If you’re into astrology, you’re likely familiar with your Big Three: sun, moon, and rising signs. The sun rules over ego and core values, while our rising signs help dictate our physical appearance and our presence out in the world. The moon, however, holds a particular fascination in the zodiac realm, given it rules over our inner world and emotions. So, what do the different phases of the moon represent, and what does it mean to have a full moon on your birthday?

Some studies¹ show that the season a person was born (and the phase of the moon they were born under) has potential effects on the emotional regulation of infants. Another study² showed that humans often turn to astrology to make sense of complicated experiences and cope with our emotions through comfort in the astrological realm. That is to say, there’s no concrete evidence the phases of the moon dictate any part of your personality. Astrologically, however, the moon holds immense cosmic value.

We may turn to the moon to determine our moon-phase compatibility between ourselves and potential partners, for perspective on how we might operate in a relationship, or to find new ways to understand our emotions through the lens of our zodiac moon signs. With the moon changing signs and phases every few days, paying attention to the phases of the lunar cycle can help provide valuable insight into our personalities, especially during significant events such as new moons and full moons.

If you had a full moon on your birthday or you were born near a full moon, your emotions—even as an adult—might be “heightened due to the intensity of the full moon,” says Maryaam Lewis-Herbert, a celebrity astrologer and the mind behind the @ShawtyAstrology account on X. Ahead, dig deep into what it means to have a full moon on your birthday and learn how you can make the most of your lunar energy, according to astrologers.

What does a full moon on your birthday mean?

If you were born under a full moon, you may notice a profound impact on the intensity of your emotions, according to astrologers. “The moon in astrology rules over your feelings, your emotions,” says Lewis-Herbert. “When you’re born during a full moon, that can really exacerbate the way that you process those feelings and emotions.”

Lauren Ash, an astrologer, writer, and senior editor at Horoscope.com states that those born when the moon is full have a distinct connection to this cosmic satellite. “Full moons are a time of emotional release and fullness, so having this alignment in your chart means you’re divinely connected to the power of La Luna!” Ash says. “You can connect more deeply and intimately with your feelings and the feelings of others than most people.” Which of these feelings are intensified depends heavily on the house that the full moon falls in on or around your birthday. Astrologically speaking, a full moon always occurs in the opposite sign of the sun. For example, if you’re a Cancer sun, the full moon occurring closest to your birthday will likely be in the sign of Capricorn, which is 180 degrees away from Cancer on the zodiac wheel.

“Being born on a full moon can help someone manifest very quickly and effectively since they have the imprint of the moon’s full energy and total embodiment of the sun’s light.” —Evan Nathaniel Grim, astrologer

Evan Nathaniel Grim, an astrologer and founder of Inner Worlds Astrology, says being born under a full moon could also impact your physical body, not just your emotions. “Since the moon can also represent the physical body, the body can be stronger, more powerful, and robust when one is born on a full moon,” Grim says. “They often have ample energy, as opposed to a balsamic moon individual, for example, who needs a lot of rest.”

Finally, full moons are associated with release and closure, as they signify the end of a lunar rotation and, therefore, the end of a chapter. This doesn’t necessarily mean full moons are all about endings, however. Full moons are ideal reflective periods that can help you prepare to launch the next phase of your life.

Is it good luck to have a full moon on your birthday?

The moon isn’t necessarily lucky or unlucky in astrology, but it can give you the extra energy you need to see things through or launch a new chapter in your life. Full moons are most often associated with closure and release. Grim states, however, that there are potential pros and cons to this. “Being born on a full moon can help someone manifest very quickly and effectively since they have the imprint of the moon’s full energy and total embodiment of the sun’s light. This can translate to a life that is highly charged and potent. However, it may also lead to more extreme highs and lows.”

Ash states that there could be some good luck associated with having a full moon on your birthday, but that depends on the moon’s interactions with other planets at the exact time you were born. “For some, this brings mega blessings that continually pour in, while for others, it can signify a tougher time bringing true expression to the surface,” says Grim. “For example, having Jupiter and/or Venus next to the full moon could show brightness, while a planet like Saturn and/or Mars could cause conflict or tension.”

What are the odds of a full moon on your birthday?

Given that the moon completes its rotation approximately every 29.5 days, you have about a 1/29.5 chance of having your birthday on or near a full moon. However, the date of a full moon can change by a matter of a few days to a few weeks each year, meaning if you have a birthday on or near a full moon one year, the moon might not be quite full the following year. If you want to see if a future birthday will fall on a full moon, there are projections you can view through the Farmer’s Almanac. (Though, we suspect only those with Virgo or Capricorn placements will want to plan that far ahead).

How do I find my birthday moon?

One of the simplest ways to figure out the moon’s phase on your birthday is to use a moon phase calculator. This can help you figure out the moon phase you were born under and what phase the moon will be in on future birthdays. Another option is to use a birth chart calculator. Many of these calculators, such as Astro-Charts, include the moon’s phase when you were born. To find your birthday moon phase using Astro-Charts, fill out the requested details form to cast your birth chart, click “View Full Chart,” then scroll down toward the bottom of the page to the “Special Features” section. The phase the moon was in should be the first piece of info you see.

What is the rarest moon phase to be born on?

Studies focused on lunar phases and their correlation to births often have conflicting results, making it difficult to pinpoint an exact phase of the moon that is the rarest to be born on. A study in Slovenia found that the rarest moon phase to be born under was a new moon. In another study³, birth rates dropped around waxing crescents and waning crescents; it’s worth noting these phases occur before and after a new moon, respectively. Despite inconsistent results, some studies find an increase in births or labor occurring during full moon cycles, though results are often too contradictory to confirm. So, there is no rarest moon phase to be born under, but the phase you are born under can potentially tell you a lot about yourself and your future.

What does your birth moon phase mean?

The full moon isn’t the only phase of the moon that holds significance. Each phase of the moon can give insight into who you are and how you might want to approach the world moving forward. Ahead, Lewis-Herbert provides a breakdown of the meaning behind each birth moon phase.

New Moon

“If you’re born under a new moon, this can indicate that you have a younger soul, a more explorative soul,” Lewis-Herbert says. “When under a new moon, your spirit is often either very inquisitive or very curious.” He adds that a new moon might also indicate you’re “more inclined to try new things and do new things and to take more initiatives.” At the same time, those born under a new moon can also be more introverted and “a lot more secretive and mysterious.”

Waxing Crescent

Those born under a waxing crescent moon are goal-oriented and often eager to take their pursuits to the next level, to the point of being incessant about working toward their goals. “A person [born under a waxing crescent moon] might have a bit more energy, be a bit more vivacious and more eager to get on because you might have that inner fire really starting to develop within the context of yourself,” Lewis-Herbert says.

First Quarter

Those born under a first quarter moon are “very action-oriented, but they’re also still very reflective people,” says Lewis-Herbert. “They are people who might be perfectionists because they’re always trying to find ways to make adjustments or fine-tune…It can make you a person that is very goal-oriented, but also a bit more perfectionistic.”

Waxing Gibbous

Those born during a waxing gibbous moon, which takes place right before the full moon, are generally “good with networking and establishing relationships,” says Lewis-Herbert. “[They] are often very strong and courageous people, very compassionate and very motivated.” He adds, “Generally speaking, people that are born under waxing, gibbous moon have a purpose or mission, that they oftentimes have the opportunity to fully complete in their life.”

Waning Gibbous

A person born under a waning gibbous, [which starts just after the full moon,] is often “intelligent and more reflective,” says Lewis-Herbert. He adds, “When the moon appears to get smaller and smaller, it represents a time of reflection…looking back at something or seeing how something might have played out in your life. [As a result,] these might not be the kind of people who are always willing to put themselves out there if they don’t have to. [They can] be more independent and are comfortable in their own energy because of that waiting energy sticking with them throughout their life.”

Last Quarter

“People born under the last quarter typically are more compassionate, harmonious, balance-seeking, and peaceful,” says Lewis-Herbert. “Being born under the last quarter can make you very hyper-aware and self-aware of your actions and how you get things done.” According to Lewis-Herbert, people who are born under that lunar phase might also be more inclined to regularly reflect on their past mistakes and what they could have done better. Think: mentally reliving that embarrassing moment in seventh grade over and over again. “[They] also need to learn to forgive themselves for their mistakes, and [not] hold on too much to the past,” Lewis-Herbert suggests.

Waning Crescent

“People who are born under [the waning crescent phase of the moon] are generally quite gifted and very wise in a lot of ways,” says Lewis-Herbert. “They’re oftentimes very spiritual people, very talented in regards to their spiritual gifts and abilities…that they can utilize to heal the world.” Also, people born under this lunar phase love to dream big and are usually highly imaginative; they can even have hyper-vivid imaginations (such as someone with mirror-touch synesthesia). “There also is an inclination for them to sometimes feel like they’re a little bit of an outcast; some people might feel that they’re a little bit forgotten about at times,” Lewis-Herbert adds.

Does a full moon on your birthday impact the upcoming year?

It makes sense for a full moon to impact the period surrounding your birthday, but could its impacts extend even further? Lewis, Ash, and Grim all agree that the answer lies in your solar return chart. “You get a ‘new’ temporary birth chart that reveals where the energy of your full moon birthday is applied most directly over the next calendar year,” Ash says of solar return charts, which can be created with birth chart calculators, such as this one.

“The full moon is a culmination of energy, a manifestation opportunity, and also a potent release point.” —Evan Nathaniel Grim, astrologer

These solar return charts, paired with the house your moon phase falls under, can act as a guide to how your life will pan out in the upcoming year. “For example, if you have a full moon in the fifth house in your solar return chart, it could show that [during that] particular year, you might feel more creative [and] you might feel a need to exercise more of your creative energies throughout the year, especially as a form of self-care,” Lewis-Herbert explains.

Grim adds, “Celebrating your solar return during a full moon creates a powerful dynamic—the solar return represents a new beginning, while the full moon is a culmination of energy, a manifestation opportunity, and also a potent release point. During a full moon, there is a heightened intuition that allows the individual to chase whatever inspires them at that time. These birthdays and the year ahead can have a flair of emotional drama but can also coincide with significant accomplishment.”

How can you make the most of full moon energy that falls on or near your birthday?

With energy and emotions heightened under this lunar event, what can you do to make the most of a full moon on your birthday? Lewis says being gentle with yourself is essential. “If your birthday does fall around a full moon, you should definitely be more intentional about practicing a self-care routine, “ Lewis-Herbert recommends. “Really try your best to take care of yourself on your birthdays, and with things that you really enjoy doing that bring you a sense of security and emotional comfort, because that’s what the moon regulates…how we feel our emotions, our self-care [behaviors], what makes us feel emotionally secure.”

Ash agrees, “Full moons are very emotional times of the month, so be sure to sit with your feelings on your birthday. Indulge and treat yourself to the things that make you happy and feel good.” Ash also suggests using this energy for reflection. “Pause and reflect fondly on everything you’ve accomplished this year and everything you have planned for the future.”

Grim recommends doing a release ritual to coincide with the full moon energy, as well. “You’d want to perform a release ritual in order to move past any unwanted energies [and] set yourself up for a successful year ahead. For example, you could do a cord-cutting ritual, or you could write down something that no longer serves you and burn it in order to welcome new energies in the upcoming year.”

Final thoughts

Being born under a full moon or having a full moon on your birthday is a powerful experience that can reveal intimate details about your personality and your goals in life. The full moon’s influence can also push you to try new things and cultivate a deeper understanding of yourself. “You’re closing the door on something and embracing the ideas of unlearning, transformation, and renewal,” Ash says of letting the full moon guide you. Now that you have a better understanding of what it means to be born on a full moon or have a birth date near a full moon, consider using that information to your advantage as you move forward—you won’t want this energy to go to waste.