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Get Your Reading NowMoon Phases in Astrology: 15 Things To Know
Astrology is a multifaceted practice that considers the placement of the planets in relation to where and when you were born. In astrology, the sun and moon are also considered planets. The sun sustains life with its mighty light, but the moon has her own special powers—like balancing everything from our planet's rotation to the oceans' tides.
The moon—its placement in your natal chart and its phase at your birth—also exerts a power over your life and sets its overall emotional tone. For you movie buffs, think in terms of genres.
What are moon phases?
Do you ever feel as though some people were just born lucky? Well, astrological speaking, that's not far from the truth. The moon's phase at the time of your birth defines the overall trajectory of your life—its overall theme. However, the moon flows through all eight phases every month as it works its way through the zodiac's signs.
Each month, a different sign represents the full moon and the new moon because there are 12 signs of the zodiac but only eight moon phases.
What are the moon's eight phases?
Every 29.5 days, the moon completes a full lunar cycle comprised of eight distinct phases: four primary (new, first quarter, full, and third quarter) and four secondary (waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous, and waning crescent). There isn't a direct correlation between lunar phases and moon signs. However, the degree of the moon's placement in relation to the sun and the moon's phase during your birth defines the genre of your life's movie.
You can harness the special energy of the moon's phases when you understand the forces exerted (waxing) or lacking (waning) during the current or an upcoming lunar phase.
New moon (~5.2 degrees* behind the sun typically)
A new moon casts no light upon the Earth. From childhood, we innately fear darkness—what we can't see. Not all darkness is something to be afraid of, however. In fact, a new moon's darkness is simply a chalkboard that's yet to see a piece of chalk. People born during new moons have fairytale lives where anything they dream of—a castle in the sky or a castle in Spain—becomes reality.
Everything they want, they get. Their luck seems perfect (like Elle Woods or Ferris Bueller). Make time to daydream during a new moon and bring your visions to life.
*Note:
A new moon phase at zero degrees relative to the sun signifies a lunar eclipse.
Waxing crescent (45 degrees behind the sun)
Even if you haven't seen the film, just hearing the title of a movie or seeing an iconic scene conjures fantasies of living out imaginative romantic lives, whether wholesome ("You've Got Mail") or steamy (the "Fifty Shades" franchise). If you know someone living out the script of "When Harry Met Sally," chances are they were born during the waxing crescent lunar phase.
If you're a waxing crescent baby, you're forever curious, and you never shy from romance. Even if that valiant steed turns out to be a donkey, you shake it off and chalk it up to synchronicity.
First quarter (90 degrees behind the sun)
If you were born under a first quarter moon, you probably feel as though you're the movie's protagonist faced with an ultimate decision—all the time (Rick Grimes was probably born under a first quarter moon). If the first quarter lunar phase were a movie genre, this one's definitely drama.
Your life may not be as life-or-death as "The Walking Dead," but you might feel right at home on the set of "Pirates of the Caribbean." You're never afraid of adventure, and no one can match your tenacity.
Waxing gibbous (135 degrees behind the sun)
The waxing gibbous lunar phase—in terms of movie genres—is the full Monty (of comedy, of course). This moon phase occurs right before the moon bares all. Just like her stellar nature, a waxing gibbous is just a few degrees shy of full-moon glory and foretells what's to come with sharp anticipation.
Those born under a waxing gibbous take their talents quite seriously (writing, singing, or painting), always seeking to hone and perfect their craft. It's their on-the-spot wit and jokes worthy of a Laugh Factory or Hollywood Improv audience that earn them the comedy nod.
Full moon (180 degrees squared with the sun)
The climax is the most important, most memorable moment in a movie. The full moon is the pinnacle of all lunar phases—the moon's brightest "moment." If you were born during this lunar phase, you're steady in the spotlight. You soak up the light like Kim and Khloe at the red-carpet premiere of your life's movie.
You were quite literally born for this role! For those in the theater with popcorn, your action-packed journey shines just as epically as its star. While your desires might be hidden behind adversaries at certain junctures, the spoils are well worth the battle.
Waning gibbous (135 degrees ahead of the sun)
The waning gibbous moon disseminates its remaining light across the evening meadows, stretching to illuminate the darkest reaches. Like a teacher, if you were born under a waning gibbous, you have the gift of knowledge and wisdom, and you yearn to share it with the world.
You respect those who came before you and paved your path to understanding, and you have a strong desire to cement the foundation for those who will come after you. You openly share your talents and gifts like only you can. Your essence is genius, and the paths you pave today will stand proudly for eons.
Third quarter (90 degrees ahead of the sun)
While third-quarter moons physically appear as the mirrored twin of first-quarter moons, a third-quarter moon is ideologically the opposite. Those born under third quarter moons don't chase every swashbuckling, high seas voyage, earning their medals by facing external choices. Instead, third-quarter moon babies encounter unavoidable challenges while seeking their own inner depths.
Brave contemplation is rewarded with peace earned through living, loving, and letting go, like Meg Ryan in "French Kiss." You allow your heart's compass to override your mind's GPS, always knowing you'll arrive right on time.
Waning crescent (45 degrees ahead of the sun)
If you were born during this lunar phase, it's likely you have an obsessive curiosity about what happens in death. You may even believe in (or have seen) ghosts. The occult fascinates you, and "The Craft" might be one of your fave cult classics. You're somewhere in the middle on the Sarah to Nancy spectrum—not quite Catholic school girl, but not morbid or harmful either. You like taking your time and dedicating yourself to discovering buried secrets or trying to solve the unsolvable.
Waning crescent moon babies don't look at endings as sad events. They understand endings as objects coming to rest in that peaceful in-between before a new beginning. You can stand in darkness, unafraid, because your light is your guide. You are your light, and you are enough.
Lunar hocus-pocus: your daily moon phase guide
In the land of moon phases, it's all about timing. The new moon is your cosmic green light to start new ventures. Got a brilliant business idea or planning to learn the ukulele? Now's the time! Conversely, the waning moon invites you to breathe, declutter your space, and maybe even Marie Kondo your contact list.
And in between? The waxing moon is perfect for planting metaphorical seeds, while the full moon is all about basking in the glory of your achievements.
When the moon plays Cupid: phases and relationships
In the lunar love saga, each phase plays a character. The full moon, with its high-intensity spotlight, is perfect for heart-to-hearts and passionate reconciliations. The new moon, on the other hand, whispers tales of fresh starts and new connections.
Waxing moon? It's all about growth, making it a great time to nurture relationships. And the waning moon, you ask? It's your guide to introspection within relationships, encouraging you to embrace solitude and understand your needs better.
Moon moods: the lunar effect on mental health
Moon phases can be your celestial mood ring. Full moons often come with an emotional high tide, making you more expressive or emotional—great for artists seeking inspiration! The new moon, on the other hand, is like a cosmic lullaby, bringing tranquillity and promoting relaxation.
The waxing moon nudges you to be brave and chase your goals, while the waning moon is the perfect time for mindfulness, helping you stay grounded.
Moonlit career path: follow your lunar compass
The moon phases at your birth may hold clues to your career path. Waxing moon natives, your growth-oriented nature could make you excel in fields like entrepreneurship or innovation. Waning moon folks, your knack for reflection and resolution might make you suited for roles like a counselor or investigator.
Full moon babies, your natural propensity to shine might lead you to the spotlight—think of careers in entertainment or public speaking. New moon kids, your penchant for beginnings could make you great in roles like project management or even event planning.
Your celestial almanac: the year-round lunar guide
Keep up with the cosmic Joneses with a year-round lunar guide! New moons mark a time for beginnings—write that novel or start that Etsy shop. Full moons are great for showcasing your accomplishments or throwing a killer party.
Waxing moons are for growth and expansion, a good time to take up that course or ask for a promotion. Waning moons invite closure and introspection—maybe it's time to quit that habit or end a toxic relationship. The moon's got your back all year round!