Waxing vs. Waning: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on July 18, 2024
Waxing refers to the phase of the moon where it appears to be growing larger in the sky, leading up to a full moon, whereas waning means the moon is decreasing in visibility after a full moon.
Difference Between Waxing and Waning
During the waxing phase, the visible portion of the moon increases nightly from a new moon to a full moon. This phase symbolizes growth and accumulation. Whereas, during the waning phase, the visible portion decreases each night from a full moon back to a new moon, representing a time of decrease and release.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
Waxing phases include the waxing crescent, first quarter, and waxing gibbous. Each of these stages progressively covers more of the moon’s surface with sunlight from the right side (in the northern hemisphere). On the other hand, waning phases include the waning gibbous, third quarter, and waning crescent, where the illuminated part progressively decreases from the left side.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
The waxing moon is often associated with new beginnings, inspiration, and increases in life, such as starting new projects or building up momentum. Conversely, the waning moon is associated with completion, reflection, and reduction, such as concluding projects or letting go of unnecessary habits.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
Culturally and historically, the waxing moon is often seen as a good time to plant crops, start businesses, or acquire items, as it is believed to be auspicious for growth and accumulation. The waning moon, however, is seen as a period suitable for pruning, harvesting, and finishing up endeavors.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
In astrology, the waxing moon is believed to be a time to take action and charge ahead with confidence, while the waning moon is considered a period for introspection, evaluation, and tying up loose ends before the next new moon.
Henry
Jul 18, 2024
Waxing vs. Waning Comparison Chart
Phases
Waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous
Waning gibbous, third quarter, waning crescent
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
Cultural Practices
Planting, acquiring, starting new ventures
Harvesting, pruning, concluding activities
Elijah
Jul 18, 2024
Astrological Beliefs
Time for action and initiatives
Period for reflection and conclusion
William
Jul 18, 2024
Waxing vs. Waning Definitions
◉Waxing
Associated with expansion and growth.
Many cultures perform rituals to attract abundance during the waxing moon.
Lucas
May 01, 2024
◉Waning
The period during which the moon’s visible surface area decreases.
The waning phases follow the full moon, leading up to the new moon.
Muneeza Rehman
May 01, 2024
◉Waxing
Symbolizes new beginnings and renewals.
It’s common to start new projects during the waxing moon for added luck.
Olivia
May 01, 2024
◉Waning
Ends the lunar cycle as it approaches a new moon.
The waning crescent is the final phase before the moon becomes new again.
Henry
May 01, 2024
◉Waxing
Begins after a new moon leading up to the full moon.
The festival is always held on the first waxing gibbous moon of the year.
Muneeza Rehman
May 01, 2024
◉Waning
Visible late at night and into the early morning.
The waning gibbous rises later in the night and is prominent in the morning sky.
Muneeza Rehman
May 01, 2024
◉Waxing
Any of various natural, oily or greasy heat-sensitive substances, consisting of hydrocarbons or esters of fatty acids that are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar organic solvents.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
Symbolizes closure and conclusion.
Ending relationships during the waning moon is believed to ease transitions.
Levi
May 01, 2024
◉Waning
To decrease gradually in size, number, strength, or intensity
Interest in the subject waned.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
To show a progressively smaller illuminated area, as the moon does in passing from full to new.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
A solid plastic or pliable liquid substance, such as ozocerite or paraffin, originating from petroleum and found in rock layers and used in paper coating, as insulation, in crayons, and often in medicinal preparations.
Elijah
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
A preparation containing wax used for polishing floors and other surfaces.
Kaitlyn
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
A cosmetic procedure in which facial or body hair is removed by peeling away a layer of wax that has been allowed to harden.
Olivia
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
The period of the decrease of the moon's illuminated visible surface.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
A defective edge of a board caused by remaining bark or a beveled end.
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
To remove (facial or body hair) by covering the skin with a layer of wax that is peeled off after hardening, uprooting the encased hairs.
Levi
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
Of the lunar phase: as it shrinks when viewed from the Earth.
The waning moon
Kaitlyn
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
To increase gradually in size, number, strength, or intensity
“His love affair with Mrs. Bernstein waxed and waned and waxed again” (C. Hugh Holman).
Jonathan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
The fact or act of becoming less or less intense or present; fading.
The waning of her energy
Elijah
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
To show a progressively larger illuminated area, as the moon does in passing from new to full.
Olivia
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
To grow or become as specified
“His very body had waxed old in lowly service of the Lord” (James Joyce).
Leo
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
The act or process of waning, or decreasing.
This earthly moon, the Church, hath fulls and wanings, and sometimes her eclipses.
Henry
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
To speak or write as specified
“[He] warmed to his most favorite of subjects, waxed eloquent, gained in his face a glow of passion” (Paul J. Willis).
Lucas
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
A gradual decrease in magnitude or extent;
The waning of his enthusiasm was obvious
The waxing and waning of the moon
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
(of the moon) pertaining to the period during which the visible surface of the moon decreases;
After full moon comes the waning moon
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
(countable) A cosmetic procedure in which hair is removed from the body by the application and removal of wax.
Nolan
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waning
Associated with letting go and decluttering.
It is a tradition to clean out old items from the house during the waning moon.
Jonathan
May 01, 2024
◉Waxing
(of the moon) pertaining to the period during which the visible surface of the moon increases;
The waxing moon passes from new to full
Muneeza Rehman
Apr 29, 2024
◉Waxing
The period during which the moon’s visible surface area increases.
During the waxing phase, the moon moves from new to full.
Muneeza Rehman
May 01, 2024
◉Waxing
Visible in the evening sky shortly after sunset.
The waxing crescent is often visible in the western sky just after dusk.
Elijah
May 01, 2024
Waxing vs. Waning Frequently Asked Questions
What are some activities best done during a waxing moon?
Activities like starting new projects, planting gardens, or investing in new ventures are considered auspicious during a waxing moon.
Henry
Jul 18, 2024
What are some activities best done during a waning moon?
It’s considered a good time for ending things, such as breaking habits, concluding projects, or cleaning out old items.
Henry
Jul 18, 2024
What is the duration of the waxing and waning phases?
Each phase lasts approximately 14 days, culminating in either a full or new moon.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
Is there a spiritual significance to the waxing and waning phases?
Yes, many cultures and spiritual practices attribute different energies to the phases, using the waxing moon for growth and the waning moon for release.
Henry
Jul 18, 2024
How can you tell if the moon is waxing or waning?
You can tell by the illuminated side; if the right side is lit, it’s waxing (in the northern hemisphere), and if the left side is lit, it’s waning.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
What does it mean when the moon is waxing?
When the moon is waxing, it appears increasingly illuminated each night, moving towards a full moon.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
What does it mean when the moon is waning?
When the moon is waning, its illuminated part is decreasing each night, moving from a full moon towards a new moon.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
Can the waxing and waning of the moon affect human behavior?
Some studies and beliefs suggest that the lunar phases can influence human emotions and behavior, though scientific evidence is mixed.
Leo
Jul 18, 2024
Do all cultures view the waxing and waning moon in the same way?
Different cultures have varying beliefs and practices related to the moon’s phases, though many recognize similar principles of growth and decline.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
How do the waxing and waning phases affect farming?
Traditional farming practices might plant seeds during the waxing moon when growth is believed to be enhanced and harvest during the waning moon.
Muneeza Rehman
Jul 18, 2024
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
