Moon Phase
The Moon phase describes how much of the Moon appears lit as seen from Earth — from new moon through waxing moon and full moon to waning moon. Astronomically it corresponds to the angle between Sun and Moon.
The Moon doesn't shine on its own; we see the portion of its surface lit by the Sun. At new moon, the Moon is in conjunction with the Sun (0° angular distance) and turns its unlit side toward us; at full moon it's in opposition (180°) and fully lit. The quarters fall at 90° in between. A full cycle — a lunation — takes about 29.5 days.
Astrology reads the lunar cycle as a rhythm of beginning and completing: the new moon counts as a moment of starting and setting intention, the full moon as culmination and becoming visible, the waning phase as a time of letting go. Each lunation is also read by the zodiac sign in which the new or full moon falls.
The Moon phase is the same astronomical angular state worldwide, even though observing time and visibility depend on location. It's not the same as the Moon sign. Leitstern draws no health effect or medical recommendation from the phase.
How we use this term
Leitstern calculates the Moon phase and Moon position. Any astrological association is labeled separately as tradition and never presented as a rule or a proven effect.
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