Moon Phases and Their Meanings

If you want to know more about the Moon and Astrology, I highly recommend getting familiar with the Moon phases.

The Moon is cyclic, making it easy to track her energy and witness how she impacts and influences your life.

Each lunar phase has a specific energy or theme associated with it. Each theme represents a stage of growth, progressing as she moves through the cycle.

As you learn to work with the phases of the Moon and the natural cycles, it becomes automatic. By doing so, you choose a more relaxed and harmonious life. However, as with any mode of living, there is ‘life stuff’ which gets in the way and attempts to knock us off course, you can use the phases to work out where we should be and quickly realign again.

I’ve been working with the Moon phases for a while now. The first of the month is no longer a significant date, as my month begins at the new moon instead. I am also slowly breaking down the 9-5 and 7 days a week system, as I flow between the phases.

However, we are limited by how far we can take things in the modern world when everyone else functions by the Gregorian calendar, but it’s not impossible to add some lunar flow into your Magickal life.

If you want to follow the phases of the Moon in real time, then head over to my Instagram where I post each phase as it takes place. 

Some Important Moon Facts & Stats

There are 8 phases in the lunar cycle

• The Moon waxes and wanes through eight distinct phases, each with their own energetic theme.

The lunar cycle begins with the new Moon

• The new Moon is the first phase of the lunar cycle. This is when the Sun and Moon are in the same position in the sky.

The lunar cycle lasts 29.53 days

• It takes 29.53 days for the Moon to go through all eight phases of the lunar cycle, with each phase lasting approximately 3.7 days. This is known as a synodic month.
• Note: This is different to the time it takes for the Moon to go through all 12 signs of the zodiac, which is 27.3 days. This is known as a sidereal month.

The Eight Phases of the Moon

1. The New Moon

Set Your New Moon Intentions

The New Moon is about ideas, goals and intentions, so as the energy builds, we start to take action. This is the time when we set our intentions for the cycle ahead based on the theme of the sign of the Zodiac of the New Moon.

Every new Moon is different, depending on the sign of the zodiac it is full under. You can explore the signs and themes of each new Moon in my online Moon calendar. Go to Calendar

2. Waxing Crescent

Start Moving Forward

This is a time to take action to make your goals and dreams come true. Start making forward movements with courage and faith, building momentum, and creating ripples and waves that will help you create those dreams.

3. First Quarter

Explore the Discomfort

Check back with your goals, dreams and wishes set at the New Moon and previous New Moons, and make sure you are still placing your energy and focus in the right places. Where there is discomfort, friction or frustration, use this opportunity to move forward without your insecurities and fear taking hold.

4. Waxing Gibbous

Trust the Process

This is the time to trust. When we push too much, we can meet resistance, and sometimes we need to trust that the process is happening, even when we can’t recognise it. Explore the details, use your skills, and restore balance where needed.

5. Full Moon

Pause & Reflect

The Full Moon represents the energetic climax of the lunar cycle, and is a time to pause and soak up the energy and guidance available to us at this time. Use Full Moon energy to reflect on where you have been, where you are right now, and where you are heading.

Every full Moon is different, depending on the sign of the zodiac it is full under. You can explore the signs and themes of each full Moon in my online Moon calendar. Go to Calendar

6. Waning Gibbous

Release & Let Go

As you witness the Moon letting go of her light in the sky, mimic this by releasing and letting go in your own life. Continue to say goodbye to the things that no longer serve you, while allowing yourself to welcome the new energy coming your way.

7. Last Quarter

Inner Conflict

This is the time where we are tested. Notice what is working, and what isn’t. It’s time to take responsibility for the decisions you have made and the actions you have taken. This is not proof that you made the wrong choice, but rather an opportunity to reaffirm what you have set out to do.

8. Waning Crescent

Slow Down

The energy of this phase is all about the ending of a cycle. We are in the final throes of letting go, releasing and creating space. But simultaneously, we are facing forward and getting excited for a new cycle to begin and the fresh adventure ahead. Slow down and allow yourself to prepare for the next lunar cycle.

Tell me your thoughts

I would love to know how much you already know about the lunar cycle. Do you follow the phases and notice the waxing and waning energies?

Let me know in the comments below. 

Other resources to check out

Why are New and Full Moons Important?