What is the Difference Between Waxing and Waning Moon?

The moon has been an object of fascination and curiosity for centuries. From poets to astrologists, the moon has been a source of inspiration and intrigue for many. However, common people like us have always been confused about the phases of the moon, especially the difference between the waxing and waning moon. In this article, we shall attempt to clear the confusion by explaining the difference between these two phases of the moon.

Waxing Moon

The waxing moon refers to the period when the illuminated part of the moon becomes larger and larger each day. During this phase, the moon appears to grow from the right side, eventually leading up to a full moon. The waxing moon phase lasts for approximately two weeks, and it is associated with new beginnings, growth, and energy.

The waxing moon is an excellent time for activities such as starting new projects, doing business deals, and making important decisions. According to astrologists, people born under the waxing moon tend to be outgoing, confident, and ambitious.

Waning Moon

The waning moon is the opposite of the waxing moon, and it refers to the period when the illuminated part of the moon becomes smaller and smaller each day. During this phase, the moon appears to shrink from the left side, eventually leading up to a new moon. The waning moon phase lasts for approximately two weeks, and it is associated with endings, release, and letting go.

The waning moon is an excellent time for self-reflection, meditation, and introspection. Additionally, it is also a great time to declutter and let go of things that no longer serve you. According to astrologists, people born under the waning moon tend to be introverted, analytical, and reflective.

The Difference Between Waxing and Waning Moon: FAQs Answered

The moon is an incredibly fascinating celestial body that has fascinated humans for centuries. It is a source of inspiration, folklore, and even science. Different phases of the moon, such as the waxing and waning moon, have unique characteristics that make them stand out. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the difference between waxing and waning moon.

What is a Waxing Moon?

A waxing moon refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing in size from new moon to full moon. During this period, the moon appears to be growing in size in the sky. The illuminated part of the moon is on the right side if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, while it’s on the left side if you are in the Southern Hemisphere.

What is a Waning Moon?

A waning moon refers to the period when the illuminated portion of the moon is decreasing in size from full moon to new moon. During this period, the moon appears to be getting smaller and eventually disappears from the sky. The illuminated part of the moon is on the left side if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, while it’s on the right side if you are in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why Do the Moon Phases Change?

The moon appears to change phases because of its position relative to the sun and the Earth. As the moon orbits around the Earth, different parts of it face the sun, which causes the illuminated portion of the moon to change. When the moon is on the opposite side of the Earth from the sun, we see a full moon. And when the moon is between the sun and Earth, we see a new moon.

What Are the Different Phases of the Moon?

There are eight distinct phases of the moon, which include:

New Moon

During this phase, the moon is positioned between the Earth and the sun, so it is not visible from Earth.

Waxing Crescent

The crescent shape on the right side of the moon is visible during this phase. It can be seen just after the new moon.

First Quarter

During this phase, the moon is half illuminated and half in shadow. It is visible on the right side of the sky in the Northern Hemisphere and on the left side in the Southern Hemisphere.

Waxing Gibbous

This phase occurs just before the full moon. The illuminated portion of the moon is larger than during the first quarter.

Full Moon

The entire moon is fully illuminated and visible during this phase.

Waning Gibbous

This phase occurs just after the full moon. The illuminated portion of the moon is decreasing in size.

Last Quarter

During this phase, the moon is half illuminated, but it is visible on the left side of the sky in the Northern Hemisphere and on the right side in the Southern Hemisphere.

Waning Crescent

The crescent shape on the left side of the sky is visible during this phase, just before the new moon.

Why is the Waxing Moon Considered to Be Positive?

The waxing moon is considered to be a positive time because it’s a great period for setting goals, planning projects, and initiating new endeavors. As the moon grows in size, it is believed to bring positive energy and abundance. Many people use the waxing moon phase to manifest their desires or create something new.

Why is the Waning Moon Considered to Be Negative?

The waning moon is believed to be a negative time because it is associated with letting go, releasing, and eliminating. As the moon decreases in size, it is believed to take away energy and abundance. Many people use the waning moon phase to release negative energy, bad habits, or anything that no longer serves them.

Is There Any Scientific Evidence to Support the Beliefs About Waxing and Waning Moon?

While there is no scientific evidence to support the beliefs about waxing and waning moon, many people find comfort and value in following these lunar phases. The moon has been a symbol of mystery, intrigue, and spiritual connection for centuries, and its connection to our emotional and psychological processes cannot be denied.

What is the Difference Between Waxing and Waning Moon?

As we look up into the sky, we see the moon in different phases. The moon passes through eight different phases, which are New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Third Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These phases are caused by the moon’s position in relation to the sun and the Earth’s atmosphere. In this blog post, we will discuss the difference between Waxing and Waning Moon.

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the period during which the moon is moving from the New Moon towards the Full Moon. It grows larger each night, and the illuminated part of the moon appears to increase in size. During this phase, the moon is visible in the afternoon and evening, gradually moving higher and staying visible later into the night.

Waxing Crescent Moon

The Waxing Crescent Moon is the period just after the New Moon and before the First Quarter. During this phase, we see a small sliver of the illuminated part of the moon, shaped like a thin crescent. This phase lasts for about a week, and the moon grows slightly bigger each night.

First Quarter Moon

The First Quarter Moon is the period when the moon is exactly halfway between the New Moon and Full Moon. During this phase, half of the moon is illuminated, and half of it is in darkness. The First Quarter Moon marks the point at which the illuminated part of the moon overtakes the dark part.

Waxing Gibbous Moon

The Waxing Gibbous Moon is the period just after the First Quarter and before Full Moon. During this phase, we see more than half of the illuminated part of the moon. The moon looks almost full, but the shape is not quite round. The Waxing Gibbous Moon lasts for about a week, and its brightness continues to increase.

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is the period during which the moon is moving from the Full Moon towards the New Moon. It gradually appears to get smaller each night, and the illuminated part of the moon appears to decrease in size. During this phase, the moon is visible in the morning and afternoon, gradually getting lower and staying visible for a shorter period of time.

Waning Gibbous Moon

The Waning Gibbous Moon is the period just after the Full Moon and before the Last Quarter. During this phase, we still get to see more than half of the illuminated part of the moon. The shape of the moon is no longer round like the Full Moon, but instead, it looks like a big teardrop shape.

Last Quarter Moon

The Last Quarter Moon is the period when the moon is exactly halfway between the Full Moon and New Moon in the waning phase. The illuminated part of the moon begins to decrease, and the dark part starts to dominate. The Last Quarter Moon marks the point at which the dark part starts to overtake the illuminated part of the moon.

Waning Crescent Moon

The Waning Crescent Moon is the period just before the New Moon. During this phase, we see a small sliver of the illuminated part of the moon, shaped like a thin crescent. This phase lasts for about a week, and the moon gets smaller each night.

The Reason Behind the Lunar Phases

The reason for the lunar phases is the relationship between the Earth, Sun, and Moon. The Moon orbits the Earth once every 29.5 days, as the Earth orbits the Sun. The illuminated part of the moon that we see changes because of the angle between the Moon, Sun, and Earth.

When the moon is between the Earth and the Sun, the illuminated part is facing away from us, and we see the New Moon. When the moon, the Earth, and the Sun are in a straight line, we see the Full Moon.

The difference between Waxing and Waning Moon is simply the direction of the moon’s motion along the path of its orbit around the Earth. During the Waxing Moon, the Moon is moving towards the Full Moon, while during the Waning Moon, it is moving towards the New Moon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Waxing Moon is the period when the illuminated part of the moon is increasing, and the Waning Moon when the illuminated part is decreasing. The Waxing and Waning of the Moon is an amazing sight to behold, and its phases are a result of the relationship between the Moon, Earth, and Sun. By understanding the difference between Waxing and Waning Moon, you can appreciate the moon even more.