Other nights, it seems small and inconspicuous, but one thing we are always aware of is that it is ever-changing, growing from a thin sliver to a round, glowing orb and then slowly fading back again to nothing.
In this subtle way, it reminds us that all things on Earth have a natural cycle. Water evaporates from the ocean and falls down again as rain. Fruit falls from a tree, carrying a seed that grows into a new tree.
We are born, mature into adults, age and eventually die, but our children are there to start the cycle over again. Some people believe that the "rebirth" of the moon hints at the renewal of the soul through reincarnation.
Because of the moon's connection to water and the tides, it is said to represent our emotions and our subconscious mind - what we see on the surface often does not reflect what is going on underneath, nor does it reveal its vast depths.
And in everyday conversation, we speak of "the sea of love", "drowning in pity", and compare the depth of our feelings to the depths of the sea.
Full moons are even thought to influence human and animal behavior, causing intense thoughts, heightened emotions, and some forms of psychosis.
In fact, the Roman goddess of the moon is named Luna, the prefix of the word "lunatic". The word itself comes from the Latin word "lunaticus", which originally referred to epilepsy and madness, diseases though to be caused by the moon.
Moon Phases Meaning
Because the moon continually passes through cycles of growth and decline, the phases of the moon as seen as symbols to guide our own personal growth and development.
New moon meaning: When the moon is fully dark, with no illumination from the sun, it is symbolic of a quiet time - the time before something begins. It is thought of as a time to make new plans, or to think of what projects or dreams you wish to set into motion.
Waxing moon meaning: This moon is partly illuminated and growing. It represents the progress and expansion of your project, time for you to stay motivated, take consistent action and strengthen your resolve.
Full moon meaning: The full moon is round and completely illuminated. It represents completion, the height of power, the realization of your desires and the peak of clarity. It is a time to celebrate your growth, take note of what progress you have made and to reflect on how far you have come.
Waning moon meaning: The moon is again partially illuminated, but is now decreasing in size. This represents a time of reflection, purging and decluttering.
Time to let go of people and things that no longer serve you. These can be relationships, negative thoughts, poor habits or projects you are no longer interested in.
This period of purging allows you to start again with a clear mind to pursue fresh projects or goals during the new moon.