ermetikon

Lunar Phase

Waxing Gibbous

The Waxing Gibbous Moon is the phase of rapid approach to fullness. The Moon is increasing in light, moving from the First Quarter's 90 deg elongation toward the opposition at 180 deg. Classical doctrine regards this as the strongest waxing condition - the Moon is large, bright, and building toward its maximum power.

At a glance

Waxing Gibbous meaning in the current sky

Build, refine, and intensify what is already underway. One of the strongest waxing conditions for momentum and follow-through.

Current sky

Last Quarter in Pisces

Waxing Gibbous is not active right now; the Moon is currently in Pisces.

Elongation range

135 to 180 deg

Measured from the Sun, with illumination running from 85% to 100%.

Best used for

One of the strongest waxing conditions for momentum and follow-through.

The Moon approaches fullness, moving rapidly and increasing toward maximum illumination. It is at its strongest speed and brightness, building toward the culmination of the opposition.

Caution

~7 days

Energy rises quickly; avoid promising full culmination before the opposition.

Visual geometry

Waxing Gibbous geometry

A visual anchor for where this phase sits in the solar-lunar cycle.

Lunar phase
Sun
Moon
0 deg
90 deg
180 deg
270 deg

Solar side

Sun as the source of light and the fixed reference for lunar elongation.

Lunar side

Waxing Gibbous as a representative lunar position in the cycle.

Local personalization

Local timing for the Waxing Gibbous

This page keeps the doctrine and citations in a stable canonical format. Add your own coordinates to see local ascendant, planetary hour, and local-time conversions for the next occurrence.

Current mode

No local coordinates applied yet.

Event times below render in your browser timezone: UTC.

Browser timezone

UTC

Local conversions update automatically in this browser.

Current moon

Last Quarter in Pisces

Waxing Gibbous is not active right now.

Ascendant

Apply a location

Local horizon from your coordinates.

Planetary hour

Apply a location

Times appear after a location is applied.

The Waxing Gibbous is the Moon at the height of its increasing power - larger than a half-moon, not yet fully illuminated, but building rapidly toward the Full Moon's opposition. This phase spans from 135 deg to 180 deg of lunar elongation and lasts approximately one week.

In classical doctrine, the Moon's increasing light is one of the primary favorable conditions in electional astrology. The Waxing Gibbous combines this favorable condition with rapidly increasing illumination - producing the strongest waxing phase in the cycle.

The Moon is also at its most visible during this phase, rising before sunset and setting after midnight. Its influence is strong, and its approach to the Sun's opposition builds tension toward the culminating Full Moon.

The Moon at Its Strongest Waxing

Of the four waxing phases, the Waxing Gibbous carries the most accumulated momentum. The Moon has passed through the New Moon's darkness, the Crescent's emergence, and the First Quarter's tension. It now approaches fullness with nearly complete illumination.

Strength Before Fullness

The waxing gibbous phase concentrates the Moon's accumulated light before the exact opposition. Classical authors therefore treat it as a powerful preparatory phase for matters moving toward culmination and visibility.

Approaching the Opposition

As the Moon approaches the Full Moon's opposition, its relationship to the Sun shifts from application to imminent perfection. The Waxing Gibbous is a phase of culminating intent - whatever was begun at the New Moon approaches its moment of full expression and visibility.

Classical Perspectives

Primary-source passages on the waxing gibbous from the Hermetikon archive.

Cover of Tetrabiblos

Tetrabiblos

Claudius Ptolemy
150
"on continuing her increase from her first quarter to her full state of illumination, she causes heat"
CHAPTER VIII THE INFLUENCE OF POSITION WITH REGARD TO THE SUNOpen in Reader
Cover of Key of Solomon

Key of Solomon

King Solomon
1400
"At all times of practising and putting into execution Magical Arts, the Moon should be increasing in light, and in an equal number of degrees with the Sun ; and it is much better from the first quarter to the Opposition, and the Moon should be in a fiery Sign, and notably in that of the Ram or of the Lion"
Page 109Open in Reader
Cover of A Manual of Astrology

A Manual of Astrology

Raphael (Robert Cross Smith)
1828
"After describing the second quadrant of her orbit, she is then opposite to the Sun, and shines with a round illuminated disc, which is called the full moon"
Page 60Open in Reader

Sources on the Waxing Gibbous

Open the cited books and authors behind this waxing gibbous page.

Books cited here

Tetrabiblos

Open the full book page in the archive.

Key of Solomon

Open the full book page in the archive.

Manual of Astrology

Open the full book page in the archive.

Authors cited here

Claudius Ptolemy

Open the author page in the archive.

King Solomon

Open the author page in the archive.

Waxing Gibbous FAQ

What does waxing gibbous mean in astrology?

The waxing gibbous moon spans from 135 deg to 180 deg of lunar elongation - the phase between the First Quarter and Full Moon. In classical astrology, it is the strongest waxing condition: the Moon is increasing in light and approaching the peak expression of the Full Moon.

How long does the waxing gibbous moon last?

The waxing gibbous phase lasts approximately one week, spanning the 45 deg of arc between the First Quarter (90 deg elongation) and the Full Moon (180 deg). During this week the Moon grows from half-illuminated to fully illuminated.

Is the waxing gibbous a good phase for elections?

Yes - the waxing gibbous is generally favorable in classical electional doctrine. The Moon is increasing in light and applying to the powerful Full Moon opposition. It is one of the better phases for matters requiring momentum and completion.

Related Pages

First QuarterFull MoonAstrology TodayMoon Phase HubMoon Return CalculatorRetrograde CalendarPlacements HubAstrology Hub
First QuarterAll PhasesFull Moon