Happy Moon Day. The Moon is waning now, diminishing in size and about 40% illuminated today.
The new Moon will culminate a week from now in the early morning on Monday, May 30.
So for now, we are in the last-quarter lunar phase which began as the Sun and Moon squared off yesterday (90-degree aspect).
During this current moon phase, we may experience a “crisis in consciousness” which can entail some disappointment or disillusionment. Or, we may have to let go of a certain plan that is not working out, or make another kind of adjustment in our thinking.
According to Vedic astrology, today is the navami tithi in the Krishna paksha, the ninth synodic lunar day in the waning period between full Moon and new Moon. Navami is a “rikta” tithi, one of the “empty” lunar days when generally, we may feel unsupported and have to face some sense of loss, sadness, or existential longing. However, the Moon is transiting in Shatabisha nakshatra (in Aquarius), typically a good day for studies, meditation, and healing. And, when the Moon in Shatabisha nakshatra falls on the navami tithi, it forms a “shobhana” yoga (“splendid combination”), indicating some constructive, caring, and helpful energy, as well.
The week ahead is the time to clear and prepare for the new lunar cycle when we plant new seeds (metaphoric or literal), which will begin next Monday, May 30, but will not fully activate until Mercury stations direct very early on June 3 depending on your location (June 3 around 4 AM Eastern Time/1 AM Pacific Time/8 AM UTC, etc.). June 1 will mark the beginning of meteorological summer in the northern hemisphere, and meteorological winter in the southern…so we will definitely be feeling some shifting tides next week.
The balsamic Moon phase will begin this coming Thursday, May 26 and will take us into the New Moon on May 30. The balsamic Moon cycle occurs when the Moon is less than 45 degrees behind the Sun. This is the “dreamtime” Moon when we are meant to “dream,” of course…and to rest, clean, cleanse, heal, and let go…to move quietly within ourselves and reconnect with the pure and rejuvenating unconditional peace and love of our own true being.
Nature beautifully supports us in this phase when we may feel more tired than usual. Pay attention to dream messages and notice how much easier it is to meditate and tune in during this time, and to take what you need to regenerate and refresh body, mind, and soul. This is all very important to help us prepare for the new Moon cycle, the new meteorological season beginning, and the Mercury direct station that will all occur next week.
Venus is moving into Aries today (see my previous post about this), and as it crosses the gandanta (cusp between Pisces and Aries), we may have felt a bit sensitive, spaced-out, or clumsy in recent days, and this will continue for the next day or so. On Monday and Tuesday (May 23-24), Mars is conjoined the violent fixed star Scheat in Pegasus, so it’s a very important time to be extra mindful to avoid danger and accidents. I also wrote about this in my Mars in Pisces article last week.
Aadithyaayacha Somaaya, Mangalaaya, Budhaayacha,
Guru, Shukra, Shanibhyascha, Raahuve, Kethave Namah!
Pranams to all the planets. May they be auspicious!