Everything You Need to Know About the Moon Symbol

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Plus, what does the crescent moon symbol mean on your iPhone?
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The moon is always hanging right there above us in the night sky, but what does it really mean ? In this article, we’ll discuss everything (and we do mean everything ) you need to know about the moon, its symbols, and its significance. From cultural and religious meanings to the moon symbol in emojis and tech contexts, you’ve come to the right place for a full-on lunar lesson!

Meaning of the Moon Symbol: An Overview

  • Moon Emojis: 🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘🌝🌜🌛🌙☾ ☽ ⏾ ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
  • Moon Symbol in Tech: The moon symbol on an iPhone or other device indicates that “Do Not Disturb” is on, meaning that your phone won’t ring, chime, or buzz.
  • Symbolic Meaning of the Moon: The main symbolic meanings of the moon include the mystery, change, cycles of life, and the divine feminine.
Section 1 of 9:

Moon Emojis & Emoticons

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  1. Smartphones and other devices feature multiple emojis to represent the moon. These include the full moon emoji (🌕), full moon face emoji (🌝), new moon face emoji (🌚), and crescent moon emoji (🌙). There are also emojis to represent every phase of the moon (🌑🌒🌓🌔🌕🌖🌗🌘), as well as waxing (🌛) and waning (🌜) crescents with faces. [1]
    • Aside from your typical emoji, there also classic emoticons and emoticon combos to represent the moon, such as these copy-and-paste options:
      • ☾
      • ☽
      • ⏾
      • ☪︎ ִ
      • ⋆⁺₊⋆ ☾⋆⁺₊⋆
      • ⋆˖⁺‧₊☽◯☾₊‧⁺˖⋆
      • ⋆｡ﾟ☁︎｡⏾⋆☁︎｡⋆｡
      • ◯ ☽ ◑ ● ◐ ❨ ◯
    • Click here to read a full breakdown of the moon emojis and other lunar symbols.
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Section 2 of 9:

Moon Symbol on iPhone

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  1. The Do Not Disturb option on iPhones, Macbooks, and other smart devices is represented by a crescent moon symbol that’s usually placed near the clock. This moon symbol indicates that your device is set to Do Not Disturb, which means that your phone won’t ring or otherwise alert you when receiving a call, text, or notification. [2]
    • If you’d like to turn off Do Not Disturb on an iPhone, open your Control center by swiping down from the top-right corner of the screen (iPhone X and later) or swiping up from the bottom of the screen (older models).
    • Then, tap the Do Not Disturb icon (crescent moon symbol) to disable this feature.
Section 3 of 9:

Symbolic Meanings of the Moon Symbol

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  1. 1
    Feminine energy One of the moon symbol’s most important and well-known connections is to that of the divine feminine . Tracing back to ancient cultures, the moon has long been a symbol of feminine energy, likely because of the parallels between the moon’s cyclical changes and the female body’s monthly cycle. In some traditions, the moon was also a symbol associated with goddesses of fertility and the night. [3]
    • Further still, the moon’s symbolism is connected to feminine energy through the Triple Moon symbol . The Triple Moon symbol (or Triple Goddess) is a sacred image rooted and used in belief systems like Neopaganism , Wicca , and Celtic Paganism, as well as Greek and Roman mythologies. [4]
    • The Triple Moon symbol is depicted as a full moon placed in between a waxing and waning crescent on either side. These three moons represent the three cycles in the life of a woman: birth, life, and death (or rebirth). These three phases are also personified by the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone .
  2. 2
    Mystery The symbol of the moon has represented the unknown and the explained for thousands of years—across cultures, religions, and geographic regions. Consider gazing up at the moon at night—if you had no scientific explanation for what it was, what would you think? It’s one of the brightest objects in the night sky, and its awe-inspiring luminance shifts from night to night as it moves through its phases. [5]
    • As a result of the moon’s undeniably mystical appearance and behavior, many cultures have associated the moon with mystery, magic, and the supernatural. In particular, many belief systems connected the moon to the afterlife and personified it as a deity or messenger to the gods.
    • In some traditions, the moon is thought to bring about supernatural events and determine human behaviors. [6]
  3. 3
    Cyclical change Perhaps unsurprisingly, the moon symbolizes cyclical changes in life as a result of its cyclical phases. As the moon waxes and wanes, human beings are able to visually witness the beautiful and natural process of cyclical growth and decline. As a result, the moon has transformed into an important symbol of the cyclical patterns of life and death, growth and transformation, and change and renewal that occur throughout any person’s life. [7]
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Section 4 of 9:

The Moon Symbol in Astrology, Folklore, & Religion

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  1. 1
    Astrology One of the most important parts of modern Western astrology is one’s moon sign , which is said to significantly shape and impact a person’s inner self—including their innermost personality, moods, and emotional responses. According to astrological beliefs, the position of the moon in the sky at the moment that a person is born will influence the way that they emotionally react to the world around them, as well as how they form attachments to loved ones and stable environments. [8]
    • An astrological moon sign can also shape how someone approaches relationships and shows care to others.
    • Someone’s moon sign can be any of the 12 well-known Zodiac signs: Aries , Cancer , Libra , Capricorn , Taurus , Leo , Scorpio, Aquarius , Gemini , Virgo , Sagittarius , and Pisces .
    • Keep in mind that your moon sign is not necessarily the same as your sun sign, which is the sign that most people know. If you’re not sure what your moon sign is, click here to find out!
    • Of course, your astrological moon sign doesn’t always feel like a perfect fit. To find out more, take our quiz to learn your true moon sign if your technical one doesn’t feel accurate.
  2. 2
    Folklore & Religion The moon is often represented as a god or deity in religion, folklore, and mythology. In ancient Greek myth, for example, the moon was represented by the goddess Selene, whose Roman counterpart was named Luna. [9] In many indigenous cultures, the moon was similarly worshipped as a god or goddess who controlled the night sky and the ocean tides. [10] Some of the most important gods, goddesses, and religious figures associated with the moon include: [11]
    • Artemis: The goddess of the moon (among other things) in Greek mythology. [12]
    • Diana: The goddess of the moon (and Artemis’ counterpart) in Roman mythology. [13]
    • Guanyin (觀音): The goddess of compassion in Chinese mythology, often depicted as contemplating the moon’s reflection on water. [14]
    • Hanwi: The goddess of the night sun in Lakota mythology. [15]
    • Hecate: The goddess of magic, witchcraft, and the moon in Greek mythology. [16]
    • Mētztli: A genderless Aztec deity who ruled over the moon, nighttime, and farmers. [17]
    • The Virgin Mary: The mother of Jesus Christ, often shown with a moon to symbolize her purity. [18]
    • Thoth: An Egyptian god associated with wisdom, writing, magic, and the moon. [19]
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Section 5 of 9:

Moon Symbol as a Tattoo

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  1. Tattoos of the moon symbol may represent renewal and the cycle of life. Many people who get moon tattoos do so in order to acknowledge the changing phases of their life. They may particularly get a specific moon phase to embrace a specific meaning—like a new moon for a new beginning or a waning moon for a time of emotional release. [20]
    • However, moons can have many meanings—and so can tattoos! Someone with a moon tattoo may have a personal significance attached to that symbol. Or, their tattoo may have no significance at all—maybe they just liked the design!
Section 6 of 9:

The Moon, the Calendar, & the Tides

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  1. For thousands of years, the moon has helped people and civilizations track the passage of time (this was before you could just check the date on your phone, of course). One of the earliest known lunar calendars was called the lunisolar calendar , which used the lunar and solar cycles to divide the year into 12 lunar months. Each month lasted about 29-30 days, with a 13th month being added every 2-3 years to keep the seasons in sync. [21]
    • Most modern calendars use the solar phases and the movements of the Earth around the sun to mark time. However, the Gregorian calendar—which is used in the vast majority of countries—still uses the “lunar months” to divide the calendar into 29.5-day cycles of the moon’s phases.
    • Aside from the months and years themselves, important events and festivals have long been marked by the changing of the moon. In China, for example, the Mid-Autumn Festival is held on the full moon. [22]
  2. 2
    The moon also has a strong effect on the tides of the Earth’s oceans. Ever explored some tide pools or been told to stay away from the beach due to a high tide? Well, you can thank the moon for all of that! The moon exerts a gravitational pull on the Earth’s oceans, creating a differential force between the water closest and farthest from the moon. As a result of this pull, the oceans’ waters bulge to create two high tides each day. [23]
    • A tide is highest when the moon is placed directly overhead or directly underneath the Earth as it makes its orbit. This phenomenon is known as a “spring tide.” [24]
    • Conversely, the tides are lowest when the moon reaches its first or third quarter phase, resulting in a “neap tide.”
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Section 7 of 9:

Phases of the Moon

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  1. The moon has four main phases: waning, new moon, waxing, and full. These phases are further divided into eight phases in a full lunar cycle, which repeats every 29.5 days: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous , full moon, waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent. These phases are caused by the sun illuminating different parts of the moon as it orbits Earth. [25] The four principal phases of the moon also have symbolic meaning, as they’re said to represent the phases of an individual person’s life: [26]
    • New Moon: Represents new beginnings, rebirth, and fresh starts. It’s a time to take the leap toward a new life and tackle your fears.
    • Waxing: Represents growth, manifestation, and attainment. It’s a time to recognize and nurture your own positive growth. In the Triple Goddess archetype, this phase is represented by the Maiden.
    • Full: Represents success, power, and fulfillment. It’s a time wherein you have reached (or about to reach) the obtainment of everything you’ve ever wanted. In the Triple Goddess archetype, this phase is represented by the Mother.
    • Waning: Represents letting go, surrendering, and allowing for quiet. It’s a time to peacefully accept loss and other inevitable challenges. In the Triple Goddess archetype, this phase is represented by the Crone.
    • If you’re curious about the spiritual meaning of each moon phase , read more here .
Section 8 of 9:

Moon Gems

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  1. Some gemstones carry the symbolism of the moon or are otherwise believed to harness the powers and energies of the moon. Wearing these gems as jewelry or keeping them in your pocket may imbue you with the special symbolic significance of the moon. Here are some of the most iconic moon-related gems: [27]
    • Moonstone : As the name suggests, this gem is the one most strongly associated with the moon. The gemstone is translucent, white, or pale blue—similar to the light of the moon—and promotes peace and balance.
    • Pearl : A pearl’s iridescent quality resembles the light of the moon, and this stone is said to represent purity, wisdom, and femininity.
    • Selenite : The word “selenite” harkens back to Selene, an important moon goddess in Greek myth. The stone itself is translucent and white, and it’s said to have a calming energy that’s conducive to spiritual and meditative practices. [28]
    • Labradorite : As the darkest stone on our list, the grey-blue or green labradorite stone is thought to resemble the shifting light of the moon. It’s most strongly associated with the moon’s mystery and magic, and is thought to enhance intuition and spiritual awareness. [29]
    • White Sapphire : White sapphire is likely tied to the moon due to its clear and sparkling appearance. It’s thought to symbolize the moon’s feminine and nurturing qualities, as well as bringing balance and harmony to its wearers.
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Section 9 of 9:

Moon Symbol on Tea Packaging

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  1. A moon symbol on a tea product indicates a low-caffeine blend.
    If you’ve spotted a crescent moon on your tea bag or box, it likely means that this tea blend is suitable to drink at night—in other words, it has no caffeine or a very low caffeine content that shouldn’t affect you before bed. Your tea is likely an herbal variety, rather than a caffeinated black or green tea, both of which typically contain a large amount of caffeine. [30]

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      References

      1. ↑ https://emojipedia.org/crescent-moon
      2. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-gb/105112
      3. ↑ https://public.websites.umich.edu/\~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/M/moon.html
      4. ↑ https://digitalcommons.iwu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1056&context=socanth_honproj
      5. ↑ https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20190326-the-moon-one-of-the-earliest-human-symbols
      6. ↑ https://oracc.museum.upenn.edu/amgg/listofdeities/nannasuen/
      7. ↑ https://public.websites.umich.edu/~umfandsf/symbolismproject/symbolism.html/M/moon.html
      8. ↑ https://astrostyle.com/cosmic-calculators/moon-sign/
      9. ↑ https://www.getty.edu/art/collection/object/10402Y
      1. ↑ https://hilo.hawaii.edu/news/kekalahea/spring-2023/march/mahina-vs-gregorian
      2. ↑ https://www.themoonschool.org/divine-feminine/moon-goddess-series/list-of-moon-goddesses/
      3. ↑ https://www.folger.edu/blogs/shakespeare-and-beyond/artemis-greek-myths-goddess/
      4. ↑ https://commons.mtholyoke.edu/arth310rdiana/the-moon/
      5. ↑ https://umma.umich.edu/objects/bodhisattva-avalokitesvara-chinese-guanyin-as-a-goddess-1995-1-78/
      6. ↑ https://www.sdpb.org/arts-and-culture/2018-09-11/craig-howe-on-lakota-moon-phases
      7. ↑ https://themis.asu.edu/zoom-20040820A
      8. ↑ https://media.ocean.edu/files/OCC_VIDEO/upload/Faculty_Resources/dbordelon/258+The+Short+Novel/Aztec_Religion.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.catholicdigest.com/amp/faith/spirituality/jesus-mary-and-the-solar-system/
      10. ↑ https://escholarship.org/uc/item/2xj8c3qg
      11. ↑ https://parade.com/living/moon-tattoos
      12. ↑ https://personal.utdallas.edu/~ivor/cs1315/calendar.html
      13. ↑ https://asia-archive.si.edu/learn/for-educators/teaching-china-with-the-smithsonian/videos/moon-festival/
      14. ↑ https://manoa.hawaii.edu/exploringourfluidearth/physical/tides/tide-formation-tide-height
      15. ↑ https://serc.carleton.edu/integrate/teaching_materials/coastlines/student_materials/984
      16. ↑ https://science.nasa.gov/moon/moon-phases/
      17. ↑ https://www.spiritualityhealth.com/the-spiritual-meaning-of-moon-phases
      18. ↑ https://www.gemsociety.org/article/history-legend-moonstone-gems-yore/
      19. ↑ https://gem-a.com/understanding-selenite/
      20. ↑ https://geologyscience.com/gemstone/labradorite/
      21. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20049372

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