Solar and Lunar Cycles

In addition to the Major Spiritual Festivals, both the Lunar and Solar cycles have been used to mark the times when the impact of the flow of cosmic or divine energies are most powerful. Traditionally, these times have been used for individual and group focused meditation. The full moon period lasts for five days — three days prior to the full moon, the day of occurrence, and two days following.

The first half of the Lunar Cycle—New Moon to Full Moon—is one of intensification, absorption and accumulation. The second half of the cycle—Full Moon to New Moon—is one of assimilation and distribution. When working within the ebb and flow of the full cycle, newly acquired energy keeps inflowing and outflowing channels open, and prevents emotional, mental and physical congestion which may otherwise be experienced as physical discomfort.

In 2009 the important Solar and Lunar dates are as follows:

SOLAR CYCLE

EVENT	NORTHERN HEMISPHERE	SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE	DATE
Equinox	Vernal Autumnal	Autumnal Vernal	March 20 Sept 23

Solstice	Summer Winter	Winter Summer	June 20 Dec 22

LUNAR CYCLE

Jan 10	Full	Capricorn
Jan 26	New	Aquarius	Annular Solar Eclipse – 1/26
Feb 9	Full	Aquarius	Partial Lunar Eclipse – 2/9
Feb 25	New	Pisces
Mar 10	Full	Pisces
Mar 26	New	Aries
Apr 9	Full	Aries	Easter Festival – 4/9
Apr 24	New	Taurus
May 8	Full	Taurus	Wesak Festival – 5/8
May 23	New	Gemini
June 7	Full	Gemini	§Goodwill Festival/ Festival of Humanity – 6/7
June 22	New	Cancer
July 7	Full	Cancer	Partial Lunar Eclipse – 7/7
July 21	New	Leo	Total Solar Eclipse – 7/22
Aug 5	Full	Leo	Partial Lunar Eclipse – 8/5-6
Aug 20	New	Virgo
Sept 4	Full	Virgo
Sept 18	New	Libra
Oct 4	Full	Libra
Oct 18	New	Scorpio
Nov 2	Full	Scorpio
Nov 16	New	Sagittarius
Dec 2	Full	Sagittarius
Dec 16	New	Capricorn
Dec 31	Full	Capricorn	Partial Lunar Eclipse – 12/31
§ also known as the Christ Festival and World Invocation Day The Cross-Quarter points figure prominently throughout the world as times for major celebrations and festivals as well. These points, or Cross-Quarter Days, fall approximately half way between a Solstice and an Equinox. There are four primary C-Q days which we continue to observe, although their names have been changed. – Note that actual dates may vary according to local traditions and cultures.
February 2 – 7		Between Midwinter and Midspring	Ground Hog Day, Imbolc
May 4 – 10		Between Midspring and Midsummer	Mother’s Day, May Day, Beltane
August 3 – 10		Between Midsummer and Midautumn	Lugnasadh
November 5-10		Between Midautmn and Midwinter – (may also extend from October 31 forward)	All Saints Day, All Souls Day, Halloween, US Election Day, Veterans Day, Armistice Day, Samhain

THE PLANETARY CIRCLE OF LIGHT

SOLAR AND LUNAR CYCLES
OF THE YEAR 2009

THE PLANETARY CIRCLE OF LIGHT

SOLAR AND LUNAR CYCLES OF THE YEAR 2009

SOLAR AND LUNAR CYCLES
OF THE YEAR 2009