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First Quarter Moon

Decisiveness · Action · Obstacles

The First Quarter Moon arrives about seven days after New Moon, marking the point where the moon has completed one quarter of its roughly 29.5-day orbit around Earth and appears exactly half-illuminated — lit on the right side as seen from the Northern Hemisphere, left in the Southern Hemisphere. Because of where it sits relative to the sun (a 90-degree angle from Earth's perspective), the First Quarter Moon rises around midday and sets around midnight, making it one of the more visible daytime Moons — you can often spot it in a blue afternoon sky, which surprises people who assume the Moon is only an evening object. It sits at the midpoint between New Moon and Full Moon, meaning it's still in the waxing half of the cycle, with illumination continuing to grow toward waxing gibbous and eventually Full Moon about seven days later. Despite the name, it isn't shaped like a quarter — the "quarter" refers to its place in the cycle's timeline, a common point of confusion covered in more detail on our quarter Moon page.

Next occurrence

August 20, 2026

02:51

In 15 days

Cycle window

Lunar days 7–8

Duration

2 lunar days

Illumination

50%

When is the next First Quarter Moon?

Upcoming First Quarter Moon dates and the Moon's zodiac sign
Date	Moon in sign
Aug 20 02:51	Scorpio
Sep 18 20:44	Sagittarius
Oct 18 16:10	Capricorn
Nov 17 11:49	Aquarius
Dec 17 05:48	Pisces

Take decisive action and overcome obstacles

The First Quarter Moon phase is a time of action and decision-making. As the Moon becomes half-full in the sky, it symbolizes the need to make choices and take steps towards achieving our goals. One of the best ways to make the most of this phase is to focus on taking action towards your purposes. This is a time when it's important to put your plans into action and take the necessary steps to make them a reality. It's also a time to reflect on the progress you've made so far and make any necessary adjustments to your plans. Another great way to embrace the energy of the First Quarter Moon is to make significant decisions. This phase is known for its clarity and objectivity, so it's a great time to make choices that will move you forward in your journey. Whether it's a big decision or a small one, the First Quarter Moon can help you to see things more clearly and make the best choice for yourself. The First Quarter Moon is also a great time for problem-solving and finding solutions. The energy of this phase can help you to think more critically and come up with creative solutions to any challenges you may be facing. Whether it's a personal problem or a professional one, the First Quarter Moon can help you find the answers you need. Overall, embrace this energy by focusing on taking action towards your goals, making important decisions, and finding solutions to the challenges you may be facing. With the power of the First Quarter Moon behind you, you'll be well on the right way to achieving your aspirations.

What should you do during the period of First Quarter Moon for yourself and your wishes

💌 reconsider your desires ✨ define the most important goals and dreams 🧐 add corrections to your plans 🎡 specify the goals that get most personal response from you