Do you ever wonder why the Moon looks different during the whole month? Why does sometimes it appear full and almost invisible at other times? These changes are known as the phases of the Moon. These phases follow a regular pattern.
People have celebrated events like weddings and ceremonies according to different lunar phases for centuries. Even today, the connection between moon phase meanings and emotional rhythms inspire people to make important decisions.
In this article, you’ll explore the 8 phases of the Moon and the correct moon phase order. You’ll also discover how the phases of the Moon affect your emotions, mindset and life path.
The Lunar Cycle: 8 Moon Phases
The lunar cycle consists of eight phases, and the cycle repeats after every 29.5 days. During this cycle, the Moon passes through different phases from new moon to full moon.
These changes are visible from Earth as the Moon gradually lights up and dims as the Sun illuminates its different portions.
Different cultures of the world have observed the Moon’s phases to make important life decisions, from the Babylonians to Native American tribes. Many believe that some phases are best to celebrate events like weddings, harvests and new ventures, while others are seen as inauspicious.
These beliefs are common because of the idea that the Moon’s energy holds spiritual meaning and influences our emotional behaviour, intuition, mood, energy and astrological birth charts.
Even today, moon phases play a significant role in astrology and guide decisions and emotional reflections.
The gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun causes stronger tides on Earth, especially during the new moon and full moon.
What are Moon Phases and How do Moon Phases Work?
Moon phases are the different shapes of the Moon which you can observe from Earth during the lunar month. Sometimes the Moon looks full and bright, while other times it’s just a thin waxing crescent. The moon even appears entirely hidden during the new moon. These changing appearances are the phases of the Moon.
The Sun is the only object in our solar system that shines. As the Moon revolves in its orbit around Earth, the Sun illuminates different portions of it.
We can only see the illuminated portion of the Moon from Earth, while the rest remains hidden. The Moon appears as different shapes because of the change in visibility throughout the lunar cycle.
The 8 Moon Phases Explained in Detail
Do you wonder why the moon changes different shapes throughout the month? This is because the moon lights up by reflecting sunlight. The sun lights up different parts of the moon during several periods of the month.
Because of this moon appears as hidden, partially hidden, partially lit up or fully lit up from the earth. The percentage of illumination also changes from 0 percent during the new moon to 100 percent during full moon.
Here is the comparison table of the eight moon phases and their spiritual meanings, before learning the eight phases in detail:
| 8 Moon Phases | Visual Representation | Spiritual Importance | Associated Rituals |
| New Moon | Represent fresh start, Setting new goals, Leaving past behind | Setting goals, journaling and reflect on the past | |
| Waxing Crescent | Rebuilding phase, represent new energy and intentions, hopes and desires | Work on self-improvement, setting goals and intentions | |
| First Quarter | Stage of obstacles, challenges, decisions and actions | Decision-making, action planning and considering challenges | |
| Waxing Gibbous | Phase of increasing momentum, to adjust, refining the goals after challenges | Building momentum and preparing for peak of the moon | |
| Full Moon | Powerful lunar phase, represent harvest, emotions and new opportunities are at peak | Releasing what no longer serves, celebrate achievements | |
| Waning Gibbous | Time of letting go any painful thoughts, time to cleanse and purge | Cleansing, releasing attachment, preparing for next cycle | |
| Third Quarter | Period of evolution, to reflect on the past events and readjusting | Releasing negativity, cleaning emotionally and physically | |
| Waning Moon | Time for compassion and self-care and preparing for next | Rest, rejuvenation and planning for next cycle |
Here are 8 phases of the moon and their spiritual meanings explained in detail:
Moon Phase 1 – The New Moon
The bright side of the moon positions away from the Earth, during the new moon phase. The moon and the sun are on the same side of the Earth. Due to this the moon becomes invisible.
New moon is considered a time for new beginnings and rejuvenation with women especially.
It is time cleansing and to set new ambitions without any restrictions.
It is believed that inner guidance increases during the new phase, making it an ideal time to set new goals.
Spiritually, the new moon represents renewal, growth and transformation. It’s the time to start new and embrace changings. You have to get rid of any negative emotions or limiting beliefs that are holding you back.
Moon Phase 2 – The Waxing Moon
The waxing moon emerges as a crescent and grows into an inverted ‘C’. It is the high time of growth, development and rebuilding. You should take action towards your goals.
This phase of the moon is believed to be associated with growth, learning and opportunities. This is the time to focus on your strengths and discover your new intentions.
This phase is related to new beginnings as well as creativity. The waxing crescent is a prime time for artists, writers and others to bring their new ideas into life. If you want to start new projects, waxing crescent is the perfect time to do so.
Moon Phase 3 – The First Quarter
The sun illuminates the right side of the moon, during the first quarter. You have to face obstacles and challenges to attain your goals. This is the time of taking your decisions.
This phase is also a period to reflect on your surroundings and celebrate your achievements.
The first quarter is considered the time of growth, movement and momentum. It brings excitement and eagerness. It’s an ideal period to face new challenges. You can embrace change and growth.
Moon Phase 4 – The Waxing Gibbous
The sun brightens more than half the side of the moon, during the waxing gibbous phase. This lunar phase represents an opportunity to refine your plans and adjust yourself to get the goal.
Waxing Gibbous comes with an opportunity to focus on your goals. The energy and vitality increases during this phase of the moon. It marks a perfect time to take new projects and take action toward their achievement.
This phase is considered a time of heightened power and potential. During this phase, you can start new projects and take steps to reach your destination. You explore your beliefs and values. It’s the time you can embrace your inner strength and confidence.
Moon Phase 5 – The Full Moon
It is considered a powerful lunar phase. It is a common belief that during the full moon phase human emotions are at their peak.
The full moon comes with an opportunity to overcome the challenges and hurdles in your life to attain your goal. You should focus on your goals during this phase of the moon.
The full moon phase is the time to release anything that no longer serves you. It is the best opportunity to clean yourself and get rid of negative thoughts, emotions and habits. You have to embrace new possibilities and opportunities.
Moon Phase 6 – The Waning Gibbous Moon
The Waning Gibbous shows the transition of the full moon to the new moon. This phase is the time of releasing and purifying your negative thoughts. It is time to think about what you’ve learned. You have to consider your next step.
Waning gibbous is the time of letting go of your negative thoughts, emotions and energies that are holding you back. The waning gibbous is believed to be related with sadness and gloominess but also a time to embrace hope and growth.
It is the phase of the lunar cycle to reflect what you want and what you need to let go.
Moon Phase 7 – The Third Quarter
The last quarter is the time of reflection. This moon phase marks the period of self-care and emotional healing.
The last quarter is associated with cleanse, closure and endings. It is an ideal opportunity to reflect on what has passed and let go of what is not beneficial for you.
It provides you the opportunity for self-growth and spiritual advancement. This is the best time to make decisions about your future.
Moon Phase 8 – The Waning Moon
Waning crescent represents the end of the lunar cycle and the start of something new. It brings the sense of freedom and lightness as the moon moves into the last quarter.
Waning moon is the time to consider what has passed and release that no longer serves you. You have to embrace new beginnings. This moon phase helps us to look forward with hope. You have to embrace the transformative powers of renewal.
These eight phases of the moon are of great importance for people in the astronomical point of view. People aligned their activities or important projects with different phases of the moon.
Phases of the Moon: Moonrise and Moonset Times
Phases of the moon are directly linked with the moonset and moonrise.
People often set their plans based on the moonrise and moonset times in the past.
Do you know when the moon rises and sets?
Here is the table of moonrise and moonset timings given. The table doesn’t include corrections according to DST, season of the year, horizon, time zone and other variables.
| Phases of moon | Moonrise & Moonset timings |
| New Moon | 6am | 6pm |
| Waxing Crescent | 9am | 9pm |
| First Quarter | 12pm | 12am |
| Waxing Gibbous | 3pm | 3am |
| Full Moon | 6pm | 6am |
| Waning Gibbous | 9pm | 9am |
| Third Quarter | 12am | 12pm |
| Waning Crescent | 3am | 3pm |
Why does the Moon Have Phases?
The Sun is the only light source in our solar system. The moon doesn’t have its own light like the sun. The moon shines by reflecting sunlight. Due to this reflection the moon appears bright to us.
The one side of the will brighten up, when the moon revolves around the Earth.
The moon appears in 8 phases as the sun brightens up the different parts of the moon. This is why it seems like the moon is changing into different shapes.
Conclusion: 8 Major Moon Phases
We become captivated by the beauty of the moon in the night sky.
People have been affected by the 8 moon phases throughout history. The new moon represents new beginnings. Many people start their projects during this time of the month.
Similarly, they perform different rituals on these moon phases to let go of what no longer serves them and embrace hope and opportunities.
This article provides a long introduction of 8 moon phases and their spiritual meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How is the Full Moon different from New Moon?
Ans. A new moon occurs when the moon is in between the sun and the Earth. The moon isn’t visible to us because the bright side of the moon is away from the Earth.
During the full moon phase, the moon and the sun are on opposite sides of the Earth. So, the bright side of the moon faces us.
Q. How do the phases of the moon affect moonrise and moonset?
Ans. The phases of the moon affect moonrise and moonset directly. A full moon rises around the moonrise and sets around the moonset.
Q. Do phases of the moon affect the tides?Ans. The phases of the moon shapes the tides. This results from the gravitational pull of both the moon and sun on the Earth.