In our study of cycles we know there are 8 phases; the four major phases include the new moons (beginnings) and first quarter moon (action) and full moon (fulfillment). The last major phase before the end of the cycle is the last quarter moon.
Re-orientation is the keyword for the last quarter moon. The lunar month is now three-quarters over. The current cycle/pattern is reaching a conclusion before the next pattern/cycle begins. Re-orientation means to “find ones position again” lending to its place within a cycle and not along a linear plane.
The Moon is our emotional and experiential self. Transits of the moon around the chart are transitory and fast moving, and, because it is a short cycle, they tends to describe our habits (the Moon rules our habits and reactions to life). Habits are the things we tend to repeat in shorter, more regular cycles, unlike, say, our career or relationship cycles.
During the new moon we set our intentions- plant the seed. At the first quarter moon action is taken- things begin to flower. At the full moon we experience a culmination- fruit bearing. Now, at the last quarter phase, is the time to re-orient. That which was produced at the full stage must now be turned under and let go of, so that it can become part of the next cycle. This corresponds to a farmer turning over his soil after the harvest; on a soul level it’s our ability to recognize and be aware of ourselves and make the necessary adjustments for the future. We “turn over” the lessons of the month in our mind and integreate them into our psyche.
It’s surrendering now with the knowledge of eventual return. It can be a bitter-sweet time when we begin to let go of the past and immediately before we settle into our hibernation until the next cycle begins.
