Once you know your Sun sign and Moon sign and their exact positions, the next step is to discover the Moon phase you were born under.
Your natal Moon phase offers additional insight into how you express yourself, how you process emotion, and how you relate to others. It adds nuance to your Sun and Moon placements and can clarify patterns in your behavior and motivations.
Ready to find out what your Moon phase reveals about you?
About the Lunar Cycle
The Moon moves through all 12 zodiac signs in less than a month. As it changes position relative to the Sun, it creates the lunar cycle. Astrologically, this cycle is divided into eight phases, each spanning 45 degrees of separation between the Sun and Moon.
The eight phases are:
- New Moon: 0–44 degrees
- Crescent / Waxing Crescent: 45–89 degrees
- First Quarter: 90–134 degrees
- Gibbous / Waxing Gibbous: 135–179 degrees
- Full Moon: 180–224 degrees
- Disseminating / Waning Crescent: 225–269 degrees
- Third Quarter / Last Quarter: 270–314 degrees
- Balsamic / Waning Gibbous: 315–359 degrees
When the Moon is in transit, each phase typically lasts about three and a half days.
How to Determine the Moon Phase You Were Born Under
To calculate your natal Moon phase, find the exact zodiac positions of your natal Sun and Moon. Then determine the angular distance from the Sun to the Moon, moving forward through the zodiac.
Each zodiac sign covers 30 degrees. The signs follow this order:
- Aries
- Taurus
- Gemini
- Cancer
- Leo
- Virgo
- Libra
- Scorpio
- Sagittarius
- Capricorn
- Aquarius
- Pisces
After Pisces, the sequence repeats at Aries. Count how many signs you pass from your Sun to your Moon, multiply that number by 30, then adjust by the difference in degrees within the signs to find the total angular separation.
Example: If your Sun is at 8° Leo and your Moon is at 17° Capricorn, there are five signs between Leo and Capricorn (5 × 30 = 150 degrees). Since 17° is greater than 8°, add 9 degrees, for a total of 159 degrees—placing you in the Gibbous / Waxing Gibbous phase.
Another example: If your Sun is at 23° Scorpio and your Moon is at 5° Gemini, there are seven signs between Scorpio and Gemini (7 × 30 = 210 degrees). Because 5° is less than 23°, subtract 18 degrees, giving 192 degrees—placing you in the Full Moon phase.
The Moon’s Phases
New Moon
People born under the New Moon often bring abundant energy and a readiness for fresh starts. They embrace new projects and ventures with enthusiasm and can act instinctively. This impulsive drive can be a strength when channeled, but learning patience and gathering information before acting can improve outcomes. Self-discovery tends to be an ongoing journey for New Moon natives.
Crescent / Waxing Crescent
Those with a Crescent or Waxing Crescent Moon are typically productive, focused, and good at planning. They understand the value of laying groundwork and steadily developing ideas. Creativity and optimism serve them well, though they may feel pressured by expectations—especially their own—and can benefit from tuning out external judgments. Persistence helps them overcome obstacles, but learning when to let go is also important.
First Quarter
First Quarter individuals are action-oriented and driven to accomplish tangible goals. They tend to respond to internal pressure by staying busy and taking decisive steps. This resilience makes them effective in crises and ambitious pursuits, though one lesson may be to reduce self-imposed pressure and take time for inward reflection when needed.
Gibbous / Waxing Gibbous
People born in the Gibbous phase are natural investigators and researchers. They want deep understanding and will dig until satisfied. Introspection comes easily, and they often ask tough questions of themselves. Professionally, they may have many talents and interests, which can lead to exploring multiple paths rather than committing to just one.
Full Moon
Full Moon personalities tend to stand out and evoke strong reactions from others. Relationships and partnerships are central to their growth; they learn much about themselves through close connections. Balancing ego needs with emotional needs can be a recurring theme, and recognizing how others perceive you helps improve relationships.
Disseminating / Waning Crescent
Those born during the Disseminating or Waning Crescent phase often excel at communication—writing, teaching, and speaking. They carry wisdom and life experience they wish to share. It can be frustrating when others don’t act on their guidance, so accepting that influence has limits is important. These individuals are well-suited to champion causes and challenge the status quo.
Third Quarter / Last Quarter
Third Quarter people usually value solitude and quiet, especially in their younger years. They may feel easily drained by external demands and need regular time alone to recharge. Life may involve repeated cycles of letting go, and they often prefer simplicity and minimalism. Major transformations can redirect their path at pivotal moments.
Balsamic / Waning Gibbous
Balsamic or Waning Gibbous individuals often feel like old souls carrying karmic lessons. Their life may focus on releasing past patterns and resolving deep-rooted issues. Highly intuitive and perceptive, they can sense how events fit together and sometimes foresee outcomes others miss. Transformation and renewal are frequent themes throughout their lives.
Be In Tune with Your Own Lunar Phase!
Understanding the Moon phase you were born under adds depth to your natal chart and helps you work with your natural tendencies more consciously. Explore your phase and use that awareness to guide growth and decision-making.
Curious about your Moon sign and how it shapes your personality? Check your natal chart to learn more about how the Moon influences you.