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

What was conceived at the New Moon, Creating a Wholesome Human Condition, review above now comes to fruition and is birthed into the full light of our conscious minds.

Reflections ~ Full Moon's Position

Saturn and the Full Moon are positioned next to each other, near the tail star of Leo the Lion. The Moon is in exact conjunction with the planet only 4 hours before it reaches its exact full phase.

Saturn in Leo brings about tests of leadership, honesty and integrity. Denebola the Lion’s tail star is known as the changer and demands evolution. Saturn and the Full Moon influencing this star can create a powerful reaction; 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 actively create a humanitarian-based society based on It.

Saturn also opposes Uranus during the Full Moon. This lengthy aspect lasting into 2010 brings about major social, religious and cultural transformations. Innovation, practicality, resourcefulness, compassion and the willingness to change are our allies now.

Reflections ~ Full Moon's Illumination

The Full Moon during the sign of Pisces is illuminated by the Sun conjoined Uranus on the border of the constellations of Aquarius and Pisces. Uranus and the Sun also lie between the stars Diphda in Cetus and Markab in Pegasus.

The light of Pisces is the light of the world; it ends forever the darkness of matter; fully liberated we know ourselves to be Divine. The light of Aquarius shines within the dark cleansing and purifying it with healing rays until the dark has gone; in alignment we serve the essential divinity in all and manifest the greatest good for the Whole. The modern day Aquarian is believed to be ruled by Uranus, the agent of awakening and electric change, that which ultimately leads us to inclusiveness.

Diphda represents the struggle of being in physical form and one's abuse of the body temple. Markab represents the body temple through which nurturing is possible, the vehicle through which soul accomplishes its great earthly mission.

In Summary

Change is forecast in the heavens. With it a great liberation is occurring within humanity and its many structures. The Spirit Divine is shining its light on the darkness of matter; we must cleanse and purify it with healing rays until the dark has gone.

With change in the air this lunar cycle is guiding us toward the creation of a wholesome human condition. Humankind's attention is being drawn toward the body temple, the physical forms and structures through which we participate and receive nourishment. Are we abusing these? Can the soul accomplish its great earthly mission through them?

The Full Moon continues to emphasize the theme of building a humanitarian-based society, one founded on the Law of the Soul, for we are beings with a Divine Destiny. Our leadership, honesty and integrity must not be compromised.

As Souls, we are now called to be the steady transmitters of Light. We bring the Light to Earth ... to the Human Kingdom ... the Animal Kingdom ... the Plant Kingdom ... and the Mineral Kingdom ... All are to be held within the great Holy Grail.

Our radiating this Light will forever end the darkness
and will lift our planet fully into the realm of the Sacred.

Source: Pisces Full Moon Meditation

Last Quarter Moon ~ Galactic Center
Wednesday Morning, March 18 - View: SE at 5:00am
Look South 6:00am - Dawn
Exact: Wednesday, March 18 - 10:47am PDT (17:47 UT)

Image: AstroViewer / Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

 

March 16, predawn Monday, the waning Gibbous Moon lies at the head of Scorpius the cosmic scorpion, near the star Dschubba. The purifying fires of the Scorpion welcome us!

March 17, predawn Tuesday, the waning Gibbous Moon lies to the left of the Scorpion's red heart star, Antares. Evolutionary tension is magnified regarding that which governs our lives globally, nationally, locally and personally.

Last Quarter Moon ~ Galactic Center

The Last Quarter Moon is exact Wednesday, March 18, at 10:47am PDT (17:47 UT). It is easily seen above the southeastern horizon at 5:00am and lies in the south at dawn. Look for it in the southwestern day sky until moonset around 11:30am.

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 exact phase of this Moon lies at the Galactic Center, the great bulging central hub of the Milky Way, the heart of our galaxy. It is located at 2º sidereal Sagittarius near the stinger of Scorpius. Image

The Galactic Center acts like a satellite dish, directing divinely inspired information straight to the potentially receptive gray matter of our brains. If you believe in God, this might be the voice you hear. Phil Sedgwick The Astrology of Deep Space

The emanations of this cosmic heart center draw us toward our spiritual source, a galactic fire and spiritual love that stimulate goodwill and divine aspiration. These energies support our greater wellbeing and evolutionary fulfillment. Look Up! Open to the special blessings that pour out of the Galactic Heart for the Earth. Listen for insights and guidance.

This lunar cycle has been preparing humanity for creating a wholesome human condition in our world. What discoveries have you made to assist in this process? How can you better connect with your spiritual source and its life-giving qualities? What changes are you prepared to make in your life in order that your spirit and that of others may thrive? The experiences of the Full Moon have culminated. It’s time to prepare for renewal.

March 19-20, predawn Thursday-Friday, the waning Moon continues and completes its journey through Sagittarius.

In astrological terms Sagittarius is the polar opposite for Gemini … In Gemini we are constantly moving in our identity between higher and lower self. There is fluidity and an interchange. In Sagittarius the keynote of fluidity in this relationship is transformed into a purposeful, focused directed effort in which there is no lost motion. A self-directed, forward moving spirit replaces changeability. Steve Nations

Move forward with your guiding light and Sagittarius the cosmic archer.

Note: Learn about the 2009 March equinox including its relationship to Comet Lulin and the Mayan Calendar.

Luna's Predawn Planetary Treats!
Sunday-Tuesday, March 22-24
See Venus Near the Sun ~ A Rare Viewing Challenge!
Tuesday-Thursday, March 24-26 ~ Morning and Evening!

Image: Star Gazer Video Image adapted with Adobe Photoshop

* Printable Image *

3/24 6:30am Sky Chart

Luna's Predawn Planetary Treats!

The last vestiges of an old waning crescent Moon join brilliant Jupiter and the difficult to see dim Mars. Using binoculars and Luna as a guide, you just might be able to spot the faint Red Planet in dawn's early light. In addition this observation requires a flat unobstructed horizon, clear skies and right predawn timing!

Note: Monday, March 23 the Moon lies near telescopic Neptune. Check the Date Table for the exact conjunction times of the Moon and planets.

Jupiter ~ Planetary Treat During Pisces

Mars ~ Planetary Treat During Pisces

Reflections ~ Jupiter, Neptune, Mars

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.

Jupiter lies in the constellation Capricornus. Here the planet assists one in transcending their crystalized lower nature. Jupiter replaces desire with love, bringing a triumphant soul into manifestation. Capricorn represents a new cycle of effort, one that gives full expression to the earthly nature with immense spiritual possibilities.

Neptune at the border of Capricornus and Aquarius strengthens our spiritual hook-up and aids in our rebirth, the resurrection into new Life.

Mars lies in the constellation Aquarius, which focuses the attention of humanity on the good of the whole; its energies are healing and cleansing. In this position the Red Planet at its best tends to be a vehicle for encouraging group identity and collective service.

Take some time to celebrate humanity's divine potential and the opportunities to express it through the earthly nature. Bless the eternal persistence of humankind to evolve and create a more wholesome condition on Earth. Imagine an awakening of consciousness, an increase of ah-ha moments, a higher turn of the spiral manifesting personally, nationally, globally.

See Venus Near the Sun
A Rare Viewing Challenge!

Viewing Venus at a rare, extreme 8 year low ...

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the 24th, 25th and 26th, if you look as far to the left of Mars as Jupiter is to its right, extremely close to the horizon you may be able to see a very bright light for ten minutes or so. And that is planet #2, 8,000 mile wide Venus which whenever we see it just before sunrise is called the morning star but aha! Here is where the fun comes in, because if you go outside just after sunset on the 24th, 25th and 26th and look west and have a very clear flat unobstructed horizon you may also be able to see Venus, which whenever it is seen just after sunset is called the evening star. In fact this is a rare opportunity to see planet #2 as both the evening star and the morning star on the same day, 3 days in a row. And this happens only once every 8 years! Star Gazer: 2009 Script 3/16-22

Star Gazer's Helpful Maps
March 24: Morning / Evening

Star Gazer also suggests looking at Venus through a pinhole in a piece of paper to see the planet's thin crescent phase! Check out his fun and informative 1-minute video to learn more.

Venus is positioned near Algenib the wing of Pegasus the Flying Horse. For meditative reflections click here.

Venus ~ Planetary Treat During Pisces
Learn more about the phases of Venus plus ...

March 26, Thursday, a New Moon occurs at 9:06am PDT (16:06 UT). See Date Table for additional events. 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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