I have been an informal (but sometimes intense) student of astrology for the last few years. My main interest has been to gather information and develop skills in synthesis about in regard to my own natal makeup -- did I mention that I have the Sun and Moon in Aries?

It was about two years ago when I first read the term "balsamic moon." My first thought was, "What does a balsam plant have to do with the waning phase of the Moon?"

www.nmazca.com/skychurch/31may.jpg

I soon found out that the association relates to the uses of balms and ointments (some made from varieties of balsam) to purify and cleanse places of worship and religious practitioners. The balsamic phase is fundamentally connected to spiritual development and discernment -- to the exclusion of all us, some might say.

Here is an excerpt from Moses Siregar III in his article on natives of the Balsamic and Waning Gibbous Moons:
www.astrologyforthesoul.com/bals....html

"The balsamic is about endings. Finishing karma. Leaving behind the seeds of one's self for others. Yes, it's often depressing until you cross over to a certain shore. The more we can cross over to the other shore, then the more life feels like a free ride, because you could say that the Higher Self is now in control. But we must learn the lesson of letting go. If a balsamic moon person is looking outside of themselves for happiness, security or peace, then that balsamic person can expect a hearty serving of suffering. There is no permanence for a balsamic moon until they realize deep down in their souls that there is no permanence in this world. Then there may be more stability. To live a successful life as a balsamic moon, you've got to be a little idealistic.

"The purpose of the last two (of eight) lunar phases is to prepare for death, like the last fourth of a life. The intention is (1) fundamentally spiritual, not material, and (2) to leave behind the seeds of one's life for others. When someone is born under these phases, their life takes on these qualities, but the balsamic is stronger than the third quarter in both of these respects. If worth is measured by what produces spiritual awakening, then these phases are gold. It's like the 6/8/12 houses as they are understood in Vedic astrology. They're extremely difficult at times, but spiritually they are probably the most powerful houses for creating transformation.

"Since the intention of these phases are spiritual, these phases are largely about the transformation of the ego, and so they are somewhat inimical to the normal flow of (material) life. However, if one is prepared to burn up one's karma in the fire of life, and set aside one's karma through selfless service, then these lunar phases can become the most enlightened. By giving up the false addictions of this world, dedicating oneself to awakening, and making oneself available to the Universe, these phases can become the most wonderful of all. But that's a Herculean task. Luckily, we've all got a little Hercules inside...

"I was born during the balsamic moon, as are almost the majority of the best friends I've had in my life (it can be said that balsamic people only truly relate to other balsamic people), and there is a definite purging that you can see in all of us. But these are people who are also undergoing a major metamorphosis into a more enlightened consciousness. A balsamic person who holds onto lower values and habits is indeed going to go through incredibly challenging life experiences."

For a little more:

The basic premise of the phase as the end of the lunar cycle:

www.khaldea.com/articles/l...ing10.shtml
-or-
www.artcharts.com/aspects/m...samic.html

The Balsamic Moon in relation to the seasons (as well as timings, even though 2005 is almost over):

www.carolbarbeau.com/html/ba...oon.html

More later. I gotta scoot.