The Stages of the Moon Cycle
The Phases of the Moon
I’ve been thinking about the moon’s transit lately and how we can identify her phases as the moon travels through the chart and sky, and what that means for our lives in that particular moment.
The moon has been a particularly important planet in my life because my natal moon is in the first house. Any planet in the first house strongly influences the native, including the house that the planet rules. I find the moon cycle affects me immensely. I’m not unique in this feeling; many others feel the moon as she passes through the houses in their birth chart.
Starting with the New Moon, I will examine each of the eight phases and what they mean. I will include pictures of what each phase looks like in a chart, and how you can identify the moon phase as the month goes on. I will also show you the phases as they continue month to month in one particular sign, completing one 13-month cycle.
New Moon 0° – The 1st month
From our vantage point, the new moon is not visible in the sky. In astrology, the new moon is a time of setting intentions for the astrological house in which it is transiting. The intentions set at the new moon should be geared towards the meanings associated with the house where the new moon is in that cycle.
For example, if the new moon were to be in my first house, I would be setting an intention for myself, my body, my personality, and how I wish to be embodied for that year in my life. We as humans are ever evolving and changing. With the new moon in my first house, I would have the opportunity to mindfully reflect on myself and how I wish to be or continue to be.
There is a sense of “there’s always room for improvement” with new moon energy. As we reflect and set our intentions, we can ruminate on a new beginning at the new moon. As we follow the moon in the same sign and house in the months to come, the following moon phases will be at play.
Waxing Crescent Moon 0° to 90° – The 2nd and 3rd Month
In the Northern Hemisphere, there is a thin sliver of the moon that becomes visible on the right side. In the Southern Hemisphere, the waxing crescent moon looks like the letter C and is on the left side. The illuminated portion grows daily.
The waxing crescent moon phase in astrology is representative of when a person can start to take the first steps towards goals and intentions set at the new moon.
First Quarter Moon 90° – The 4th month
Half of the moon is illuminated, and in the Northern Hemisphere, the illuminated part would be forming a clear right-hand semicircle. In the Southern Hemisphere, the illumination would be on the left side.
The moon in this phase is a quarter of the way through its cycle. The first quarter moon in astrology represents the part of the cycle that is connected to balance, determination, and confronting challenges. Furthermore, the first quarter moon phase is also associated with assessing your progress and making decisions to overcome any hurdles you might encounter.
Waxing Gibbous 90° to 180° – The 5th, 6th and 7th Month
During the Waxing Gibbous phase, more than half of the moon is illuminated. The illuminated part will continue to grow during this phase. It’s on the right side if you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, and on the left side if you reside in the Southern Hemisphere.
The waxing gibbous phase in astrology represents abundance, momentum, and progress. It’s a time for improving one’s initial intentions or making adjustments to them. Moreover, during this phase, the energy is set to keep going as the Full Moon approaches, where there will be a peak energy.
Full Moon 180° – The 8th month
During the Full Moon, it doesn’t matter what Hemisphere you are on, as the full face of the moon will be illuminated. At the Full Moon phase, the Earth sits between the Sun and the Moon.
In astrology, the Full Moon represents a time of completion and celebration. Heightened emotions are present at this time. Intentions set at the new moon will be at their peak manifestation during the full moon. It’s possible that hidden truths may be revealed. It’s a time to release and let go of what no longer serves you.
Waning Gibbous 180° to 270° – The 9th and 10th Months
In the Waning Gibbous moon cycle, the light visibility of the moon starts to shrink. This shrinking occurs on the right side for the Northern Hemisphere and the left side for the Southern Hemisphere. Although shrinking, the moon is still more than halfway visible.
In astrology, this moon cycle represents gratitude, reflection, and surrender. There’s a need to reflect on what has happened so far and be generous where needed. In particular, there’s an emphasis on releasing what no longer serves your highest good, with a focus on finding peace with the natural dwindling down of things.
Third Quarter (Last Quarter Moon) 270° – The 11th month
The Third Quarter Moon is a mirror of the First Quarter Moon, with half the moon being illuminated in a left-side semicircle. Again, reverse this for the Southern Hemisphere.
In astrology, this moon phase represents release, transition, and closure. There’s a need to reflect on the achievements made and the lessons learned. Overall, it encourages a person to shed old beliefs and patterns that are no longer supporting growth. If needed, this is a time to forgive.
Waning Crescent 270° – 360° – The 12th and 13th Months
The moon continues to shrink, leaving a thin crescent on the left side in the Northern Hemisphere and the right side in the Southern Hemisphere. This is the last visible phase before returning to the New Moon phase, where a new cycle will begin.
In astrology, this phase is symbolic of surrender, rest, and renewal. Ultimately, this is a time to go with the flow and trust the process of death and rebirth and prepare for a fresh start and a new cycle to come.
Tracking the Yearly and Monthly Moon Cycles
You can use this information to set intentions at the new moon for a particular house and its topics. As the moon returns to that house each month in another phase of its cycle, follow the phase and what it represents, observing the implications for that part of your life.
You can also view these phases during the monthly cycle as the moon moves through all the astrological signs and houses. This will give you an overall sense of how to embody and exert your energy for that particular day. I implore you to try it out and let me know how it goes!
About The Author
Maria is an astrologer and writer who specializes in Western Sidereal Hellenistic Astrology. Drawn to the ancient wisdom of astrology, she offers a contemporary perspective, blending traditional techniques with intuitive understanding. By exploring the link between planetary cycles and human consciousness, she empowers readers with practical astrological insights. Her work demystifies astrology, offering tangible tools for self-discovery and navigating life’s flow from a sidereal viewpoint.
Email: siderealmommy@gmail.com