What phase was the moon in when you were born? Knowing your natal moon phase provides a fascinating layer of self-discovery.

You’ve heard about the new and full moons, but did you know that there are eight moon phases in total? Every 28-29 days, the moon waxes and wanes through each of these phases, completing a full lunar cycle.

The moment you were born, the moon was in one of these eight phases. In astrology, your “natal moon phase” says a lot about your emotional temperament. This adds another fascinating layer of understanding to your moon sign, your “emotional blueprint.”

Use our Cosmic Calculator to find your natal (birth) moon phase, the moon you were born under:

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The 8 natal moon phases in astrology, explained

If your birthday took place under the brilliant light of a full moon phase, you may be a hopeless optimist who looks on the bright side of things. Those born under just before the dark new moon, in the final balsamic phase, tend to have an old soul wisdom. Read on to learn what your natal (birth) moon phase means about you.

New Moon Phase (AKA dark moon)

People born during this lunar phase tend to be spontaneous, following their urges rather than a road map. Life is one big adventure for these impulsive, “live for the moment” types. They can be rather innocent (and at times naïve) but their belief that anything is possible is often their greatest gift.

In many ways people born under this natal moon phase are unrestricted by the ego-based insecurities that their fellow humans wallow in. Action is the name of their game. They enjoy starting things but may need to develop more follow through—or find other people to help them take it to the finish line. While they enjoy their freedom, they also crave security, guidance and “parenting” longer than most. They may seek friends and partners who are caretakers until they develop a sense of confidence in their ability to provide for themselves.

Crescent Moon Phase (Waxing Crescent)

People born under this natal moon phase tend to be creative AND traditional. While they will color outside the lines, they have a strong sense of loyalty — especially to parents or childhood friends. They may be the ones to help the family “roll with the times” without running off to the big city and leaving everyone in the dust. Learning to assert themselves and to accept their own “differences” is what will lead to their evolution.

Crescent Moon people can be dilettantes, dabblers and culture vultures. You want them on your team at trivia night because they tend to know a little bit about a lot of different things. Experiential learning is right up their alley — they want to touch, taste and feel. They may return to school numerous times throughout life or be die-hards in the workshop scene.

First Quarter Moon Phase

People born under this natal moon phase tend to be changemakers. They have a solid grip on the old way of doing things and seek to improve the formula — or reconfigure it altogether. Intellect and intuition are equally important to First Quarter types. They want to think things over before rushing to act. But when it’s time to make a move they won’t hesitate for long.

These lunar types operate well under intensity and pressure and can come up with quick solutions during a crisis. While they don’t run off of raw instinct, they still appreciate the spirit of spontaneity. They tend to plan for the near future rather than the long-term and may need help with drawing up budgets or starting a retirement account. Partnerships are everything to them, whether seeking a romantic mate or having savvy friends nearby who can serve as sounding boards.

Waxing Gibbous Moon Phase

People born under this natal moon phase are driven by passion and purpose. They want to put something meaningful into the world; something that helps other humans see the light or understand a universal truth. They won’t waste time on “fluff.” But if they believe in the essence of a project they will devote their lives to developing it.

Gibbous types love to help upstarts take their ideas to the major leagues! They are quick studies, but because of their unorthodox methods (pounding the pavement, DIY tactics, working ‘til all hours) they run the risk of being left behind when their “babies” get a big break. Cultivating patience and learning how to be more structured, sophisticated — and self-protective — can ensure that they profit from their hard work too.

Full Moon Phase

People born under this natal moon phase are natural providers who know how to live life to the fullest. Confident in their ability to manifest and succeed they may live a charmed life. They may even have a parental vibe about them as they are abundant and love to share. Cool and objective when it comes to their careers, they stay calm under pressure, which makes them well suited for major positions of leadership.

Emotional situations, however, can be torrid — they might even seek drama in their romantic lives for the “thrill” of it. hey can also become so busy following their ambitions that they forget to cultivate their individual and spiritual selves. Since the moon governs our emotions and the Sun rules our ego letting go of the “need to succeed” could be a huge struggle — especially if it’s born out of ego instead of a higher purpose.

Full Moon people may become spiritual as a result of a crisis or failure — situation that forces them to look beyond the material world. Intense anxiety may accompany this, even a nervous breakdown, if they don’t cultivate emotional intelligence earlier in life.

Waning Gibbous Moon Phase (Disseminating)

People born under this natal moon phase have an old soul or fringe-y quality about them. They march to the beat of their own drums, seemingly unaffected by the “stupid human tricks” going on around them. They are often tastemakers and thought leaders: thinking (and dressing!) outside the box is their natural expression.

Although they enjoy attention and interaction with others, they can also be loners. They’d rather connect to lofty ideas or even the divine forces of the universe than everyday people. Since others tend to follow their lead—especially when it comes to more offbeat or spiritual pursuits—they must be careful not to develop a guru complex or to take advantage of other people’s naiveté. Innovators, they may invent something game-changing in their lifetime.

Last Quarter Moon Phase

People born under this lunar phase are renegades at heart who need to express their individuality no matter what. These clever souls enjoy stirring the pot. In many ways, they’ve seen it all, yet shock value is their secret weapon. They love to keep the world guessing.

While they enjoy being in relationships, they are self-sufficient and may be more enamored with the pleasure of their own company. Dependencies feel burdensome to many born under this moon phase. It’s not that they don’t love people. But they prefer to the freedom to jet off on an adventure—often a self-discovery mission—at any moment. When they commit to partnerships and group affiliation, however, they make great team players.

With their unique POV, they often create brilliant works of art, music, literature and science. Since they’re also quite ahead of the curve, it may take years before the world catches on. Patience is a virtue for those born under this moon phase.

Waning Crescent Moon Phase (Balsamic Moon Phase)

People born under this final lunar phase are a bit otherworldly. Their souls are a tad weary as if they’ve been through this all before. And it’s highly possible that they’ve enjoyed their fair share of lifetimes on this plane! These esoteric souls aren’t altogether comfortable in their own skin. It’s as if their reluctance to incarnate (again!) keeps them hovering outside their bodies. But drifting too far off to the ethereal plane is a mistake for them.

Physical activity—as well as enjoying the sensual pleasures of food, fashion, music and art—is the key to their enjoyment on Earth. They may have to push themselves to go out and play — or befriend culture vulture types to lure them out of the house. Once they’re immersed in fun, their spirits lighten considerably! Another key lesson? NOT making every stressful situation into an epic ordeal.

One Earthly passion that comes naturally to Balsamics is collecting fascinating people. Few things bring them joy more than sharing deep, meaningful conversations. They may find fulfilling work as therapists, shamans, healers or other roles where they can guide others through transformational processes.