A reference guide to the Sun–Moon cycle, lunar phases, and eclipse events.
The lunar phases are more than Moon-only events — each one is a precise angular relationship between the Sun and the Moon. Every New Moon, Full Moon, and waxing or waning phase is created by the shifting geometry of the Sun–Moon cycle. This index gathers those phases and events into a single reference, mapping the rhythm of illumination, shadow, and renewal that shapes the lunar month.
Introduction
The lunar phases are more than Moon-only events — each one is a precise angular relationship between the
Sun and the Moon. Every New Moon, Full Moon, and waxing or waning phase is created by the shifting
geometry of the Sun–Moon cycle. This index gathers those phases and events into a single reference,
mapping the rhythm of illumination, shadow, and renewal that shapes the lunar month.
Use this page as a technical and symbolic guide to the Sun–Moon cycle, including phase changes,
eclipses, and special lunar events. It is part of the Planetary Cycles meta-root, which organizes all
cycle-based reference material within the ASTROFIX codex.
Lunar Phases & Events
Sun–Moon Angle: 0° (Conjunction)
The Sun and Moon make a conjunction once every 29 days, 12 hours, and 44 minutes. This conjunction is called a New Moon.
Astrological Themes:
- Beginnings, seeding, intention-setting
- Instinct and identity merge
- Low visibility → inward focus
- Emotional reset; new emotional cycle
Sun–Moon Angle: ~45° separation (semi-square region)
Astrological Themes:
- First steps, early growth, fragile momentum
- Hope, anticipation, cautious optimism
- Shaping intentions into action
- Emerging clarity; building confidence
Sun–Moon Angle: 90° (First Quarter)
Astrological Themes:
- Action, decision, friction, breakthrough
- Challenges that test commitment
- Building structure; taking responsibility
- Turning point in the lunar cycle
Sun–Moon Angle: ~135° (sesquiquadrate region)
Astrological Themes:
- Refinement, adjustment, improvement
- Fine-tuning goals; preparing for culmination
- Heightened awareness and anticipation
- Effort toward completion
Sun–Moon Angle: 180° (Opposition)
Astrological Themes:
- Culmination, illumination, revelation
- Heightened emotions and clarity
- Relationship dynamics highlighted
- Harvest of the New Moon’s intentions
Sun–Moon Angle: ~225° (waning sesquiquadrate region)
Astrological Themes:
- Sharing, teaching, distributing insight
- Processing what was revealed at the Full Moon
- Gratitude, generosity, integration
- Emotional digestion
Sun–Moon Angle: 270° (Last Quarter)
Astrological Themes:
- Release, letting go, reorientation
- Reassessment of choices and commitments
- Internal conflict → resolution
- Preparing for closure
Sun–Moon Angle: ~315° (waning semi-square region)
Astrological Themes:
- Surrender, rest, retreat
- Dreaming, intuition, symbolic thinking
- Completion of the lunar cycle
- Releasing what cannot continue
Sun–Moon Angle: ~330°–360° (final phase before New Moon)
Astrological Themes:
- Closure, endings, dissolution
- Healing, forgiveness, karmic clearing
- Visioning the next cycle
- Highly intuitive, liminal, dreamlike energy
- North Node Solar Eclipse — future-oriented, catalytic, evolutionary
- South Node Solar Eclipse — release-oriented, karmic, purifying
- North Node Lunar Eclipse — emotional breakthroughs, revelations, destiny shifts
- South Node Lunar Eclipse — emotional purging, closure, ancestral clearing
Definition: A second Full Moon in the same calendar month, or the third Full Moon in a season with four.
Astrological Themes:
- Amplified Full Moon energy
- Rare emotional culmination
- Heightened intuition and synchronicity
- Unusual or unexpected revelations
Definition: A Full or New Moon occurring near perigee (the Moon’s closest point to Earth), appearing larger and brighter.
Astrological Themes:
- Intensified emotional responses
- Stronger tides — literal and symbolic
- Potent manifestation or release
- Amplification of the lunar phase’s core meaning
Glossary of Lunar Phase Terms
- New Moon: Sun–Moon conjunction; beginning of the lunar cycle.
- First Quarter: Sun–Moon square; waxing action and growth.
- Full Moon: Sun–Moon opposition; culmination and illumination.
- Last Quarter: Sun–Moon square; waning release and integration.
- Balsamic Moon: final phase before the New Moon; rest and dissolution.
Cross‑Links
Explore more cycle-based and planetary reference pages in the ASTROFIX system: