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6 SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | DECEMBER 2025 By Janet Boyce, Resident I've always been fascinated by our Earth's Moon and the stages it goes through each month. ere are eight phases that repeat in a cycle every 29.5 days, which is called the lunar month. ese phases are caused by the relative positions of the Sun and the Moon in the sky, and how much of the Moon's surface is illuminated by the Sun's light. e eight phases of the Moon are: 1) New Moon, 2) Waxing Crescent, 3) First Quarter, 4) Waxing Gibbous, 5) Full Moon, 6) Waning Gibbous, 7) ird Quarter, and 8) Waning Crescent. Gibbous means the observable, illuminated part of the Moon that is greater than a semi-circle, but less than a circle. "Waxing" refers to the moon's light growing, and "Waning" refers to the moon's light shrinking from our perspective on Earth. e New Moon is not visible from Earth, because the side facing us is not illuminated by the Sun. When the Moon reaches the First Quarter, it is half-illuminated, so it appears as a half-circle in the sky. Aer waxing from a Crescent to a Gibbous, the Moon becomes full, which means the entire face of the Moon is illuminated by the Sun. When the Moon reaches ird Quarter, it is again half-illuminated, but it's the opposite half from First Quarter. e Moon gradually begins waning down to a Gibbous again before ird Quarter, and then to a Crescent until it becomes a New Moon again. e only way we are able to see the Moon is due to the Sun's light. e Moon doesn't give o light by itself. e moonlight we see is actually the Sun's light reected o the lunar surface, so as the Moon orbits the Earth, the Sun lights up dierent parts of it. is makes it seem as if the Moon is changing shape. e phases of the Moon have symbolic meanings which dier slightly for various cultures. e New Moon symbolizes new beginnings, fresh starts, and introspection. It is a time for setting new goals and intentions. Waxing Crescent represents hope, growth, and initial steps toward goals. First Quarter is a time for decision-making, taking action, and assessing progress. Waxing Gibbous marks a period of momentum, abundance, and moving toward a goal. e Full Moon represents completion, culmination, celebration, and the peak of energy. It is oen associated with harvesting the results of your eorts. Waning Gibbous is a time of reection, gratitude, and sharing your experiences. ird Quarter is a time for letting go of what no longer serves you and releasing negativity. Finally, Waning Crescent is a time for rest, regeneration, and nding inner peace before the lunar cycle begins again. e Moon became especially famous when astronauts rst set foot on the surface back in July of 1969. I remember well when that happened! Many people tend to not even look up in the sky at night, but as for me, I will always be amazed by the Moon along with the Stars and Planets that make up our amazing universe. Our Marvelous Moon

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