✦ Astrology Glossary
New Moon
A New Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon align in the same zodiac sign, marking the start of a new lunar cycle.
A New Moon happens when the Sun and Moon are at the same degree in the same zodiac sign — a conjunction that marks the beginning of a new lunar cycle. In the sky, the Moon is positioned between Earth and the Sun, so its illuminated side faces away from us, making it appear invisible. Astrologically, this alignment represents a seed moment: a time of fresh starts, setting intentions, and planting ideas that will grow over the following weeks.
How it works
In a natal chart, a New Moon is simply a Sun-Moon conjunction. People born under a New Moon (within about 3–4 degrees of exact conjunction) are said to have a "New Moon personality" — they tend to be impulsive, pioneering, and focused on self-expression. The sign and house of the conjunction color how this energy manifests. For example, a New Moon in Aries in the 10th house might push someone to boldly launch a career project. The phase of the Moon at birth (New, Waxing, Full, Waning) is determined by the angular distance between the Sun and Moon; a New Moon is 0–45 degrees apart.
In practice
When a New Moon occurs in the current sky (a monthly event), it activates the area of life represented by the sign and house it falls in your natal chart. Astrologers often recommend using the New Moon phase for starting something new — a habit, a project, or an intention — rather than for finishing or releasing. Because the Moon is invisible, it's a time to look inward, reflect, and plan. Avoid making major decisions impulsively; instead, use the energy to clarify what you truly want.
See your current transits and upcoming New Moons on the Astraly calendar.
✦ Astraly
The full astro calendar
Full moons, new moons, retrogrades, ingresses. The Moon's exact position, every day.
☽See the calendar →Related terms
Balsamic Moon
The Balsamic Moon phase is the final, quiet stage of the lunar cycle, a time for release and reflection before the new moon.
Blood Moon
A Blood Moon is a total lunar eclipse where the Moon appears reddish, caused by sunlight filtering through Earth's atmosphere.
Crescent Moon
A lunar phase occurring a few days after the New Moon, when a thin sliver of the Moon becomes visible.
Disseminating Moon
The Disseminating Moon is the phase after the Full Moon, when the Moon wanes and the light begins to decrease.
Full Moon
A Full Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon are opposite, illuminating the sky and highlighting themes of culmination and release.
Gibbous Moon
A phase between the First Quarter and Full Moon, when the Moon is more than half but not fully illuminated.