Phases of the Moon: the guide to understanding the eight faces of the lunar cycle and better managing your projects like the New Moon.

The New Moon fascinates as much as it intrigues, and for good reason: this phase marks the beginning of a lunar cycle that secretly rhythms our moods and projects. In 2026, understanding this celestial ballet will enable us to better connect with our own inner cycles. Here’s what the eight phases of our satellite reveal, combining astronomical data with astrological readings.

How the Moon and New Moon phases are born

The Moon always presents the same face to the Earth, but none is truly hidden or dark for all eternity. Day and night alternate, and the phases are the pattern of these shifting shadows. This phenomenon creates the luminous variations we observe every evening.

In an interview with Numerama, Gregory A Neumann of the Nasa Goddard Space Flight Center explains the peculiarities of this celestial mechanism. If the opposite side were facing us, our satellite wouldlook very different.

“The most obvious effect of a 180° rotation would be that the brighter highlands of the far side would face the Earth at full Moon, making it appear about 30% brighter.”

A 28-day cycle in eight stages

This cycle, which lasts about 28 days, is divided into eight main phases. The New Moon, also known as the Black Moon, ushers in a period of retrospection. It’s a blank page conducive to taking stock and inner emotions.

Le Premier Croissant speaks of first steps and the courage to dare the unknown. The First Quarter brings structured action, effort and discipline. The waxing Gibbous Moon, just before the Full Moon, emphasizes perfection and attention to detail.

• New Moon: blank page, taking stock, sowing intentions
• Premier Croissant: first steps, courage to dare
• First Quarter: structured action, discipline
• Waning gibbous moon: perfection, attention to detail
• Full Moon: peak, harvest, boldness

From Full Moon to New Moon to Last Crescent

The Full Moon marks the apogee of the cycle, when the Earth-facing side is fully illuminated. Astrology associates this phase with joy, boldness and the harvesting of what was initiated at New Moon. It’s a moment of emotional culmination.

However, in terms of light, reality differs from our perceptions. Gregory A Neumann points out that “the full Moon is about two millionths as bright as the Sun, and is only visible for part of the month”. The effect would certainly be less than one millionth of the brightness of the Sun.

The waning Gibbous Moon then ushers in a period of listening and curiosity. It’s a time for learning and sharing knowledge. This phase invites you to open up to others.

Time to let go

Then comes the Last Quarter, which pushes you to transform and deconstruct what didn’t last. This phase encourages you to explore your dark side without fear. It prepares us for the end of the current cycle.

Finally, the Last Crescent, or Balsamic Moon, is linked to wisdom and letting go. Many choose this time to sort, tidy and gently bring a cycle to a close. Meditation naturally finds its place in these final days.

Why the New Moon influences your projects

Each phase changes the appearance of our satellite in the sky and serves as a landmark for astrologers. They read the mood, energy and timing of projects carefully. The New Moon thus represents the ideal moment to sow new intentions.

Understanding this 28-day rhythm helps us to better follow our own inner cycles. Between New Moon rituals and the much-commented Full Moon, eight distinct phases punctuate our daily lives. Observing these variations allows you to adjust your decisions consciously.

The upcoming New Moon in Aries on April 17, 2026 heralds a major turning point for certain signs. This period invites us to boldly lay new foundations. The lunar cycle thus continues its eternal recommencement.

• New Moon