Law enforcement officials will tell you that, when the Moon is full, criminal activity increases, and many doctors report that surgical patients bleed more profusely than those operated on at other times. Additionally, farmers and gardeners who plant seeds on a propitious moon phase get better results than those who fail to observe the Lunar Cycle.

How can the Phases of the Moon be used to your advantage? First, you need to determine what phase the Moon is in at a particular time. Many newspapers, calendars and Internet sites list the Moon’s Four Quarters. However, if you want to ascertain the Moon's phase through personal observation, the following may be of interest.

At the New Moon or FIRST QUARTER, look to the western horizon just after sunset to see the Moon's
slender thread.

The Moon's SECOND QUARTER phase occurs about 7.38 days after a New Moon. In this waxing phase the Moon rises on the eastern horizon at Noon and sets in the west at Midnight.

The Full Moon or THIRD QUARTER takes place about 7.38 days after the Second Quarter phase. At this time, Sun and Moon are on opposite sides of planet Earth, and the Moon rises around Sunset, so look to the Eastern Horizon to see its magnificent roundness and shininess.

The Moon's FOURTH QUARTER occurs about 7.38 days after a Full Moon. This week-long phase the waning Moon rises at midnight (in the East) and is directly overhead at sunrise.

WHAT TO DO AT THE TIME OF THE NEW MOON?
This also known as “Crescent Phase•. It's a time of new beginnings so initiate projects and set goals. Know your limitations as otherwise you might tend to take on more projects than you can reasonably handle. This is a time to show your leadership qualities, and when you're more spontaneous, intuitive or impulsive than usual.

WHAT TO DO AT THE MOON’S SECOND QUARTER PHASE?
This is also referred to as “Gibbous Phase, and is a time for self-analysis (rather than self-criticism.)
Take up the challenge of working on and perfecting projects you began at the New Phase. There will be some stress and strain during this seven-day period. Those who enjoy challenge will be in their element. Those who don’t may become nervous or irritable.

WHAT TO DO AT THE FULL MOON?
This is also referred to as ”Disseminating Phase, and is an ideal time for sharing and making commitments to others. The only time conflict might arise is if you are is self-centered or egotistical. Consider how your efforts and behavior over the last two weeks have influenced others. Finish up and/or review projects commenced at the New Moon. This is the least favorable Moon phase to have surgery, because profuse bleeding or infections are more prevalent than at other times.

WHAT TO DO AT FOURTH QUARTER PHASE?
Astrologers refer to this as ”Balsamic Phase. Let your mind roam free and dream up tentative plans for the future. Many individuals feel spaced out, or have a desire to escape from life’s harsher realities during this week-long period. You might also make a few mistakes, particularly if you have difficulty focusing on the immediate tasks at hand.
----------------------------------------
THE MOON’s PHASE & PLANT GROWTH
As I mentioned earlier, farmers and gardeners who plant under a beneficial Moon phase usually cultivate healthier, faster-growing plants and crops, and this sensible philosophy has been adhered to by those familiar with the earth’s products for thousands of years! In addition, recent scientific studies seem to augment farmers observations, in that it’s been observed that plants grow more rapidly if put into the ground 2 to 4 days before Full Moon, while less successful results are obtained if planting takes place 2 to 4 days before New Moon.

Incredible as it may sound, fruits, vegetables and flowers thrive if planted when the Moon is traveling through a particular sign. For example, if you plant potatoes or beets when the Moon is in one of the Air signs (Gemini, Libra or Aquarius) you will get good results. If you plant lettuce or cabbage when the Moon is in a Fire sign (Aries, Leo or Sagittarius) you will get similar results. The best time to plant flowers is when the Moon is in one of the Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio or Pisces). If you plant fruits or cereal grains when the Moon is one of the Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo or Capricorn) you will also get better than average results. Once again, this is not mere speculation, but a proven scientific fact!
---------------------------------------
CHOOSING THE SEX OF A BABY THROUGH THE MOON
Even more mind-boggling is that a mother-to-be may be able to choose the sex of her baby if she conceives when Moon is traveling though a particular sign! If this heavenly body is in a masculine sign (Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius or Aquarius) at conception, the baby is likely to be a boy. A girl will probably be delivered if, at the time of conception, the Moon is in a feminine sign (Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn or Pisces). Scientific tests have shown that, in 90% of the cases studied, this rule appears to held true!
-----------------------------------------------

Author's Bio: 

Wendy Hawks lives in Chicago, IL, USA, is a member of the American Federation of Astrologers and passed the AFA’s Professional Certification examination in 1982. She’s also a member of the National Council for Geocosmic Research where she joins colleagues in astrological research.

I began studying Astrology in 1976 and have been a professional consultant since 1980. My services include In-depth Personality Profiles and Astrology Forecasts, as well as Career, Relationship and General Counseling. I am also a Biorhythm Personality and Compatibility Analyst.

Over the past three decades, I have given lectures and presentations at Astrology conferences, corporate and private parties, and special events.