Significance of Waning moon
The Waning moon is a significant lunar phase in various religious and cultural contexts. In Hinduism, it marks the transition from full to new moon, often linked to sacrificial practices. Tibetan Buddhism emphasizes its use for seclusion during spiritual practices. Vaishnavism sees it as a time that influences auspicious days and rituals after Akshaya-tritiya. Puranic texts describe its impact on water levels and life's cyclical imagery, while Jyotisha indicates it symbolizes adversity. Historically, the Waning moon signifies the progression of time and the end of night.
Synonyms: Decreasing moon
In Dutch: Afnemende maan; In Finnish: Laskeva kuu; In Spanish: Luna menguante; In German: Abnehmender Mond
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Waning moon'
In Buddhism, the Waning moon signifies a time for seclusion and introspection, as instructed by phag mo gru pa, highlighting the importance of timing in enhancing spiritual practices and personal reflection.
From: Blue Annals (deb-ther sngon-po)
(1) A phase of the moon that phag mo gru pa was instructed to use for seclusion, emphasizing timing in spiritual practice.[1]
Hindu concept of 'Waning moon'
In Hinduism, the Waning Moon represents a phase of diminishing light and size, symbolizing adversity and rituals, while also influencing auspicious days and the cyclical nature of life, often associated with sacrificial practices and water levels.
From: Hayanaratna: The Jewel of Annual Astrology
(1) A phase of the moon that is not considered benefic, and whose influence is taken into account when analyzing the daily revolution, and its impact on outcomes should be considered.[2] (2) The moon when it is decreasing in illumination, is considered malefic along with Mercury when joined to malefics, and Rahu.[3] (3) This is considered to not give any good results, indicating its unfavorable influence, while good results are declared from planets occupying the degree of the sun, as mentioned in the provided text.[4] (4) This describes a specific phase of the moon, which is considered unfavorable, particularly when assessing the duruhpha of the moon, as mentioned in the text.[5]
From: Brihat Samhita
(1) The phase of the moon characterized by decreasing size, suggesting a time of adversity and suffering for people.[6]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The lunar phase following the full moon when illumination decreases; mentioned in relation to the timeline of rituals after Akshaya-tritiya.[7]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) The phase of the moon during which its illumination decreases, which is significant in determining auspicious days.[8]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A phase of the moon during which it decreases in size, contributing to the imagery of receding tides and the cyclical nature of life.[9]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) The phase of the moon where it transitions from full to new, also connected to sacrificial practices.[10]
The concept of Waning moon in local and regional sources
The Waning moon represents the diminishing phase of the lunar cycle, symbolizing the passage of time and the conclusion of darkness, reflecting themes of transition and closure.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The diminishing phase of the moon, symbolizing the progression of time and the end of the night.[11]