What Moon Phase Are We In?

As of July 20, 2025, understanding the current lunar phase is more than just a nod to ancient traditions; it’s a powerful tool for navigating the ebb and flow of our personal energies and collective consciousness. In astrology, the Moon governs our emotions, intuition, subconscious, and our innermost needs. Its ever-changing face in the night sky directly influences our moods, our instincts, and even the collective atmosphere. Have you ever felt a surge of restlessness around the New Moon, or a heightened sense of clarity and release as the Full Moon wanes? These aren't coincidences. The Moon’s journey through its eight phases—New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent—each carries a unique energetic signature that impacts our lives in profound ways. By tuning into the current lunar phase, we can align our intentions, understand our emotional landscape, and harness the Moon's potent energies for personal growth and manifestation.

The Moon's Dance: A Cosmic Influence on Our Lives

The Moon, Earth's constant companion, has captivated humanity since the dawn of time. Its gravitational pull not only influences the tides but also, as many astrologers believe, our inner tides – our emotions, intuition, and subconscious patterns. In astrology, the Moon is the ruler of Cancer, deeply connected to our home, family, nurturing instincts, and emotional security. It represents our instinctual responses, our habits, and what truly makes us feel safe and loved.

The lunar cycle, approximately 29.5 days, is a complete journey of the Moon from conjunction with the Sun (New Moon) back to it. Each phase within this cycle is a distinct energetic stage, offering unique opportunities and challenges. Understanding these phases allows us to work with the cosmic rhythm, rather than against it.

The Eight Phases of the Moon and Their Astrological Significance

The Moon's transformation from darkness to fullness and back again is a potent metaphor for life itself. Each phase offers a distinct energetic blueprint for our inner and outer worlds.

• New Moon: This is the beginning of the lunar cycle, when the Moon is invisible from Earth as it sits in the same part of the sky as the Sun. Astrologically, the New Moon is a potent time for setting intentions, planting seeds, and initiating new projects. It’s a period of introspection and introspection, a blank canvas for the month ahead. Think of it as a cosmic "reset" button. What do you want to manifest in the coming lunar cycle? What new beginnings are calling to you? This is the time to quietly plant those desires.
• Waxing Crescent: As the Moon begins to emerge from the Sun's glare, a sliver of light appears. This phase is about nurturing the intentions set during the New Moon. It’s a time for gentle action, taking the first small steps towards your goals, and building momentum. The energy is still subtle, requiring patience and consistent effort. It’s like watering the seed you just planted.
• First Quarter: This phase marks the first half of the waxing cycle, where the Moon is 90 degrees ahead of the Sun. It’s a time of action, decision-making, and overcoming obstacles. Challenges may arise, pushing you to confront any resistance to your New Moon intentions. This is the phase for taking decisive action, pushing through challenges, and building momentum. It’s a powerful point of commitment.
• Waxing Gibbous: The Moon is now more than half illuminated and still growing towards fullness. This is a time for refinement and preparation. You’re likely seeing the fruits of your earlier efforts, and it’s a period of integrating lessons learned and making adjustments. It’s about building confidence and preparing for the peak of the cycle.
• Full Moon: The Moon is directly opposite the Sun, fully illuminated. This is the peak of the lunar cycle, a time of culmination, revelation, and heightened emotions. Full Moons often bring things to a head, revealing truths and offering clarity. It can be a time of celebration, but also a time to release what no longer serves you. Think of it as a moment of maximum illumination, where hidden things are brought to light.
• Waning Gibbous: After the Full Moon, the illuminated portion of the Moon begins to decrease. This phase is about reflection, gratitude, and sharing your experiences. It's a time to process what was revealed during the Full Moon and to begin releasing what you no longer need. It’s about integrating the lessons and preparing for the introspective phase ahead.
• Third Quarter: This phase marks the second half of the waning cycle, where the Moon is again at a 90-degree angle to the Sun, but now moving away from it. It’s a time of release, letting go, and re-evaluation. What needs to be released to make space for new beginnings? This is a powerful time for shedding old patterns, clearing out emotional baggage, and making peace with what has been.
• Waning Crescent: The final phase of the cycle, the Moon is a thin sliver of light before disappearing into the New Moon. This is a deeply introspective period, a time for rest, contemplation, and preparing for the next cycle. It’s about surrender and trusting the process of renewal. What have you learned? What can you let go of to prepare for the next New Moon’s intentions?

How to Determine the Current Moon Phase

Curious about where we are in the lunar cycle right now? It's easier than you might think to find out. Many online resources and astrological apps provide real-time lunar phase information. Simply searching "current moon phase" will yield immediate results. You can also observe the Moon in the night sky if it’s visible, noting its shape and the direction of its illumination.

For those who enjoy a more hands-on approach, an ephemeris (a table of celestial bodies’ positions) or an astrological calendar will clearly indicate the Moon’s phase on any given day. Many astrologers also track the Moon’s sign and aspects, adding another layer of interpretation to its current energetic influence.

Practical Applications of Lunar Phase Awareness

Knowing the current moon phase isn't just an esoteric practice; it offers practical guidance for daily life.

• New Moon: Use this time for journaling, meditation, and setting clear, actionable intentions for the month ahead. If you’re feeling stuck, a New Moon ritual can help you break free.
• Waxing Moon (Crescent to Gibbous): This is an excellent time to start new habits, engage in activities that build momentum, and focus on growth. If you’re trying to build a new fitness routine or learn a new skill, the waxing phase supports this expansion.
• Full Moon: This is often a time of heightened energy. If you’re feeling energetic, channel it into creative projects or social gatherings. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, this is a powerful time for emotional release through journaling, crying, or engaging in cathartic activities. Many find it beneficial to perform a "release" ritual, letting go of what’s no longer serving them.
• Waning Moon (Gibbous to Crescent): Focus on introspection, decluttering your physical space and your mind, and letting go of what’s holding you back. This is ideal for clearing out old habits, ending projects that are no longer beneficial, or forgiving yourself and others.

The lunar cycle provides a natural framework for manifestation.

1. New Moon: Set your intentions. Be specific and positive. Write them down, visualize them, and commit to them. For instance, if you want to attract abundance, set an intention like, "I am open to receiving increased financial prosperity."
2. Waxing Moon: Take action. Break down your intentions into smaller, manageable steps and begin working on them. This is the time for consistent effort and building momentum.
3. Full Moon: Review your progress. What has manifested? What obstacles have you encountered? This is also a powerful time to release any blocks preventing your manifestation. Gratitude for what you have already received is key.
4. Waning Moon: Let go. Release any attachments to the outcome, any fears, or any limiting beliefs that are hindering your progress. Trust that the universe is working on your behalf.

Lunar Phases in Different Astrological Traditions

While the eight-phase cycle is a common framework, different astrological traditions may emphasize certain aspects or interpretations.

• Western Astrology: Primarily focuses on the eight phases as described above, linking them to psychological and emotional states, and using them for manifestation and personal development.
• Vedic Astrology (Jyotish): While also acknowledging the Moon’s phases (Tithis), Vedic astrology places a strong emphasis on the Moon's position within the zodiac signs and its conjunctions with planets, which can further modify the energetic influence of each lunar phase.
• Chinese Astrology: The lunar calendar is central to Chinese astrology, with specific animal signs associated with years, months, and days, all governed by the lunar cycle. The Moon’s phases are deeply integrated into understanding the flow of Qi (life force energy) and its impact on fortune and destiny.

A Personal Anecdote: Navigating a Challenging Full Moon

I remember a particularly intense Full Moon a few years ago. I was in the midst of a major career transition, and the usual excitement I felt around a Full Moon was overshadowed by anxiety and a deep sense of uncertainty. The Full Moon was in Capricorn, highlighting themes of ambition, responsibility, and public image. I had been working tirelessly on a new business venture, and suddenly, all my doubts and fears about my capabilities surfaced with overwhelming force.

Instead of fighting the feeling, I remembered the astrological wisdom of the Full Moon: it’s a time of revelation and release. I decided to sit with my emotions. I journaled extensively, pouring out all my anxieties onto paper. I acknowledged the pressure I was putting on myself and the fear of failure. Then, I performed a simple release ritual: I wrote down the specific fears I was holding onto and burned the paper, visualizing them transforming into ash and smoke, carried away by the lunar energy.

The next morning, I woke up feeling lighter. The anxiety hadn't vanished entirely, but it had lost its grip. I had a clearer perspective on the challenges ahead and felt a renewed sense of determination. The Full Moon, in its illuminating and releasing capacity, had helped me confront my inner critic and prepare for the next steps with greater courage. This experience solidified for me the profound impact that aligning with lunar cycles can have on our emotional resilience and our ability to move forward.

The Moon in the Sky Today: July 20, 2025

As of July 20, 2025, the Moon is in a Waning Gibbous phase. Having passed its peak fullness on July 13th, it is now beginning its descent, signaling a time for reflection, integration, and release. The Sun is in Cancer, and the Moon is currently in the sign of Aquarius. This combination brings a unique dynamic: the Cancer Sun encourages emotional nourishment and home comforts, while the Aquarius Moon fosters intellectual pursuits, community connection, and a desire for innovation.

With the Moon in Aquarius during this Waning Gibbous phase, we are being encouraged to step back from the intense emotional revelations of the Full Moon and to process them with a more objective, perhaps even detached, perspective. It’s a time to analyze what we learned about ourselves and our relationships when the Moon was full. What insights have come to light regarding our emotional needs and our sense of security?

This Aquarian influence suggests that sharing these insights with trusted friends or a community could be particularly beneficial now. We might find that by discussing our experiences and feelings with others who have a different viewpoint, we gain a deeper understanding and a sense of collective wisdom. It’s a time for intellectualizing our emotions, for finding logical solutions to emotional dilemmas, and for connecting with like-minded individuals who can offer support and a fresh perspective.

Furthermore, the Waning Gibbous phase is inherently about shedding what is no longer serving us. With the Moon in Aquarius, this release might involve letting go of outdated belief systems, rigid expectations, or even connections that no longer align with our authentic selves or our forward trajectory. It's a call to declutter our mental and emotional space, making room for new, more progressive ideas and ways of being.

Consider this: What old patterns of thinking or feeling are you still clinging to that are hindering your progress? What societal expectations or personal limitations are you ready to release? The current lunar phase, amplified by the Moon in Aquarius, provides the perfect energetic support for this process of mindful release and intellectual integration. It's a time to integrate the lessons of the Full Moon into our broader understanding of ourselves and our place in the world, preparing us for the introspective descent of the waning cycle.

Embracing the Lunar Rhythm in Modern Life

In our fast-paced, often disconnected world, tuning into the Moon’s rhythm can be a powerful act of self-care and spiritual grounding. It offers a cyclical perspective on life, reminding us that change is constant and that each phase has its own purpose and beauty.

Whether you’re setting intentions for a new project, seeking clarity on a difficult decision, or simply trying to understand your emotional fluctuations, the Moon offers a timeless guide. By observing its phases and understanding their astrological significance, we can cultivate a deeper connection to ourselves, to nature, and to the cosmic dance that orchestrates our lives. So, next time you look up at the night sky, remember the Moon’s silent wisdom and how you can harness its power to navigate your own journey.