How to Attune to the Moon | Astrology and the Influence of the Moon
Your Sun Sign (aka Star Sign) is only part of the story…
Many people can give you their Sun Sign within a few seconds, but far fewer people know their Moon Sign or how the Moon's monthly tour of the zodiac can be felt. By understanding more about the influence of the Moon, you can unlock aspects of yourself that your Sun Sign alone won't shine a light on. We can think of astrology like a beautiful celestial jigsaw puzzle - if you've struggled to resonate with it, it might be because you don't have all the pieces, and the Moon is a very important piece! Let's begin there…
In this blog we'll explore some key topics so you can join us in welcoming the Moon's energy into your world:
- The Moon's influence in astrology
- Moon phases and what they signify
- How the Moon moves through the zodiac
- New Moon and Full Moon energies for each zodiac sign
- The traditional Full Moon names
- How to garden by the Moon
Your invitation to a sense of wonder…
Long before calendars divided our days, time was guided by the rhythm of the Moon. Ancient people watched its steady cycles, understanding it as a sacred keeper of time, respected as a force influencing the natural world and the flow of life itself. But since the introduction of the Gregorian calendar, our awareness of the Moon's presence has faded.
Still, its quiet pull remains, stirring something deep within us. A recognition of something vast, something timeless and something magic. That same Moon, ever watchful, has illuminated the paths of your ancestors, just as it lights your way now. Though the world has grown louder, this ancient connection remains.
Here at Moon Phase Studios, we invite you to return to a sense of wonder, to rekindle your relationship with the Moon and rediscover the wisdom it holds…
Moon Phase Studios, 2026 Moon Calendar.
What is the Moon's Role in Astrology?
As the closest celestial body to Earth, the Moon plays a significant role in astrology. Within this ancient craft it symbolises our emotional environment, sense of intuition, how we nurture and wish to be nurtured and it mirrors, through its phases, the constant change we face in life.
We can think of the moon as a 'weaver,' moving in and out of each sign of the zodiac over the course of a month. This is a continuous dance, with the moon spending approximately 2.5 days in each zodiac sign before moving on. We can follow the Moon's path as it moves through its different phases and through each zodiac sign.
Close up of Moon Phase Studios, 2026 Moon Calendar.
How can I work with the Lunar Cycle?
The Moon's cycle offers a natural blueprint for time, unfolding in a rhythm of growth, culmination and release. Each moon cycle lasts approximately 29.5 days, moving through eight distinct phases, each offering a unique energy to align with.
The waxing phases build momentum, supporting intention setting and action, whilst the waning phases encourage reflection, release and renewal. Full Moons bring clarity and illumination, whilst New Moons mark fresh beginnings and provide opportunity to plant seeds for the cycle ahead.
The eight main phases of the lunar cycle guide us through the moon's journey over the course of its orbit:
- New Moon ~ A blank slate and a quiet beginning, a helpful time to set intentions.
- Waxing Crescent ~ Encourages you to take the first step towards your goals.
- First Quarter Moon ~ Asks you to push through resistance and take meaningful action.
- Waxing Gibbous ~ A time for finetuning your plans and ensuring efforts align with your vision.
- Full Moon ~ Be open to heightened energy, revelation and manifestation.
- Waning Gibbous ~ Gather your insights from your experiences.
- Last Quarter Moon ~ Old patterns, limiting beliefs and what no longer aligns with your path can be released.
- Waning Crescent ~ Also known as the Dark Moon, this is time for deep rest and introspection.
As we begin to attune to these phases we can dive deeper into the lunar cycle to learn how each phase can help us understand our emotions, energy levels and enhance our wellbeing.
New & Full Moon Yoga print, from Moon Phase Studios
How does the Moon move through the Zodiac?
Within a lunar month (the time from one New Moon to the next) the Moon moves through each of the twelve zodiac signs, weaving in and out. Each shift into a new sign brings a gentle, yet powerful influence; shaping emotions, energy and intuition whilst opening new possibilities in how we engage with the world around us.
Whilst the Moon's phases dictate its overall rhythm, the sign it occupies shapes the way this energy manifests. By recognising these astrological influences, we can align our actions with the natural ebb and flow of the cosmos, moving with intention rather than resistance.
New Moon and Full Moon Energies in each Zodiac Sign
It doesn't matter what your personal zodiac sign is (also known as star sign or Sun sign), it is possible to tap into the power of both the New Moon and the Full Moon every month.
What is the New Moon in your sign?
At the New Moon the Sun and Moon are in the same zodiac sign, enhancing the qualities of that sign, with an emphasis on new beginnings and fresh starts.
What is the Full Moon in your sign?
At the Full Moon, the qualities of the sign the Moon falls in are illuminated, as well as the sign opposite it. This is because a Full Moon is created by the Moon on one side of the heavens, and the Sun on the opposite side; and it holds a tension. Themes of celebration and release can be heightened under the energy of the full moon.
Here's a super handy table for quick reference…
| Zodiac Sign | 🌑 New Moon | 🌕 Full Moon |
|---|---|---|
| Aries | This New Moon marks new beginnings. A time to act and start a fresh. It is the first New Moon of the astrological year. | This Full Moon is the first Full Moon after Autumn Equinox so a time for reflection, looking back on intentions set and gaining clarity and taking action. |
| Taurus | A time to slow down and start to action your intentions. Do things that bring you pleasure and joy during this New Moon. | This is an emotional Full Moon, a time to dig deep into your emotions - turn your negative emotions into positive ones. |
| Gemini | A busy New Moon is all about getting things done! It is a time to communicate and build lost relationships. | If you have felt stuck in a rut this Full Moon will help you to look ahead. See what you need to release to move on. A time for looking forwards. |
| Cancer | A time for self-care and putting yourself first. Listen to your emotions and act upon what they are telling you. Cancer season marks the second half of the year with Summer Solstice. | The first Full Moon following Winter Solstice, a guiding Full Moon which will enlighten your path and encourage you to tune in emotionally and move forward. |
| Leo | A New Moon to delve deep into your inner self - a time to be expressive and creative from what is within you. Have fun during this New Moon. | A time to take power and control of your life, stand up and be seen and heard! It is a time to embrace your dreams into becoming a reality but also a time to be reflective and forgive. |
| Virgo | During this New Moon take care of your own wellbeing. Do not allow your emotions to take over, get grounded, make a plan and stick to it. | A time to delve deep into your life, this Full Moon will snap you back to reality and help you become grounded and focussed. |
| Libra | Libra season brings Autumn Equinox. As the nights draw in dig deep into your inner thoughts and emotions, bring them to the forefront and act upon them when setting new intentions. | Think about balance during this Full Moon, what do you need to do more/less of to be emotionally balanced? |
| Scorpio | A time to show compassion, self-love and kindness to yourself. A time to take down any barriers you have put up and begin to heal. | This is a moon to accept yourself for what you are. Look at what you shy away from, do you need these things in your life? A time to release and move on with a positive mindset. |
| Sagittarius | The last New Moon of the year is a time to reflect and review things in your life. A time for new beginnings and change. | The last Full Moon before Summer Solstice so a time for completion and looking forward. Take control and release anything that no longer serves you. |
| Capricorn | This New Moon is a time to focus on your long-term goals. Take note of what your emotions are telling you as this could be the direction you are moving in for the new year ahead. Be clear and focussed. | The first Full Moon after the Summer Solstice is a time to look towards your plans and dreams for the second half of the year. A time to be clear and organised in the path you want to move along. |
| Aquarius | A quiet time for you to be reflective and get aligned with your emotions. Listen to what they are telling you and act upon them. | A time to make changes - what is no longer serving you? Make a break from these things to move forward with positivity. |
| Pisces | The last sign of the Zodiac so a time for completion and moving on. Tune into your deepest emotions and move along with them, trust in what they are telling you. | A time to find peace and build bridges. This can be an emotionally intense Full Moon. It is the last Full Moon before Autumn Equinox - think about what you have learnt over this last lunar period as you move into a new one. |
What is the difference between my Sun Sign and Moon Sign?
Your Sun Sign is the sign that the Sun was in when you were born and your Moon Sign is the position of the Moon at the time you were born. Both have different significations in a birth chart and along with your rising sign, are key players.
What happens when the Moon is in my Sun Sign?
You may feel the Full Moon or New Moon energy more strongly when it is in your Moon Sign or Sun Sign. You can use your journal to keep track of when the Moon moves through these signs to note down any shifts.
What are the Traditional Full Moon Names?
Throughout all our 13 Moon Journals, we celebrate each of the traditional Full Moon names, many originating from Native American cultures and linking to nature and the shifting seasons. These names serve as a reminder to look around us as each month unfolds; and observe the gifts and signs of the natural world.
From the Wolf Moon to the Pink Moon, you can explore more here.
Lunar Planting Guide, from Moon Phase Studios.
How can I garden by the Moon?
Lunar planting is an ancient practice of gardening not only by the Moon's phase, but also by what sign the Moon is in. By planting and harvesting according to the synodic month, (i.e. from one New Moon to the next) not only do you spread your workload over a realistic time frame that slots in around your life, but you can also avoid unnecessary food gluts.
The four major Moon phases are each attributed to a particular type of gardening task - from the New Moon and sowing seeds - to the Last Quarter Moon and doing your composting. Each of the lunar phases provides a helpful signpost to help you tune in and get the best from your planting. You can keep track of this in your 13 Moon Journal.
Wheel of the Year leaflet and poster, from Moon Phase Studios
What is the Wheel of the Year?
As your journey with the Moon continues you may wish to explore how The Wheel of the Year can also help you connect with the natural rhythms of nature. The Wheel of the Year marks the changing seasons through eight sacred festivals. You can find out more about these celebrations, rooted in ancient Pagan traditions, here.
The Wheel of the Year includes the solstices, equinoxes and four cross quarter days in between, listed here:
- Samhain
- Yule
- Imbolc
- Ostara
- Beltane
- Litha
- Lamas or Lughnasah
- Mabon
Working with the Wheel of the Year allows us to align with the natural cycles of growth and renewal. By observing these festivals, we can deepen our connection to nature, recognising that our lives are intertwined with the changing seasons.
Our resident Cyclical Witch Trudi contributes to our journal and blog to help us shine a light on how we can work with the turn of the Wheel. You can explore more about the Pagan festivals here.