“Our great symbol for the Goddess is the moon, whose three aspects reflect
the three stages in women’s lives and whose cycles of waxing and waning coincide
with women’s menstrual cycles.” ~Carol P. Christ
Why Women Gather During The New Moon
The New Moon is all about new beginnings. It’s a time to gather together with other women to set your intentions for what you’d like to manifest in your life. In ancient times women gathered in alignment with the moon phases to participate in rituals and ceremony. There is a special energy and power that happens when you speak your desires in community. Creating a sacred circle and space to support each other to honor Mother Earth, the seasons, past traditions and the divine feminine brings you closer to nature and your wild essence.
Celebrate & Release During The Full Moon
While the New Moon is all about the start of a brand new cycle, the Full Moon completes the cycle and bursts with the “harvest”. The Full Moon represents change, the end of a chapter, manifestation, rebirth and tying up loose ends. You may wish to celebrate your achievements with others and release anything that no longer serves you during this time. The Full Moon illuminates aspects, which are holding you back from achieving what you most desire, and it will bring you increased awareness to help you make the right decisions going forward.
2016 Astrological Moon Phases
January 10, 2016 – New Moon in Capricorn
January 24, 2016 – Full Moon in Leo
February 8, 2016 – New Moon in Aquarius
February 22, 2016 – Full Moon in Virgo
March 9, 2016 – Solar Eclipse in Pisces
March 23, 2016 – Lunar Eclipse in Libra
April 7, 2016 – New Moon in Aries
April 22, 2016 – Full Moon in Scorpio
May 6, 2016 – New Moon in Taurus
May 21, 2016 – Full Moon (Blue Moon) in Sagittarius
June 5, 2016 – New Moon in Gemini
June 20, 2016 – Full Moon in Sagittarius
July 4, 2016 – New Moon in Cancer
July 19, 2016 – Full Moon in Capricorn
August 2, 2016 – New Moon in Leo
August 18, 2016 – Lunar Eclipse in Aquarius
September 1, 2016 – Solar Eclipse in Virgo
September 16, 2016 – Lunar Eclipse in Pisces
October 1, 2016 – New Moon in Libra
October 16, 2016 – Full Moon (1st Super Moon) in Aries
October 30, 2016 – New Moon (Black Moon) in Scorpio
November 14, 2016 – Full Moon (2nd Super Moon) in Taurus
November 29, 2016 – New Moon in Sagittarius
December 14, 2016 – Full Moon (3rd Super Moon) in Gemini
December 29, 2016 – New Moon in Capricorn
The 8 Phases Of The Moon
New Moon – Also called the “Dark Moon” because during this period the moon reflects no light.
Crescent Moon – depending on what hemisphere you live on, this period reflects just a sliver of light from the Sun on one side of its surface.
First Quarter Moon – As the Sun and Moon form a 90-degree angle, about a half of the moon becomes visible. The term “First Quarter” refers to the first quarter of the 8-phase cycle of the moon.
Waxing Gibbous Moon – During this period the moon reflects more light but is not quite yet full.
Full Moon – As the term implies, the full surface of the moon becomes illuminated by the Sun.
Waning Gibbous Moon or Disseminating Moon – More than half full but on the wane.
Last Quarter or Third Quarter Moon – About half of the moon’s surface is reflecting sunlight on its opposite side as compared to the First Quarter.
Crescent or Balsamic Moon – Just about a sliver of the moon’s surface is reflecting sunlight on its opposite side as compared to the First Crescent Moon.
The Celtic Tree Calendar
Birch Moon: December 24 – January 20
Rowan Moon: January 21 – February 17
Ash Moon: February 18 – March 17
Alder Moon: March 18 – April 14
Willow Moon: April 15 – May 12
Hawthorne Moon: May 13 – June 9
Oak Moon: June 10 – July 7
Holly Moon: July 8 – August 4
Hazel Moon: August 5 – September 1
Vine Moon: September 2 – September 29
Ivy Moon: September 30 – October 27
Reed Moon: October 28 – November 23
Elder Moon: November 24 – December 23
When researching the Moon, I found that there were multiple Full Moon names. Below is a list of the names I found for each month.
Native American Full Moon Names
January – Wolf Moon, Old Moon or Quiet Moon
February – Snow Moon, Wild Moon, Quickening Moon or Hunger Moon
March – Worm Moon, Magpie Moon or Crow Moon
April – Pink Moon, Planting Moon or Egg Moon
May – Flower Moon or Budding Moon
June – Strawberry Moon
July – Buck Moon, Hay Moon, Blessing Moon or Thunder Moon
August – Sturgeon Moon, Grain Moon, Herb Moon, Green Corn Moon or Red Moon
September – Corn Moon, Harvest Moon or Fruit Moon
October – Hunter’s Moon, Blood Moon, Shedding Moon or Falling Leaves Moon
November – Beaver Moon, Hunter’s Moon or Fog Moon
December – Cold Moon, Long Night’s Moon or Oak Moon
References
Pagan Poet – Moon Phases
Pagan Poet – Moon Mythology
Journeying To The Goddess – Celtic Moon Months
VeoVerde – Celtic Moon Months
Pagan Wiccan – Celtic Tree Months
Zodiac Astrology – Moon Phases
The Moon Signs & Their Meanings
Full Moon Ritual
The Little Sage – Full Moon Releasing Rituals
Almanac – Full Moon Names
What’s Your Sign – Native American Full Moon Names
I'm on a mission to help you play bigger in your business, your brand and your life. I teach sales strategies and spiritual techniques to coaches and creative entrepreneurs who want to step into their power as effective leaders and community builders and who want to create successful online businesses. I'm also a maple syrup obsessed Canadian, a yoga teacher, a travel fanatic, and a loving aunt to three spirited nieces.