Moon Phases
New Moon
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What is a New Moon in astrology?
A New Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon are at the exact same degree and sign conjunction — the Moon is invisible from Earth. In astrology, the New Moon marks the beginning of the 29.5-day lunar cycle and is the traditional time for planting seeds, setting intentions, and initiating new beginnings in the themes of its zodiac sign.
- Sun and Moon conjoin at same degree — Moon invisible from Earth
- Marks beginning of 29.5-day lunar cycle
- Time for setting intentions and new beginnings
New Moon in Astrology
A New Moon occurs when the Sun and Moon conjoin — occupying the exact same zodiac degree — making the Moon invisible from Earth. It marks the beginning of the 29.5-day lunar cycle and is the traditional astrological moment for planting seeds, setting intentions, and initiating new beginnings.
The Lunar Cycle Begins
The Moon's cycle has eight phases, beginning with the New Moon. Over the following two weeks, the Moon waxes (grows in visible light) toward the Full Moon. During the waxing phase, astrologers traditionally favor activities that build, grow, expand, and initiate.
What the New Moon's Sign Means
Each New Moon occurs in a specific zodiac sign, and its sign colors the themes of the intentions set and the cycle begun:
- New Moon in Aries: Begin something bold and self-initiated; initiate personal goals
- New Moon in Taurus: Plant seeds of material stability, values, sensual pleasure
- New Moon in Cancer: New emotional beginnings, home changes, family intentions
- New Moon in Capricorn: Career goals, long-term structure, achievement intentions
- New Moon in Pisces: Spiritual intentions, creative seeds, compassion practices
New Moon and Your Natal Chart
When a New Moon falls on or near one of your natal planets or angles, its themes personally activate your chart. A New Moon conjunct your natal Moon is especially potent — a highly personal new beginning in emotional and domestic themes.
New Moon vs. Solar Eclipse
A solar eclipse is a supercharged New Moon — occurring only when the Sun-Moon conjunction happens near the lunar nodes, causing the Moon's shadow to fall on Earth. Eclipse New Moons are dramatically more powerful and often mark irreversible turning points.
Setting Intentions
Many astrologers and practitioners use the New Moon for intention-setting rituals — writing down goals, affirming new directions, or beginning new projects. The 48 hours following the exact New Moon are considered especially potent for this practice.
Related Terms
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Frequently Asked Questions
A New Moon in Scorpio initiates a cycle of deep transformation, psychological excavation, shared resources, and intimacy. Intentions set at this time benefit from radical honesty and willingness to release what no longer serves depth and authenticity.
The New Moon marks the beginning of the 29.5-day lunar cycle. Its themes unfold over the following two weeks (until the Full Moon in the same sign 6 months later), with some astrologers tracking the full cycle to the Full Moon in the same sign 6 months later.
The New Moon is neither good nor bad — it is a beginning. Its quality depends on the sign, any planets conjunct it, and its aspects to your natal chart. A New Moon conjunct your natal Sun in your Sun sign is very personally potent; one that doesn't aspect your chart closely is background energy.
A solar eclipse is a special New Moon where the Moon's shadow crosses Earth because the alignment is so precise. Eclipses are dramatically more powerful than regular New Moons — they accelerate changes and can redirect life paths.