Moon Phase Today
Reading the sky…
Calculated in your browser for your local date.
What moon phase is it today?
This tool shows tonight's moon phase for your own local date, worked out from the Moon's roughly 29 and a half day cycle, along with the ritual, tarot spread and crystals that suit its energy. Use the date picker to look back or ahead to any night you like.
The eight moon phases
The Moon moves through eight phases, four waxing (growing) and four waning (shrinking). Tap any one to read its full meaning:
- New moon, for rest and setting intentions.
- Waxing crescent, for hope and first steps.
- First quarter, for decision and action.
- Waxing gibbous, for refining and persevering.
- Full moon, for gratitude and release.
- Waning gibbous, for thanks and sharing.
- Last quarter, for forgiveness and clearing.
- Waning crescent, for rest and surrender.
See how they flow together in the order of the moon phases.
How to live by the moon
Many people loosely align their month with the cycle: set intentions at the new moon, take steady action as it waxes, give thanks and release at the full moon, then rest and clear as it wanes. It is a gentle, repeating rhythm for a busy life. Our beginner's guide to new moon rituals is a lovely place to start.
A gentle note
The Moon's clearest effect on Earth is the ocean tides, driven by its gravity. The evidence that the lunar cycle changes human mood or behaviour is weak, as a large review reported by ScienceDaily found. So the value of following the phases is not lunar force, it is rhythm: a beautiful, recurring structure to hang your intentions and rest on, whatever the sky is doing.
Moon phase FAQ
What moon phase is it tonight?
This tool shows tonight's phase for your local date, updated automatically, with the ritual, tarot spread and crystals to match. The eight phases each last around three to four days.
How is the moon phase calculated?
From the date and the length of the lunar cycle, about 29.5 days from one new moon to the next. The calculator works out how far through that cycle today falls and names the phase.
What is the best moon phase for rituals?
It depends on your intention. The new moon suits setting intentions and beginnings, the full moon suits gratitude and release, and the waxing and waning halves suit building and clearing. Every phase has its use.
When is the next full moon?
This tool shows the date of the next full moon and the next new moon beneath tonight's phase, so you can plan your rituals around them.
Does the moon phase really affect you?
The Moon genuinely drives the tides, but evidence that it changes human mood or behaviour is weak. The real value of following the phases is rhythm: a gentle, recurring cue to set intentions, act, give thanks and rest.