Moon
Dances All times are local unless otherwise specified. 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 ~ The
Wesak New Moon east–left, west–right, north–top, south–bottom
Reflections ~ The New Moon of Wesak
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. Reflections ~ The Constellation of Aries The Wesak New Moon and Sun are enlivening the constellation of Aries. The energies emanating from this constellation give us the opportunity to align with the Light of Life itself. Both Aries and the Wesak open a channel of direct communication between humanity and Deity through which aspirants and disciples can contact guiding forces for the purpose of divine expression on Earth. This supreme contact gives birth to divine ideas and new beginnings. Reflections
~ The Ram, Cetus, Triangululm, Contact with Deity does not come without struggle and effort. Holding our site on the divine goal of at-one-ment is a necessary discipline. It is this unity or oneness with Divinity, as demonstrated by Christ, that enables us to rise up from the initiatory fires. The Sun and Moon lie above the jaws of the sea monster Cetus and below the butting head of Aries the Ram. Triangulum, the Holy Trinity oversees it all. Mirach and M31 of Andromeda influence the outcome.
Andromeda represents the princess (beauty and love) in chains, ready to be devoured by Cetus the sea monster (mass consciousness) and saved by Perseus the hero (soul partner). Mirach, the belt or sash of Andromeda, symbolically ties us to unions and commitments of the soul, our saving grace. M31 the Andromeda Spiral Galaxy unusual in that it has a double nuclei center “is exemplar for the unified polarities of life expressing in their full majesty and glory.” Nick Fiorenza With Andromeda's Mirach and M31 we are reminded that the potentially divine union is made manifest. It is our at-one-ment that beneficently allows us to rise up from the initiatory fires. Open to Divine contact; give birth to Divine ideas and new beginnings. Andromeda, Perseus, The Royal Family Divine
Identification Global Meditation
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Three Smiling Young
Moons Spring Up!
Get out those binoculars for an extra treat! See the Date Table for additional events. Three Smiling Young Moons Spring Up! The path of the ecliptic, therefore the path of waxing Crescent Moon, rises pretty much straight up from the sunset horizon in the springtime. This means the youngest Moons are positioned much higher above the western horizon, easier to see with later moonsets. Normally the ecliptic rises on an angle that keeps the Sun, Moon and planets close to the horizon.
Will you see Luna's youngest smile?
What's the youngest moon you can see? Approximate
Moonset Times: 9:10pm,
10:20pm, 11:30pm 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.
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! Reflections ~ Youngest Waxing Crescent Moon Overcoming obstacles to the new incoming awareness begins with the waxing Crescent Moon. What was conceived at the New Moon: At-One-Ment ~ Rising Up from the Initiatory Fires, is now in the process of waxing or gestating. April 25, Saturday, the youngest Moon, lies at the eastern border of Aries. Open to Divine contact. Be receptive to Divine new ideas. If needed review the New Moon map and reflections above. Reflections ~ Mercury, Pleiades, Luna April 26, Sunday, the 3-way conjunction of Mercury, the Pleiades, and a slim Crescent Moon is bound to make many Look Up! NASA's Twilight Sky Show gives a beautiful moment by moment description of this special event. Be sure to see this heavenly performance! For an added treat remember to bring along binoculars.
All 3 celestial bodies lie in the constellation of Taurus the Bull whose emanations enlighten our mind, transforming desire into spiritual aspiration. This in turn builds a channel to Deity. Mercury the messenger of the gods links the personality to the soul, thereby strengthening Luna's New Moon message of at-one-ment. The dazzling Seven Sisters known as the Pleiades star cluster, has a unique relationship with our solar system, Shamballa 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.
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 happened to email me. She said that while swimming in Hawaii with wild dolphins, they told her they were from the Pleiades! She continued to say they also healed her. This surprising 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. Reflections ~ Luna and Elnath April 27, Monday, Luna approaches Elnath the northern horn tip of the cosmic Bull. This star lies almost opposite our galactic center. Tune to Elnath for perseverance and breakthroughs. Allow Elnath to expand your spiritual horizons and free you from influences that may be limiting your divine expression. Align with the heart of our Milky Way Galaxy and its blessings. BTW: Be sure to check out Mercury Continues Its Evening Best and the Date Table.
Building
a Lighted House ~ First Quarter Moon ~ Friday,
May 1 First Quarter Moon ~ May 1 The Moon is positioned at the Beehive of Cancer about 5 hours before its exact First Quarter phase. As the hours unfold it moves easterly toward Regulus in Leo the Lion. The moonlight may veil a binocular observation of the Beehive, which normally shows dozens of "bees" (stars) in the hive, while telescopes reveal a couple hundred.
BTW: Global Love Day is May 1 and Beltane is traditionally celebrated May 1. Astronomical Beltane occurs May 5. Reflections
~ First Quarter Moon, The First Quarter Moon, exact Friday, May 1, at 1:44pm PDT (20:44 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 First Quarter Luna transits the heart of Cancer. Though this is the dimmest constellation found along the ecliptic, it holds one of the brightest star clusters in the sky, the Beehive (M44) also known as Praesepe, which means "manger". Cancer urges us to lift ourselves out of the mass instinctual life by developing the intuition. Listen for the inner guiding still small voice and initiate the changes that nourish one’s soul and spirit. Be like the the lotus flower rising out of the mud. Emerge from the darkness by building your lighted house. Join the light grid of the Group Soul, the Christ consciousness (Beehive / Manger). With Luna's Beltane buzz we have the opportunity to accept the fullness our being, spirit and form united, an at-one-ment that authentically serves by sharing the light and love of an evolving consciousness. National Astronomy Day ~ May 2 Saturday, May 2, is National Astronomy Day. This is a great time to visit your nearest science center, planetarium or astronomy club. Enjoy lots of astronomical activities throughout the day that are fun for the whole family. You might even get a chance to look through a solar telescope or enter drawings to win a telescope. In the evening enjoy telescopic views of Mercury near the Pleiades, the Moon and maybe even the Beehive and Saturn's rings. The growing Moon lies very Regulus on this night. 5/2 8:30pm Sky Chart Reflections ~ Astronomy Day The obstacles humanity is facing, the illuminating energies of this Wesak lunar cycle, as well as the celebration of Astronomy Day remind me of the following quote. Nick Fiorenza uses it near the bottom of his home page. The
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In the Lion's Den Again
Cassini Sees Sensational Saturn Reflections
~ The Waxing Gibbous Moon, 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 Wesak Full Moon is to be utilized. A backward question mark of stars curves up from Regulus, the Lion-Hearted Lawgiver. It represents Leo 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. The light of Leo the Lion is the light of the soul and represents the Higher Law of Spirit. The fully integrated personality who stands out from the "herd" and is ignited by the fire of Divine Will is the highest expression of Leo. The emanations of this constellation prepare one for participation in the New Group of World Servers, Saturn's retrograde motion through the Lion's den (12/31/08 - 5/15/09) is bound to show us our limitations and make us question authority and the laws that govern our lives. Saturn's opposition to Uranus on the zodiacal wheel, a lengthy aspect lasting into 2010, creates a tension of polarities. This brings about major social, religious and cultural transformations. The initiatory fires of Saturn are burning strong calling for at-one-ment, union with the Divine. "Not my, but Thy will be done!" Imagine Saturn the lord of karma and the Lawgiver's sickle clearing away obstacles, and giving rise to a new era governed by the fire of Divine Will and a loving-wise humanity. Imagine an increase of innovation, practicality, resourcefulness, compassion and the willingness to change flooding our world.
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May 5-6, Tuesday-Wednesday, the Moon first approaches Spica from the west, the brightest star of Virgo the Virgin, the Heavenly Holy Grail. The following night it lies very near this blue-white star. 5/6 9pm Sky Chart 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 May 8/9 Wesak Full Moon.
Exact: Friday, May 8 at 9:01pm PDT (04:01 UT 5/9) The Wesak Full Moon 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 Any Full Moon experience can offer us greater illumination of our essential divinity. Issues worked on since the New Moon come to a climax. If the restrictions of the past have been released during the waxing Moon, then the Full Moon can bring fulfillment. If not, the Full Moon might bring serious mental conflicts, possibly affecting the physical body. What was conceived at the New Moon: At-One-Ment ~ Rising Up from the Initiatory Fires, (review above) now comes to fruition and is birthed into the full light of our conscious minds. The
Wesak Full Moon top-north, bottom-south, left-east, right-west
Reflections ~ Full Moon's Position The Wesak Full Moon is positioned in Libra, southeast of the constellation's two brightest stars Zubenelgenubi (zoo-BEN-al-je-NEW-bee) and Zubeneschamali (zoo-BEN-ess-sha-MAH-lee). Libra was once a part of two constellations, Scorpius and Virgo. During the time of Julius Caesar the Romans created Libra as the twelfth constellation to represent Roman justice. They made the two pincer claws of Scorpius, the Zuben stars, into the arms of Libra, the Balance. Libra was once considered the scales of the goddess of Justice, which Virgo the Virgin represented. Hmmm ... Libra demands justice and the perfect point of equilibrium, where neither spirit nor matter dominates. It's as if the "missing claws" of Scorpius create Libra's razor edged path.
The Libran Way synthesizes duality with compassion and the right use of opposites. Libra leads between the two great lines of force, allowing the scales of justice to come into balance. Reflections ~ Full Moon's Illumination The Full Moon during Taurus is illuminated by the Sun at the eastern border of the constellation Aries. 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. This supreme contact gives birth to divine ideas and new beginnings. Wesak Energies ~ In Summary At the spiritual high point of the year, when the Forces of Enlightenment pour into the world and the fires of initiation rage, the Wesak Full Moon is demanding balance upon the razor edged path of spirit and matter. Contact with Deity does not come without struggle and effort. Holding our site on the divine goal of at-one-ment is a necessary discipline. It is this unity or oneness with Divinity, as demonstrated by Christ, that enables us to rise up from the initiatory fires, blessed and whole. As we look for unity beyond duality, we begin to synthesize the pairs of opposites with compassion. Spirit and matter come into a balance where neither dominate, enabling us to bring forth "cutting edge" ideas that transform our world and offer new beginnings. Mayan Cosmology In 2009, around the time of the Wesak Full Moon a major emanation from the Hunab-Ku, an unfathomably large intelligence in the center of the universe according to Mayan Cosmology, will inform a magnificent birth of cosmic proportions. This gives humanity an unprecedented opportunity to cooperate with the forces of evolution to fulfill individual and collective purposes, and to create a sustainable world of harmony, abundance and balance with Nature. A global meditation Rebirth Celebration occurs May 9-11. Carl Calleman reveals more about the Mayan Calendar, this Cosmic Rebirth and how we can consciously participate in it in this article.
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 from on High.
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. May 9-10/11, Saturday-Sunday/Monday, the Gibbous Moon transits the realm of the cosmic Scorpion. It first lies at the head of Scorpius then east of red Antares the heart star. Review the map above for orientation. Begin looking in the southeast at 11:30pm. View until sunrise. 5/11 12:30am Map
In the transformative burning ground of the Scorpion, the dualities of death and life serve each other in evolution's ongoing spiral dance. The fires of Scorpius harmonize humanity with the inner Divine One. Allow the forces of initiation to bring death and new life. Hmmm ... the Cosmic Rebirth according to Mayan Cosmology is underway during these days! May 12-14, Tuesday-Thursday, predawn's Gibbous Moon transits the constellation of Sagittarius the Cosmic Archer. Use this 5/12 1am Sky Chart to generate charts for additional dates/times. The aspiring Archer’s developed and useful intellect becomes illumined and with the intuitive perception is able to see a new type of goal. The Archer takes aim, zeroes in on the light and knows the way to go. Reflections ...
A
Dazzling Duo ~ Last
Quarter Luna and Jupiter
Reflections
~ Last Quarter Moon, The Last Quarter Moon exact Sunday, May 17, at 12:26am PDT (07:26 UT) 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 emanations of Capricornus bring a new cycle of effort, one that gives full expression to the earthly nature with immense spiritual possibilities. Jupiter in the constellation Capricornus assists one in transcending their crystalized lower nature by replacing desire with love, hence bringing a triumphant soul into manifestation. Telescopic Neptune in this constellation aids our rebirth by helping us rebuild or create structures that manifest our dreams, our spirit on Earth. These planets working through Capricornus can open the doorway to the head center and bestow humanity with divine purpose and vision. Note: Jupiter and Neptune are in exact conjunction May 27 at 1:12pm PDT (20:12 UT). Jupiter's prograde and retrograde motion in 2009, bring it in exact conjunction with Neptune three-times!
The joining of Jupiter and Neptune can arouse our ideals and awaken a greater sense of compassion. The heavens, through repetition, are guiding and seeding humanity's experience during these times of upheaval! The bright star to the south of Jupiter and telescopic Nepturne is Fomalhaut. It lies at the mouth of the great Southern Fish, Pisces Austrinus, which drinks from the jug of Aquarius. This star is associated with the transition of the ages from Pisces to Aquarius.
Luna passing through this area reminds us to prepare for rebirth, at-one with our spirit and rise up from the initiatory fires with divine purpose and vision. It's time to manifest our highest ideals and herald in a new age of compassion and humanitarianism. Ponder and begin initiating the needed changes.
Jupiter ~ Planetary Treat During Taurus The
Moon Visits 3 Planets
Wesak’s Awakening
Waning Moon May
20 5:30am Sky Chart Venus and Mars ~ Planetary Treats During Taurus Reflections
~ Wesak's Waning Crescent 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. Wesak's waning Moon awakens us to a new day, one that unifies the willful action of Mars and the wise love of Venus. The heavens seem to be letting us know this at-one-ment will save our world, since the Moon and both of these planets are in the constellation Pisces the World Savior. In addition, May 20, Wednesday morning, the Moon lies to the left of telescopic Uranus also in the constellation Pisces the World Savior (not shown on above map). Uranus in Pisces creates a difference by willfully rejecting a limited reality. It's emanations shift humanity into new visions that encompass the greater whole and lead to greater freedom. With Mars in Pisces personality driven lives can be swept away by and lost in the consciousness of the masses, however soul-infused individuals are better able to direct divine will into any situation, creating transformation and a reorientation of the lower energies. With Venus in Pisces wise love conquers all opposition and difference. The union of divine will and love was first demonstrated by the Christ. His at-one-ment allowed a resurrection and ascension from the fires of initiation. It is curious that Venus, Mars and Wesak's waning Moon form a wonderful celestial triangle May 21, Ascension Day! This triangle forms above Alrisha, the knot of Pisces that ties the two fishes together and below Mirach, the belt or sash star of the Andromeda the Princess. May 21 5am Map (Mirach not shown) ~ Andromeda Constellation These two stars are in conjunction and are symbolic of two different kinds of bonds. The knot represents emotional ties that keep us from attaining our divine destiny. The belt or sash ties us to unions and commitments of the soul. (see Andromeda, Perseus, The Royal Family)
As this Wesak lunar cycle draws to a close, imagine an enlightened, loving, willful and innovative consciousness rising up from humanity's current burning ground.
May 24, Sunday, a New Moon occurs at 5:11am PDT (12:11 UT). Stay tuned for the next edition of Moon Dances.
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like to know your thoughts about The Night Sky and
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