The perigee is the point in the Moon's orbit closest to Earth, while the apogee is the farthest point, with distances varying slightly due to the Moon's elliptical orbit.
Definitions
Perigee: The point in the Moon's orbit where it is closest to Earth. The distance at perigee varies slightly due to the elliptical shape of the orbit, typically around 363,300 kilometers (225,623 miles) from Earth.
Apogee: The point where the Moon is farthest from Earth in its orbit. The distance at apogee is usually about 405,500 kilometers (251,966 miles).
Orbital Characteristics
The Moon's orbit around Earth is not a perfect circle but elliptical, causing these two extremes. The eccentricity of the Moon’s orbit is about 0.0549, which means that the difference between perigee and apogee distances is significant enough to affect the Moon's apparent size and brightness as seen from Earth.
Effects on Observations
Apparent Size: During perigee, the Moon appears larger in the sky (sometimes called a “supermoon”), while during apogee, it appears smaller (“micromoon”).
Tides: The gravitational pull of the Moon is stronger at perigee, contributing to higher than normal tides, called perigean spring tides.
Eclipses: The distance of the Moon can also affect the appearance of total or annular solar eclipses, since a Moon at apogee may not fully cover the Sun, yielding an annular eclipse.
Typical Cycle
The Moon reaches perigee and apogee approximately once every 27.55 days, which is the anomalistic month (the time between successive perigees). The precise timing and distance vary because of gravitational perturbations by the Sun and other planets.
In summary, perigee and apogee define the closest and farthest distances of the Moon from Earth, influencing its apparent size, tides, and certain eclipse characteristics.
Super Moon
A supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the Moon’s closest approach to Earth, making it appear larger and brighter than usual, and highlights variations within the lunar phases.
What is a Supermoon?
A supermoon is a term used to describe a full moon (or sometimes a new moon) that occurs when the Moon is at or near its perigee, the closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit. Because the Moon’s orbit is not a perfect circle, its distance from Earth varies between approximately 225,000 miles (363,000 km) at perigee and 252,000 miles (405,000 km) at apogee. When a full moon coincides with perigee, it appears up to 14% larger and 30% brighter in the sky compared to a typical full moon.
Significance in Lunar Phases
The occurrence of a supermoon emphasizes the dynamic nature of the lunar phases, which are dictated by the relative positions of the Sun, Earth, and Moon. During a supermoon:
Visual impact: The Moon looks unusually large in the sky, creating striking views during the full moon phase, which can enhance cultural, photographic, and observational interest.
Tidal effects: Higher-than-normal tides, known as perigean spring tides, may occur due to the Moon’s proximity, although the difference is moderate and often not dramatic.
Astronomical context: Supermoons remind us that the Moon undergoes elliptical orbits, leading to variability in observed size and brightness. This helps contextualize the consistent pattern of lunar phases—new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent—while showing natural variations in appearance.
Overall, the supermoon does not alter the sequence of lunar phases but enhances the visual prominence of the full moon phase and provides insight into the Moon’s orbital mechanics. Its infrequent occurrence also makes it a notable event for astronomers, photographers, and skywatchers alike.
Micro Moon
A micromoon is a full moon that occurs when the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth in its orbit, making it appear slightly smaller and dimmer than a typical full moon.
Orbit and Definition
The Moon’s orbit around Earth is slightly elliptical, which means the distance between Earth and the Moon varies over time. The farthest point in this orbit is called apogee, and when a full moon coincides with apogee, it is referred to as a micromoon. Conversely, when a full moon occurs at its closest point, called perigee, it is called a supermoon.
Appearance
Due to its increased distance—about 31,000 miles farther from Earth than during perigee—a micromoon appears up to 14% smaller in diameter and up to 30% dimmer than a supermoon. To the unaided eye, the difference is subtle, but with photography or side-by-side comparison, the change in apparent size is noticeable.
Timing and Frequency
Micromoons can occur anywhere from 3 to 6 times a year, depending on the Moon’s elliptical orbit and the calendar date relative to apogee. They do not significantly affect tides, but their distance does slightly influence tidal variation, producing marginally lower “micromoon tides.”
Observation Tips
Look up at night during the full moon phase closest to the Moon’s apogee.
Photography enthusiasts can capture the size difference when comparing a micromoon to a supermoon in the same composition or against distant landmarks for perspective.
Magick in Petites and Apogee
In the context of lunar magick and mystical practices, the Moon’s apogee (farthest point from Earth) and perigee (closest point) are considered energetically distinct, each offering unique symbolic and ritual potential. These conceptions draw from astrology, occult traditions, and historical lunar observation, rather than strict astronomy or physics.
1. Symbolic Correspondences
Orbital Point
Astronomical Description
Magickal & Astrological Significance
Perigee ("Priapus" in astrology)
Closest approach to Earth (~356,400 km)
Intensity, energy, manifestation, heightened emotions and psychic sensitivity. Rituals during perigee amplify direct action, passion, fertility, and creative output. Often aligned with “supermoon” events for potent lunar workings.
Apogee ("Lilith" or Black Moon Lilith)
Farthest distance from Earth (~406,700 km)
Detachment, reflection, introspection, subtle magical influence. Rituals focus on meditation, divination, uncovering hidden desires, shadow work, or spiritual perspective. Often called a “micromoon” when full.
These points are traditionally interpreted as opposites on the lunar axis (line of apsides), representing the balance between intensity and reflection, or engagement and withdrawal in magical practice.
2. Ritual Applications
Perigee Magic (Energetic Intensity):
Timing: Near a Full or New Moon coinciding with perigee (Supermoon).
Focus: Amplification of intentions, manifestation spells, fertility rites, creative endeavors, or high-energy rituals.
Methods: Charging talismans, ritual baths for empowerment, direct spellcasting aimed at observable results.
Apogee Magic (Reflective Subtlety):
Timing: Near a Full or New Moon at apogee (Micromoon).
Focus: Meditation, introspection, divination, Shadow work, connecting with subconscious or hidden aspects.
Methods: Spell jars, visualization, scrying, or rituals emphasizing patience, discernment, and spiritual insight.
3. Historical and Cultural Context
Apogee and perigee were often personified in mythology and astrology:
Lilith: Lunar apogee, associated with the raw feminine, independence, hidden desires, and shadow emotions.
Priapus: Lunar perigee, associated with fertility, potency, and concentrated energy.
Magical practices aligned with these points link terrestrial phenomena (like tides, crop growth) and personal or spiritual energies, reflecting the Moon's long-standing symbolic influence on transformation, rhythm, and cycles.
4. Key Takeaways for Practitioners
Perigee = maximal lunar energy, direct action, manifestation.
Apogee = minimal lunar energy, introspection, subtle influence.
Moon-phase alignment (New, Full, or quarter) with apogee/perigee enhances the efficacy of rituals.
Understanding the Moon’s orbit and apsides provides a temporal framework for timing magical workings in harmony with energetic cycles.
Conclusion
Lunar magick considers apogee and perigee as dynamic energetic points: perigee intensifies outward, expressive energy, while apogee favors inward, contemplative energy. Aligning magical workings with these orbital extremes leverages the Moon’s natural rhythm for targeted spiritual or ritual outcomes.
Information is based onastrological interpretations of Lilith/Priapus, lunar magick traditions, and observational correlations such as full or perigee moons enhancing “supermoon” rituals.
In summary, a micromoon is simply the full moon at apogee, appearing slightly smaller and dimmer, and it is the natural counterpart to a supermoon, showcasing the variability of the Moon's orbit and appearance from Earth.
