The moon cycle starts when the moon and the sun are in the same spot in the sky,  because of this we cannot see the moon at all on this day, and why the 3 days between the end of the previous moon cycle and the beginning of the new moon cycle are called the dark moon. 

This is the most potent time of the cycle to connect with our higher selves and guides. Use this time to tap into the quiet stillness that brings the wisdom of who we truly are and our path of creation in the physical world.  The sign that the sun and moon are together (conjunct) in will help guide you in your focus of manifestation. During this time our intuition and ego work together as one to bring attention to what we need most. The energy of the conjunction of the sun and moon  or what is commonly referred to as the "new moon" continues to feed our desires for creation for the following 2 weeks, and then for the next 6 months when there is a full moon in the same sign as the new moon you are focusing on in this phase. (ie if the sun and moon are conjunct in Aries at the new moon, there will be a full moon in Aries in 6 months when the Sun is in Libra)

When the first sliver of the moon appears just after sunset, we get our first glimpse of the new moon. It is important to note however that astrologically the moon has often already moved out of the sign that it was in when it was conjunct the sun, and the energy of the moon has shifted, assisting us and giving us the tools to create what we desire. This is where the energy begins to build and we plant the seeds and move our intentions from thoughts and desires into action in the physical world.

We continue to nurture our desires allowing them to grow and take a more tangible shape.

This is where we shift our energy from inward to outward. Our seeds of manifestation are reaching out to connect with others and the world around us to gather the resources we need to continue to grow.

At the first quarter moon, we can see the moon directly over head at sunset, and is visible during the daylight in the afternoon.

This is the culmination of the work we have done, both from the current 2 week cycle, and from the previous new moon in the sign of this full moon, which would have been approximately 6 months prior. This is a time of joy and celebration of reaching the apex.  The sun and moon are now exactly opposite each other, in opposite signs. During this time our attention will be drawn to what isn't working. It is  an opportunity to reconcile the differences between what our intuition is drawn to and our self-identity/ego is trying to achieve. It is a time to acknowledge what doesn't feel right and release it.

At the full moon in the evening we see the moon rising in the east as the sun sets in the west

We are invited to slow down but continue to connect with others and the world around us as we actively release around our intentions set at the full moon. 

The moon is first visible later and later into the night.

As we move into the final week of the moon cycle we move back inward to allow ourselves to reset and renew. We no longer take an active role in release, but allow for quiet space to surrender to the wisdom of the cosmos and receive the nurturing we need as we continue to shed layers that are not in alignment with our soul's purpose.

The moon is visible after midnight and into the morning hours.

After having shed and released completely we surrender to complete stillness and the void that is bridge between death at life. Where nothing and everything exist together.  Allowing for the space we need so that we may once again create and attract. Where we can be nourished and fed by our guides, higher-self, and the cosmos that exist within deepest part of our soul, without thought or intention, just awareness.

The last sliver of the moon is visible only just before dawn.