New Moon February 2026 Date: Your Guide to New Beginnings
Feeling that subtle pull towards fresh starts? Ready to cast off the old and embrace new possibilities? You’re in sync with the universe! The New Moon is a powerful celestial event, a cosmic reset button, and understanding its timing is the first step to harnessing its potent energy.
For those eager to mark their calendars and prepare for a wave of renewal, let’s get straight to the point.
The Exact Date & Time: When is the February 2026 New Moon?
Mark it down: The New Moon in February 2026 arrives on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This isn’t just a date; it’s a precise moment when the Sun and Moon align perfectly in the sky, heralding a period of introspection and intention-setting.
Here are the exact times across various key time zones, ensuring you’re precisely aligned:
| Location / Time Zone |
Date & Time |
| Universal Coordinated Time (UTC) |
February 17, 2026, at 04:03 AM |
| Eastern Standard Time (EST) |
February 16, 2026, at 11:03 PM |
| Central Standard Time (CST) |
February 16, 2026, at 10:03 PM |
| Mountain Standard Time (MST) |
February 16, 2026, at 09:03 PM |
| Pacific Standard Time (PST) |
February 16, 2026, at 08:03 PM |
Notice that for much of the United States, the New Moon technically occurs on the evening of February 16th due to time zone differences. This provides a beautiful opportunity to begin your New Moon intentions even before the official calendar date ticks over for most of the country!
Understanding the New Moon: A Cosmic Reset Button
The New Moon is often shrouded in a bit of mystery, primarily because it’s the one lunar phase we can’t easily see. Unlike the glowing orb of the Full Moon, the New Moon is a dark, invisible presence in our night sky. But its invisibility doesn’t mean it’s inactive; quite the opposite, in fact.
What is a New Moon, Astronomically Speaking?
From an astronomical perspective, the New Moon occurs when the Moon is positioned precisely between the Earth and the Sun. When this happens, the side of the Moon that faces Earth is completely unilluminated by the Sun’s light. Think of it like a perfectly aligned eclipse of the Moon by the Sun, from our vantage point. We’re seeing the unlit ‘back’ of the Moon, making it appear dark and blend seamlessly into the night sky.
This alignment is known as a conjunction. During this phase, the Moon’s gravitational pull works in tandem with the Sun’s, creating especially strong tides here on Earth, known as spring tides (not related to the season, but to the ‘springing forth’ of water). This subtle yet powerful interaction is a constant reminder of the unseen forces at play in our universe.
The Invisible Power: Why We Can’t See It
Because the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, the illuminated side of the Moon is facing away from us. It’s essentially hidden in the glare of the Sun, rising and setting at roughly the same time as our star. So, while it’s physically present in the sky, it’s not visible to the naked eye. This makes it a perfect metaphor for new beginnings – often, the initial stages of a new project, idea, or dream are unseen by others, developing quietly beneath the surface.
More Than Just a Date: Its Energetic Significance
Beyond the scientific explanation, the New Moon carries profound energetic and spiritual significance across cultures and traditions. It’s universally recognized as a time for:
- New Beginnings: The slate is wiped clean. This is the ultimate time for fresh starts, planting seeds, and initiating new projects.
- Intention Setting: With the cosmic energy focused on creation, it’s ideal for defining what you want to manifest in your life.
- Reflection & Release: Before you can invite the new, it’s crucial to release the old. The New Moon encourages letting go of habits, thoughts, or situations that no longer serve you.
- Introspection: Its dark, quiet nature invites us to look inward, connect with our subconscious, and listen to our intuition.
Think of the New Moon as the fertile ground before the seed sprouts. It’s not about immediate results but about thoughtful preparation, clear vision, and unwavering belief in what you’re planting.
February 2026 Moon Phases at a Glance: Your Lunar Calendar
While the New Moon is our focus, it’s part of a larger, continuous lunar dance. Understanding all the phases in February 2026 gives you a complete picture of the month’s energetic flow. Each phase offers a different opportunity for growth, reflection, and action.
| Moon Phase |
Date (UTC) |
Time (UTC) |
Date (EST) |
Time (EST) |
Date (PST) |
Time (PST) |
| Full Moon |
Feb 2, 2026 |
02:26 AM |
Feb 1, 2026 |
09:26 PM |
Feb 1, 2026 |
06:26 PM |
| Last Quarter |
Feb 9, 2026 |
11:43 AM |
Feb 9, 2026 |
06:43 AM |
Feb 9, 2026 |
03:43 AM |
| New Moon |
Feb 17, 2026 |
04:03 AM |
Feb 16, 2026 |
11:03 PM |
Feb 16, 2026 |
08:03 PM |
| First Quarter |
Feb 24, 2026 |
04:28 AM |
Feb 23, 2026 |
11:28 PM |
Feb 23, 2026 |
08:28 PM |
Navigating the Lunar Cycle
Each phase offers a unique opportunity:
- Full Moon (Feb 2): A time of culmination, celebration, and release. What came to fruition from your intentions set months ago?
- Waning/Last Quarter (Feb 9): A period of discernment. What needs to be released or let go of as you clear space for the new?
- Waxing/First Quarter (Feb 24): After the New Moon’s planting, this is when you start to take decisive action. Begin to build momentum.
By understanding these rhythms, you can align your personal goals and energy with the natural flow of the cosmos, leading to more ease and success in your endeavors.
Astrological Insights: The Pisces New Moon Energy
The New Moon on February 17, 2026, falls within the empathetic and imaginative waters of Pisces. This is incredibly significant, as the astrological sign the New Moon occurs in imbues the entire new cycle with its particular energy and themes. Pisces is the twelfth and final sign of the zodiac, known for its deep connection to intuition, spirituality, compassion, and the collective unconscious.
What Zodiac Sign Is It In?
With the Sun and Moon both in Pisces, this New Moon amplifies the sign’s inherent qualities. Pisces is a water sign, ruled by Neptune, the planet of dreams, illusions, spirituality, and the subconscious. It’s a mutable sign, meaning it’s adaptable and open to change, often signifying transitions and conclusions before new beginnings.
Embracing Pisces’ Influence: Intuition, Dreams, Compassion
When the New Moon aligns with Pisces, its themes become the backdrop for your new intentions. This is not a time for rigid plans or purely logical pursuits. Instead, it’s an invitation to:
- Deepen Your Intuition: Listen to your inner voice. Pay attention to subtle nudges, gut feelings, and synchronicities.
- Explore Your Dreams: Pisces governs dreams, both literal (while you sleep) and aspirational (your deepest desires). Journal your dreams, and allow your imagination to run wild with what’s possible.
- Cultivate Compassion: Extend understanding and empathy, both to yourself and to others. This New Moon encourages acts of service and connection with humanity.
- Engage in Spiritual Cleansing: Release emotional baggage, forgive past hurts, and cleanse your energetic field.
- Embrace Creativity: Pisces is a highly artistic sign. Tap into your creative flow – whether it’s writing, painting, music, or any form of imaginative expression.
The Pisces New Moon encourages a gentle, intuitive approach to setting intentions. It’s less about the ‘how’ and more about connecting with the ‘why’ and the feeling you want to manifest.
Setting Intentions with Pisces Energy
Consider what in your life needs more compassion, more spirituality, or more creative flow. This New Moon is a powerful time to:
- Start a meditation practice or deepen an existing one.
- Begin a dream journal to understand your subconscious messages.
- Forgive yourself or someone else, releasing emotional burdens.
- Commit to a creative project that speaks to your soul.
- Practice conscious acts of kindness or volunteer work.
- Set intentions around dissolving limiting beliefs or attachments.
The energy of Pisces reminds us that we are all connected and that true fulfillment often comes from surrendering to the divine flow and trusting our inner wisdom.
Harnessing the New Moon’s Power: Practical Steps for February 2026
Knowing the date and astrological significance is one thing; actively engaging with the New Moon’s energy is another. This isn’t about passive observation; it’s about intentional participation. Here’s a practical guide to making the most of the February 2026 New Moon:
Step 1: Reflect and Release (Leading up to the New Moon)
Before you can plant new seeds, you need to clear the garden. In the days leading up to February 17th, take time to reflect on what you want to let go of. This could be old habits, limiting beliefs, negative thought patterns, or even physical clutter. Journaling is an excellent tool here. Ask yourself:
- What am I ready to release from my life?
- What no longer serves my highest good?
- What emotional baggage am I carrying that I’m ready to set down?
You can even perform a small release ritual, like writing down what you’re letting go of and safely burning the paper (outdoors, in a fire-safe container) or tearing it up and discarding it.
Step 2: Dream and Envision (During the New Moon window)
As the New Moon arrives (especially on the evening of February 16th and throughout the 17th), shift your focus to what you want to invite in. This is not just about making a to-do list; it’s about deeply feeling what you want to manifest. Allow your imagination, heightened by Pisces energy, to guide you.
- Visualize: Close your eyes and vividly imagine your desired future. What does it look like, sound like, feel like?
- Affirm: Create positive affirmations related to your intentions. Speak them aloud or write them repeatedly.
- Dream Journal: Keep a notebook by your bed. Any dreams during this period might offer profound insights into your desires or blockages.
Step 3: Set Your Intentions (On or shortly after the New Moon)
This is the core practice of the New Moon. Your intentions should be clear, concise, and stated in the positive, present tense. Instead of “I don’t want to be broke,” try “I am financially abundant.”
Here are some powerful ways to set intentions:
- Write a Letter to the Universe: Detail your dreams and aspirations as if they have already happened. Express gratitude.
- Create an Intention List: Jot down 3-10 specific intentions in a special New Moon journal. Keep it private and revisit it monthly.
- New Moon Meditation: Find a quiet space, light a candle, and meditate on your desires, allowing them to fill your energetic field.
- Plant Actual Seeds: If feasible, plant literal seeds in a garden or a pot, symbolizing the growth of your intentions.
- Craft a Vision Board: Cut out images and words that represent your intentions and arrange them on a board. This visual reminder keeps your desires top of mind.
Remember, the power of intention lies in consistency and belief. Setting them once isn’t enough; you must tend to them like a gardener tends to plants.
Step 4: Take Inspired Action (In the days and weeks following)
While the New Moon is about internal work, the subsequent waxing phase (as the Moon grows brighter) is about outward action. Don’t just set intentions and forget about them. Take small, consistent steps towards your goals. These don’t have to be grand gestures; even a phone call, an email, or five minutes of focused work can be inspired action.
Trust that as you take these steps, the universe will meet you halfway, opening doors and providing opportunities aligned with your clear intentions.
Debunking Common Moon Myths & Misconceptions
The Moon has always been a source of fascination and, naturally, some misunderstandings. Let’s clear up a couple of common myths surrounding the New Moon:
Myth: New Moons are Always Visible
As we’ve discussed, the New Moon itself is generally not visible to the naked eye. It’s often confused with a very thin crescent moon, which appears a day or two after the astronomical New Moon. That faint sliver of light is the first visible sign of the waxing cycle beginning. The true New Moon is hidden in the Sun’s glare.
Misconception: Only Full Moons are Powerful
Many people associate lunar power primarily with the Full Moon, and indeed, it’s a potent time for release and culmination. However, the New Moon is equally, if not more, powerful for initiation. Think of it as the starting gun for a race, rather than the finish line. Its power is subtle, introspective, and focused on potential, laying the groundwork for everything that follows in the lunar cycle. Both phases hold immense power, just for different purposes.
Preparing for the Next Lunar Cycle: Beyond February 2026
The beauty of lunar cycles is their consistent rhythm. Once you start aligning with the New Moon in February 2026, you’ll find yourself naturally anticipating subsequent cycles. This practice builds momentum and creates a powerful feedback loop for your personal growth.
The next New Moon will arrive on March 19, 2026, in the fiery sign of Aries, carrying a distinctly different energy – one of bold action and pioneering spirit. By understanding these shifts, you can tailor your intentions to the prevailing cosmic energies, making your manifestation efforts even more effective.
Conclusion: Embrace Your New Beginning
The New Moon in February 2026 isn’t just a date on a calendar; it’s an annual invitation from the cosmos to pause, reflect, and consciously create the life you desire. Falling in the compassionate and intuitive sign of Pisces, this particular New Moon offers a gentle yet profound opportunity to connect with your spiritual side, release what no longer serves you, and plant the seeds for new beginnings rooted in empathy, creativity, and inner wisdom.
So, as the evening of February 16th and the day of February 17th, 2026, draw near, take a moment for yourself. Tune into the subtle energies, set your intentions with clarity and heart, and trust in the invisible power of the universe to support your journey. Your new beginning awaits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the exact date and time of the New Moon in February 2026?
The New Moon in February 2026 occurs on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 04:03 AM Universal Coordinated Time (UTC). For most of the United States, this translates to the evening of Monday, February 16, 2026 (e.g., 11:03 PM EST, 8:03 PM PST).
What zodiac sign is the February 2026 New Moon in?
The New Moon in February 2026 falls in the compassionate and intuitive water sign of Pisces. This astrological alignment emphasizes themes of introspection, spiritual connection, creativity, and releasing old patterns to make way for new dreams.
Why can’t I see the New Moon in the sky?
The New Moon is not visible because it is positioned directly between the Earth and the Sun. From our perspective, the side of the Moon facing Earth is completely unilluminated by the Sun’s light. It rises and sets with the Sun, making it hidden in the daylight glare or against the bright horizon at night.
What is the spiritual significance of a New Moon?
Spiritually, the New Moon is considered a powerful time for new beginnings, setting intentions, and planting seeds for the future. It encourages introspection, reflection on what you wish to manifest, and a release of anything that no longer serves your highest good, acting as a cosmic reset button.
How can I best use the energy of the February 2026 Pisces New Moon?
To harness this New Moon’s energy, focus on activities that align with Pisces themes: deepen your intuition through meditation or dream journaling, set intentions around compassion, creativity, and spiritual cleansing, and release emotional baggage. It’s a prime time for thoughtful reflection before taking inspired action.
When are the other moon phases in February 2026?
In February 2026, the Full Moon occurs on February 2nd, the Last Quarter Moon on February 9th, and the First Quarter Moon on February 24th. Each phase offers unique energetic opportunities for release, reflection, and taking action within the lunar cycle.
