After this law I beheld another law of an inferior luminary, the name of which is the moon, and the orb of which is as the orb of heaven.

Its chariot, which it secretly ascends, the wind blows; and light is given to it by measure.

Every month at its exit and entrance it becomes changed; and its periods are as the periods of the sun. And when in like manner its light is to exist, its light is a seventh portion from the light of the sun.

Thus it rises, and at its commencement towards the east goes forth for thirty days.

At that time it appears, and becomes to you the beginning of the month. Thirty days it is with the sun in the gate from which the sun goes forth.

Half of it is in extent seven portions, one half; and the whole of its orb is void of light, except a seventh portion out of the fourteen portions of its light. And in a day it receives a seventh portion, or half that portion, of its light. Its light is by sevens, by one portion, and by the half of a portion. It sets with the sun.

And when the sun rises, the moon rises with it; receiving half a portion of light.

On that night, when it commences its period, previously to the day of the month, the moon sets with the sun.

And on that night it is dark in its fourteen portions, that is, in each half; but it rises on that day with one seventh portion precisely, and in its progress declines from the rising of the sun.

During the remainder of its period its light increases to fourteen portions.