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The phases of the Moon
There are eight phases of the Moon: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter and waning crescent. The whole cycle lasts 29.53 days on average. The next full moon is on 26 October 2026 at 06:12 Bulgarian time, and the new moon on 9 November at 09:02.
The eight phases
| Phase | Lit | When |
|---|---|---|
| New Moon | 0 % | |
| Waxing Crescenton 12 October | under 50 %waxing | |
| First Quarter | 50 %waxing | |
| Waxing Gibbous | over 50 %waxing | |
| Full Moon | 100 % | |
| Waning Gibbous | over 50 %waning | |
| Last Quarter | 50 %waning | |
| Waning Crescent | under 50 %waning |
New moon and full moon
The new moon starts the cycle: the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun and turns its dark side to us. In the tradition it is a time for beginnings, for an intention or a new project.
The full moon is the middle of the cycle: the Moon stands opposite the Sun and is seen fully lit. The tradition links it with completion and taking stock.
Waxing and waning Moon
From the new moon to the full moon the Moon waxes: its lit part grows every night. The tradition advises starting and attracting in these days, for example a new job or a new acquaintance.
From the full moon to the new moon the Moon wanes. According to the tradition it is the time to finish what you started, to clean the home or to give up a habit. On 12 October the Moon is waxing, until the full moon on 26 October.
The zodiac
The Moon through the zodiac
The Moon passes through the whole zodiac in about 27.3 days and stays in each sign 2.3 days on average. At noon on 12 October it is in Scorpio, and it enters Sagittarius on 14 October at 04:00.
| Moon in | Mood | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | impatient, direct | starting out, sport, a decisive talk |
| Taurus | calm, sensual | money, cooking, caring for yourself |
| Gemini | scattered, talkative | studying, writing, meetings |
| Cancer | sensitive, homebound | family, home |
| Leo | generous, showy | performing, creating, celebrating |
| Virgo | picky, orderly | cleaning, tidying, details |
| Libra | conciliatory, hesitant | partnership, beauty, agreements |
| Scorpioon 12 October | intense, deep | frank talks, ending something |
| Sagittarius | optimistic, expansive | travel, plans, learning |
| Capricorn | reserved, businesslike | work, discipline, the long game |
| Aquarius | independent, offbeat | ideas, friends, change |
| Pisces | dreamy, blurry | rest, music, dreams |
Void of course Moon
The void of course Moon is the time from the Moon’s last major aspect in one sign until it enters the next. An aspect is the angle between the Moon and another planet, for example 90° or 120°.
In traditional astrology important things, such as a contract or a big purchase, are not started during this time. It suits rest and finishing what was started.
Moon water
Moon water is water left out overnight in the light of the full moon. The folk tradition uses it for rituals and for cleaning crystals.
- Fill a clear glass vessel with clean water.
- Place the vessel outdoors in the moonlight or on the windowsill.
- If you like, surround the vessel with crystals or herbs.
- Speak your intention over the water.
- Collect the water in the morning, before sunlight touches it.
Moon water is a folk practice. It is not a medicine and does not replace a doctor’s advice.
The Moon
Frequently asked questions about the Moon
How many moon phases are there?
Eight. Four of them are exact moments with an hour and a minute: new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter. Between them sit four transitional phases, recognised by the shape of the crescent: waxing crescent, waxing gibbous, waning gibbous and waning crescent.
How many days does a phase last?
A quarter of the cycle is about 7.4 days, an eighth about 3.7 days. The whole cycle lasts 29.53 days on average.
What is a Void of Course Moon?
The time from the Moon’s last major aspect in one sign until it enters the next. Traditional astrology advises not starting important things then.
How long does the Moon stay in one sign?
2.3 days on average: the Moon passes through the whole zodiac in about 27.3 days.
Does the Moon affect our emotions?
Research does not give a clear answer. The tradition links the full moon with more sensitivity and more vivid dreams.
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Related topics
Moon Sign Calculator
Which sign the Moon was in when you were born.Lunar Diet
The days the tradition links with the new moon and the full moon.Lunar Hair Cutting Calendar
Which days the tradition prefers for the hair.Moon Rituals
The rituals for the new moon and the full moon, step by step.Crystals
Which stones the tradition leaves in the moonlight.Herbs
The plants the tradition links with the moon rituals.Kinds of horoscopes
Daily, weekly, yearly, personal: which one is for what.Saturn return
When Saturn comes back to its place at birth.
The interpretations follow the astrological and the folk tradition, for education and entertainment. They are not medical, financial or legal advice.