The Simple Freedom of the Progressed Lunation Cycle
By Elise Martin | elise@siderealinternational.org
Back to the Roots
It’s a quiet struggle, learning to float with the current, release expectation, and yet still follow the stars and the planets—our very human way of trying to glimpse what waits beyond the bend.
A few years ago, I found myself falling out of love with astrology. Maybe it was the noise of social media—the constant stream of posts charting one planet’s move into one sign, then its dance with another, and another—until the magic felt mechanical.
So, I turned inward and downward, into the roots—into the dust where astrology first began—and there, I found sidereal astrology. It felt like meeting an old friend in the most unexpected of places. A perfect alignment—so good, even Jupiter would’ve wanted a piece of it.
As my chart shifted, so did something in me. New truths emerged, and slowly, the thread between myself and the stars began to mend. The wonder returned—not loud or showy, but steady and sincere. And yet, I no longer felt the need to chase every planetary transit.
Even so, I still longed to connect with the sky—to find meaning in it. That’s when I discovered the progressed lunation cycle and its phases.
The Progressed Lunation Cycle
In a progressed lunation cycle each year of your life corresponds to one day of the Moon’s 29.5-day cycle. One full progressed lunation cycle takes approximately 28-30 years to complete. The progressed moon phases mark the emotional seasons of our lives. Each phase lasts about 3.5 years, and if we’re lucky enough to grow old, we’ll move through nearly three full cycles. It’s not about daily details, but about where we are in the broader arc of becoming—what’s growing, what’s fading, and what’s quietly preparing to emerge.
First introduced by Dane Rudhyar and later expanded by Demetra George, this technique offered me a gentler, more spacious way to understand myself, and to recognize what cosmic season I was living through.
It helped me offer myself more grace—to meet each season with acceptance, whether it felt hopeful or uncertain. The progressed lunation cycle reminded me that nothing lasts forever, and nothing stays buried forever, either. Even the Full Moon, in all its brilliance, is only possible because of the cycle that comes before it.
So the next time you find yourself beneath the night sky, look up. Find the moon—whether it’s a sliver or full and bright—and let it remind you that you’re not alone. We’re all moving through something, each held in a phase of becoming.
I hope you’ll discover your own progressed moon phase, and let it offer you the same clarity and comfort it gave me. Because like the moon, we’re never stuck—just shifting, growing, and cycling forward, together, in this strange and beautiful rhythm we call life.
About the Author
Elise Martin is a devoted student of the mystery schools and an experienced researcher of spiritual and occult traditions. Her passion for astrology, ritual, and sacred symbolism led her to co-found the International Sidereal Astrology Association (ISAA), where she currently serves as Treasurer. Elise brings a grounded blend of practical insight and ceremonial depth, along with a deep commitment to spiritual community-building. Through ISAA, she is dedicated to restoring astrology to its authentic astronomical roots.
Yes! I love this line in connection with the Sidereal sky, “A perfect alignment—so good, even Jupiter would’ve wanted a piece of it.” What a beautiful way to express the good feeling one gets when viewing the sidereal chart. I also resonate with the effectiveness of the progressed moon cycle and how potent it is in expressing a moment in time. I only wish I’d known about it sooner! Thank you so much for this powerful reminder.
Thank you for your kind words, Maria. Glad you enjoyed my little article. Happy Moon tracking 😉