In astronomical terminology, the phrase new moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon, in its monthly orbital motion around Earth, lies between Earth and the Sun, and is therefore in conjunction with the Sun as seen from Earth. At this time, the dark (unilluminated) portion of the Moon faces almost directly toward Earth, so that the Moon is not visible to the naked eye. (wiki)

This post is scheduled to publish on October 7. The calendar tells me there is a new moon that day. After finishing Gift from the Sea just moments ago then diving immediately into The Age of Entanglement, I’m considering such lofty topics as birth, celebration, death, and meaning. In the last couple years, the moon has become important to me. Starting with the ebb and flow of my own biological cycles the moon’s meanings morphed and grew. Most significantly it has become a symbol of the constancy of change. On the day of the new moon, I will celebrate:

• continuous change
• omnipresence
• moving into darkness
• shape that’s constant no matter what we think we see
• the connection it creates as a shared vision
• the interconnectedness of the earth, moon, sun, planets, universe, multi-verse, and the unknown
• birth
• death
• rebirth
• a steady companion
• light flooding the darkest night
• perspective making all the difference in how I see things.

My life is ruled by my emotions, but I have never felt “romantic.” That may be changing. The moon has meaning for me. I’m celebrating today the birth of a new phase. Just like love inside my heart, I don’t have to see it to know it’s there. Through all the change, it will remain.