The Moon is a star that both dreams and fears. Like the menstrual cycle, it evolves over time, changing its appearance every day. The Moon waxes and wanes, and its height also varies. Radiant in the sky on full moon nights, it fades and almost disappears on new moon nights. This exceptional New Moon holds many secrets, which we shall try to reveal.
Definition: what is the New Moon?
Also known as the "waxing moon", the new Moon is one of the phases in the lunar cycle when the Moon is positioned between the Sun and Earth. The Moon is then in darkness and barely visible from the Earth. It's also known as the black moon , since it's practically invisible to humans at night. This new moon plunges the earth into almost total darkness.
In astrology, it is said to be the union of the signs of the Sacred Masculine and the Sacred Feminine.
New Moon: what are its effects?
The New Moon isa time for pause and deep reflection. The darkness it brings seems to be the ideal moment for refocusing and setting intentions for accomplishment. This unique Moon is said to have magneto-gravitational effects on living beings (animals, men and women), their organisms and our beautiful planet.
The new Moon will have a direct impact on our sleep , which will be deeper, longer and more restorative. The time it takes to fall asleep will also be shorter.
A study published in the journal Sleep Medicine by Csilla Zita Turanyi, from Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary, concludes that, unlike the full Moon, the new Moon promotes more restful sleep. This study shows a 25-minute reduction in sleep time during the full Moon phase, and a 30-minute lengthening of the REM sleep phase during the new Moon phase. The study also shows that men seem to be more affected than women.
When's the next New Moon?
To help you get a clearer picture in lunology and use the secrets of lunar cycles, here are the key dates in the lunar calendar with the dates and times of the arrival of the New Moon in 2023.
Month of lunar phase |
Exact date of New Moon in 2023 |
Time of New Moon |
Zodiac/astrological sign |
Constellation |
Distance between Earth and Moon |
January 2023 |
Saturday, January 21 January 2023 |
21h55 |
Aquarius ♒ |
Sagittarius ♐ |
363,297 km |
February 2023 |
Monday February 20, 2023 |
08h09 |
Pisces ♓ |
Aquarius ♒ |
365 231 km |
Mars 2023 |
Tuesday March 21st 2023 |
18h26 |
Aries ♈ |
Pisces ♓ |
370,737 km |
April 2023 |
Thursday, April 20, 2023 |
06h15 |
Aries ♈ |
Aries ♈ |
378,923 km |
May 2023 |
Friday May 19, 2023 |
17h55 |
Taurus ♉ |
Taurus ♉ |
388,292 km |
June 2023 |
Sunday June 18, 2023 |
06h39 |
Gemini ♊ |
Taurus ♉ |
396,961 km |
July 2023 |
Monday, July 17 2023 |
20h33 |
Cancer ♋ |
Gemini ♊ |
403,133 km |
August 2023 |
Wednesday, August 16, 2023 |
11h38 |
Leo ♌ |
Leo ♌ |
405,500 km |
September 2023 |
Friday, September 15, 2023 |
03h40 |
Virgo ♍ |
Virgo ♍ |
403 447 km |
October 2023 |
Saturday, October 14, 2023 |
19h55 |
Libra ♎ |
Virgo ♍ |
397,240 km |
November 2023 |
Monday, November 13, 2023 |
10h27 |
Scorpio ♏ |
Libra ♎ |
388,214 km |
December 2023 |
Wednesday, December 13, 2023 |
00h32 |
Sagittarius ♐ |
Scorpio ♏ |
378,503 km |
December 13, 2023 is the last New Moon of 2023. The lunar calendar ends in January 2024. |
What to do during the New Moon
Sincethe New Moon is the antipode of the Full Moon, it's a good time to take care of yourself and make plans. Here are a few ideas:
- Take a break from making decisions, and avoid any major purchases or big decisions;
- Connect with yourself by walking alone or accompanied, in silence, in a safe, well-lit place to welcome your desires and new ideas;
- Meditate and take the time to align yourself. Do breathing exercises, write, draw or choose any activity that frees your mind;
- Treat yourself to a massage or a moment of relaxation by turning down the lights;
- Detoxify by taking a purifying bath with Epsom salt or sea salt;
- Use aromatic herbs to soothe your ailments and purify the atmosphere of your home: lavender, sage or aromatherapy oils are ideal;
- Listen to your desires, your dreams.
Depending on the New Moon calendar, you'll also find it easier to : Take action, prepare a budget, free up your communication and exchanges, spend time with your family, shine and gain self-confidence, better organize yourself, explore your knowledge, be more ambitious, unleash your creativity and originality, etc.
New Moon FAQs
What's the difference between a Full Moon and a New Moon?
The New Moon is the lunar phase during which the Moon is almost invisible from Earth. The Full Moon is just the opposite. The Moon is illuminated by the Sun, making it fully visible from the Earth.