Moon Guide: Lunar Signs and Phases
“The moon is a loyal companion.
It never leaves. It’s always there, watching, steadfast, knowing us in our light and dark moments, changing forever just as we do. Every day it’s a different version of itself. Sometimes weak and wan, sometimes strong and full of light. The moon understands what it means to be human.
Uncertain. Alone. Cratered by imperfections.”
― Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me
Astrology by Lisa Stardust
In astrology, the Moon represents our maternal instincts and in some cases the relationship with our mothers. The Moon shows us our deepest sentiments by shedding insight in the innate parts of ourselves we cannot express with words. The Moon allows us to see how we nurture ourselves and others, our intuition, our taste buds (the Moon represents comfort food), and also allows us to access our memories. Through understanding the astrological sign the Moon was transiting at birth, we can gain clarity in our emotional nature and navigate our instincts.
Aries
The Aries Moon is passionate and consumed with fiery desires. Sparks definitely fly for the Aries Moon native, as their emotions are ruled by action planet Mars, making them prone to emotional outbursts and a spicy zest for life.
Taurus
The Moon is exalted in Taurus. (Meaning, it loves to be in this sign.) The Taurus Moon shows a scintillating and scrumptious love of life through Venusian activities. Simply put, it’s the “way, drink, and be merry Moon.”
Gemini
One’s emotional intellect is superior, when the Moon is in the sign of Gemini. This makes Gemini Moon people able reason themselves out of or into any sentiment by openly discussing their emotions and feelings with others.
Cancer
The Moon is the natural ruler of Cancer, which makes this an amazing placement. Feelings may change every 2.5 days (with different Moon signs). However, the Cancer Moon is intuitive, sensitive, and sentimental. Also, it believes the way to the heart is through comforts (like food).
Leo
The Moon in Leo can frequently bring emotional dramas out, but, mostly uses our expressions of love and feelings to state how they feel. While this sign is no shrinking violet and can argue about their emotions, they are generous and have big hearts.
Virgo
Virgo Moon natives tend to have a practical and orderly understanding of their emotions—even using rationality to express their inner sentiments. They tend to be extra guarded and look before they leap into any situation to protect their hearts.
Libra
Fair and balanced, the Libra Moon is logical and just. Libra is the only sign of the zodiac that is not an actual “living” thing. This allows Libra Moons to have an outside/sideline perspective on matters, which allows them to make fair emotional decisions and commitments.
Scorpio
The Moon is in its fall in Scorpio (meaning, it’s in the opposite sign of its favorite placement in Taurus). The Moon in Scorpio is lusty and mysterious—and always in the mood to evolve and transform to become a better individual.
Sagittarius
Sagittarius Moons like to take emotional risks—betting on their hearts and seeing the best in others. Their live and let live mentality allows them to forgive, but not necessarily forget, as Sag Moons don’t make the same mistakes twice.
Capricorn
The Moon is in its detriment in Capricorn, as its in the opposite sign of its rulership. The Moon in Capricorn indicates a strong desire to work through issues. Loyal and patient by nature, the lunar sea-goat will give their all to those they love.
Aquarius
Aquarius Moon natives aim to help others, using their humanitarian energy to fill up hearts with love and support. Always thinking of the future, Aquarius Moons need to live in the moment in order to understand and feel their feelings.
Pisces
The Pisces Moon is loving, tender, and psychic. Pisces Moon natives tend to absorb the energy of others too much, which allows their hearts and minds to be extra empathetic and compassionate. This can allow for people to take them for granted.
The Lunar Cycle dictates the phases of the Moon. Through the Lunar Cycle, we can expect clarity in how we use our energy to navigate our inner magic and access our truest feelings with a clear understanding of ourselves—both inside and out.
New Moon
The New Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon align in the sky, blocking the Moon’s light upon earth. A time for fresh beginnings, this luminary is a great time to reset and cleanse the body, heart, and spirit. The focus here is on the self.
Waxing Crescent Moon
This is the best time to focus on the self and do magic on inner desires. The focus here is only to elevate one’s mind and heart in order to achieve greatness and success. The Waxing Crescent Moon is a great time to inspire the self and create.
First Quarter Moon
This occurs when the Sun has an opening square to the Moon. The First Quarter Moon is a great time to meditate on desires. Knowing and understanding the inner cravings of the mind and heart can help bring such passions to us.
Waxing Gibbous Moon
This is a great energy to bring things toward us such as love and money. There’s a deep connection between the material world and the Waxing Gibbous Moon because it brings things we are lacking to us (often this manifests in money, objects, and relationships).
Full Moon
When a Full Moon occurs, the sky is lit up due to the Sun - Moon opposition. Full Moons are a time of truth and knowledge, as we can see through the darkness. This is often a time of releasing the old and bringing in the new.
Waning Gibbous Moon
This luminary is a great time to do magic pertaining to “baneful” subjects (that which you wish to get rid of or send away). The Waning Gibbous Moon is a great time for cord cutting and any magic that can help eliminate debt, illness, or bad habits.
Last or Third Quarter Moon
This occurs when the Sun has a closing square to the Moon. Temptations run high during the Last Quarter Moon, thus, requiring spells to expel impulses. Transitionary magic that aids with adjusting to new situations and energy is key under this luminary.
Waning Crescent Moon
This is a time to correct mistakes and mend fences. It’s a great time for reversal spells and to make amends with others. Under the Waning Crescent Moon, we can let go of that which does not serve our highest and truest values, as well as heal the past.