✦ Astrology Glossary
Supermoon
A Supermoon occurs when a full moon coincides with the moon's closest approach to Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
A Supermoon is a full moon that happens when the moon is at or near its closest point to Earth in its elliptical orbit, known as perigee. This makes the moon appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than a typical full moon. In astrology, the Supermoon amplifies the emotional and energetic themes of a regular full moon, often bringing heightened sensitivity, intense feelings, and significant culminations.
How it works
The moon's orbit is not a perfect circle; it's elliptical. When a full moon occurs within 90% of perigee, it's called a Supermoon. Astronomically, the term is relatively recent, but astrologers have long noted that lunar events near perigee feel more potent. In a natal chart, a Supermoon transit can trigger house and sign themes with extra force. For example, a Supermoon in Aries in your 7th house might bring relationship tensions to a head more dramatically than a standard full moon.
In practice
During a Supermoon, emotions run high, and events may feel fated or urgent. It's a powerful time for releasing what no longer serves you, but also for being mindful of overreactions. Because the moon governs our emotional body, a Supermoon can make you more aware of underlying patterns. Use the energy to set intentions for closure or completion, but avoid making impulsive decisions until the intensity passes.
For a personalized look at how the next Supermoon affects your chart, check your astro calendar for upcoming lunar events.
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☽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.