What Is The Gibbous Moon? - Its Definition, Meaning, And Influences

What is a Gibbous Moon?

A Gibbous Moon is a Moon that is only half full and is therefore not as bright as a Full Moon. The Moon does not emit its own light, it shines thanks to the Sun. Now, as the Moon revolves around the Earth, the Sun changes the surface it illuminates. The Gibbous Moon occurs a few days before and a few days after the full moon, and at this time, the illuminated portion of the moon is more than a half circle, but less than a full circle.

Waning and waxing Gibbous Moon

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Gibbous Moon spiritual meaning

Spiritually, the Gibbous Moon represents a time of refinement, preparation, and inner alignment. It’s the phase where your intentions—set during the New Moon—are beginning to take shape, but are not yet fully realized. This is a powerful time to adjust your course, fine-tune your goals, and stay committed to your vision. The energy of the Gibbous Moon encourages patience, persistence, and trust in the process.

It’s also a time to ask yourself: What needs to shift in order for my desires to manifest? What limiting beliefs or distractions can I release before the Full Moon?

📅 How to track the Gibbous Moon

Because the Gibbous Moon is an intermediate phase, it’s not always highlighted in standard lunar calendars. However, you can easily track it by noting the days:

• Waxing Gibbous: 2–3 days before the Full Moon
• Waning Gibbous: 2–3 days after the Full Moon

Use a Moon calendar or lunar tracking app to stay updated. Observing the Moon’s shape in the sky is also a great way to reconnect with nature and your own inner rhythm.

Waxing and Waning Gibbous Moon

The first crescent is located between the New Moon and the first quarter. When this period is over, it is the time of the waxing Gibbous Moon. The last crescent is the period between the last quarter and the New Moon. After the Full Moon and until the last quarter, this is when the waning Gibbous Moon is seen.

When is the waxing Gibbous Moon?

The waxing or rising Gibbous Moon occurs 2 to 3 days before the Full Moon. We know that it is ascending because the circle of the Moon is three-quarters formed and cut off on the left side.

What is the influence of an ascending Gibbous Moon?

The influence of the Full Moon or New Moon is well known. The waxing and waning Gibbous Moon also has a significant effect on human beings!

When the Gibbous Moon is rising, everything is still possible. You begin to see the rewards that you will get during the full moon. However, it is also still a time to do positive things, to do better, and to evaluate the feasibility of your projects. A Gibbous Moon is truly a good time to start something or to form a new habit.

When is the Gibbous Moon descending?

The waning or waning Gibbous Moon, and of course the exact opposite of the waxing Gibbous Moon. It occurs two to three days after the Full Moon. A waning Gibbous Moon can be identified by the fact that it is three-quarters illuminated and cut off on the right side. A waning Gibbous Moon usually rises after sunset and sets after sunrise. When it appears, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish it from the full moon, because it is then almost completely illuminated.

What is the influence of a waning Gibbous Moon?

A waning Gibbous Moon is more indicated to put an end to a practice, such as a bad habit, or a toxic relationship... Here, we can take advantage of this moment to return to ourselves, gently, through simple things, like rest, relaxation, meditation. The waning Gibbous Moon is an ideal time to release tension. Then, finally rid of our bad habits, of what was holding us back, we will take advantage of this moment to make new love encounters and find solutions to our professional problems.

Good to know:

The Gibbous Moons do not appear in the lunar calendar because there is no symbol to represent them and because it is an intermediate phase and not a main phase. To observe the waxing and waning gibbous moons, look at the dates of the next Full Moons and look towards the sky 3 days before and 3 days after!

🌙 Gibbous Moon and the zodiac signs

The influence of the Gibbous Moon can vary depending on the zodiac sign it’s transiting. Here’s a quick guide to how it may feel in different zodiac sign elements:

• Fire signs (Aries, Leo, Sagittarius): High energy, motivation, and a push to take bold action.
• Earth signs (Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn): Focus on practical steps, organization, and long-term planning.
• Air signs (Gemini, Libra, Aquarius): Mental clarity, communication, and social connection are emphasized.
• Water signs (Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces): Heightened intuition, emotional insight, and spiritual reflection.

Knowing the Moon’s sign during the Gibbous phase can help you align your actions with the cosmic energy.

More interesting content:

• Discover the Full Moon rituals and read up on the Lunar nodes
• How the Moon's transit through the zodiac signs impacts us 
• Check out how the Full Moon affects each zodiac sign
• Don't forget about the Full Moon superstitions