What is the Gibbous Moon? Let's discover its influence (II)

Lunar cycle: how to know if the moon is in ascending (waxing) or descending (waning) phase?

There is a very simple method to know if the Moon is waxing or waning. Whether it is increasing or decreasing. Just look at the crescent shape of the Moon. Thus, if the shadow zone of the star forms a C, it is because we are in a waxing Moon phase. Conversely, during the waning gibbous Moon period, the star gives the impression of forming a d in the sky.

The effects of the waxing gibbous Moon position

The waxing period of the Gibbous Moon is a time of expansion. This is the moment when we begin to feel the agitation that is brewing with the arrival of the Full Moon. The moment when you feel your confidence growing and the ideas starting to flow. If it is customary to say that at the Full Moon, all our wishes come true, during the waxing gibbous Moon, some may feel the need to make some adjustments in order to arrive armed for the Full Moon. This is the energy of this phase, the overflow of life. Towards fullness. It’s quite simple, the waxing gibbous Moon gives us new impetus. It’s a perfect time to grow our investments and financial investments, our vegetable gardens or expand the family. Generally, under its influence, everyone feels a little stronger. The emotions then also become more and more intense. 

To work best with the energies of this phase, it is then advisable to take some kind of review of your projects. The opportunity to ask yourself if you are on the right track. Know which plans need to be revised. You have to keep an open mind, be ready to bounce back, to review projects, to correct your trajectory. As emotions gain momentum, you have to refocus on yourself. In a list of “don’ts”, you should detail something like: “I take care of my emotions and my anger. I try not to be too impatient. I am not afraid to welcome my Yang, masculine energy.” In short, during the period of the waxing gibbous Moon, it is better not to be too rigid!

What is a waning gibbous Moon and what are its effects?

After the Full Moon and its many twists and turns, the waning gibbous Moon presents itself as a decompression airlock. “The Moon is calming down and so are we.” It’s a time to breathe and take a little break. “We withdraw more and more into ourselves, into our inner world, into our darkness, like the beautiful Moon. Then begins a phase of introspection and integration of the first fortnight of the lunation.” It is the beginning of the period of shadow and calm of the lunation. Entry into what the author calls “the passive phase” of the lunation. The more time passes, the more the Full Moon moves away to give way to the arrival of the New Moon. There is then no point in forcing things or trying to act, or react, on impulse. The Gibbous Moon is here to remind us that it is sometimes good to sit down and think a little. “Don’t force things now, think, come back down, take a breath, because soon the last crescent will arrive, that of the balance sheet.”

It is a time when it is not recommended to initiate anything, or to throw ourselves headlong into new projects. In fact, it’s time to lay down your arms and retreat. Between letting go and the need for introspection, the waning gibbous Moon allows us to recover a little strength. We invite everyone to refocus on  needs and desires. We then slowly begin the period of questioning, “without giving in to doubt”, in order to be able to draw up a list of our desires during the New Moon which will arrive around ten days later.

What is the Gibbous Moon? Let's discover its influence (I)

In few words, Gibbous Moon is a phase of the lunar cycle that is still little known and yet allows you to refocus on yourself and your desires. For this reason we will try to explain step by step

The cycle of the Moon, which extends on average over 27 days, is fascinating. From its way of governing our emotions to its ability to give rhythm to our daily lives, and even menstrual cycles: we give it many powers. Studied since the dawn of time, the night star has multiple faces. This is why she is linked to the Triple Goddess - Selene, Hecate and Artemis. Have you ever noticed that the Moon changes shape over time? Sometimes increasing, it becomes full to illuminate the sky, then decreases little by little until it gives the impression of disappearing on New Moon evenings. If you are more interested in its influence, perhaps you know the effects of the Full Moon and those of the New Moon. Two very distinct periods. Two unmissable events. However, the lunation is not only made up of these two phases, it has eight of them, each having a particular effect. Focus on one of the phases that is still little known: the gibbous Moon.

What is the Gibbous Moon? Definition

The Gibbous Moon corresponds to an intermediate phase in the lunation. There are two types: increasing and decreasing. Each of them frames the Full Moon. It's a kind of transition. Two moments to warn us that we are reaching the halfway point of the cycle, two moments that invite us to adapt. One after another, the term gibbeuse designates that which is plump, like the belly of a pregnant woman, like a roll of pleasure which overflows from the pants, or a well-stocked cornucopia.

The waxing gibbous Moon is the phase just before the Full Moon. It occurs between the tenth and fourteenth day of the cycle. When the Moon begins to gain momentum, to shine more and more. During this period, the energies sent to us by the Moon become a little more powerful each day. It’s very simple, the more the circle that is drawn in the sky fills, the more the powers of the Moon increase tenfold. This is the moment when we are almost there, like the moon itself almost round, but not yet completely. Boldness, impatience, and therefore the adaptation skills necessary to mobilize to finally get there. If there are adjustments to be made to carry out the project, the wish, the dream, it’s now.

Conversely, the waning gibbous Moon is the phase that arrives just after the Full Moon. It therefore generally corresponds to the twentieth day of the lunation. This is when the power of the Moon begins to wane. It is the beginning of the waning phase of the Moon, the one which marks the entry into the transition to the New Moon. After the intensity of the Full Moon, a moment when energies are increased tenfold, the gibbous Moon allows us to regain our senses.

(to be continued)

Cycle of the Moon: how does it influence us? (I)

A source of beliefs since the dawn of time, the Moon has a double face, benefic or worrying. This star very close to us also influences our loves and our emotions. Find out how!

Shakespeare said of the Moon that she is "the sovereign mistress of melancholy". Giving its name to Monday and governing the sign of Cancer (June 22 – July 22), this star fascinates. New Moon, Full Moon, quarters… If it takes 28 days to wax and wane to go from one New Moon to another, it also sets the rhythm for the 4 seasons and governs our moods like the growth of plants. Hence its connection to the Water element, the element of emotions. But no matter how much men explore and study it, it still contains many mysteries... Even if its influence on the Earth and earthlings is now scientifically proven.

Selene and Hecate: the meaning of the Moon in Greek mythology

If the Sun, with its blinding light, forces us to lower our eyes, the Moon captures our gaze until it plunges us into its dreamlike universe. Several studies have revealed that certain professional categories believe that the moon exerts an influence on our behavior. This influence can be more or less beneficial, with two critical periods: the New Moon and the Full Moon. Doctors, psychiatrists and police officers claim to be more often confronted with difficult cases on Full Moon evenings. Arguments to be taken conditionally, because nothing has really been demonstrated. The only certainty is that this nocturnal star ensures the stability of the earth's rotation. Moreover, in astrology, the Moon and the Sun oppose each other. The two stars have opposite meanings.

The effects of the Moon

But to truly understand the effects of the Moon, we must first distinguish its different faces. If we know its cycle punctuated by its four phases - rising quarter, descending quarter, New Moon or Full Moon, it keeps a part of secret. She is also nicknamed the Triple Goddess. These faces are found in mythology through two Greek goddesses: Selene and Hecate. These two women, with whom the Moon is associated, are total opposites. Thus, Selene is synonymous with benevolence and represents devotion, tenderness and motherhood. Conversely, Hecate is often portrayed as manipulative and seductive. This divide is at the heart of the Moon’s influence. This star, capable of dominating instincts and feelings, governs our emotions in many ways.

(to be continued)

Mercury retrograde from April 1 to 25, be ready for complications (II)

The dates of Mercury retrograde in 2024

Know that Mercury retrogrades every 88 days, or more or less 3 times a year.

From April 1 to 25: Mercury retrograde in Aries

Aries is a Fire sign and therefore a sign of action. It is also a symbol of energy, speed, spontaneity, even immaturity. Indeed, Aries has a tendency to rush forward without thinking, even if it means turning back if they made a mistake in order to start again elsewhere. At least he acts, he moves, he tries, he tries...

Usually, therefore, with the influence of Aries, we rush headlong, but not this time! Mercury retrograde forces us to hit the brakes. We're going to play it a little cooler, think before jumping into the arena.

Less cookie-cutter blabbering, we are a little less spontaneous, less superficial, more patient. We might slow down a little, but hey, we're going to dig deeper and that's important! This will allow us to build on solid ground afterwards. Indeed, let's not forget that Mercury is the star of reflection. When he is retrograde he therefore insists on thinking, taking a step back and considering all the possibilities of action and the situation before moving forward. This Mercury retrograde will therefore slow us down, but it is for a good cause, to prevent us from falling into the little faults of Aries: haste, impatience or even carelessness.

A two-phase downgrade

• Between April 10 and 12, Mercury retrograde will be Conjunct the Sun in Aries: it will further impact us in our actions and our professional decision-making.
• Between the 18th and 21st, Mercury retrograde will be Conjunct Venus in Aries: it will act more in our emotional relationships. We will have to be careful not to speak too quickly, make false promises or get involved with a person without thinking, despite a crush… 

What are the astrological signs most impacted by Mercury retrograde in Aries?

All astrological signs should remain cautious and patient during the period of Mercury retrograde. However, in April, some will be much more affected than others, these are Aries, Libra, Cancer, Capricorn, Virgo and Gemini. If your ascendant is in one of these signs, the influence could also be strongly felt. And if you don't yet know your ascendant, calculate it for free.

From August 5 to 28: Mercury retrogrades in Virgo then in Leo So, hang in there!

Mercury will make a mess of our daily routine.

If your toaster decides to give up the ghost, your car breaks down, the train is late, or customer service leaves you in circles, take a deep breath.

It's just Mercury testing our zen attitude. The best thing to do here is to take a deep breath and put things into perspective, after all, yes it's annoying but no one died.

From August 16, we go into surgical precision mode, we are more measured, more timid, more precise. We're going to want to control everything, refine the details, and delegate? Pff, not even in a dream! We might lose some of our mojo, but we'll be so friendly and helpful that no one will blame us.

From November 26 to December 15: Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius

To end the year in style, Mercury retrograde in Sagittarius will play tricks on us on the road. Breakdowns, strikes, GPS wandering... Prepare for adventure! And if you are in the middle of learning or training, expect some twists and turns.

But don't panic, we are warriors, we will handle this like pros!

Be particularly vigilant when Mercury retrogrades, put all the chances on your side, monitor your accounts, your invoices, plan a plan B, etc. Come on, keep smiling, stay flexible and everything will be fine. After all, it's not Mercury that's going to dictate our good mood, is it? Come on, let’s breathe and move forward!

💫 So yes, Mercury retrograde, it's always a bit annoying but see it as a chance to slow down to realign your thoughts with your actions. It's the perfect time to reflect on yourself, your desires, your deep desires and take the time to refine your projects and dreams.

Find strength in pause, wisdom in silence. Let this time teach you the art of patience and the virtue of reflection. Embrace challenges as invitations to grow, and turn unexpected events into springboards toward a deeper understanding of yourself.

Mercury retrogrades from April 1 to 25, be ready for complications (I)

Mercury is the planet of communication, intellect, memory, and transportation. Your Mercury sign influences all these traits, like whether you’re a triple texter, if you use an Excel spreadsheet to plan every weekend trip or just ~go with the flow~, and which Wikipedia pages you spend hours reading. Mercury is the planet of the mind—it rules how we make sense of the world and our place in it.

You've probably already heard about Mercury retrograde, the astrological event that makes everything in our lives complicated.

Mercury retrograde, we're not going to lie, it's a hassle. During this period, difficulties accumulate, which is why it is important to prepare well. Don't panic, I'll tell you everything. Know that Mercury retrogrades several times in 2024, here are the dates to note in your diary.Delays, last-minute schedule changes, car breakdowns, communication problems or even couple arguments. What if Mercury retrograde was the cause of all these problems?

 I'll help you get ahead of these complications, in the meantime, stay calm and prepare yourself some herbal tea to survive Mercury retrograde.

Mercury retrograde: explanations and influence

During their courses, the planets sometimes seem to slow down, then stop their progress, reverse their progress and start back. In common language among astrologers, we say that the planets are moving backwards. Which makes our detractors jump, convinced that they have clear proof of our madness! Well no, we know that the planets don't go backwards 

The planets revolve around the Sun. But as we observe them from the Earth which itself is in motion, this causes an optical effect.

 We indeed have the impression that sometimes certain planets stagnate or even decline in their movement. This is called the Retrograde movement. In reality, the planet continues its circle imperturbably.

 To understand better, imagine yourself on a stationary train. If through the window you see a train going in the other direction, you may have the impression that it is your train going backwards. The ephemeris takes into account this movement of the planets, they indicate the retrograde with an R and the movement which becomes direct again with a D.

📌 Good to know: 

People who were born during a Mercury retrograde phase may encounter difficulties and communication problems. They may also lack self-confidence, or feel misunderstood; this phase encourages them to think more introspectively.

These retrograde periods last approximately 3 weeks and result in:

• Slowness, even immobility
• Setbacks
• Return to the interior
• Questioning
• Reflection

In astrology, the effects of a Retrograde planet change depending on the usual influences of the star. Thus Mercury Retrograde will play on the means of communication, contracts, transport.

(to be continued)