The First Quarter Moon in Capricorn comes exact on October 1, 2014 at 3:33 PM EST
Click here to learn more about the Moon.
The First Quarter marks the halfway point between the New and Full Moon. The First and Last Quarter Moon phases occur when the Moon squares the Sun at a 90 degree angle. In this particular phase, the Sun in cardinal air sign Libra will square the Moon in cardinal earth sign Capricorn. From the Earth, we will perceive that the “right side” of the Moon is bright. The Moon will rise at noon, peak at dusk and set at midnight.
This phase of the Moon is a checkpoint. Here we assess how we are doing – what aspects of our initiatives have been successful thus far? Where do we need to work harder? This phase is like creeping to the high point of a rollercoaster, represented by the Full Moon, a time when our work is brought to completion and answers to lingering questions are illuminated. We are now encouraged to scope out cracks in the foundation we laid down with last week’s New Moon in Libra. Are your ventures built to last?
The waxing light of the Moon symbolizes a return to total awareness. This is the best time to tweak and improve upon existing plans. At every Full Moon we conclude all that we have set out to do at the New Moon. The week between the First Quarter Moon and the Full Moon is a very powerful time. If you have been diligent, expect to see your ideas come to fruition now.
Squares mean change. We have come to a corner, and now we must choose a route. The building energy and excitement you may feel at this phase is there to encourage pioneering. This is a time of decisive action, calculated risk-taking, networking and deepened commitment to personal growth. The Moon is asking you to gather yourself. This phase falls in cardinal signs, meaning that the most attractive path now will be one that speaks to your initiative as well as something that contributes to what is essential in your life. We are poised to launch new projects that provide direction. In other words, this month focuses on scratching the old and trying out something that is (potentially) completely different.
The First Quarter Moon falling in Capricorn represents a conflict between our desire for personal status and prestige, particularly in relation to our professional life, and our desire to see all people succeed as they work together in a harmonious community. It is important that we put in the hours, maintain a healthy work ethic and feel proud of all that we do, but not at the cost of losing appreciation for the beautiful web of people upon which we rely. Simply put, the battle here is between the success of the individual and the general wellbeing of the people who support the individual. The challenge may, on the other hand, have more to do with overcoming inertia and goading the Self into giving back, sincerely and unconditionally, to the greater community. Watch out for grumbling, pent-up frustration and laziness. Libra is a rather breezy, centered energy squaring Capricorn, a sign which can be stubborn, authoritarian or self-absorbed at times. At this time our desire for personal success will speak to the heart while the pull towards our community will feel more like a duty.
When the Moon transits an earth sign, physical energy runs low. It may be more difficult than usual to get out of bed and keep moving. If balanced, however, this may be an extremely industrious time. The goat is fickle - you can never quite know what to expect. I like to visualize Capricorn energy as a family farm, operating smoothly at full strength. Use the earthy energy of this Moon phase to check off a few things on your to-do list, stay in and watch a movie or catch up on sleep.
If you are curious about how this transit affects you personally, please contact me for more insight. To ascertain your personal Moon sign, click here.
YOGA CHALLENGE
Capricorn rules our bones, joints, knees and teeth: our internal structure. In yoga, tadasana, mountain pose, serves a similar purpose. Again and again we return to this pose as a source of security and stability. Even while doing something as simple as standing, there are many things that require our attention and precision. Are your toes pointing forward, second toe in line with the center of your ankle? Are your knee caps lifting? Are your hips relaxed, tailbone curling down and in? Are your shoulders relaxed, rotating down and back, away from the ears? Relax the jaw, eyes, scalp, cheeks and tongue. Close the eyes and let your hands fall to the sides, palms facing forward to further facilitate shoulder blades coming together. Experiment with engaging the mula bandha (root lock) and uddiyana bandha (sacral chakra lock, located in the lower belly). Tips of the ears back, chin parallel to the earth, cervical spine lifting to the sky. Don’t forget to breeeeathe!
Mantra: I am fulfilled