What Is The Difference between The New Moon And The Dark Moon

 

  The confusing part of dark and new moon comes from the fact that astronomers  disagree with astrologers and those who use moon phases for ritual purposes. Astronomers put the new moon at the halfway point of the dark moon. So the moon ends its waxing in the dark and begins its waning in the dark. Astronomers also use the terms “dark moon” and “new moon” interchangeably.

The dark moon is also known as black moon lilith by astrologers. This is the period when there is no moon visible in the sky and the moon is directly between the sun and earth. So the moon wanes (gets smaller) and disappears. Then there is a period where nothing appears to be happening before you see a tiny sliver appear in the sky and the moon begins to grow again. This the dark moon. It lasts between 1.5 and 3.5 days.

  Astrologers and ritualists time the new moon from the moment that a tiny sliver is seen within the sky.

  While the date of the full moon is rarely debated, the date of the new moon varies from calendar to calendar because of this discrepancy between astrologers and astronomers. Most calendars follow astronomers (ironically, even astrological calendars do this) and put the date of the dark moon as the new moon. 

  The energy of the lunar phases is markedly different. If you start to tune in, you will see that the old wives tales are true.

  Dark Moon – There are a lot of different schools of thought on this one that are heavily influence by culture and spirituality. Some say never do any rituals during this time. Some say that this is the time to connect with the dead or ancestors. Others say that it’s a good time for rest, recuperation, meditation, and introspection. I personally perfer the Dark Moon and this is when I choose to practice any darker .

  The Dark of the Moon is a time of amazing intuition, wisdom and fertility. Possibilities of all kinds lurk in the shadows, and you can invite them cordially into your life. There is power in this energy, more available and abundant than usual. It is part of the psychic landscape we all share, and you can make part of it yours. Let yourself feel. Let yourself heal. Be aware of the injuries and sorrows that are ready to be put to rest, and release the hold they’ve had on you. Your part is to be willing to release them as well. 

  The changes that can happen at The Dark of the Moon can be significant, meaningful and profound. It can be a time when you are psychologically and spiritually reborn. As such, give yourself time to process the experience. It’s importance may not come to you all at once. Give yourself room, and permission, to take it all in and merge it together at your own pace. 

  For some, this is not an easy or comfortable process. There’s a temptation to rush it, to take short-cuts or to end it before everything is totally finished. Surrendering to the experience and letting it happen in its own time and in its own way may take some extra indulgence from the people around your and some extra patience from you yourself. 

  New Moon –  The new moon is for beginnings. It’s the springtime of the cycle when shoots are coming up and need to be nurtured. This energy is also strong, but passive. 

  The New Moon is a great time to set your intentions, write down goals or begin new projects for the forthcoming cycle.  In the darkness, the fertile ground, you plant the seeds of your heartfelt desires on the New Moon, consciously focusing your Mind/Body/Spirit on the ‘feeling’ of your desires. 

  Consider sitting quietly, write down your intentions & inner-most heartfelt manifestations and desires for the new lunar cycle.  Sign your manifestation with the affirmation ‘And it is So’.  Proclaim your manifestations to the Universe by saying or chanting them aloud.  After, place your handwritten manifestations  on your personal alter or bedside table or even under your pillow.

  The New Moon is a reset and a chance to start again, giving you a clean slate. This is why the New Moon is associated with manifestation work and intention setting.

  The new moon is also associated with gardening by the moon. According to this age-old practice, one should plant vegetables that bear crops above ground during the light, or waxing, of the Moon: from the day the Moon is new to the day it is full.

  Full Moon- The stories about higher mental hospital and prison admissions are true. A study that looked at crime reports between 1978 and 1982 found a significant increase on full moon days! The full moon is very active, strong, amplifying energy. This is time for letting things go.

  I encourage you to consider the idea of balance. If we are honoring polarities, we’d observe the full moon where the moon is brightest, strongest, and most active, and the dark moon where there is no light at all, and all is at rest. We are all well acquainted with the active, go go go of modern life. We rarely take time to slip into the Void where the juice lives that you need to bring forth the creativity that fuels whatever you’re birthing. If you only observe the new and full moons, you miss a wonderful opportunity to create harmony.