Crafting Your Own Lunar Phases Diagram

Construct a 2D or 3D Diagram. Utilize white construction paper cut into circular shapes and color them to represent various moon phases using markers. Alternatively, opt for halves of styrofoam balls adhered to posterboard to craft a three-dimensional depiction. Use a black marker to illustrate the waxing and waning of the moon's phases on the foam balls.

Understanding the Lunar Phases. Having a comprehensive knowledge of the moon's phases is essential for crafting an accurate chart. There exist eight primary phases, each spanning approximately 3.5 days. These phases are determined by the moon's positioning relative to the sun and earth, resulting in the following sequence:

• New moon
• Waxing crescent
• First quarter
• Waxing gibbous
• Full moon
• Waning gibbous
• Last quarter
• Waning crescent

Centering Earth on Your Chart. To accurately represent the moon's visibility during its orbit around Earth, position Earth at the center of your chart. This ensures a proper depiction of the moon's varying positions relative to Earth and the sun.

Positioning the Sun. Typically, the sun is placed on the right side of the chart. This placement is significant because the moon's phase depends on its alignment with both the earth and the sun. Placing the sun on the left side would necessitate adjusting all moon phases accordingly.

• The relative positions of these celestial bodies hold significance, though the designation of right or left is arbitrary. The sun's position in relation to Earth is dynamic due to the earth's orbit around the sun.

Commence with the New Moon. The new moon occurs when the moon lies directly between the earth and the sun. Represent the new moon (completely dark/shadowed) by drawing or attaching it between the earth and the sun.

• Astrologically, the new moon symbolizes new beginnings or births, making it an auspicious time to initiate new ventures.

Positioning the Waxing Crescent. Starting from the new moon, rotate counterclockwise by 45 degrees to depict or place the waxing crescent. This phase occurs when the moon has progressed approximately ⅛ of its orbit (less than three days after the new moon). During this stage, a thin sliver of the moon is illuminated by sunlight, visible from the side of the earth experiencing nighttime (opposite to the sun).

• Astrologically, the crescent phase symbolizes growth and challenge, signifying an opportune moment to seize new prospects.

Attaching the First Quarter. Rotate counterclockwise by 90 degrees from the new moon (or 45 degrees from the waxing crescent) to position or illustrate the first quarter moon. Appearing as a half-circle in the sky, this phase is termed as a quarter moon, signifying the moon's completion of ¼ of its orbit. The first quarter phase typically occurs seven to ten days into the lunar cycle.

• Astrologically, the first quarter phase embodies action and expression, prompting individuals to take initial steps towards articulating and realizing their aspirations.

Marking the Waxing Gibbous. Continue rotating counterclockwise by another 45 degrees (135 degrees from the new moon) to place the waxing gibbous. During this phase, the moon gradually approaches a full circular shape in the sky. The waxing gibbous phase spans approximately eleven to fourteen days into the lunar cycle.

• During the waxing gibbous phase, astrological guidance suggests evaluating the outcomes of actions initiated during the first quarter phase.

Initiate with the Full Moon. Serving as the peak of the waxing phases and the commencement of the waning phases, the full moon marks the stage when the moon begins to diminish in visibility. Position the full moon on your chart 180 degrees opposite the new moon (directly across the earth from the new moon).

• Astrologically, the full moon signifies enlightenment, offering clarity regarding past actions and facilitating adjustments for the future.

Positioning the Waning Gibbous. Place the waning gibbous 45 degrees counterclockwise from the full moon. The waning gibbous phases mirror the waxing gibbous stages, with the illuminated and shadowed portions reversed.

• Astrologically, the waning gibbous is termed the disseminating moon, urging reflection on changes made during the full moon phase.

Placing the Third Quarter Moon. Position the third quarter moon 90 degrees counterclockwise from the full moon. It appears as the inverse of the first quarter moon, marking ¾ of the moon's orbit.

• Astrologically, the third quarter moon, or last quarter moon, is associated with revision and cleansing, signaling closure to projects initiated during the new moon phase.

Marking the Waning Crescent. The waning crescent, the final phase in the cycle, should be placed 135 degrees counterclockwise from the full moon (45 degrees from the waning gibbous). This completes the circle around Earth, representing the eight moon phases.

• In astrology, the waning crescent is also known as the balsamic moon, signifying a time for release and letting go of elements not pertinent to the upcoming moon cycle.

Offer Explanations Beneath the Chart. Provide captions explaining each moon phase, aiding viewers in understanding the depicted phases and their significance. For instance:

• New moon: Marks the onset of moon phases, with the moon concealed from view.
• Waxing crescent: A slender crescent, signaling the moon's emergence.
• First quarter: Appears as a half-circle in the sky.
• Waxing gibbous: More than half of the moon's circle is illuminated, approaching a full moon.
• Full moon: The entire moon is illuminated, presenting a complete circle.
• Waxing gibbous: The moon's illumination begins to diminish.
• Last quarter: Appears as a half-circle in the sky.
• Waning crescent: Concluding phase as the moon becomes increasingly less visible.

• Viewing moon phases can be approached from either an astrological or astronomical perspective.

• Astrology lacks substantial scientific evidence to support its claims.

• Quality paper or cardstock
• Artistic or graphic design skills