astrlecture

ASTRN
Hello everyone! I was invited by your Astronomy professor to come talk to you about the different phases of the Moon and some of the effects it might have on you personally! If any of you are familiar with Muggles, you might have noticed their affinity for blaming strange behaviors on a Full Moon. For whatever reason, they've figured out that the Moon controls the tides and animals, but they have a hard time wrapping their heads around the idea that the Moon also affects humans as well. Silly Muggles. The only moon phase they seem to notice at all is the Full Moon, but there's more to it than that my friends! Let's begin, shall we?<br><br>
The New Moon is the first lunar phase. It occurs when the Moon and Sun have the same ecliptic longitude. In this case, it means the Moon is positioned between the Earth and the Sun, so it cannot be seen from Earth. The New Moon is correlated with new beginnings. This is the perfect time to set goals. Really think about the things you want to accomplish in life and about the various steps you might need to do to get there. This works for monthly goals as well as yearly goals. It's important to take time to think about your goals and the positive changes you can make happen in your life. It's a great time to start a journal if you don't already have one or focus on low-energy activities, as this is a time of introspection. <br><br>
After the New Moon is over, the Moon starts to wax. This means it gets bigger. I like to remember the difference between waxing and waning by thinking that waxing rhymes with maxing, and that's what the moon is doing - it's getting bigger in the sky. The Waxing Moon phases last approximately two weeks. This is the time to take your inspiration from the moon and grow along with it. Take initiative. The whole time between the New Moon and the Full Moon should leave you feeling more energized, motivated to get organized, and ready to work on the goals you have set. The Waxing Crescent starts you off with newfound energy. The First Quarter, when the moon appears to be halfway in the sky, deepens your resolve to really get things done. The Waxing Gibbous is the last moon phase before the full moon, you can see that we're almost there. This part of the phase is where you can really look at what you're doing and refine your tactics. <br><br>
During a Full Moon, the entire moon is illuminated in the sky and you can see the whole thing. This is also when your energy peaks, in other words, this is the time of the month where your energies and emotions are highest. Fun fact, if you stand directly under the moon during a full moon, you will weigh slightly less. The Full Moon represents completion and transformation. The evening before the full moon is a perfect time to recharge your energy and meditate. The Full Moon is also known for it's powerful cleansing capabilities. Taking a "moon bath", or just sitting outside under the full moon, can do wonders for your well being. Be sure to take note of the negative aspects of a full moon. A lot of times people feel tense and have extreme emotions. This is probably why Muggles believe that people act strangely during the Full Moon. They aren't wrong. It is important for us to use all that energy towards something good for ourselves, like using this time to purge ourselves of negativity. Everyone has something. Some have the need to release their need for control. Others need to release their low self esteem or need to please. Celebrate what you've accomplished during the Waxing period and give yourself a night to reflect.<br><br>
The Waning Gibbous Moon is when the moon is neither quite full nor half full in the sky, and is weakening. Like the Waxing Moon, it lasts approximately two weeks. The Waning time is the best time to really work on releasing those things that came up during the Full Moon. Most of the time, it's not easy to really let go of the things that do not serve you in your life. The Last Quarter is a time to ask yourself how you did. Did you achieve your goal or specific part of the goal you set for yourself during the New Moon? What do you need to do to continue or maintain? Take full responsibility, finally let go of that negativity you've been clinging to, and make room for the positive things and energies in your life. The Waning Crescent Moon is the crescent in the sky right before the whole moon disappears again and is a time of rest. Some may want to withdraw from the world, and that's okay! When the moon starts to disappear from the sky, remember the three R's - Rest, Recuperate, and Reflect. Prepare yourself to start all over!<br><br>
Aside from the personal things that are affected by the Moon, it is important that we take the time to recognize some things you're familiar with. Potions is one important branch of magic that is affected by the moon, something that was discovered by Hesper Starkey. The witch who studied the Lunar Phases and how it affected potions. Veritaserum and Polyjuice Potions are two potions that are affected by the moon. It also affects creatures, and not just werewolves. Mooncalves only come out during a Full Moon. A Full Moon can also induce basilisk eggs to hatch when combined with other conditions. If you would like to study the Moon further, my recommendation is to get a Moon Chart. It shows the positions, movements, and phases of the Moon and will help you keep track of everything with minimal effort.
Thank you for having me in your class today!

homework
1. What is a New Moon? What does it represent?
When the moon isn't visible in the sky. new beginnings.
2. What is the Moon doing while it is Waxing?
3. Give one fact about the Full Moon.
they can mention anything from the fourth paragraph about full moons.
4. What is the Moon doing while it is Waning?
5. What are the three R's of the Waning Moon?
6. What is a Moon Chart?