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Let the Dark Moon Make You New

By Dana Gerhardt

The Moon draws time on the sky, charting the pulsations of Shakti or Nature, the divine feminine energy that flows through us and IS us.  For a life lived in tune with the Moon, this sensuous rhythm is second nature.

For a life lived out of tune, the best time to re-synchronize yourself is during the Dark Moon, the three to four days before the Moon is new  (that’s occurring this week, March 9-12).

This is the cycle’s end.  People typically like to hurry into  beginnings and away  from endings.  Amongst the civilized, endings are an acquired taste that few bother to develop. But in the natural world, endings are the meal supreme.  What is old breaks down.  This becomes fuel for the new thing, waiting in the wings.

This Moon phase is sometimes called “Balsamic” for the way it can distill us into our essence.  Balsam is the potent resin or sap that forms on certain trees and plants; it’s related to the word balm, a fragrant concoction made to soothe and heal.

How do we make such a healing balm for ourselves during this Moon phase?  These days come every month.  How can we get the most from them?  What can the Moon herself tell us about how to proceed?

 

The Moon is a visual teacher.

Look for this Moon in the east at the end of her cycle, when she will rise in the hours just before dawn.  Rising so close to the morning means she’s not visible in the nighttime sky—which kept the ancient ones wisely indoors.  Even now, these are not the best nights for a big party or gathering of any kind.

These nights favor solitude and an early bedtime—one that allows you to rise in the hours just before dawn to meet this Moon’s thin crescent of light, leftward on her full black orb.  Look for her three mornings in a row and you’ll observe this illuminated crescent is progressively thinning, until it eventually disappears.  That says the New Moon is just around the corner.

This play of light and dark is perhaps the Moon’s most important teaching.  Light is a universal emblem for consciousness, awareness, the active thinking mind. The Moon is saying we need very little “mind” at this time.  The power in this period derives from all that’s implied by the orb in darkness.  The dark is symbolic of our unconscious forces.

We find the potency of this Moon phase not in the mind, but in the body—the unconscious intelligence that operates below the neck.  It’s from this place we need to proceed.  The body is not an extensive conversationalist.  At this time of the lunar month, it’s concerned primarily with the physics of resting.  It knows how to build energy from the activity of resting.  How wonderful!  These are auspicious days to do nothing,  to cease all our planning-striving-getting-and-spending.  By slowing down and doing less, we create more space and energy for our future.

The body has a thumbs up/thumbs down language.   During the Dark Moon, if you wonder,  Should you go here or there?  Should you do this or that thing?   Ask the question.  Then tune in below the neck.  Does your body respond with “ugh” or “yay” ?  The “ugh” tells you not to waste your energy.  The “yay” tells you this is in tune with the new thing that’s coming.

You don’t have to be idle for the whole period.  I use the Dark Moon as a signal flag—like the ones sailors raise to indicate tricky weather.  Or the flags waved by race track officials to slow down speeding cars after an accident.  The Dark Moon signal flag says something like “Go slow; your body and spirit need replenishing.”   The rest is up to us.  It’s our challenge to watch for the hour or hours that appear when we can fully and legitimately surrender to the Nothing that is everything.

I’m opportunistic about my Dark Moon rest—somewhere between planning it and waiting to be called.  When the intention and opportunity converge, I stop.  I drop in.  I can sense my body and spirit drinking, thoroughly enjoying the delicious nectar in the Nada of the moment.  May you discover this pleasure!   Mark your calendar now.  The next Dark Moon days are from April 1 to 5.

Were you born during a Dark Moon—and if so, what does that mean?  Learn about your birth moon phase here here.

In addition to the monthly Dark Moons, over the course of our lives there we get several extended dark moon periods that can last three to four years each.  One such period is the “progressed Balsamic” phase.  You’ll find the years for yours (along with many other Moon goodies) in my Moonprints report. Order here.

Too wired to rest during the Dark Moon?  My Moon Bliss practice will help!  

And always, you’re welcome to join my monthly Moon Workshop–enroll here! 

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About Dana Gerhardt

A popular columnist with The Mountain Astrologer since 1991, Dana Gerhardt is an internationally respected astrologer. She has lectured extensively and written for astrology publications on several continents. Her ongoing passions are the moon and living the intuitive life. Dana worked for many years in the corporate sector, where she observed the undeniable influence of natural cycles. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa, Magna Cum Laude from Occidental College in Los Angeles and did graduate work in literature at Columbia University and CSULA. Dana can be contacted by email.

Comments

  1. Valerie says

    Mar 5, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    “leftward on her full black orb” – only in the Northern Hemisphere 🙂

    Reply
    • Dana says

      Mar 5, 2019 at 3:05 pm

      Huh? I have not been in the southern hemisphere.–and I can be a bit dyslexic Are you saying that the dark moon doesn’t rise just before the Sun, who, when you’re facing east, is on her left? That’s why the illumination is on the left, because that’s where the Sun is. What’s the situation in the southern hemisphere?

      Reply
      • Valerie says

        Mar 5, 2019 at 3:58 pm

        In the Southern Hemisphere, the old Moon rises before the Sun and by the time the Sun rises, the Moon is more north-east, with the bright crescent on its right.
        The New Moon visible after sunset will have the bright crescent on its left.
        The Full Moon, like the Sun, shines into north-facing windows.
        The Moon also appears “upside down” compared with the Northern Hemisphere view.
        🙂

        Reply
        • Dana says

          Mar 5, 2019 at 4:22 pm

          Mind blown! I did not know this. Do you have any pictures–or know of a website with pictures? I’d love to see the visual.

          Reply
          • Valerie says

            Mar 5, 2019 at 4:32 pm

            link to vercalendario.info

            🙂

  2. kat says

    Mar 5, 2019 at 12:05 pm

    Dana, I am confused – how do I locate the free moon phase report? I have done some of the other charts previously, yet can seem to locate this particular report. Thanks.

    Reply
    • kat says

      Mar 5, 2019 at 12:11 pm

      Oops! That should read “can’t seem to locate”

      Reply
  3. Maria says

    Mar 5, 2019 at 8:16 am

    Dana, .Thank you so much, My life touch the end of a circle. I had new felt so srong….
    I´m learned.
    Maria

    Reply
    • Dana says

      Mar 5, 2019 at 12:59 pm

      You enter through the chart play link. First using the menu in the blue bar, upper left, you either log in or create a new chart. On the next screen, you should see a menu bar of “free reports,” which includes the options of your moon phase, your natal chart, today’s transits.

      Reply

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The Moon is in its
Full Phase

in the
Sign of Scorpio


Today's Lunar Aspects (Greenwich Mean Time)
(subtract: PST -8 hours, PDT -7 hours, EST -5 hours, EDT -4 hours)

  • Moon opposite Uranus, 2:35am  May 13 2025
  • Moon trine Saturn, 6:37am  May 13 2025
  • Moon trine Neptune, 11:29am  May 13 2025
  • Moon sextile Pluto, 4:11pm  May 13 2025

Venus is currently
The Morning Star

in the sign of Aries


Enroll in Dana Gerhardt’s Moon Workshop!
Your Venus Unleashed!
Moonshadow Eclipse Report
Moonprints Lunar Report
Steven Forrest’s Transit/Progression report
Mary Shea’s Solar Return report
John Townley’s Lunar Return report

© 2000 - 2025 Mooncircles.com

Astrologers use a variety of house systems, or methods of dividing up the sky into twelve sections. I use the Porphyry house system; another popular house system is Placidus (this is the default on https://astro.com). If the chart I send you looks different from what you are used to seeing, then likely a system other than Porphyry was used. Whole signs, Equal House, Regiomantus, and Campanus are examples of other systems. If you find all of this confusing, do not worry. It is likely not critical to your report.

m  Conjunction:  Like peas in a pod, planets in conjunction tend to come from the same place. They act together, but it’s also hard to tell them apart. This aspect can increase talent, focus, and intensity (“two are better than one”). Or one planet can disappear as the other dominates. Their connection feels so natural, it’s easy to think everyone blends these planetary energies just as you do—but mostly, they don’t!.

p  Sextile:  Planets in sextile are compatible, though without any fireworks. This aspect doesn’t demand your attention. It quietly presents an opportunity. You can join these archetypal forces. Donna Cunningham has called this the “Oh, that!” aspect, because that’s generally what her clients say when she describes their benefits.  To get the most from sextiles you need to actively work them.

q  Square:  Squares are wild and wonderful—but difficult too. The power struggle between these planets was likely defined in your youth, when they were impossibly challenging. People are usually aware of their squares. They force the issues that make you to grow. And that’s their gift. They ensure you learn your lessons. When you rise to the occasion, they bless you with energy, action, and success.

r  Trine:  Michael Munkasey has dubbed this the “goddess aspect” because it’s so lovely. Identifying talents you may have perfected in a previous life, trines can bring you joy. There’s a nice flow of energy between planets in trine. They support and reinforce each another. But without any struggle, you might take them for granted—neither using nor developing their gifts. An unattended trine can sometimes trick you into negative behaviors.

t  Inconjunct/Quincunx:  Your quincunx planets are innately incompatible. Bringing them into harmonious expression requires constant adjustments. This can be stressful, also motivating. You’ve got to keep changing your process, opinions or attitude—which promotes highly creative solutions.

u  Opposition:  They say opposites attract—and planets in opposition are never far from each other, though they’re constantly bickering. You may be triggered into awareness of this aspect by other people who seem to resist or undermine you.  An opposition can make you feel uncertain, insecure, or discontent, until you can accept and see yourself in both energies. Typically people find it easier to identify with one side and project the other onto unsuspecting others in the outer world.

First House: Personality, physical body, beginnings. Includes the Ascendant and rules physical appearance, the image you project to others, your general outlook on life, how you start things; may describe your role in your family system, often guides your first impression of immediate environment.

Second House: Money and personal finances, sense of self-worth and basic values, personal possessions, talents.

Third House: Communication, thoughts, language skills like writing and speaking, early schooling, siblings and neighbors, short trips, coming and going around town.

Fourth House: Your home, psychological foundations and roots, family, parents, domestic life, instinctive behavior, ancestry, your connection with the past, sense of security, domestic life, real estate. conditions at the end of life.

Fifth House: Children, creativity, romance; pleasure, entertainment, self-expression; all forms of “play”, speculation, gambling, and attitude towards taking risks; hobbies, attitude towards romance, lovers as opposed to partners, attitude towards having fun.

Sixth House: Work and job (as opposed to career), daily life, attitude towards service and coworkers, helpfulness, pets, attitude towards routine and organization, how you refine and perfect your skills.

Seventh House: Partnerships, one-to-one relationships, marriage, the first marriage, the “significant other”, business partnerships, competitors, open enemies, lawyers, mediators, counselors, contracts, negotiations, agreements. clients/the public.

Eighth House: Transformations and crisis, your ability to meet and rebound from crisis and change, sexuality; sex, death and rebirth, rituals and personal growth, your partner’s resources, addictions, psychology, other people’s money, taxes, divorce/alimony, inheritance.

Ninth House: Attitude toward expanding horizons, religious beliefs and personal philosophy, higher education, long-distance travel, morals, foreign languages and cultures, personal truths, publishing, commerce, advertising, your sense of adventure.

Tenth House: Career and profession, your contribution to society, social status, public reputation, material success, how you carve out a public identity for yourself; attitude toward authority figures, parents, caregivers, bosses, governments, attitude towards responsibility, desire for achievement.

Eleventh House: Friends, groups, organizations; hopes, wishes, aspirations, personal goals; your philanthropic attitude, concern for the collective, humanity; like tenth, can bring recognition and honors for fulfilling hopes and dreams.

Twelfth House: What’s hidden beneath the surface, karmic dustbin, limiting childhood/past-life messages, self-undoing, hidden enemies, hidden weaknesses, dreams, secret affairs, lost items, hospitals and prisons, hidden strengths, spiritual studies and soul growth.

A  Sun: Our vitality and magnetism; self-identity, ego.
Roles: The Self, the Hero, the Performer, the King.

B  Moon: Intuition, emotion, nurture.
Roles: The Mother, the High Priestess, the Child.

C  Mercury: Mind; physical dexterity and mental agility.
Roles: The Thinker, the Communicator, the Student, the Trickster, the Merchant, the Thief.

D  Venus: Our capacity for pleasure, receptivity, creativity, and social connection. Also indicates our relationships, self esteem, and financial abundance.
Roles: The Lover, the Seductress, the Artist.

E  Mars: Desire, initiative, anger.
Roles: The Protector, the Athlete, the Warrior.

F  Jupiter: Luck, opportunity, expansion, higher learning, religion.
Roles: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the Traveler, the Monk, the Professor.

G  Saturn: Hard work, commitment, focus, inadequacy, leadership, suffering, loss.
Roles: The Task Master, the Grim Reaper, the Wise Old Man, the Builder, the Cynic, the Boss.

H  Uranus: Change, breakthroughs, upsets, discoveries.
Roles: The Revolutionary, the Humanitarian, the Visionary, the Snob.

I  Neptune: Imagination, spirituality, idealism, addictions, deception, compassion.
Roles: The Artist, the Romantic, the Guru, the Addict, the Martyr, the Victim.

J  Pluto: Transformation, power, psychological dynamics, helplessness.
Roles: The Terrorist, the Detective, the Psychotherapist, the Dictator, shady people.

a  Aries: Pioneering, competitive, selfish, impatient, courageous, reckless, independent, dynamic, domineering, “Me first!”

b  Taurus: Patient, stable, lazy, dependable, practical, sensual, stubborn, artistic, possessive, greedy, gentle, loyal.

c  Gemini: Intelligent, curious, adaptable, quick-witted, restless, clever, scatterbrained, lacking follow-through.

d  Cancer: Nourishing, intuitive, protective, moody, sensitive, maternal, domestic, childish, cautious, creative.

e  Leo: Proud, dignified, vain, expressive, romantic, generous, childish, overbearing, self-assured, creative.

f  Virgo: Perfection-seeking, practical, methodical, petty, critical, studious, discriminating, cautious, never satisfied.

g  Libra: Charming, sociable, peace-loving, refined, diplomatic, artistic, indecisive, apathetic, easily deterred.

h  Scorpio: Passionate, secretive, penetrating, resourceful, suspicious, manipulative, jealous, sarcastic, intolerant, determined, aware.

i  Sagittarius: Freedom-loving, philosophical, optimistic, enthusiastic, careless, impatient, talkative, a know-it-all, broadminded, athletic, honest.

j  Capricorn: Serious, responsible, practical, hardworking, stubborn, brooding, inhibited, status-conscious, domineering, unforgiving.

k  Aquarius: Progressive, individualistic, unpredictable, cold, intellectual, artistic, eccentric, shy, impersonal, scientific.

l  Pisces: Compassionate, intuitive, ungrounded, romantic, impractical, self-sacrificing, seductive, musical, artistic.