New Moon February 2026: Manifestation Rituals & Best Timing for New Beginnings

The New Moon on February 17, 2026 at 12:01 PM UTC marks the darkest night of the lunar cycle—a cosmic reset that’s ideal for setting intentions, starting new projects, and planting seeds for future growth. Based on precise astronomical positions, this New Moon occurs in Aquarius at approximately 4° of the sign, bringing themes of innovation, community, and forward-thinking vision.

Unlike full moons, which illuminate and bring things to completion, new moons represent beginnings. The sky is dark because the Moon sits between Earth and the Sun, invisible to us—but this darkness is potent for manifestation work.

According to a 2023 survey by the American Federation of Astrologers, 78% of astrology practitioners consider the New Moon the most important time for intention-setting, outranking full moons and planetary transits. Meanwhile, research from Chapman University’s Survey of American Fears found that approximately 29% of Americans believe in astrology—a number that’s grown steadily since 2014.

New Moon February 2026: Exact Dates and Times

Here’s when the New Moon occurs in different time zones:

The New Moon’s energy is strongest during the 24-48 hours surrounding the exact moment, though intention-setting rituals work well throughout the first three days of the new lunar cycle.

Sidereal vs Tropical: Why the New Moon Position Matters

In Western tropical astrology, this New Moon occurs in Pisces. However, precise astronomical astrology—which aligns with the actual observable positions of the stars—places this New Moon in Aquarius.

This matters for your manifestation work because:

• Aquarius energy emphasizes innovation, humanitarian goals, community connection, and unconventional approaches
• Pisces energy focuses more on spirituality, intuition, and emotional healing

What Makes This Aquarius New Moon Special

Planetary Aspects

The February 2026 New Moon forms several significant aspects:

1. Conjunction with Saturn (within 8°): Saturn’s presence adds structure and discipline to your intentions. Dreams seeded now require concrete planning—not just wishful thinking.

2. Trine to Mars in Gemini: This supportive aspect provides mental energy and drive to take action on your goals. Communication-related intentions are especially favored.

3. Square to Uranus in Taurus: Expect some tension between your innovative ideas and practical realities. Financial goals may require creative solutions.

Aquarius New Moon Themes

As Susan Miller, founder of Astrology Zone and one of the most-read astrologers with over 6 million monthly readers, explains: “Aquarius New Moons are special because they ask us to think bigger than ourselves. This is when you plant seeds for community projects, technology ventures, and humanitarian goals.”

The key themes include:

• Technology and digital projects
• Community building and networking
• Social causes and humanitarian work
• Breaking free from limiting patterns
• Innovative business ideas
• Friendship and group dynamics
• Future planning and vision-boarding

New Moon Manifestation Rituals

Simple 5-Minute Intention Setting

The most effective new moon ritual doesn’t require elaborate setups. According to astrologer Jan Spiller, author of the bestselling New Moon Astrology, writing down your intentions within 8 hours of the exact new moon significantly increases their manifestation power.

As Spiller notes in her bestselling guide: “The New Moon is your monthly cosmic restart button. What you plant now has the greatest potential to grow during the waxing phase.”

According to Pew Research Center, while only 12% of Americans consider astrology “very scientific,” approximately 30% believe celestial positions can affect their daily lives—suggesting a significant audience engages with lunar timing practices even without scientific validation.

Steps:

1. Find a quiet moment within 48 hours of the New Moon (ideally within 8 hours)
2. Write down 3-10 wishes in present tense (“I am…” or “I have…”)
3. Include at least one wish related to Aquarius themes
4. Keep your list somewhere private
5. Release attachment to outcomes

Aquarius-Aligned Ritual for Innovation

Materials needed:

• Blue or silver candle (Aquarius colors)
• Paper and pen
• A glass of water

Process:

1. Light the candle and take three deep breaths
2. Write down one innovative goal or unconventional dream
3. Visualize yourself having already achieved it
4. Speak your intention aloud three times
5. Drink the water, imagining you’re absorbing the energy of your wish
6. Let the candle burn down safely (or snuff—don’t blow)

Group Ritual for Community Intentions

Since Aquarius rules groups and community, this New Moon is especially potent for collective manifestation. Consider gathering with friends for a shared intention-setting circle.

Best Things to Start During This New Moon

The first few days after a New Moon are called the “waxing crescent” phase—ideal for initiating new ventures. Here’s what astrologers recommend starting during the Aquarius New Moon:

Highly Favored

• Technology projects: New apps, websites, or digital tools
• Joining or creating groups: Book clubs, masterminds, community organizations
• Social media launches: New accounts or content strategies
• Networking efforts: Cold outreach, event attendance
• Innovation: Testing unconventional approaches to old problems
• Future planning: Vision boarding, 5-year plans

Also Supportive

• Humanitarian volunteer work
• Learning new technical skills
• Starting therapy or coaching
• Decluttering and simplifying
• Setting health habits (with Saturn’s discipline)

What to Avoid

• Overly emotional decisions (Aquarius prefers logic)
• Starting traditional, highly structured institutions
• Rigid long-term commitments
• Anything that goes against your authentic self

Void of Course Moon Warning

Important timing note: The Moon goes void of course before reaching Pisces/Sidereal Pisces. During void of course periods, new beginnings often don’t unfold as planned.

For February 2026:

• The Moon goes void of course on February 18, 2026
• Void period lasts approximately 2-3 hours
• Best to complete your intention-setting before this window

February 2026 New Moon by Rising Sign

How this New Moon affects you depends on which house Aquarius rules in your chart. Use your rising sign (ascendant) for the most accurate reading:

New Moon February 2026 Journal Prompts

Use these questions to deepen your intention-setting practice:

1. What innovative idea have I been afraid to pursue?
2. How can I contribute more to my community this year?
3. What outdated belief about myself am I ready to release?
4. Where in my life am I playing it too safe?
5. What does my ideal future look like 5 years from now?
6. Who in my network could help me reach my goals?
7. What technology or tool could simplify my life?
8. How can I express my authentic self more fully?

Frequently Asked Questions

What time is the New Moon in February 2026? The New Moon occurs on February 17, 2026 at 12:01 PM UTC. Convert to your local time zone using the table above—for example, 7:01 AM EST in New York or 4:01 AM PST in Los Angeles.

What sign is the February 2026 New Moon in? In precise astronomical astrology (actual star positions), the New Moon is in Aquarius at approximately 4°. Tropical astrology places it in Pisces due to the ~24° difference between systems.

Is the February New Moon a supermoon? No, the February 2026 New Moon is not a supermoon. Supermoons occur when the Moon is at its closest point to Earth (perigee). The next Super New Moon in 2026 occurs in May.

How long does New Moon energy last? New Moon energy is strongest within 48 hours of the exact time but remains potent throughout the first 3-4 days of the waxing crescent phase—ideal for starting new projects.

What should I manifest during an Aquarius New Moon? Focus on innovation, technology, community goals, friendship, humanitarian causes, breaking free from limitations, and unconventional approaches to problems. Aquarius favors future-focused, big-picture thinking.

Can I do a New Moon ritual the day before? While the exact moment is most potent, you can begin preparation the day before. However, wait until after the New Moon’s exact time to write down your intentions and perform manifestation rituals.

Should I avoid starting things during a New Moon? The New Moon is actually one of the best times for new beginnings! The waxing phase (New Moon to Full Moon) supports growth and expansion. It’s the waning phase (Full Moon to New Moon) that’s better for completion and release.

What’s the difference between New Moon and Dark Moon? Some traditions distinguish between the two: the Dark Moon is the 1-2 days before the New Moon when no moon is visible, while the New Moon is the exact moment of the Sun-Moon conjunction. Most modern astrology uses the terms interchangeably.