Discovering Your Birth Moon Phase

The Moon is one of our great mysteries and one of my favourite topics. In this post, I'll discuss the Moon's phases and how we were each born when the Moon was in one of its eight phases. This is known as your natal lunar phase, your lunation phase, or your birth moon phase.

Whichever your natal lunar phase is, there is magic to be found in exploring your phase.

The Moon's phase at the moment of your birth. 

In astrology, we divide the birth chart into 12 houses, and there are 12 zodiac signs. Myself and other astrologers and mystics divide the moon phases into 8 phases. That's a mystical way of doing things. Dividing the Moon's phases into 8 was supported by Dane Rudhyar in his book The Lunation Cycle.

The Moon's phase when you were born describes your lunation type. If you were born with the Sun and Moon in the same sign, you were born in one of the two dark phases.

Calculating Your Natal Moon Phase

The phase of the Moon is all about the Moon's relationship with the Sun. If you are experienced in reading birth charts, you can calculate your lunar phase by looking at the Sun and Moon's degrees.  The quickest way is to go online and let someone else do the geometry for you.

The website I use to determine birth lunar phases is:

https://horoscopes.astro-seek.com/which-moon-phase-was-i-born-under-calculator

The Meaning of the Moon in Astrology

The Moon is all about intuition. The Moon gives insights into your perception, emotions, your inner world, your subconscious, your instincts, how you nourish, and how you feel. The Moon is seen as the celestial divine feminine energy.

The Power of Your Birth Moon Phase

Your birth Moon phase tells you why you have the sensitivities you do. It provides clues to your soul's nature, your subconscious's workings, and how your intuition works. Why do you perceive things the way you do?

Your Moon phase casts energy on your life—an imprint from birth. By becoming familiar with your moon phase, you can deepen your understanding of your cosmic blueprint and your soul's intentions. If you embody the magic that makes up your individual lunation phase, this helps you feel in cosmic alignment. Studying the Moon's phases and the Moon's impact on our lives is an ancient practice. One of my key goals at Luna Mystery School is to bring ancient teachings to modern life.

The Eight Birth Moon Phases

Below, you'll find the meaning of each of the eight lunar phases. Each lunar phase lasts approximately 3.5 days.

PHASE 1: Born Under the New Moon

The New Moon is when the Moon is 0-45 degrees from the Sun. You were born in one of the two dark moon phases. The Moon was hiding. At the time of the new Moon, the Moon wasn't readily visible in the sky, but she was just emerging and commencing a new cycle and was busy behind the scenes.

The New Moon is about new beginnings.  There is spontaneity with this lunation phase; things are new. It is a phase of rebirth. This lunation phase is about incarnation, and I wonder if it comprises newer souls?

In this life, learn who you are and what makes you unique and embrace your individuality.

Those born under this phase have powerful visions and are powerful manifesters. You may not want to do things in the public eye, but you have tremendous power to plant the seeds for magic to grow.

You're very intuitive and working with the Moon's phases is important for you. Lean on your intuition in life. Trust it. Nourish and grow it.

PHASE 2: Born During the Waxing Crescent Phase

If you were born under a waxing crescent moon, the Moon was 45 to 89 degrees from the Sun. The Moon's light was emerging when you were born.  The term waxing is when the Moon's light is growing. This phase represents the youthful phase of life.

A Waxing Crescent moon is about the signs of seedlings emerging from the dark soil. Picture that. Your emerging energy supports you in being driven in life.  You have visions of success and are willing to put in the work and effort to start something, but you may hold onto the past—habits, what keeps you safe, patterns.

Letting go of the past is essential if you struggle to move forward. You can create some structure in your life. You're generally motivated and have a sense of curiosity. Take up the opportunities. Find your independence - beliefs, views, personality.

PHASE 3: Born During the First Quarter Moon

If you were born under a first quarter moon, the Moon was 90-134 degrees from the Sun. If you look at the sky under this moon phase, you'll see that half of the Moon is illuminated.

You are perceptive and may feel like you want to go in a couple of directions in life. This is very much a moon at the crossroads. You may feel called in a few directions, where your parents, friends, or society thinks you should go, and then, that inner voice tells you to go down a different path. You may have multiple interests and passions. You may act better under crisis or chaos or by taking action rather than staying still. Lessons to learn.

First-quarter moon people are determined; they have a strong will. To use your determination, focus on the skills of letting go of what you need from the past or other people's opinions so that you can move forward.

Your lifetime focus is on taking clear and direct action to move towards your desired future vision. You have a deep understanding of and trust in that when it comes to making big decisions in your life.

PHASE 4: Born During a Waxing Gibbous Moon

If you were born under the waxing gibbous Moon, the Moon was 135 to 179 degrees ahead of the Sun. This lunation phase is very much about refinement.

You're on a quest - knowledge, learning, growth. You want to know WHY things are the way they are. When you were born, the Moon's light was strong, the Moon very visible in the sky, and energy continued to grow. 

There was lunar excitement in the air when you were born. You can take that excitement with you in your lifetime. Utilize that excitement to improve areas of your life that you desire to improve. Desire for self-improvement and improvement in others. You have a greater ability for introspection thanks to the higher levels of lunar light shining in the cracks and making things visible. I encourage you to focus on your individual path to growth and evolution.  You need to know what is of value and what values are important to you. And are you living in alignment with those values?

PHASE 5: Born During the Full Moon

Hello, full moon babies. I'm sure you all know what the full Moon is. But the phase starts at the exact moment of the full Moon—when the Moon is 180 degrees away from the Sun—and continues until the Moon is up to 224 degrees away from the Sun.

The Natal full moon phase indicates those who are able to bring something into reality, manifest something into existence, and harness the peak lunar energy to do so. Interacting with others brings satisfaction to these people.

Partnerships and relationships are a big focus, just as the great loves the Sun and the Moon were balanced opposite one another in the sky when you were born. Interest in astrology. Seek the meaning of life. Peak light - understands reality.

PHASE 6: Born During a Waning Gibbous Moon (also known as the Disseminating Moon phase)

A waning moon means that the Moon's illumination decreases or wanes. If you were born under the waning gibbous Moon, you were born when the Moon was 225 to 270 degrees away from the Sun.

Self-care and embodiment are important, as is feeling into and nourishing your body. Spiritually, you need to focus on periods of slowing down to reassess your path in your busy life. There's still ample moonlight to be a person of clarity, but there is now experience, and you have wisdom that comes from experience. 

You may inspire others, leaving an impression on people. What impression do you want that to be? This Moon phase often leads to teachers, philosophers, and those who convey spiritual awareness.

Spread your wisdom.

PHASE 7: Born During the Last Quarter Moon

If you were born under the last quarter moon, the Moon was 270 to 314 degrees from the Sun. And the Moon is half-illuminated. But the other half is illuminated opposite the first quarter moon.

The last quarter moon's light was waning at the moment of your birth. You're an old soul, but you have maturity. We need to embrace you in society as the spiritual elders of the community.

Approaching the end of a long soul journey - make time for relaxation - not too much hustle. Life is not without its lessons - you know this - things must end, and chapters close, but we keep going.  Just don't put limitations on yourself - take the toughness away.

Strip away the boundaries. This Moon is quite a turning point; you may feel like you have to transform in life as the journey you thought you were on takes you off in new directions.

You need alone time to reflect and process life. Listen to your unconscious - observing dreams. Seek understanding - whatever that means to you.

PHASE 8: Born During the Balsamic Moon (also known as the Waning Crescent and Dark Moon)

This is the final moon phase, a very magical and mystical phase highly revered throughout the ages. If you were born under a Balsamic moon, the Moon was right behind the Sun again, so it was the last 45 degrees.

This is the other dark moon phase. The Moon is disappearing from our view in the sky. She is retreating. Look, I pretty much know you're a witch. If you were born under this Moon, I would not be surprised if you have an interest in all things esoteric or witchy. This is a very witchy moon.

Your power comes from retreating from the busy day-to-day modern life and going inward. Practice deep meditation. You're a visionary. You have spiritual knowledge. You have gifts for us. I hope that you impart your wisdom.

Summary

There you have it, the 8 natal moon phases. 

Look up yours and the moon phase of everyone you love for more insights into your existence in this lifetime.