Full-moon day
1. The moon when it is visible as a fully illuminated disk.
2. The period of the month when such a moon occurs.
1. (Astronomy) one of the four phases of the moon, occurring when the earth lies between the sun and the moon so that the moon is visible as a fully illuminated disc
2. (Astronomy) the moon in this phase
3. (Astronomy) the time at which this occurs
1. the moon when the whole of its disk is illuminated, occurring when in opposition to the sun.
A full moon is the lunar phase that occurs when the Moon is completely illuminated as seen from the Earth. This occurs when the Moon is in opposition with the Sun (when it is on the opposite side of the Earth from the Sun; more precisely, when the ecliptic longitudes of the Sun and Moon differ by 180 degrees). This means that the hemisphere of the Moon that is facing the Earth (the near side) is almost fully illuminated by the Sun and appears round (while the far side is almost completely unilluminated).
Lunar eclipses can occur only at full moon, where the moon's orbit allows it to pass through the Earth's shadow. Lunar eclipses do not occur every month because the moon usually passes above or below the Earth's shadow (which is mostly restricted to the ecliptic plane). Lunar eclipses can occur only when the full moon occurs near the two nodes of the orbit, either the ascending or descending node. This causes eclipses to only occur about every 6 months, and often 2 weeks before or after a solar eclipse at new moon at the opposite node.
The time interval between similar lunar phases—the synodic month—averages about 29.53 days. Therefore, in those lunar calendars in which each month begins on the new moon, the full moon falls on either the 14th or 15th of the lunar month. Because lunar months have a whole number of days, lunar months may be either 29 or 30 days long.
A Full Moon is a lunar phase that happens when the moon is on the opposite side of the earth from the sun, and is a significant period among spiritual societies.
In astrology, planets and heavenly bodies are considered as energy beings, affecting the life and states of people on earth. Each planet is associated with a physical, emotional and mental quality. The placement of planets and their distances from earth in this case are important factors in determining the quality and intensity of their influence.
Moon basically symbolizes the mind and emotions and because of its closeness to planet earth it is one of the most influential heavenly bodies on the life of people on earth.
Although in many instances in folklore literature full moon is associated with insanity, insomnia and psychological disturbance, as the term lunatic proposes, for spiritual practitioners full moon is a time of greater activity, opportunity and development.
In fact in Buddhism it is believed that different phases of Lord Buddha’s life and development have all occurred during various full moons, which makes full moon a sacred time in Buddhism. It is said that Lord Buddha was born on a full moon day. His renunciation, his enlightenment and the delivery of his first sermon have all happened during full moons. He also left his body on a full moon day.
So what makes people have diverse experiences during the full moon? From insanity, violence, crime, and accidents to romance, spiritual experiences and illumination?
In fact during full moon, everything will be magnified, good and bad. Therefore full moon can be both viewed as a time of crisis as well as a time of opportunity. It depends on our overall state and activity during the full moon day to cultivate its positive or negative effects.
Spiritual practitioners in this case, use the magnifying effects of the full moon to deepen their spiritual practice and meditation and to be of greater help to humanity.
On the exact time of the full moon, as well as two days before and 2 days after, the effects are maximum; therefore many practitioners worldwide try to stay away from sensual worldly life and focus their attention to spiritual development. Some further observe certain spiritual disciplines such as fasting to purify their vehicles and prepare themselves for the greater downpour of divine energies.
It is highly advisable thus, even if no spiritual practice is followed, to refrain from various commitments, stay calm and relax the mind during the full moon day to avoid possible emotional and mental fluctuations.
It is believed among the theosophy masters that during full moon “closer rapport between humanity and the Hierarchy is possible,” thus group meditations and reciting the Great Invocation during full moon can help in increasing spiritual awareness and global consciousness.
“The spirit of Invocation, of longing for and reaching for contact with higher beings is strengthened at Full Moon. At each Full Moon, a stream of love is poured forth by all Masters and initiates who have taken at least the Third Initiation.”
Master Djwhal Khul
