Moon Phase vs Moon Sign: What Is the Difference?

If you have explored lunar astrology, you have probably seen both “moon phase” and “moon sign”. They are often confused, but they describe two different things.

Your moon phase

The moon phase is the shape of the moon on a given day: how much of it is lit as seen from Earth. It depends on the angle between the sun, Earth and moon. The phase changes slowly, moving through eight named stages in about 29.5 days, so your birth date alone is enough to find your birth moon phase. Our birthday moon phase tool does this instantly.

Your moon sign

Your moon sign is the zodiac sign the moon was passing through at the moment you were born. The moon moves through all twelve signs in about 27 days, spending roughly two to two and a half days in each. To find it accurately you need your birth date, time and place, which is why moon sign calculators ask for all three.

What each one is said to describe

• Moon sign: in astrology, your emotional nature: what comforts you and how you process feelings.
• Moon phase: in lunar astrology, your approach to life: whether you are a starter, a builder, an expresser or a reflector.

Which one does the moon soulmate test use?

Our moon soulmate calculator uses the moon phase, because it only needs birth dates and is easy for everyone to try. Moon sign compatibility is a separate astrological practice.

A note on science

Moon phases and the moon’s position among the constellations are real, measurable astronomy. The personality meanings given to them are part of astrology and are not supported by scientific evidence. Enjoy them as a reflective tool.