Moon phases guide
The moon cycles through eight phases about every 29.5 days. Here's what each one looks like, when you can see it, and how people use it in ritual and reflection.
The moon doesn't make its own light. Half of it is always lit by the sun; what changes is how much of that lit half we can see from Earth as the moon orbits us. At new moon the lit side faces away from us. Over the next two weeks we see more and more of it (waxing) until the full moon, when the lit side faces us completely. Then the light shrinks again (waning) back to new.
One full cycle, from new moon to new moon, is called a synodic month and lasts about 29 days, 12 hours and 44 minutes on average, though individual months vary by several hours. The four "principal" phases (new, first quarter, full, last quarter) are exact moments you'll find on our 2027 moon calendar. The four in-between phases (the crescents and gibbous moons) each last about a week's worth of nights in between.
A memory trick: in the Northern Hemisphere, a waxing moon is lit on the right, and a waning moon is lit on the left. In the Southern Hemisphere it's the other way around, which is why our calendar has a Southern Hemisphere edition.
Beginnings, intention, rest · 0% lit
In the sky: Sets roughly with the sun; not visible.
The moon sits between Earth and the sun, its lit side turned away from us. The sky is at its darkest, which makes this a natural pause: a time to rest, clear the slate, and quietly choose what you want to grow.
Try this: Write intentions, start a new journal page, or simply sit in the dark for a few minutes and listen inward. Keep intentions few and specific.
Hope, first steps, gathering resources · 1–49% lit
In the sky: A thin sliver in the western sky after sunset.
A slim crescent appears at dusk, growing a little each night. Energy is building but still delicate. This is when an intention becomes a plan.
Try this: Take the first small action on your intention. Gather what you need: information, supplies, support. Write one encouraging sentence to yourself each evening.
Decision, effort, overcoming obstacles · 50% lit
In the sky: Half lit (right side in the Northern Hemisphere); high in the sky at sunset.
Exactly half the moon is lit. It is a week into the cycle, and first obstacles often show up here. The quarter moon is about commitment: deciding to keep going.
Try this: Review your intention. What is in the way? Make one decision that moves you forward, and adjust the plan if needed.
Refinement, patience, persistence · 51–99% lit
In the sky: More than half lit; rises in the afternoon and is visible most of the evening.
The moon is swelling toward full. Things are nearly ripe, and the work now is refining rather than starting over.
Try this: Edit, polish, practice. Notice what is working and do more of it. Be patient with what has not bloomed yet.
Culmination, illumination, release, gratitude · 100% lit
In the sky: Rises around sunset and sets around sunrise.
The moon and sun face each other from opposite sides of Earth, and the whole face is lit. Emotions and insights can feel heightened. What was hidden is easier to see.
Try this: Celebrate what has come to fruition, give thanks, and write down what you're ready to release. Charge moon water or simply spend time outdoors in the moonlight.
Sharing, teaching, gratitude · 99–51% lit
In the sky: Rises after sunset; bright in the late night and morning sky.
Just past full, the light begins to recede. This is a generous phase, a time to share what you've learned and enjoy the harvest.
Try this: Share a lesson with a friend, teach something, give something away. Journal about what the full moon showed you.
Letting go, forgiveness, reassessment · 50% lit
In the sky: Half lit (left side in the Northern Hemisphere); rises around midnight.
Half the moon is lit again, the opposite half from first quarter. It is a turning point toward rest: a good time to clear out and forgive.
Try this: Declutter a space, end a commitment that has run its course, or write a forgiveness letter you don't need to send.
Rest, surrender, reflection · 49–1% lit
In the sky: A thin sliver in the eastern sky before dawn.
Sometimes called the balsamic moon, this final sliver rises just before the sun. Energy is low and inward, and that is exactly right.
Try this: Rest more than usual. Reflect on the whole cycle in your journal. Let things be unfinished, and prepare to begin again at the new moon.
A simple way to begin: at the new moon, write one intention. At the first quarter, check in and take action. At the full moon, celebrate what has grown and release what hasn't. At the last quarter, clear space and rest. Four short check-ins a month are enough to feel the rhythm.
Ready to try? Start with our new moon and full moon rituals, or draw a moon-phase spread in the tarot reader.