Lunar Phases

Definition

The eight visible phases of the Moon — new, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full, waning gibbous, last quarter, waning crescent — over a 29.5-day cycle.

Origin

Lunar phase tracking is humanity's oldest calendar. The Babylonian, Hebrew, Islamic and Chinese calendars all measure months by lunar cycles. Astrologically, lunar phases were correlated with personality types by Dane Rudhyar in the 20th century.

Development

Rudhyar's eight-phase personality typology (introduced in The Lunation Cycle, 1967) treats the natal lunar phase as a deep description of life purpose: new moon types initiate, full moon types fulfil, waning crescent types release. Many modern astrologers use this layer alongside sun-moon-rising.

In Practice

Practically, lunar phases time everyday choices: new moons for setting intentions, full moons for reflection and culmination, waning phases for release. The phase you were born under tints how naturally you initiate, build, complete or compost projects.

Deeper Reading

The Moon's gravitational effects on Earth (tides) are physically real; alleged effects on human moods and behaviour during the full moon are not well-supported by research. Lunar tracking remains valuable as a rhythm-keeping practice even if no causal connection to mood exists.

See Also

• moon phases
• lunation cycle
• fases lunares