Moon Phase Today
Today’s moon phase and illumination, the next new and full moon, and a short practice for the phase.
The moon now
…
The next four phases
Why the moon changes shape
The moon makes no light of its own. Half of it is always lit by the sun, and as it travels around the Earth we see more or less of that lit half. At new moon it sits between us and the sun and its bright side faces away; at full moon it is opposite the sun and we see the whole lit face. One full round, new moon to new moon, takes about 29.5 days.
The eight phases
- New moon: unseen, close to the sun. A time to rest and set a quiet intention.
- Waxing crescent: a thin evening sliver. Begin gently.
- First quarter: half lit, high at sunset. A time for decision and effort.
- Waxing gibbous: nearly full. Refine and keep going.
- Full moon: fully lit, rising at sunset. Gratitude, clarity and reflection.
- Waning gibbous: share what you have learned.
- Last quarter: half lit, rising around midnight. Release and simplify.
- Waning crescent: a dawn sliver. Rest, review and prepare.
A simple monthly practice
Choose one quality to grow this month. At the new moon, write it down in a single sentence. Each evening, give it one minute of quiet attention. At the full moon, notice what has changed, and as the moon wanes, let go of one thing that stands in its way. The Meditations book gives you an image for each day, and the Daily Study Chamber keeps the moon and your practice side by side.
For moonrise, moonset and the night sky, open The Hours.
Moon phase: questions
What is the moon phase today?
The panel at the top of this page shows today’s phase, worked out in your browser for the current moment: its name, how much of the face is lit, and whether the moon is waxing or waning.
What are the phases of the moon?
There are four principal phases: new moon, first quarter, full moon and last quarter. Between them come the crescent and gibbous phases, giving eight in all: new, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full, waning gibbous, last quarter and waning crescent.
How long is a lunar cycle?
About 29.5 days from one new moon to the next. This is called the synodic month. Each principal phase is a little over seven days from the last.
What does illumination mean?
Illumination is the share of the moon’s visible face that is lit by the sun, from 0% at new moon to 100% at full. A quarter moon is about half lit.
Is the phase the same everywhere?
Yes, the phase is the same for everyone on Earth at the same moment, though the date of a full or new moon can differ by a day across time zones. In the southern hemisphere the lit side appears on the opposite side.
How can I use the moon in a meditation practice?
Many people use the waxing half of the month for beginnings and steady effort, the full moon for gratitude and reflection, the waning half for finishing and letting go, and the new moon for rest and setting a fresh intention. Each phase on this page comes with a short practice to try.
Keep going
- Today
Today’s meditation, moon, planetary hour and card in one place.
- The Daily Study Chamber
Your full daily practice: readings, cycles, tarot and the meditation.
- The Meditations book
Twenty-six images and practices in a four-week cycle.
Membership is free, with no fees. We never sell or share your info. Privacy