8 Moon Phases

The new moon is the first day of a lunar cycle and is when the moon is dark in the sky, and there is 0% illumination. This phase is for setting intentions, planting seeds, imagining, dreaming, visioning, hope, rest, renewal. Season: late winter to early spring.

The waxing crescent moon is approximately 2-6 days old and is between 1 to 49% illuminated. This phase corresponds to yin, beginnings, optimism, cultivating better habits, tangibility, action, visible new life. Season: spring.

The first quarter moon is approximately 6-9 days old and is at 50% illumination. This phase is good for reconnecting with one’s self, discernment, making choices, pivoting, changing course, discipline, healthy habits, boundaries. Season: late spring to the summer solstice.

The waxing gibbous moon is approximately 6-13 days old and is between 51-99% illuminated. This yin phase can assist us with health, healing, energy, fertility, luck, abundance, expansion, growth, sensuality, self-care.

The full moon is approximately 3-15 days old and is at 100% illumination. It corresponds to the harvest, ripeness, blooming, celebration, emotional release, intuitive work, ancestor work, or any efforts you need a magical boost for. This is the time to reconnect with your emotions and inner world. This is the time to double down or to change direction if we are off course with our new moon intentions. Season: solstice to mid-summer.

The waning gibbous moon is approximately 15-22 days old and is at between 51-99% illumination. The light on the moon is now on the left side in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the time of the second harvest, receiving, gratitude, dissemination, release, and sharing inner wisdom. Season: late summer to the autumn equinox.

The last quarter moon, also called the third quarter moon, is approximately 21-23 days old with an illumination of 50%. This phase is associated with balance, crossroads, surrender, subconscious work, organization, and internal processes. This is the final push before the end of this lunar cycle. Season: between the autumn equinox and Halloween/Samhain.

The waning crescent moon is approximately 22-27 days old. The light fades from 45% to 1% illumination. The energy of this phase of the moon corresponds with cleaning, clearing, diving deep, and going within. This phase facilitates internal growth; when the light of the moon fades, many of us can process and connect to ourselves more deeply. So, as the light of the moon fades, our inner knowing grows. Season: just before the winter solstice.

The dark moon is the end of the lunar cycle, with the moon in its last 3 days. The moon is between 27 and 29.5 days old. This is the time for deep rest, release, turning inward, peace, acceptance, cutting cords, death, endings. Season: winter.

Tuning in to the phases of the moon and its energy reminds us to look within and connect with ourselves and nature. Creating a moon practice helps us get to know ourselves and to be compassionate with what we find. It also helps us be more in-tune with the seasons, allowing us to slow down and practice self-care.