The Moon has a complex cycle of phases. Each cycle takes 29.5 days to complete, according to the Lunar and Planetary Institute.
The first phase is a new moon which appears completely dark in the sky (0% illumination). Next comes a waxing crescent, followed by a waxing gibbous and finally a full moon.
Waxing Crescent
The Moon phase yesterday was Waxing Crescent, a waxing crescent is an intermediate moon phase between a New Moon and a Full Moon. During this phase, 1-49% of the Moon’s surface is illuminated.
During this phase, the Moon is near its perigee (closest approach to the Earth). It rises and sets along with the Sun.
A Waxing Crescent is also called a Third Quarter or Half Moon because this is the point where the Moon has completed 3/4 of its orbit around Earth, and there’s just one more revolution to go.
As a simple way to tell which side of the Moon is illuminated, hold out your right hand with your thumb out and palm facing the sky. If the curve formed by your thumb and forefinger fits the “C” shape, then you know it’s a waning crescent.
Waxing gibbous phases are times when we feel like everything is in place, but a little closer to completion than we would have liked. They can be a great time to get excited about what is coming next.
Waxing Gibbous
The Moon goes through four phases each month: new moon, crescent, first quarter and waxing gibbous. These stages reflect the varying amounts of illuminated surface area of the moon as it orbits Earth.
People born under a Waxing Gibbous moon are often caring, nurturing and spiritually inclined individuals who excel at developing relationships. They have a natural ability to inspire others and are capable of guiding them on their journey to self-discovery.
They are also highly creative. They tend to enjoy creating things that help people, such as art or poetry.
The Waxing Gibbous moon phase is a time to take stock of where you are in your life and assess what you have accomplished so far. It is also a time to look at your goals and what you still need to achieve in order to reach them. This is a good time to make adjustments and use your resources wisely. You are about to experience growth and development in a major way.
Full Moon
The Moon has influenced our culture for millennia, and the Full Moon is one of its most powerful phases. It’s a time to check in with your goals, intentions and visions for the month ahead, and it’s also a time when you can reflect on your progress.
Emotions are often at their highest during this phase, so be careful not to snap or lash out if you feel like your emotions are out of proportion. Instead, take some time to breathe and reflect on how you’re feeling.
The energy of the Full Moon is also a time to let go of any unhelpful thoughts or behaviors that are no longer serving you, and it’s a good opportunity to recommit to your goals. Set some simple intentions to guide you as you move forward, and write them down to give yourself a sense of purpose for the next moon cycle.
Waning Gibbous
The Moon has a long history of importance in human culture. It has been used as a symbol of fertility and rebirth, as a counterpoint to a masculine Sun god, and as a reminder of the cycles of nature.
As the Moon continues its journey around Earth, it changes phases, sometimes in ways that are difficult to see or understand. These phases are reflected in the way the Moon appears to the naked eye, and can be observed at various times during the day or night.
When the Moon enters a waning gibbous phase, it no longer has a full disk of sunlight. This half-lighted portion of the Moon can be seen rising after sunset, up high in the sky after midnight, and to the south after sunrise.
The Waning Gibbous Moon phase indicates that redirection, adjustment and flexibility are necessary to achieve your goals. It is also a time when you’re faced with unexpected obstacles that can help you refocus your energies, and adjust your plans accordingly.