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Moon Phase Calendar
What the Moon is doing tonight, worked out from true lunar positions, plus the traditional meaning of every phase in its 29.5-day journey.
In the sky tonight
Waning Crescent
The last sliver. Rest and recharge before the cycle restarts.
Day 25.1 of 29.5 · 21% of the disc illuminated
Coming full moon: September 26, 2026, 4:49 PM · Coming new moon: October 10, 2026, 3:50 PM
One Cycle, Eight Faces
From dark new moon to blazing full and back again, each stage of the month carries its own traditional purpose.
Why the Moon Changes Shape
The Moon has no light of its own. As it circles Earth, we see more or less of its sunlit side, and a full round from one new moon to the next takes roughly 29.5 days. Tradition treats the growing half of the month as a time to build and the shrinking half as a time to finish and clear.
Along the way the Moon also passes through every zodiac sign, spending about two and a half days in each, so no two full moons feel quite alike. In a natal chart the Moon describes your emotional nature and inner needs.
The Most Visible Cycle in the Sky
The Moon's phases are the easiest astronomical rhythm to observe. Every 29.5 days or so, the Moon moves from dark to full and back again as its position changes relative to the Sun and Earth.
Cultures around the world have used this cycle to mark time, plan planting and harvests, and hold festivals and rituals.
Astrology adds a layer of meaning to each phase, suggesting what kind of activity it traditionally supports.
How the Phase Is Calculated
The phase shown here is computed from the true positions of the Sun and Moon rather than estimated from an average month. Real lunar months vary in length because the Moon's orbit is elliptical.
This means the phase name and illumination percentage stay accurate even on the days when a simple average would be wrong.
Times for the next full and new moons are shown in the site's time zone.
The Growing and Shrinking Halves
From new moon to full moon the illuminated portion grows. Tradition associates this waxing half with building, starting and gathering energy.
From full moon back to new moon the light shrinks. This waning half is associated with completing, releasing and resting.
Many people use this simple rhythm — build, then release — to plan their month.
The Moon's Sign
While the Moon completes its phases, it also travels through all twelve zodiac signs, spending about two and a half days in each. Astrologers read the Moon's sign as the emotional tone of those days.
Because the two cycles have different lengths, each new and full moon falls in a different sign. A full moon in Aries feels different from a full moon in Libra.
In your birth chart, the Moon's sign describes your emotional needs; the Moon Sign Finder can tell you yours.
Using the Calendar
Check tonight's phase, then open its page for traditional suggestions. Set intentions at the new moon, review progress at the quarters and reflect at the full moon.
Treat the cycle as a gentle structure for reflection rather than a set of rules. It can bring a helpful rhythm to busy lives.
If sleep or mood seem affected by the lunar cycle, a health professional is the best person to talk to.