I’ve been asked a few times recently if the lunar cycle can help select the best time for certain activities, in particular, putting a house up for sale, or making an offer on a property. Being that these are such important financial matters, choosing the best time can be very valuable, and understanding the lunar cycle can definitely give you the right edge.
To keep it simple, let’s focus on the 4 week lunar month, or the waxing and waning phases of the moon. The waxing moon starts at the new moon, or, as it is also known, the dark of the moon. At this point in the cycle, the moon, being between the earth and the sun, is not visible. The moon then continues to move in its orbit around the earth, every day, growing in light, hence the term “waxing”. In 2 weeks, it reaches the half-way point in its orbit, facing the sun. It is now full. The second half of the lunar month is called the “waning” moon phase. Over the next 2 weeks, the moon diminishes in light, until it is no longer visible at the next new moon. So, in effect, we have a 2-week period of growing light, and a 2-week period of diminishing light.
How can the lunar cycle be used in daily life? The cycle has two main phases: “waxing/growing” and “waning/diminishing”. Let’s say you want to start an activity that will have lasting effects, the best time to start is during the 2-week waxing moon phase, that is, between the new and the full moon. Whether you are starting a new job, a new project, a new relationship… anything with long-lasting potential, the best time to start is during this growing phase of the moon. You are more likely to feel nurtured, inspired and energetic during the waxing moon phase, and so are more likely to lay down a solid foundation for future building.
So, what can you do during the 2-week waning moon phase? Appropriate activities for the waning moon phase include working on existing projects, or even finishing off work that is in advanced stages. The energy/light is levelling off, so, work with what’s at hand, clear the decks for the new projects you will be undertaking during the next waxing moon phase. Basically, it’s time to take care of unfinished business. It’s as though during the waxing moon phase you went on a mega shopping spree, then when you reached the full moon, your bags were full. You can’t add any more. You have to empty your bags, take stock, and enjoy your new purchases. Learn from and integrate what you picked up during the waxing moon phase. It is a time of appreciation for what you have.
The important point to keep in mind is that projects started during the waxing moon phase are more likely to be sustained than those started during the waning moon phase. Think, sap goes up in the trees during the waxing moon phase, sap goes down to the roots during the waning moon phase. Energy goes up, building phase; energy goes down, releasing phase.
How does the lunar cycle work with the sale/purchase of a home? Think waxing equals growing; waning equals diminishing. The desire to buy/sell grows during the waxing moon phase, price remains high; buyer is motivated and will pay a higher price. The desire to buy/sell diminishes during the waning moon phase, the seller, tired of the process, can drop the price, but also, the buyer may lose interest. Being aware of these trends can give you an edge when buying or selling property. As a seller, you might plan your open house as the full moon approaches, when desire to purchase is at its strongest; as a buyer, you might make your offer during the waning moon phase, when the price is more likely to drop, especially if the property was over-priced. Note that as a seller, if you want a fair price for your property, you might want to avoid home visits during the waning moon phase, as your desire to stick to your price will “wane”; you may find yourself ready to sell at a lower price than you had originally intended.
Where to find the new and full moon dates? Most agendas and calendars indicate the new and full moon dates with a black dot for the new moon and a white circle for the full moon. Dollar stores have 16 month calendars showing the lunar phases. Lunar phases are also available on many online sites, including Time and Date, and Calendar-365 where you can see exact dates and times for your time zone.
You can also find many online resources and apps with dates for the yearly lunar cycles. Just search for Lunar Phases for the year.
One more item you will want to pay attention to, especially for an important item such as the sale/purchase of a home or property, is Mercury Retrograde. See my article for details and dates.