The moon is a natural satellite that orbits the Earth and reflects the sunlight. The moon has different phases, or shapes, that we can see from Earth depending on its position relative to the Sun and Earth. The eight main phases of the moon are: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. Each phase has a different meaning and influence on our lives, according to some beliefs and traditions.

The new moon is when the moon is completely dark and invisible. It represents a new beginning, a fresh start, and a time to set intentions and goals for the future.

The waxing crescent is when the moon appears as a thin sliver of light on the right side. It symbolizes growth, creativity, and optimism. It is a good time to take action and pursue your dreams.

The first quarter is when the moon looks like a half circle on the right side. It signifies strength, determination, and courage. It is a time to face challenges and overcome obstacles.

The waxing gibbous is when the moon is more than half full but not yet full. It indicates refinement, improvement, and perfection. It is a time to fine-tune your plans and make adjustments.

The full moon is when the moon is fully illuminated and visible. It represents completion, fulfillment, and enlightenment. It is a time to celebrate your achievements and express your gratitude.

The waning gibbous is when the moon is less than full but still more than half full. It signifies release, letting go, and forgiveness. It is a time to clear away any negativity and heal any wounds.

The third quarter is when the moon looks like a half circle on the left side. It symbolizes transition, change, and transformation. It is a time to embrace new opportunities and prepare for the next phase.

The waning crescent is when the moon appears as a thin sliver of light on the left side. It represents rest, reflection, and renewal. It is a time to relax, meditate, and recharge your energy.

Triple Goddess

The relationship between Diana, Selene, and Hekate to the moon is complex and multifaceted. Diana is the Roman equivalent of Artemis, the Greek goddess of hunting, wildlife, virginity, and the moon. Selene is another Greek goddess who personifies the moon itself and drives her silver chariot across the night sky. Hekate is a mysterious goddess of magic, witchcraft, crossroads, and the underworld, who also has lunar associations. These three goddesses share some common attributes, such as being female, protective, and powerful. They also have different aspects and roles that reflect the changing phases of the moon: Diana/Artemis is the maiden, Selene is the mother, and Hekate is the crone. In some modern Neopagan traditions, they are worshipped as a Triple Goddess, a united figure of lunar divinity that represents the cycles of life.

Diana

the maiden

The goddess Diana was a powerful figure in Roman and Hellenistic religion, associated with various aspects of nature, the night, and the moon. She was the patroness of hunters, wild animals, fertility, and childbirth, and was often invoked by women for protection and assistance. She was also a virgin goddess who valued her independence and avoided the company of men, preferring to roam the forests with her nymphs and woodland creatures. She was identified with the Greek goddess Artemis, and shared many of her attributes and myths, such as being born on the island of Delos to Jupiter and Latona, and having a twin brother, Apollo. However, she also had a distinct origin and cult in Italy, where she was worshipped at sacred groves and temples, especially at Lake Nemi and on the Aventine Hill. Her name is derived from Latin words meaning "divine" or "heavenly", and she was sometimes called Diana Lucifera, or "light-bearer", because of her connection to the moon. She was also considered a triple goddess, linked to Luna (the moon) and Hecate (the underworld) in later periods.

Selene

the mother

Selene is the name of the Greek goddess who represents the moon. She is also called Mene, which means "light" or "brightness" in Greek. Selene is the daughter of the Titans Hyperion and Theia, who are the god and goddess of heavenly light. She has a brother, Helios, who is the god of the sun, and a sister, Eos, who is the goddess of the dawn. Selene drives a chariot across the sky every night, pulling the moon behind her. She has many lovers, both gods and mortals, but her most famous one is Endymion, a handsome shepherd who sleeps eternally. Selene is often linked with Artemis and Hecate, two other goddesses who have lunar aspects, but she is the only one who is the actual personification of the moon itself.

Hekate

the crone

Hekate is a goddess of ancient Greek mythology, associated with magic, crossroads, ghosts, and the underworld. She is often depicted as a triple-faced woman, holding torches, keys, and serpents. She has a complex and varied role in the myths and cults of Greece, sometimes appearing as a benefactor and protector, and sometimes as a malevolent and dangerous force. Hekate's origins are obscure, but she may have been a pre-Olympian deity of the night, the moon, and the earth. She was revered by many as a powerful and wise goddess, who could grant or withhold favors, bestow knowledge and secrets, and guide the souls of the dead. Hekate was also involved in the mysteries of Eleusis, where she helped Demeter in her search for her daughter Persephone, who had been abducted by Hades. Hekate was also a patron of witches and sorcerers, who invoked her in their spells and rituals.

tides in lakes rivers and oceans 

The tides are the periodic rise and fall of the sea level caused by the gravitational attraction of the moon and the sun on the Earth. The moon has a greater influence on the tides than the sun because it is much closer to our planet. The moon's gravity pulls on the ocean, creating a bulge of water on the side of the Earth that faces the moon. This is where high tide occurs. At the same time, another bulge of water forms on the opposite side of the Earth, where the moon's gravity is weakest. This is also where high tide occurs. The areas between the bulges experience low tide. As the Earth rotates, different locations pass through the tidal bulges, creating a cycle of two high tides and two low tides every lunar day, which is about 24 hours and 50 minutes long. The sun also affects the tides, but to a lesser extent. When the sun, moon, and Earth are aligned, their gravitational forces combine to produce higher high tides and lower low tides. These are called spring tides and they occur during new moon and full moon phases. When the sun, moon, and Earth form a right angle, their gravitational forces partially cancel each other out, producing lower high tides and higher low tides. These are called neap tides and they occur during quarter moon phases.

religion and magick

What religions and magical practices are performed around the moon?

The moon is a celestial body that has fascinated and inspired humans for millennia. Many religions and cultures have associated the moon with various deities, symbols, rituals, and meanings. Some of the most common examples of moon worship and magic are:

- In ancient Greece, the moon was seen as the goddess Artemis, who was the protector of nature, hunting, and childbirth. She was also associated with the underworld and the souls of the dead. People would offer sacrifices and prayers to her during the full moon.
- In ancient Egypt, the moon was represented by the god Thoth, who was the patron of writing, wisdom, and magic. He was also the keeper of time and the cycles of the moon. He was often depicted as a man with the head of an ibis or a baboon.
- In China, the moon was revered as a source of yin energy, which balanced the yang energy of the sun. The moon was also linked to the ancestors, who were believed to reside in the lunar realm. People would make offerings and burn incense to honor their ancestors on the night of the full moon.
- In Native American cultures, the moon was seen as a powerful spirit that influenced the seasons, the tides, and the fertility of the land. Different tribes had different names and stories for the moon, such as Grandmother Moon, Changing Woman, or Corn Mother. Some tribes also performed dances and ceremonies to celebrate the phases of the moon.
- In Wicca and other forms of modern paganism, the moon is regarded as a manifestation of the Goddess, who has three aspects: maiden, mother, and crone. The moon also represents the feminine principle, intuition, and psychic abilities. Wiccans and pagans often perform rituals and spells during the full moon, known as Esbats, to connect with the lunar energy and their deities.

personality & mood

Many people have wondered how the moon affects human personality and mood. The moon has been associated with various phenomena, such as madness, epilepsy, crime, sleep, and love. However, scientific evidence for these effects is scarce and often contradictory. Some possible explanations for the moon's influence are:

- The moon affects the Earth's tides, which are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and the sun. Since humans are mostly made of water, some believe that the moon can also affect the fluids in our body and brain, altering our emotions and behavior. However, this theory has been challenged by experts who point out that the Earth's gravity is much stronger than the moons, and that the moon has no noticeable effect on small bodies of water like a glass or a bathtub.
- The moon affects the amount of light we receive at night, which can influence our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns. Some studies have suggested that people sleep less or worse during a full moon, which could affect their mood and mental health the next day. However, other studies have found no such correlation, or have argued that the effect is too small to be significant.
- The moon affects our cultural and spiritual beliefs, which can shape our conscious and unconscious behavior. The moon has been a symbol of many myths, legends, rituals, and religions throughout history, and some people may feel more connected to its phases and meanings. For example, some people may associate a full moon with romance or passion, a new moon with renewal or reflection, or a waxing or waning moon with growth or decline. These associations could influence how people perceive themselves and others, and how they act accordingly.

In conclusion, there is no definitive answer to how the moon affects human personality and mood. The moon may have some subtle effects on our physiology, psychology, or sociology, but they are likely to be overshadowed by other factors such as genetics, environment, personality, or mood disorders. The moon may also have different effects on different people depending on their individual characteristics or beliefs. Therefore, it is important to be aware of how we feel and behave during different lunar phases, but not to attribute everything to the moon without considering other possible causes or solutions.

**GO TO A HOSPITAL OR NURSING HOME TWO TIMES AT THE SAME TIME OF DAY/ NIGHT OBSERVE THE PEOPLE ONCE DURING THE FULL MOON, THEN AGAIN ON ANY OTHER FAZE OF THE MOON. (3 DAYS BEFORE THREE DAYS AFTER IS OK BUT IT IS BEST ON THE FULL MOON, YOU TELL ME IF THE MOON DON'T AFFECT US IN THAT MANNER.) ****

mythical creatures

There are many legends and stories about mythical creatures that come out only on the full moon. Some of the most famous ones are werewolves, vampires, and mermaids. These creatures are said to have special powers or abilities that are enhanced by the moonlight, or to transform from their human form into their animal or supernatural form. Here are some examples of these mythical creatures and their origins:

- Werewolves are humans who can turn into wolves or wolf-like creatures during the full moon. They are often depicted as savage, violent, and uncontrollable beasts that hunt and kill humans or other animals. The word werewolf comes from the Old English werwulf, meaning "man-wolf". Some possible explanations for the werewolf myth are that it was inspired by people with a rare genetic disorder called hypertrichosis, which causes excessive hair growth all over the body, or by people who suffered from rabies, which can cause aggression and delirium.
- Vampires are undead beings who feed on the blood of the living. They are usually portrayed as pale, fanged, and nocturnal creatures that can turn into bats or mist. They are also said to have various weaknesses, such as sunlight, garlic, crosses, stakes, and holy water. The word vampire comes from the Slavic word vampir, which may have derived from the Turkish word ubyr, meaning "which". Some possible origins of the vampire myth are that it was based on people with a blood disorder called porphyria, which can cause sensitivity to light and anemia, or on corpses that showed signs of decomposition, such as bloating, bleeding, and nail growth.
- Mermaids are half-human, half-fish creatures that live in the sea. They are often depicted as beautiful, seductive, and sometimes dangerous beings that can lure sailors to their doom with their enchanting voices or charms. The word mermaid comes from the Middle English mere, meaning "sea", and maid, meaning "girl". Some possible sources of the mermaid myth are that it was influenced by sightings of marine animals such as manatees, dugongs, or seals, or by ancient goddesses of the sea, such as Atargatis, Amphitrite, or Thetis.

Healing powers