Dictionary term
Metonic Cycle
Direct answer
Metonic Cycle: The Metonic Cycle is a period of 19 solar years that is close to 235 synodic months, allowing lunar phases to recur near the same calendar dates.
The Metonic Cycle approximately matches 19 years with 235 lunar months.
The Metonic Cycle approximately matches 19 years with 235 lunar months.
A cycle or timeline schematic for comparing the named timekeeping concept.Quick reference
- Use when
- Use the Metonic Cycle when explaining lunisolar calendars, Golden Numbers, and recurring phase-date patterns.
- Do not use it for
- Do not call the cycle exact; phase times drift because 19 years and 235 lunations are not identical.
- Reference category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Related terms
- Golden Number, Callippic Cycle, Calendar, Julian Date
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The story behind Metonic Cycle
The cycle is named for the fifth-century BCE Athenian astronomer Meton, though related nineteen-year knowledge appeared in earlier traditions.
Metonic Cycle in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, the Metonic Cycle invites appreciation for near-harmony without mistaking approximation for perfection.
Metonic Cycle: fact and faith, kept distinct
This is a factual calendar, astronomy, Earth-science, cultural-history, or observational reference. It can support wonder and practical planning without becoming a claim of fate, spiritual causation, or private revelation.
Metonic Cycle in numerology
Metonic Cycle is not a numerology claim. Any numbers attached to it should retain their ordinary scientific, calendrical, navigational, or historical meaning unless a separate symbolic interpretation is clearly labeled.
Why Metonic Cycle matters
Its close fit provides a practical framework for leap months and ecclesiastical lunar tables.
Metonic Cycle at work: an example
Seven leap months distributed through nineteen years can keep a lunisolar calendar broadly aligned with the seasons.
Where interpretation stops
Metonic Cycle is presented as sourced astronomy, calendrical, Earth-science, cultural, or instrument-history reference. Definitions should distinguish measured phenomena from civil convention and historical interpretation, preserve location and time dependencies, and avoid turning factual sky data into a deterministic personal claim.
Sources and editorial method
Research references used for this entry include:
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Astronomical Almanac Glossary - Reference definitions for astronomical periods, coordinates, dates, and time scales.
- U.S. Naval Observatory: Introduction to Calendars - Official overview of calendar systems, leap rules, eras, and historical calendar reform.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Also appears in
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Compare solar years and lunations
Metonic Cycle in a book is one thing; Metonic Cycle in your own birth chart is your life. The Oracle casts your real chart and tells you what it means for your love, your work, and your year ahead, in conversation, free.
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More in Calendars & Timekeeping
Common questions
What is Metonic Cycle?
The Metonic Cycle is a period of 19 solar years that is close to 235 synodic months, allowing lunar phases to recur near the same calendar dates.
How is Metonic Cycle used in an almanac?
Use the Metonic Cycle when explaining lunisolar calendars, Golden Numbers, and recurring phase-date patterns.
What should I avoid when interpreting Metonic Cycle?
Do not call the cycle exact; phase times drift because 19 years and 235 lunations are not identical.
