The astronomical cycle
The Moon’s phase depends on its angular separation from the Sun as seen from Earth. The synodic cycle averages about 29.5 days. New moon corresponds to conjunction, first quarter to ninety degrees, full moon to opposition, and last quarter to two-hundred-seventy degrees.
A reflective practice
Some people use the waxing half of the cycle to develop intentions and the waning half to review or release. This is a chosen ritual, not a rule that the Moon imposes. Journal what you actually experience rather than forcing your mood to match a phase.
Phase and sign
Lunar phase describes the relationship between Sun and Moon; Moon sign describes the Moon’s zodiacal longitude. They are different measurements. Asteria shows both and calculates upcoming quarter phases in UTC.
Keep exploring
Study the vocabulary and traditions in the AstroWiki reference. Astronomical calculations use Astronomy Engine. Interpretations are original Asteria editorial content and are not scientific predictions.