The Moon goes around the Earth and through every sign of the zodiac in 27 days, whereas it takes 29 days from New Moon to New Moon. The phases of the Moon are caused by its relative position to the Earth and the Sun.
When the sun and moon are on opposite sides of the earth, the moon appears “full” to us, a bright, round disk. If the Moon is opposite to the Sun then it’s also in the opposite sign of the zodiac. A lunar eclipse can occur at the time of the Full Moon if the moon passes through the earth’s shadow.
When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun it appears dark – this is a New Moon, and the beginning of the cycle. The Moon is in exactly the same sign as the Sun. From this point on, the Moon’s illuminated surface appears to grow (wax) to full, then decreases (wanes) to the next New Moon. In the Southern Hemisphere the Moon waxes and wanes from the left to right, and in the Northern Hemisphere the reverse is seen (right to left).
Current Moon Phase (Southern Hemisphere)
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The New Moon starts the cycle of the moon phases. Here the seed is planted. The sign of the Moon describes the intention and expression of this 4 week cycle.
The First Quarter Moon is a waxing moon when the seeds have grown and begin to sprout: the intention is taking form. It is important to nurture the intention so the seed grows and reaches maximum potential at the Full Moon.
The Full Moon is the culmination point of the cycle. The seed planted at the New Moon comes into bloom. If the nurturing was sufficient then you may achieve a high standard. The results are proportional to the effort and strength of intention.
The Last Quarter Moon sees the bloom fading. The energy is spent. There is now time to reflect on what has come to fruition, what has been gained and what has been lost.