Although as an astronomer I have never heard of these phases, I did come across their names at an Astrology web site whose URL I will not give you because I do not want to promote that particular world view. I find nothing particularly offensive, scientifically, about the usage of these terms, however. As to why they are called these names, no information was given.
The Moon's cycles are determined by the Moon's constantly changing relationship to the Sun. There are eight (8) Moon cycles, dividing the circle into eight 45 degree angles. The cycle starts with the New Moon, which is the conjunction of the Moon and the Sun (0 degrees of separation). The 2nd phase is the Crescent Moon, which is a separating angle of 45 degrees, or a semisquare angle. The 3rd phase is the First Quarter Moon, when the Sun and Moon are 90 degrees apart. The 4th phase is the Gibbous Moon phase, a separating angle of 135 degrees, also called sesquiquadrate. The 5th phase is the Full Moon, or 180 degree separation. At this point, the Sun and Moon start to approach again. The 6th phase is the Disseminating Moon phase, an approaching angle of 135 degrees. The 7th phase is the Last Quarter Moon, an approaching square angle of 90 degrees. The last and 8th phase is the Balsamic Moon phase, when the Moon approaches the Sun at a 45 degree angle.
Copyright 1997 Dr. Sten Odenwald
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