The waxing gibbous is one of the eight main phases of Earth’s moon. During this phase, the moon may appear to be growing into the full moon phase, and this can translate into a spiritual meaning of personal growth.
What Is a Waxing Gibbous Moon?
The waxing gibbous is the 4th phase of the moon, and it occurs between the first quarter and the full moon.
What does a waxing gibbous moon look like? During this phase, the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing, and it appears more than half but not fully illuminated (from 50.1% to 99.9%).
The word that gibbous derives from is “gibbus,” which is Latin for “hump.” This is because the gibbous phases of the moon often appear with a humped, or curved edge, a shape where the moon is more than half but not fully illuminated.
Waxing Gibbous Moon Spiritual Meaning
During the waxing gibbous moon phase, the moon may appear to be growing into the full moon phase, and this can translate into spiritual meanings of personal growth, taking the final steps, a time for reflection, and preparation before the next primary phase.
1. Final Steps
A waxing gibbous moon can be symbolic of the moon’s final steps toward the full moon phase. This is because, during the time of the waxing gibbous, the moon will take its last few steps toward a 100% image.
In our lives, this phase could equate to the last few steps we need to take before we can reach completion. This means that the time of the waxing gibbous can be a time for action to get across the finish line.
2. Development and Growth
The waxing gibbous phase is an intermediate phase between two primary phases: the first quarter moon and the full moon. As an intermediate phase, it represents the development that must occur to get from one primary phase to the next. During this time of development, the moon appears to grow and gain light to reach the full moon phase.
This means that, spiritually, a waxing gibbous moon may symbolize personal development and growth, especially when you are trying to reach a new phase in your life. During this period, you may need to put in hard work to reach your goals and see what you want to come to fruition.
3. Time for Reflection
Sometimes, the waxing gibbous symbolizes a time for work to accomplish a goal, but there are times when it symbolizes quite the opposite.
In some cases, the waxing gibbous moon represents a time for reflection before the next primary phase, the full moon, occurs. This means that, if you have been working toward something, it may be time to stop and reflect on how you have gotten to where you are now. And, just like the moon, don’t rush into the next phase or step of your life.
4. Preparation for Change
Just as you may need to stop and reflect during the time of the waxing gibbous, you may want to take the opportunity to prepare for the next phase to come.
Many people find that the waxing gibbous moon signifies a time of peace, and you can use this peaceful time to meditate and plan for what’s to come in the next week, month, or even year. Remember, change may be inevitable, and it never hurts to plan for it.
Born on Waxing Gibbous Moon
If you were born during a waxing gibbous moon, you may be empathetic, nurturing, and peaceful. Other traits of people born during this phase include sociability and an ability to bring joy easily into the lives of others. These people may also be talented and passionate, though their skills will vary.
On the other hand, some people born during this lunar phase may be perfectionists, and this can make things feel overwhelming easily. However, if you were born in this phase, you can avoid perfectionistic tendencies by practicing meditation and positive self-reflection.
How to Utilize the Time of the Waxing Gibbous Moon?
1. Journal
The time of the waxing gibbous is the perfect time for journaling, whether you want to reflect on the events of the past lunar phase, work toward the next phase, or prepare for future phases.
If you have trouble thinking of something to write in your journal, try using a writing prompt. You can also write lists of items you would like to write about and begin your daily journal entries with a reflection on one item of your lists.
2. Restorative Yoga
Since you may have had a lot of work to do prior to the time of the waxing gibbous, this moon phase is a great time to perform slow, restorative yoga.
The aim of restorative yoga is to calm the mind and body and open the heart gently with passive stretching. Many guided restorative yoga practices include meditations and pranayama exercises, too, which can give you a chance for reflection.
3. Meditate
Since the waxing gibbous can be a time for peace and reflection, you should consider meditating daily during this phase. If you are new to meditation, try looking online for guided meditations that will help you get started with a regular practice.
While meditating, it is important to not only reflect on what has helped you get to where you are now in this moon phase but also to clear your mind and give yourself a clean slate to work within the next phase to come.
4. Make Preparations
Aside from spiritual practices, you can take time during the waxing gibbous moon to physically prepare yourself to reach your future goals. For example, if you have a goal to change your diet in the next moon phase, you can get ready now by shopping for healthy foods or cookbooks.
The waxing gibbous moon represents a time for reflection or preparation before the full moon phase. No matter how you spend your time during this moon phase, be sure to do it with care for yourself to honor this phase of peace.
How Many Phases of the Moon Are There?
What are the phases of the moon? The moon has 8 phases in its roughly 29.5-day cycle: New Moon, Waxing Crescent, First Quarter, Waxing Gibbous, Full Moon, Waning Gibbous, Last Quarter, and Waning Crescent. These moon phases result from the changing positions of the Earth, moon, and Sun.
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