The 8 Moon Phases and What Each One Means

The Moon moves through 8 phases over roughly 29.5 days, and each phase carries its own energy. Living in rhythm with the lunar cycle is one of the oldest ways to time your intentions.

The 8 phases

1. New Moon — beginnings. Set intentions and plant seeds. A fresh start.
2. Waxing Crescent — take first small steps toward your goals.
3. First Quarter — decisions and action; push through the first obstacles.
4. Waxing Gibbous — refine, adjust and stay patient as things build.
5. Full Moon — culmination, clarity and release. Emotions and results peak.
6. Waning Gibbous — gratitude and sharing; give back what you have gained.
7. Last Quarter — let go, forgive and clear what no longer serves you.
8. Waning Crescent — rest, reflect and surrender before the next new moon.

New moon vs full moon

The two most powerful points are the new moon (plant) and the full moon (harvest and release). Read our deeper guide to full moon vs new moon.

Track it live

See today's exact moon phase and illumination on our live moon tracker.