When you step outside after a full moon and notice the light starting to dim just a little, you’re looking at the waning gibbous moon. It’s the phase right after the moon is at its biggest and brightest, and honestly, it feels a little like an exhale — that slow release after a big, buzzing moment.
What’s Happening Up There?
Astronomy-wise, “waning” just means the light is shrinking, and “gibbous” means it’s still more than half full. So the moon is basically pulling back each night, moving toward the last quarter. It hangs in the sky late at night into the early morning, still glowing, but with that slightly softer, fading light. Think of it as the moon winding down from the party that was the full moon.
Spiritual Vibes
Spiritually, the waning gibbous moon represents release and cleansing. It’s the phase for shedding what no longer serves you: old energy, bad habits, heavy thoughts, or even relationships that leave you feeling drained instead of nourished.
If the Full Moon is the big party, the waning gibbous is the gentle detox afterward. This is the moment when you wash off all the glitter, let go of the people who weren’t really on your side, and give yourself a spiritual reset.
But it isn’t just about tossing things out. It’s about making space. Every layer you peel away — every habit, belief, or connection that you release — creates room for new growth. It’s like pruning a plant: you cut away the dead leaves so the healthy parts can thrive.
Reflection + Introspection
This moon phase often brings introspection. The universe dimmed the lights a little so you can see inside yourself more clearly. Maybe you’ll catch yourself journaling, meditating, or just zoning out while thinking about life in the shower. That’s the waning gibbous at work — encouraging you to slow down, reflect, and ask, “What actually matters to me right now?”
Gratitude + Abundance
Even though the moon is losing light, it’s still bright enough to light up the night. A little reminder that you can still carry gratitude and abundance, even when things feel like they’re “waning.” This is a beautiful time to pause and appreciate what you do have, while also setting intentions for what’s to come.
Being Born Under a Waning Gibbous Moon
If you were born while the moon was waning gibbous, your soul carries the energy of this phase. That often shows up as a natural desire to share wisdom, reflect deeply, and help others release what no longer serves them. People born under this phase tend to be introspective, intuitive, and a little ahead of their time…like you’ve already learned lessons others are still figuring out.
There’s also a strong pull toward gratitude and teaching or just guiding others. Instead of chasing constant growth, you may feel called to slow down, look back, and guide others by sharing what you’ve discovered. Spiritually, being born under a waning gibbous moon suggests your purpose is less about building something brand new and more about helping to refine, heal, and nurture what’s already here.
Old Beliefs + Superstitions
Cultures all over the world have attached quirky meanings to this phase. A few fun ones:
- Some traditions say it’s unlucky to look at the waning gibbous through glass or a window (so if you’re moon-gazing, step outside).
- Farmers once believed planting during this phase could stunt crops — the “shrinking moon” supposedly meant shrinking harvests.
- And in certain places, being born under a waning gibbous moon was considered a blessing, gifting people with deep intuition and a natural connection to the Earth.
The waning gibbous isn’t just the moon winding down from its fullest glow…it’s also a time for you to release, reflect, and reset. Think of it as the in-between space: the moment where you get to breathe, sort through your stuff (spiritual or literal), and prepare for whatever comes next in the cycle.
What about you? Do you notice shifts in your mood or energy when the moon starts to wane?
