In the sky
Half of the Moon is lit again, this time the opposite half, rising around midnight. The last quarter is traditionally a time for review, forgiveness and clearing space before the next cycle.
What is a last quarter moon?
The last quarter, also called the third quarter, comes about 7.4 days after the full moon. Half of the Moon’s face is lit again, but the opposite half from the first quarter. The Moon has completed three quarters of its cycle, and the Sun and Moon are once more at right angles in the sky.
When to see it
- It rises around midnight, is highest around dawn and sets around midday
- It is easy to spot in a clear morning sky, in daylight
- In the northern hemisphere the left half is lit; in the southern hemisphere the right half
- Like the first quarter, it shows craters well through binoculars, if you are up early
Spiritual meaning: review and let go
Rudhyar called the last quarter a “crisis in consciousness”: a turning point where you look back over the cycle and decide what to keep. It is linked with review, forgiveness and clearing space. In practical terms, it is a good week to finish what is nearly done, clear clutter, and let go of plans or habits that no longer serve you before the next new moon.
Krishna Ashtami
The last quarter falls on or near Ashtami, the eighth lunar day of the dark fortnight. Krishna Janmashtami, the birthday of Krishna, is celebrated on the Krishna Paksha Ashtami of Bhadrapada, in August or September. Devotees keep vigil until midnight, the traditional hour of his birth, close to the time the last quarter moon rises.
Bring it into practice
Twists and forward folds are traditionally associated with release. Move slowly, and let each exhale be a little longer than the inhale. Extended exhale breathing is a simple way to practise letting go.
Bring it into your practice
Twists and forward folds are traditionally associated with release. Move slowly and let each exhale be long.
A pose for this phase
Seated Forward Fold
Open the pose guideA practice for this phase
Extended exhale breathing
Lengthening the out-breath is a simple way to practise letting go.
Open the practiceQuestions to sit with
What can I let go of before the next cycle?
- What would forgiveness, of myself or someone else, make possible?
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Questions
Is the last quarter the same as the third quarter?
Yes. Both names describe the same phase, three quarters of the way through the lunar cycle.
Can you see the last quarter moon during the day?
Yes. It is high in the sky at dawn and often visible all morning.
What is the difference between the first and last quarter?
Both are half lit. The first quarter is growing and lit on the right in the northern hemisphere, seen in the afternoon and evening. The last quarter is shrinking, lit on the left and seen from midnight to the morning.
How long does the last quarter last?
It is a single moment, but the Moon looks half-lit for about a day either side.