Which lunar phase was the true New Moon, conjunction or the first visible crescent?
The months started following the first sighting of a visible New Moon. Many very sincere lunar-Sabbath keepers observe the dark, conjunction lunar phase, as the New Moon. They declare the first work day to be the day following the first visible appearance of the moon. However, keeping the New Moon by conjunction is a recent development. This is not how it was done by the ancient Hebrews, from Moses to Christ Yahushua (Jesus). The Jews, Arabs, Chaldeans, and Damacenes all had the same custom in reference to the beginning of their months – they all started the new month with the first appearance of the new moon after conjunction.” (Grace Amadon, “Report of Committee on Historical Basis, Involvement, and Validity of the October 22, 1844 Position, Part V,” Box 2, Folder 4, Grace Amadon Collection, Center for Adventist Research, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.) Abundant research clarifies that all the ancient calendars were based upon the lunar or lunisolar cycle and the mont
