Lunar Phases | What are they and what do they mean?

So we all hear about the moon and her phases, especially when she is in new moon phase or full moon phase. But what are the phases in between and what do they all mean? Especially when you bring astrology into the mix things can get a bit confusing so we're going to go over the basics of the moon.

The moon goes through eight phases in its lunar cycle - new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter and waning crescent. These phases occur over the course of 29.53 days on average, as the moon orbits Earth.

When the moon is in its first phase of new moon, we cannot see the moon. This occurs because the moon is in between the earth and the sun. The new moon is significant when we think about it in astrology because it signifies new beginnings and the start of a new cycle. When there is a new moon it will always fall under the sign that the sun is in, for example our sun enters Gemini on May 20, 2022 so our new moon will also fall under Gemini on May 30, 2022.

The next phase is the waxing crescent, which we can start to see a sliver of the moon. This lunar phase occurs right after the new moon. The waxing crescent is when the moon just starts to become visible in the sky on the right side of the moon. The visibility comes from the sun illuminating on the moon. This is representative of bringing to light the things you reflected on during the new moon phase. Bringing in new opportunities the waxing crescent phase is the perfect time to call in new light to your life and manifest your highest timeline.

The next lunar phase is the first quarter moon which occurs around a week after the waxing crescent. The first quarter moon is when we can see half of the moon illuminated in the sky. This lunar phase is all about action. It’s time to take what you’ve been reflecting on during the new moon and waxing crescent moon and bring it into the physical. Now that you've had the time to reflect on what you want, then to manifest what you want, this is the time to get it done! The first quarter lunar phase represents strength and power as the moon phases more into its brightest form.

Now we have the waxing gibbous moon phase, waxing meaning to enlarge or grow. Occurs around two weeks after the new moon. The waxing gibbous moon is when we see the entire left side of the moon illuminated in the sky. This lunar phase is all about growth. It’s time to take what you’ve been working on and bring them to completion. By putting the finishing touches on your projects reflect on your manifestations as you are about to level up and become your brightest fullest form you can be at this time in your growth just as the moon does.

Next is the full moon, when we see the entire right side of the moon illuminated in the sky. This lunar phase signifies completion. All your hard work has paid off its time to reap the benefits and enjoy what you have created for yourself. It's a beautiful time to surrender to your higher self. Emotions tend to run high around the full moon so do not feel alone if your energies feel off and your feelings are more heightened than normal. To help offset the energies coming in from the full moon, you can do things like take intentional baths, spiritual cleanses, affirmations, and self care routines.

After the full moon is the waning gibbous moon. This occurs when we see a half moon in the sky and the left side is illuminated. During this time it's important to let go of what no longer serves us. If there has been something you've been holding on to that is weighing you down, now is the time to release it. This can be done through forgiveness, writing things down then burning them, or even just verbally saying that you release it. The most important thing though is to do it with intention and consciously.

Our next lunar phase is the third quarter moon . This moon occurs when we see a half moon in the sky and the right side is illuminated. This is generally considered to be a time of rest after all of the hard work that was put in during the waxing gibbous moon. After all, you can't keep pouring from and empty cup. The third quarter moon is symbolic of letting go and transitioning. It's almost time for another new moon phase so it is time for another level up to take place in your life and the only way to do this is to release.

Lastly we have the waning crescent moon, this moon occurs when the left side of the moon is illuminated and it's getting smaller each day. The waning crescent moon is all about release, banishing, and finalization. It is time to let go of what no longer serves you so that you can make way for new opportunities. What are things you need to release before the next new moon?