New moons are astrology’s cosmic reset button. Feel like you’re on the wrong path? Was the last month of your life a wash? Here comes a lunar reboot. Once a month (on average) a new moon arrives to help us make a fresh start.
New moons plant the seeds of intention and inspiration that unfold as the moon becomes more visible each day.
At a new moon, la luna is perfectly positioned between the Earth and the Sun. As such, the “backside” of the moon is lit, and it becomes invisible from our view down here. Because everything goes dark, it’s as if we have a blank canvas on which to create. In “nothingness” there is a sense of limitless possibilities. In fact, some people refer to the new moon phase as the “dark moon.”
What is a new moon exactly?
New moons occur when the Sun and the moon meet at the same astrological degree that astrologers measure in the sky. The new moon is the very first of eight monthly moon phases which occur in a 29.5-day lunar month.
Each new moon in a calendar year falls in a different zodiac sign. The new moon is always in the same sign as the Sun. For example, during Aquarius season, the new moon will always be in Aquarius.
In astronomy terms:
The new moon occurs when the Sun and the moon are at the same longitude on the ecliptic—the plane created by the Earth’s orbit around the Sun.
The full moon is the reverse of this. A full moon occurs when the Sun and the moon are in opposite zodiac signs, and 180 degrees apart in ecliptic longitude.

2022 New Moon Calendar by Month
In 2022, there will be 13 new moons and two solar eclipses. There are only 12 zodiac signs, but in 2022’s calendar year there are two Capricorn new moons: one in January and one in December.
Here is the schedule of new moons in 2022
* All times listed are Eastern Time (New York, NY)
January 2: Capricorn (1:33 pm)
February 1: Aquarius (12:45 am)
March 2: Pisces (12:34 m)
April 1: Aries (2:24 am)
April 30: Taurus – Partial Solar Eclipse (4:27 pm)
May 30: Gemini (7:30 am)
June 28: Cancer (10:52 pm)
July 28: Leo (1:55 pm)
August 27: Virgo (4:16 am)
September 25: Libra (5:55 pm)
October 25: Scorpio – Partial Solar Eclipse (6:49 am)
November 23: Sagittarius (5:57 pm)
December 23: Capricorn (5:16 am)
2022 New Moon Facts:
- There are two Capricorn new moons in 2022; they bookend the year on January 2 and December 23
- Sometimes there are NO Capricorn new moons in a calendar year
- Other years have one and some (like 2022) have two, Capricorn new moons
- In April there are two new moons — a phenomenon known as a black moon
What’s the spiritual meaning of a new moon?
The moon is the Sun’s favorite companion, holding space for all the private matters el Sol doesn’t care to shine a light on. These are things like our deepest feelings, secret desires, and the security blankets that we reach for to comfort ourselves. Home and family affairs, how we nurture others and what kind of caretaking we crave are also #MoonMatters.
That is the gift of the new moon, a great time for setting intentions, making wishes, and taking the first bold step towards a new goal. We may actually start to see the first signs of these lunar requests two weeks later, when the next full moon on the calendar lights up the night skies.
How to do a new moon ritual
Many people honor the new moon by doing a new moon ritual, such as meditating, journaling or setting intentions they’d like to fulfill during this monthlong lunar cycle. What would you like to begin at the new moon? Anything you start at a new moon can be “harvested” in six months, when the full moon occurs in a corresponding zodiac sign. Short-term rewards can be reaped at the full moon that immediately follows each new moon, even if it’s in a different zodiac sign.
You can do a new moon ritual, journal or write down intentions. Consider making a new moon Power Wish, a method created by Japanese astrologer Keiko that involves a technique called “anchor statements.”
The First New Moon of 2022 is in Capricorn
The first new moon of 2022 is in Capricorn on January 2, setting a somewhat serious tone for our emotions this year. And it’s probably a good thing! While Jupiter and Neptune shoot us off on flights of fancy, this new moon reminds us to touch down at base. There, we must weigh fantasies against our present-day realities. How will our new ideas affect the existing structures in our lives? What will the emotional impact be on our loved ones?
There’s a goal-getter vibe to years that begin with a new moon in Capricorn! (It’s a real contrast to years that begin with a wildly experimental and visionary Aquarius new moon, which is the only other kickstarter new moon that’s possible, astrologically.) Career and family matters will be front and center.
Be patient! The moon is “in detriment” in Capricorn, which is a more challenging position on the zodiac wheel. As such, it may take a minute to get systems working and the right players in place. While the process can be frustrating, make like the Capricorn Goat and keep forging ahead. This prestige-boosting lunar lift practically guarantees that your dreams will take shape, bringing material world success as a reward for your tenacity.
Is your moon sign important at a new moon?
Your moon sign refers to the zodiac sign that the moon was traveling through at your moment of birth. If someone was to look up at the sky when you were born, or the piece of the sky that we measure from our view on Earth.
Your moon sign is a part of your birth chart, or natal chart. You can find your moon sign by entering your time, date and place of birth into our Moon Sign Cosmic Calculator.
Once a year, a new moon falls in the same zodiac sign as your Sun sign and your moon sign. These can be extra powerful dates to initiate a new plan of action or take a bold first step.
Were you born during a new moon?
Fun fact: If your Sun sign and moon sign are the same, you may have been born during a new moon! How do you find out? Do a free birth chart here.
You can also use our moon phase calculator to find out which lunar phase the moon was in when you were born, and what it means about you.
