The moon cycles through its lunar phase cycle every 29.5 days. The first quarter moon, full moon and waning crescent are the main phases in this cycle.
Each of these phases has a unique spiritual meaning. Turn to the moon phases as a way to connect to rhythms and cycles outside of the frantic pace of modern living.
New Moon
The moon is an amazing celestial object that travels around the Earth. This rotation allows different parts of the moon’s surface to be illuminated by the sun over the course of a month.
When the Moon is new, its back side is not illuminated and its near side faces Earth in darkness: it’s a waning crescent.
The moon has eight phases that it passes through over the course of a month. These include a new moon, full moon, first quarter, second quarter, third quarter, last quarter and waxing gibbous.
First Quarter Moon
The first quarter moon is the second primary phase of a lunar cycle. This means the Moon has reached half its orbit around Earth and the illuminated side faces Earth.
This is a good time for you to take some time out to relax and recharge your batteries, so you’re ready to start taking on new challenges and projects. This is also a great time to look back over the past month and see how you’ve grown and learned from your experiences.
This is a good time to reflect on your goals and intentions set at the new moon and be open to receive the rewards that are coming. It’s important not to get overwhelmed during this time, and be patient as the universe moves forward with its plans for you.
Full Moon
If you’re looking to get a glimpse of the full moon tonight, then it is set to appear bright and clear in the sky. Observers should make sure they are away from any light pollution like streetlamps or houses to get the most out of their view.
For centuries, different months of the year have been named for their corresponding full moon. Among other names, February’s is known as the Snow Moon.
Waxing Crescent
The moon goes through a cycle of phases each month. It takes 29.5 days for the whole cycle to complete.
Each phase is characterized by how much of the moon’s disk is illuminated, as seen from Earth. The New Moon is essentially a full night’s worth of darkness, the First Quarter is essentially half a full moon, and the Full Moon is completely illuminated.
When a phase ends, the amount of sunlight on the moon’s surface decreases. This is called waning.
Waxing Gibbous
The moon is in a period called waxing gibbous, which is part way between a first quarter and full moon. It is a very bright phase and can be easy to mistake for a full moon.
This phase is a time for reflection, and you may need to revisit your goals. It’s also a good time to purge anything that doesn’t serve you or your highest creative potential anymore.
Last Quarter Moon
Depending on your location, the last quarter moon is usually visible from around midnight. You may also be able to see it rising in the morning and setting at night as it passes above your city skyline.
The last quarter moon is a rare occurrence in the Gregorian calendar and it’s not one you’ll want to miss out on. This month it will also be a Snow Moon, or Super Moon as it’s known in some parts of the world.
You can find out more about the last quarter moon, full Moon, first quarter moon and all the phases in between with our free lunar phase calculator. The best part is you can put the date and time for all these amazing celestial events onto your calendar so you’ll never miss them again!
Waning Crescent
A waning crescent moon occurs in the final phase of the lunar cycle. It is the phase that leads up to a new moon, and it represents a time of reflection and release.
This is a time to settle in and reflect on the previous month, and it’s also a great time to set your intentions for the future. It’s a chance to let go of any unwanted feelings and focus on your goals for the next month, says Binding.
As the moon reaches this phase, light begins to dim, and a dark slither appears on the right side of the disk. It’s a symbol of restoring balance.