Moon Phase Calendar
Check today's lunar phase and browse your full monthly moon calendar
Today · Friday, 24 July 2026
Waxing Gibbous
Moon Age
10.9 days
Illumination
84%
Cycle Day
11/29
Momentum is strong. Refine your efforts and make small adjustments to get the best outcome.
Next New Moon
11 Aug
18 days away
Next Full Moon
27 Jul
3 days away
Waxing Quarter
19 Aug
26 days away
Waning Quarter
4 Aug
11 days away
Waxing Gibbous
Mon, 27 Jul · in 4 days
Waning Gibbous
Tue, 4 Aug · in 11 days
Waning Crescent
Tue, 11 Aug · in 19 days
Waning Crescent
Tue, 11 Aug · in 19 days
Waxing Crescent
Wed, 19 Aug · in 26 days
Waxing Crescent
Wed, 19 Aug · in 26 days
In Vedic astrology, the Moon (Chandra) governs the mind, emotions, and overall well-being, making it one of the most important bodies in the chart. Its roughly 29.5-day cycle moves through distinct phases called Tithis, each carrying its own qualities and level of auspiciousness.
The waxing phase (Shukla Paksha, days 1-15) is generally favorable for new beginnings, while the waning phase (Krishna Paksha, days 16-30) suits reflection, completion, and spiritual practices.
◯ New Moon (Amavasya)
A good time for new beginnings, fresh intentions, and setting goals for the month ahead.
● Full Moon (Purnima)
Peak energy for manifestation, completion, releasing negativity, and spiritual practices.
◐ First Quarter
Time to take action, push forward, and work through obstacles in whatever you're pursuing.
◑ Last Quarter
Time for reflection, letting go of old patterns, and preparing for the new cycle ahead.
Want the full picture? Get a detailed Vedic astrology report
Complete Guide to Moon Phases & Vedic Lunar Calendar
The Moon is the fastest-moving body in astrology, completing a full cycle every 29.5 days. In Vedic astrology, the Moon (Chandra) governs the mind, emotions, and overall well-being, which makes the lunar cycle one of the more useful tools for self-awareness and timing decisions.
The 8 Moon Phases: Complete Meaning Guide
New Moon (Amavasya)
Vedic: Amavasya (Tithi 30/0)
The reset point of the lunar cycle. The sky is dark and energy turns inward, which makes this a good time for setting clear intentions, starting new projects, and planting the metaphorical seeds you want to grow. In Vedic tradition, Amavasya is set aside for ancestor worship (Pitru Tarpan) and deep meditation.
Best for: Starting new ventures, meditation, intention-setting, ancestral rituals
Waxing Crescent
Vedic: Shukla Paksha Tithis 2-7
The first visible sliver of light after the new moon. Energy builds gradually and momentum starts to gather. This is the phase for first steps: build your plans and nurture what was seeded at the new moon. Enthusiasm runs high and obstacles feel manageable.
Best for: Planning, learning new skills, building relationships, initial action
First Quarter
Vedic: Ashtami (Tithi 8)
Half lit, half dark, and a moment for decisive action. You'll likely meet the first real challenges of the cycle here. This is the time to push through obstacles, make clear decisions, and commit to the path you've chosen. Hesitating tends to cost more than an imperfect move forward.
Best for: Making decisions, overcoming resistance, exercising, asserting yourself
Waxing Gibbous
Vedic: Shukla Paksha Tithis 9-14
Almost full and charged with growing energy. Momentum peaks and refinement takes over: evaluate your progress, adjust your approach, and build on what's already working. Social energy runs high and collaborations tend to be productive, though perfectionist impulses can creep in.
Best for: Refinement, collaboration, editing, quality improvements, networking
Full Moon (Purnima)
Vedic: Purnima (Tithi 15)
The peak of lunar energy: emotions run high, intuition sharpens, and hidden things tend to surface. It's a strong window for celebrations, completions, and releasing what no longer serves you. Major Hindu festivals (Holi, Guru Purnima, Sharad Purnima) fall on Purnima, and fasting on this day is considered highly purifying.
Best for: Celebrations, completing projects, rituals, releasing negativity, deep gratitude
Waning Gibbous
Vedic: Krishna Paksha Tithis 1-6
After the peak, energy starts to recede and the focus shifts toward sharing wisdom, giving back, and expressing gratitude. It's a good phase for teaching and mentoring. Inner reflection begins here, and what you built this cycle becomes clearer.
Best for: Teaching, sharing knowledge, giving to others, journaling, gratitude practices
Last Quarter
Vedic: Chaturdashi / Krishna Ashtami (Tithi 23)
The mirror of the First Quarter, and a good moment to consciously let go. Release grudges, forgive yourself and others, and clear out mental and physical clutter. What you release here makes room for the next new moon's fresh start.
Best for: Forgiveness, decluttering, ending bad habits, releasing relationships
Waning Crescent (Balsamic)
Vedic: Krishna Paksha Tithis 9-14
The darkest and most introspective phase. The energy calls for real rest and quiet reflection, so don't force new beginnings here. Let the cycle complete on its own. Dreams tend to be vivid and intuition runs strong, which makes spiritual practice, meditation, and yoga especially rewarding now.
Best for: Rest, meditation, yoga, spiritual study, solitude, dream journaling
Shukla Paksha vs Krishna Paksha: the Two Lunar Fortnights
The Hindu calendar splits the lunar month into two fortnights (Paksha), each with 15 Tithis (lunar days). These two cycles are basic to Vedic astrology and to ritual timing.
Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase)
The bright fortnight from New Moon to Full Moon (Tithis 1-15). Generally auspicious for new beginnings, growth, and outward action.
- Starting new businesses or ventures
- Weddings and auspicious ceremonies (especially Panchami, Saptami)
- Beginning new studies or learning
- Travel and new relationships
- Planting crops and gardens
Krishna Paksha (Waning Phase)
The dark fortnight from Full Moon to New Moon (Tithis 1–15 of Krishna). Generally suited for completion, reflection, and spiritual practices.
- Completing unfinished projects
- Ancestor rites (Pitru Karma) - especially Amavasya
- Fasting, tapas, and spiritual disciplines
- Medical procedures and detoxification
- Releasing toxic habits or relationships
Most Important Tithis in Vedic Calendar
| Tithi | Name | Phase | Significance | Associated Festival/Practice |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Pratipada) | First day | Both Pakshas | New beginnings, Goddess Shakti | Start of Navratri |
| 5 (Panchami) | Fifth day | Shukla Paksha | Highly auspicious for new work | Vasant Panchami (Saraswati Puja) |
| 8 (Ashtami) | Eighth day | Both Pakshas | Durga worship, power & strength | Durgashtami, Krishna Janmashtami |
| 11 (Ekadashi) | Eleventh day | Both Pakshas | Fasting day, liberation (Moksha) | Ekadashi Vrat - major fasting day |
| 13 (Trayodashi) | Thirteenth day | Both Pakshas | Associated with Lord Shiva | Pradosh Vrat |
| 14 (Chaturdashi) | Fourteenth day | Krishna Paksha | Shiva worship, powerful day | Mahashivaratri, Narak Chaturdashi |
| 15 (Purnima) | Full Moon | End of Shukla | Most auspicious, Lord Vishnu | Holi, Guru Purnima, Buddha Purnima |
| 30 (Amavasya) | New Moon | End of Krishna | Ancestor rites, new cycles | Pitru Tarpan, Diwali (Lakshmi Puja) |
What to Do in Each Moon Phase - Practical Guide
New → Crescent
Days 0–7
- Set clear intentions and goals
- Start new projects or businesses
- Begin a new diet or exercise routine
- Plant seeds (literally and figuratively)
- Update your vision board
- Practice manifestation rituals
Quarter → Gibbous
Days 7–15
- Take decisive action on your plans
- Schedule important meetings
- Push through obstacles and resistance
- Refine and improve your work
- Build new relationships and networks
- Exercise and physical challenges
Full → Waning Gibbous
Days 15–22
- Celebrate achievements and milestones
- Release what is no longer serving you
- Share knowledge and mentor others
- Charge crystals under the full moon
- Deep emotional processing
- Forgiveness practices
Quarter → Crescent
Days 22–30
- Rest, sleep, and self-care
- Deep meditation and yoga
- Journal and reflect on the cycle
- Declutter your home and workspace
- Let go of old grudges and habits
- Prepare intentions for the new moon
How Our Moon Phase Calculator Works
Our calculator uses the astronomical Julian Date method, one of the most precise approaches to calculating lunar phases:
1. Julian Date Calculation
We convert today's Gregorian calendar date to a Julian Date (JD) - the continuous count of days since January 1, 4713 BC used by astronomers worldwide.
2. Moon Age Calculation
We compare today's JD with a known new moon reference point (January 6, 2000) and calculate the days elapsed modulo the 29.53-day synodic period.
3. Phase & Illumination
The moon age determines the phase name and emoji. Illumination is calculated using the cosine of the moon's orbital position, giving a realistic percentage of the lit disc.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moon Phases
How accurate is this moon phase calculator?
Our calculator uses the Julian Date method with a verified new moon reference point (Jan 6, 2000 at JD 2451549.259). Results are accurate to within a few hours for phase transitions - more than sufficient for astrological, gardening, and spiritual timing purposes.
What is Amavasya in Vedic astrology?
Amavasya (New Moon, Tithi 30) is one of the most sacred days in Hindu tradition. It is especially auspicious for Pitru Tarpan (ancestor worship), since the veil between the living and ancestors is considered thinnest at this time. It also marks the start of the new lunar month in the Hindu Panchang (almanac).
What is Purnima and why is it significant?
Purnima (Full Moon, Tithi 15) is the most auspicious Tithi, associated with completion, abundance, and the divine grace of Lord Vishnu. Major festivals including Holi, Guru Purnima, Buddha Purnima, Sharad Purnima, and Kartik Purnima all fall on Purnima. Fasting on Purnima is considered highly purifying and spiritually meritorious.
What is Ekadashi and why do people fast on it?
Ekadashi (the 11th Tithi of both Shukla and Krishna Paksha) occurs twice monthly and is considered the most auspicious fasting day in Vaishnavism. Fasting on Ekadashi is believed to cleanse the body, purify the mind, and earn spiritual merit. There are 24 Ekadashis in a year, each with its own name and specific benefits.
How do moon phases affect human emotions?
The full moon is associated with heightened emotions, vivid dreams, and increased sensitivity - observations noted by cultures worldwide. Some studies suggest correlation between the lunar cycle and sleep patterns. In Vedic astrology, the Moon rules the mind (Manas), so its cycle profoundly influences emotional states, intuition, and mental clarity throughout the month.
What is the difference between a synodic and sidereal month?
A synodic month (29.53 days) is the time from one new moon to the next - it is the basis for the visible phase cycle. A sidereal month (27.32 days) is the time the Moon takes to complete one orbit around Earth relative to the fixed stars. Vedic astrology uses both: the sidereal month for nakshatra (lunar mansion) transits and the synodic month for Tithi calculations.
Why is the moon sometimes called a Supermoon?
A Supermoon occurs when a full moon (or new moon) coincides with the Moon's closest approach to Earth (perigee) in its elliptical orbit, making it appear up to 14% larger and 30% brighter than an average full moon. Astrologers consider Supermoons to carry amplified lunar energy and heightened emotional intensity.
How does the moon phase affect gardening?
Biodynamic and Vedic agriculture use moon phases for planting guidance. During the waxing moon (Shukla Paksha), sap rises in plants, making it ideal for planting above-ground crops, grafting, and harvesting fruit. During the waning moon (Krishna Paksha), energy moves into roots, making it better for root crops, pruning, and soil preparation.