Happy Monday — the week begins beneath a waning gibbous moon, the phase that follows Saturday’s full moon. If you noticed a bright, glowing moon over the weekend, you were seeing that fullness begin to ebb.
Current lunar details (August 11, 2025)
– Moon phase: waning gibbous (sixth of eight lunar phases)
– Age: about 17.2 days
– Illumination: roughly 93%
– Next new moon: August 23, 2025
What the waning gibbous means (astronomy + practical notes)
The waning gibbous occurs as the moon moves away from full toward the third quarter and then the new moon. From Earth we see less of the sunlit portion each night because of the moon’s orbit and changing viewing angle, not because the moon itself is changing. The waning gibbous typically rises late evening (often between about 9 p.m. and midnight) and is easiest to spot in the early morning sky, low on the western horizon.
Emotional and symbolic themes (Pisces influence)
With the moon in Pisces, a water sign associated with emotion, intuition, and dreaminess, this phase often brings a period of heightened sensitivity and inner reflection. Tradition and many astrology guides suggest this is a time to process feelings, release what no longer serves you, and translate emotion into creative or healing acts. If you feel especially reflective or nostalgic, channel that energy — through art, conversation, journaling, or quiet meditation — rather than resisting it.
Practical suggestions
– Observe: Try catching the moon in the early morning from the western horizon to see the waning gibbous glow.
– Reflect: Spend 10–20 minutes journaling about what you’re ready to let go of and what you want to make space for.
– Create: Turn intense feelings into something tangible — a poem, painting, playlist, or short walk that helps process the emotion.
– Release ritual: If symbolic rituals help you, write down one habit, thought pattern, or relationship you’re ready to release and safely burn or tear the paper as a sign of letting go.
– Tune your schedule: Because moonrise times shift later each night, plan any moonlit activities accordingly.
A brief scientific note
The moon’s changing appearance is driven by its orbit around Earth and the relative positions of the sun, Earth, and moon. Illumination percentage describes how much of the moon’s visible surface is lit from our perspective. The waning gibbous is simply the stage after full when that illuminated portion begins to shrink.
Summary
Today’s waning gibbous in Pisces encourages introspection, emotional processing, and creative expression. Use this quieter, concluding lunar energy to release what’s holding you back and prepare for the fresh intentions you’ll plant as the cycle continues toward the new moon on August 23.
Additional comment
If you enjoy blending astronomical understanding with personal meaning, this phase offers both a visual reminder of the moon’s predictable cycle and an emotional cue to tidy internal space. Whether you follow astrology or prefer secular reflection, the waning gibbous can be a useful prompt to slow down, evaluate, and let go.