Can the Moon Change Your Luck? Full Moon Superstitions Explained

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Good Luck, Bad Luck, and Moon Folklore

Written By: Martha White
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Can the Moon change your luck? According to Moon lore, in many cases, the full Moon brings good luck. But not always! Read on about Full Moon superstitions and folklore. 

See the date of the next Full Moon!

When the Moon Is Said to Bring Good Luck

  • It is lucky to expose your newborn to the waxing Moon. It will give the baby strength.
  • It’s lucky to move into a new house during the New Moon; prosperity will increase as the Moon waxes.
  • It is lucky to see the first sliver of a new Moon “clear of the brush,” or unencumbered by foliage.
  • Ever wonder why people keep rabbit feet? It is lucky … especially if the rabbit was killed in a cemetery by a cross-eyed person at the dark of the Moon. (Good luck coordinating that one!)
  • It is lucky to hold a moonstone in your mouth at the Full Moon; it will reveal the future.
  • It is lucky to have a Full Moon on the “Moon day” (Monday).

Full Moon Bad Luck Superstitions

  • It is unlucky to have a Full Moon on Sunday.
  • It is unlucky to see the first sliver of a new Moon through a window; you’ll break a dish.
  • And it’s certainly unlucky to sleep in the moonlight, or worse, be born in the moonlight!
  • It is unlucky to point at the New Moon or view any Moon over your shoulder.
  • It is unlucky to see “the old Moon in the arms of the new” or the faint image of the full disk while the new crescent Moon is illuminated, especially if you’re a sailor. Storms are predicted.

Find out what phase the Moon is in tonight!

Moon Superstitions

Moon PhaseBeliefGood or Bad LuckTradition
New MoonMove into a new houseGood luckProsperity grows as Moon waxes
New MoonSee the crescent clearly (not through glass)Good luckClear future and success
New MoonPoint at the MoonBad luckBrings misfortune
Waxing MoonExpose newborn to MoonGood luckStrength and growth
Full MoonHold a moonstone in mouthGood luckReveals the future
Full MoonFull Moon on MondayGood luckEnhanced luck
Full MoonFull Moon on SundayBad luckIll fortune
Any PhaseSleep in moonlightBad luckWeakness or misfortune
Any PhaseBe born in moonlightBad luckUnlucky destiny
New MoonSee “old Moon in the arms of the new”Bad luckStorms predicted (sailors)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do full Moon superstitions really bring good luck?

According to folklore, the full Moon often symbolizes abundance, clarity, and luck, though beliefs vary by culture and tradition.

Is the full Moon good luck or bad luck?

It can be either. Some traditions see the full Moon as lucky, while others associate it with bad luck depending on the day of the week or circumstance.

What does the new Moon symbolize in folklore?

The new Moon is commonly associated with beginnings, growth, and prosperity, making it a popular time for fresh starts.

Why is it unlucky to point at the Moon?

Many traditions warn that pointing at the Moon shows disrespect and can bring misfortune or bad luck.

Is it bad luck to sleep in moonlight?

Folklore suggests that sleeping in direct moonlight can cause illness or bad luck, though this belief has no scientific basis.

What does “the old Moon in the arms of the new” mean?

It refers to seeing the faint outline of the full Moon while the new crescent is visible. Sailors believed it predicted storms.

Are Moon superstitions the same everywhere?

No. Moon folklore varies widely across cultures, regions, and historical periods, though many themes overlap.

Do people still believe Moon superstitions today?

Yes. While often viewed as folklore, many people still follow Moon-based traditions for luck, planting, and major life events.

Do you believe full Moon superstitions bring luck or misfortune? Share your favorite Moon folklore in the comments below!

About The Author
Martha White

Martha White

Martha White has been a full-time writer and editor since 1987 and has a broad background in journalism, opinion columns, syndicated features, humor articles, book reviews, essays, and fiction. Her fr...