Does the full moon affect behavior?

Large studies find little or no effect on hospital visits or crime.

Do gardeners plant by the Moon?

Many do by tradition; the scientific evidence is weak.

A full moon near the Moon's closest point, looking slightly bigger and brighter.

Moon Phase Meaning – Popular Beliefs vs What Science Says

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): In astrology and folk tradition, each phase has a theme: the new moon is a time for intentions and fresh starts, the waxing moon for growth and building, the full moon for culmination, strong emotions and celebration, and the waning moon for rest, release and clearing out. These are beliefs, not measured effects. What science does confirm is that the phase changes the tides, with the strongest at new and full moon, and how bright the night is. Studies on sleep, births and behavior show small or no effects.

Do it now, right here

The Moon today

Waxing Crescent

26% illuminated

Day 6 of the 29.5-day cycle

Next phases

Month

Moon phases in November 2026

Last Quarter Sun, November 1 at 03:28 PM
New Moon Mon, November 9 at 02:01 AM
First Quarter Tue, November 17 at 06:47 AM
Full Moon Tue, November 24 at 09:55 AM

Step by step

Check today's phase at the top of the page.
Read its traditional theme in the table.
Remember which parts are belief and which are measured.

At a glance

Phase	Traditional meaning	Measured effect
New Moon	New beginnings, intentions	Spring tides, darkest nights
Waxing	Growth, action	Evenings get brighter
Full Moon	Culmination, emotions	Spring tides, brightest nights
Waning	Release, rest	Moon rises later each night

What does today's Moon phase mean?