Moon Phases And Time

The moon has always been a mysterious object to mankind. In actuality it is a natural satellite, not a star or planet. For thousands of years the brightly glowing spot in the sky has been linked heavily to superstition, science, and even religion. While the moon is not relied upon so much for telling the hours of the day as a traditional timepiece does, the moon is relied upon for telling time in accordance to phases. The best way to keep track of the moon’s phases is by purchasing a calendar with the phases marked; additionally weather forecasting websites will usually provide this information online.

The new lunar phase occurs when the moon and sun are on the same side of Earth as one another; this is the phase in which the moon is not visible. Following the new phase is the waxing crescent phase, in which only a sliver of the moon is visible. After this the moon reaches the first quarter phase, allowing half visibility. When three quarters are visible, the moon is said to be in the waxing gibbous phase. A full moon phase reveals the entire moon shining intensely. Eventually the moon will lose visibility and reverse the entire process, first moving to the waning gibbous stage where it appears at three quarters visibility. As it rotates further, the moon reaches the last quarter phase, revealing half visibility; the last sliver of moon following this phase is the waning crescent phase. After the waning crescent phase has passed, the moon cycles into the new moon phase again, then repeats the entire cycle.

Lunar Phases - A chart depicting the various phases of the moon.

In ancient Egypt, China and Babylon, superstitions about the moon and its phases are recorded in several instances. The moon was supposed to relate to the cycle of life, with the beginning of a new moon being paired with birth and the last phase of the moon relating to death. Some believed the moon played a significant role in determining immortality and afterlives of humans, therefore worshiping it would aid in immortality or a prosperous afterlife. During certain phases of the moon, specific rituals would be performed and others must be avoided, for fear of harm or sickness befalling a person. Food, liquids, possessions and even newborn babies were placed in the light beams of the full moon to absorb that phase’s supposed healing and beneficial powers from the light, which supposedly brought health, youthfulness and wisdom.

Both the phases of the moon and its alternating dominance with the sun in the sky have been linked to various religious beliefs of ancient gods and their battles with one another. With their belief in several life cycles of birth and death, the Hindus linked the phases of the moon to the phases of life and death, associating the glowing moon with the god Soma. Soma was always depicted in a manifestation of youth or strength, often as a bull or embryo. The moon’s cycles of self-renewal have always been associated with youth in ancient times. Egyptians also had a saying “as young as the moon” to describe a youthful feeling or look.

A still photo from the wonderful old film, "A Trip to the Moon" by Georges Méliès.

As technology advanced and man was able to understand the mysteries of the moon by connecting it to scientific facts, many superstitions faded away. There are still some superstitions related to the moon’s phases that remain. Some believe a full moon falling on the 13th day of the month, if it is a Friday, will bring imminent widespread destruction. A British superstition involves bowing to the new moon and holding out a silver coin; as the moon grows, it is believed that their money supply will also grow. For many years children were told there was a “man in the moon” during the full moon phase because of the visible craters resembling facial features. Asking the man in the moon for something or making a wish during a full moon was supposed to bring about desirable outcomes. For thousands of years and even today, the moon’s phases play a major role in astrology.

This object of superstition has also been used for many years to tell time. Similar to telling time by the position of the sun with a sundial, the moon may be used to tell time by its position. This is a much more scientific and detailed process than telling time by the sun. Due to the phases of the moon and the position in which it sits at different times, the process involves knowledge of precise angles, the stars and many other extensive details. Because this method involves so many different mathematical and scientific aspects, it is not a popular method for telling the time; however it is very fascinating to those interested in researching and learning something new.

Today lunar phases are still important to certain groups of people. It has been scientifically proven that the gravitation of the moon toward Earth, along with its phases, are directly related to how the ocean tides flow, making the moon’s different phases important to surfers and sailors. Every avid surfer knows the phases of the moon and how they affect the tides; the phase of the moon is taken in accordance with the time of day to determine the size of swells and strength of the waves. Without this crucial information, surfing adventures could either end up in catastrophe or just be very uneventful. Sailors also need to be familiar with tides and moon phases when entering coastal regions of the oceans.

Phases of the moon are not just important to nautical adventurers; they are also important to farmers and people who are passionate about gardening. As the gravitational force pulls upward in the beginning phases of the moon, it is proven that these times are best for planting certain vegetation. Oppositely, when the moon is in the last phases and the gravitational force reverses, it is best to plant other vegetation at these times. For example, during the new moon phase the upward gravitational force is at its strongest, so this is the best time to plant crops whose seeds are produced outside the fruit, such as cabbage, celery and spinach. During the declining phases following a full moon, gravitational forces are stronger in a downward direction. These phases are the best time to plant root crops, such as beets, potatoes or carrots.

The moon certainly is still very mysterious; there are many things we haven’t yet discovered about it.

While the moon may not be used to tell time in measurements of minutes and seconds, it is definitely invaluable for telling “phase time” in regards to planting, sailing, surfing and to those studying astrology.

Tags: gravitational forces, lunar phases, man in the moon, moon, moon phase time, ocean tides, phase time, phases of the moon, rituals, superstitions, Time, time telling