In the sky
The Moon is more than half lit and nearly full. This phase invites patience and refinement: improving what is already under way rather than starting anything new.
What does waxing gibbous mean?
Gibbous comes from the Latin gibbus, “hump”, describing a Moon that bulges past half. Waxing means growing. So a waxing gibbous Moon is more than half lit and still growing. It is the phase between the first quarter and the full moon, lasting about a week, as the lit part grows from half to almost all of the disc.
How to recognise it
- It rises in the afternoon and is already bright in the east or south as the sun sets
- It stays up for most of the night and sets in the early hours, before dawn
- In the northern hemisphere it is lit on the right, with a thin dark sliver on the left; in the southern hemisphere the other way round
- In the last night or two it is easy to mistake for full; look for one edge that is slightly flattened or soft
Spiritual meaning of the waxing gibbous
The waxing gibbous is the almost-there phase. In reflective traditions it is linked with patience, refinement and trust: improving what is already under way rather than starting something new. Rudhyar described the gibbous phase as a time of analysis and perfecting technique. It is a good week to edit, practise and adjust details, and to resist pushing for a result before it is ready.
Ekadashi and the bright fortnight
In the Hindu calendar the waxing gibbous falls in the second half of Shukla Paksha, the bright fortnight. Ekadashi, the eleventh lunar day, comes during this phase. It is one of the most widely kept fast days in Hinduism, sacred to Vishnu, and many people mark it by avoiding grains or eating simply. Some yoga practitioners also treat it as a lighter, more reflective day.
Bring it into practice
Use this phase to revisit poses you already know rather than chasing new ones. Slow down, check alignment and breath, and notice the quality of your attention. Small refinements now make the full practice steadier.
Bring it into your practice
Practise with care for detail. Slow down familiar poses and notice alignment, breath and the quality of your attention.
A pose for this phase
Triangle Pose
Open the pose guideA practice for this phase
Hatha progression
A measured practice for steady refinement.
Open the practiceQuestions to sit with
What is almost ready, and what would refine it?
- Where could patience serve me better than pushing?
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Questions
How long does the waxing gibbous last?
About seven days, from the first quarter to the full moon.
What is the difference between waxing gibbous and waning gibbous?
Both are more than half lit. The waxing gibbous is growing and is seen in the evening, lit on the right in the northern hemisphere. The waning gibbous is shrinking, rises after dark and is seen late at night and in the morning, lit on the left.
What comes after the waxing gibbous?
The full moon.
What does waxing gibbous mean in Hindi?
It is the later part of Shukla Paksha (शुक्ल पक्ष), the bright fortnight, in the nights leading up to Purnima, the full moon.
Is the waxing gibbous a good time to start something new?
Traditionally it is seen as better for refining than beginning. It is a reflective rhythm, though, so start when it suits your life.