New moon
The new moon occurs when the sun and moon are in the same direction as seen from the earth and the moon is invisible to us. Astrologically, the new moon is considered the beginning of a new cycle - a moment for new beginnings, intentions and setting the course.
What is a new moon?
Astronomically speaking, the new moon is in conjunction with the sun—that is, both are at the same ecliptic longitude. The side of the moon facing us is not illuminated by the sun, which is why it remains invisible in the night sky. A new lunar cycle of approximately 29.5 days begins.
In astrology, the new moon marks the starting point of the monthly lunar cycle. The zodiac sign in which it occurs influences the themes that are particularly relevant in the coming weeks. A new moon in Aries, for example, encourages courage and initiative, while a new moon in Virgo tends to emphasize structure and attention to detail.
The New Moon as a Practice
Many people consciously use the new moon to set intentions, start new habits, or formulate wishes. This practice of setting intentions has less to do with magic than with psychological framing: a clearly defined moment helps to structure plans and stay motivated.
If you want to understand how the new moon and full moon fit into the broader context of astrology, you’ll find helpful background information in our article Introduction to Astrology.
How often is there a new moon?
Every 29.5 days - the synodic month. This results in about 12-13 new moons per year, sometimes two new moons fall in the same calendar month.
Can the new moon influence your mood?
There is no scientific evidence that the moon has a direct influence on human well-being. Nevertheless, many people report feeling calmer or more introspective around the new moon - an effect that psychology can also explain as a self-reinforcing expectation.