Four Quarter

You average wall calendar divides the moon’s cycle into four equal phases called the first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, and fourth quarter. It would be remarkably nifty if these four quarters matched the waxing full-waning-dark classification that the layperson observes by looking up into the night sky, but it isn’t so. The four quarters are each seven days long and as you probably know by observation, the full moon doesn’t last a week-long, nor does the dark moon.

The first quarter begins with the dark moon. The sun, moon, and the earth are all lined up during the beginning of the lunar cycle. This is a terrific time to launch new projects or undertakings, because the sun’s energy is traveling along the same energy paths as the moon’s energy, giving you a two-for-one zip to your magick. The moon rises in the early morning and sets around sunset, rising and setting a bit later each day. This is why you don’t see the moon for about three days; it’s keeping the same hours and position that the sun is keeping. When the moon reaches a point where it’s setting slightly later than the sun, it can be seen as a luminous slim crescent hanging low in the western sky for a few minutes after the sun goes down. The first quarter is a good time to work on issues involving children, animals, plants and motivation.

The second quarter begins halfway between the dark moon and the full moon. The moon is seen as a half circle, which rise around mid-day and sets around twelve at night. The second quarter is excellent for expansion, patience, peace, family and harmony.

The third quarter begins with the full moon, rising at sunset and setting at dawn, The full moon is ideal for powering those ventures you started at the dark moon and for almost everything knowledge, love, money, protection, dreams and psychic powers. Two days after a full moon is when the moon appears to begin waning. This begins a time of decrease; where you can prune away old and outgrown thoughts and habits and discard what is no longer benefiting you. Use this energy for health and healing (as in banishing illness), protection, difficult decision and easing stress.

The fourth quarter begins halfway between the full moon and the dark moon. The moon rises just after midnight and sets around noon. This energy is good for justice, endings, separation, and limiting action or expansion.

These quarters aren’t absolute, of course; the moon moves through them all sequentially, occupying a lightly different position each day.

New Moon Report for July 14th – Full Moon in Capricorn

Full Moon in Capricorn

Thursday, July 14, 11:40 pm PDT, Friday, July 15, 2:40 am EDT

The Full Moon in determined Capricorn opposes the Sun in sensitive Cancer, raising issues of whether to toughen up to deal with the outer world or seek cover in warm and fuzzy places. But as with all oppositions, there is truth on both sides of the equation. Rather than choosing to ignore inner needs or running away from challenges because they’re too difficult, this lunation reminds us that we have a full spectrum of responses available and can learn to flow from fierce to fluffy as we choose.

The Planets Now for July 12th

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Position of the planets based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Sun:
20° 06′
in Cancer

Moon:
19° 12′
in Sagittarius

Mercury:
15° 41′
in Leo

Venus:
10° 35′
in Cancer

Mars:
15° 17′
in Gemini

Jupiter:
06° 38′
in Taurus

Saturn:
11° 08′
in Libra

Uranus:
04° 37′
in Aries

Neptune:
00° 44′
in Pisces

Pluto:
05° 32′
in Capricorn

Aspects:
Opposition: Moon Mars 3º Opposition: Saturn Uranus 6º Opposition: Venus Pluto 5º Quincunx: Sun Moon 0º Semi-Sextile: Jupiter Uranus 2º Sextile: Mercury Mars 0º Sextile: Mercury Saturn 4º Sextile: Neptune Pluto 4º	Sextile: Venus Jupiter 3º Square: Saturn Pluto 5º Square: Uranus Pluto 0º Square: Venus Saturn 0º Square: Venus Uranus 5º Trine: Jupiter Pluto 1º Trine: Mars Saturn 4º Trine: Moon Mercury 3º

The Sun in Cancer
While the Sun is in Cancer family and home are the primary influences. Affection between family members is likely to increase. Familial bonds are likely to strengthen. Now is an ideal time to make improvements that make home life more comfortable and safe for all. Feelings of concern and compassion for the plight of others beyond the family should be quite strong at this time. Many may use this time to retreat and revitalize physical and spiritual energies.

Moon In Sagittarius
The inner warmth of many will burst to the surface and spread across those close to them. Optimism is likely to be very strong during this period. Life’s challenges will be accepted with enthusiasm.

Moon Sextile or Trine Mercury
Insight into the psychological motivation behind individual’s behavior is very strong at this time.

Moon Opposition or Square Mars
Mental and physical energies tend to run high during this aspect. Those who do not find healthy ways of using their additional energies are likely to become irascible and difficult to be around.

Mercury In Leo
Logical thinking and consistent behavior are favored. While there may be a pronounced laid-back attitude towards life, an underlying need to succeed and solid planning will power progress. Now is a good time to further one’s education.

Mercury Sextile or Trine Mars
Persuasion through verbalizing sound ideas is a key to success during this aspect. Be wary of becoming dogmatic and verbally domineering.

Mercury Sextile or Trine Saturn
Focus and formulating logical solutions to challenges is favored during this aspect.

Venus In Cancer
The need to physically and spiritually express one’s love for their partner may be a very strong motivator. Indeed, the need to please may be so strong that it becomes so free floating that almost anyone could be the recipient.

Venus Sextile or Trine Jupiter
This aspect can lead one to be a bit indolent. If you need a break from your life’s current pace that’s great. However, if things in your life are at a critical stage, resisting the urge to take it easy is definitely suggested.

Venus Opposition or Square Saturn
This aspect tends to add a serious tone to life. Pursuing practical goals is favored. Some may feel a little less deserving than they usually do.

Venus Opposition or Square Uranus
The need for a tremendous amount of personal freedom is a key influence of this aspect. Relationships formed during this period are likely to be superficial and short lived.

Venus Opposition or Square Pluto
This aspect can bring one’s passions to a boil. The need for both physical and spiritual love may seem almost insatiable in some. In some cases passions may erupt into jealousy, as some will feel the need to be in control of every facet of their relationship to feel secure.

Mars In Gemini
Short term projects are favored. The tendency to take on more than one project at a time could be strong, and should be managed to avoid taking on more than can be done. Mental labor is favored over physical labor.

Mars Sextile or Trine Saturn
Long term goals are favored by this aspect. The willingness to sacrifice and the determination to succeed will further ensure success will be realized.

Jupiter In Aries
Material gain and lifestyle security will be strong influences during this period. Many may take life much more seriously than they usually do. Tackling challenges from a practical approach is likely to yield positive results.

Jupiter Sextile or Trine Pluto
Visions of what is possible on a grand scale are likely during this aspect. Those who set their goals according to their current vision are likely to do well.

Saturn In Libra
Intimacy may be more of a chore than a pleasure. Some will find their progress towards strengthening intimate bonds and attaining goals muted by feelings of inadequacy.

Saturn Opposition or Square Uranus
Those who aren’t afraid of a little hard work are favored by this aspect. Remaining focused and taking things seriously are likely to produce substantial rewards. The ability to quickly change to stay atop rapidly evolving circumstances is a very valuable asset at this time.

Saturn Opposition or Square Pluto
This aspect may make it difficult to commit one’s self to anything beyond the moment at hand. However, those who do take on new goals will put the full force of their nature into achieving them.

Uranus In Aries
The astrological influence of Uranus is measured in increments of 7 years. What this means is that the effects of Uranus influence an entire generation. Day to day the Uranian influence may be imperceptible, but when the period is viewed as a whole the impact of Uranus is likely to be strikingly apparent.

Iconoclasm, independence and self-sufficiency are likely to be major themes during this period. Traditional values will be challenged. Those with a pioneering spirit will flourish.

Uranus Square Pluto
A mental restlessness and the need for complete personal freedom are possible influences of this aspect. In some the need for total autonomy may be so strong that they will challenge any attempt to subdue their independence.

Neptune In Pisces
Because Neptune takes approximately 14 years to move across Pisces its day to day influence may be imperceptible, but when the period is viewed as a whole the impact of Neptune in Pisces is likely to be strikingly apparent.

Gentleness, creativity, and the pursuit of spiritual truth are strong influences at this time. Many may find mysticism and unorthodox religions very attractive.

Neptune Trine Pluto
The exploration of spiritual issues is favored during this aspect. Introspection should lead many to better understand the underlying motives behind their behavior.

Pluto In Capricorn
Because Pluto takes approximately 15 years to move across Capricorn its day to day influence may be imperceptible, but when the period is viewed as a whole the impact of Pluto in Capricorn is likely to be strikingly apparent.

Strong economic gains can be made during this period. Pluto in Capricorn favors those who are able to make logical decisions and devise pragmatic solutions to the challenges before them.

The Planets Now for July 11th

Position of the planets based on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Sun:
19° 07′
in Cancer

Moon:
04° 56′
in Sagittarius

Mercury:
14° 20′
in Leo

Venus:
09° 18′
in Cancer

Mars:
14° 34′
in Gemini

Jupiter:
06° 29′
in Taurus

Saturn:
11° 05′
in Libra

Uranus:
04° 38′
in Aries

Neptune:
00° 45′
in Pisces

Pluto:
05° 34′
in Capricorn

Aspects:
Opposition: Saturn Uranus 6º Opposition: Venus Pluto 3º Quincunx: Moon Jupiter 1º Semi-Sextile: Jupiter Uranus 1º Semi-Sextile: Moon Pluto 0º Sextile: Mercury Mars 0º Sextile: Mercury Saturn 3º Sextile: Neptune Pluto 4º	Sextile: Venus Jupiter 2º Square: Moon Neptune 4º Square: Saturn Pluto 5º Square: Uranus Pluto 0º Square: Venus Saturn 1º Square: Venus Uranus 4º Trine: Jupiter Pluto 0º Trine: Mars Saturn 3º Trine: Moon Uranus 0º

Moon Sextile or Trine Uranus
The need for personal freedom is likely to be high. Maintaining an upbeat attitude and sense of humor are essential to success.

Moon Opposition or Square Neptune
Generally it is best to avoid confrontation during this aspect. Many are likely to find the arts very attractive during this period. Exploring one’s dreams and fantasies may be used as a way to avoid confronting life’s crueler moments.