Dictionary term
Synodic Month
Direct answer
Synodic Month: A Synodic Month is the mean interval between identical lunar phases, such as one new moon and the next.
A Synodic Month is the approximately 29.53-day lunar phase cycle.
- Source
- The Great Almanac Dictionary
- Category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Also appears in
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Aliases
- None listed
- Last updated
- 2026-07-16
Quick reference
- Use when
- Use Synodic Month for phase recurrence, lunation numbering, lunar calendars, and spring-neap tide timing.
- Do not use it for
- Do not substitute 28 days for the synodic month or assume every lunation has the mean length.
- Reference category
- Calendars & Timekeeping
- Related terms
- Draconic Year, Sidereal Month, Calendar, Julian Date
The story behind Synodic Month
Month systems began from observed phase cycles long before the orbit was described mathematically.
Synodic Month in spiritual tradition
Spiritually, the synodic month offers a visible rhythm for reflection while remaining an orbital relationship.
The Great Almanac frames Synodic Month with educational restraint. Mystical or symbolic language may be meaningful, but it should not be exaggerated into certainty, panic, or permission to ignore ordinary responsibility.
Synodic Month in the Bible
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.
Synodic Month in numerology
Synodic Month 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 Synodic Month matters
It is the lunar period most directly connected with visible phases and the month lengths of lunar calendars.
Example in a reading: A full moon recurs about 29.53 days after the previous full moon, though individual lunations vary.
Interpretive caution: Do not substitute 28 days for the synodic month or assume every lunation has the mean length.
How Synodic Month is used in a reading
Use Synodic Month for phase recurrence, lunation numbering, lunar calendars, and spring-neap tide timing.
Where interpretation stops
Synodic Month 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.
The page starts with a direct definition, then separates use, example, caution, spiritual meaning, and historical context. For astrology, occult, demonology, curse, and spiritual warfare terms, the editorial rule is to explain the term without making fear-based, fatalistic, medical, legal, financial, or ritual-instruction claims.
Continue learning
Place this timekeeping idea beside the current sky, universal timing, and live celestial positions.
Open Worldwide WatchRelated terms
These related entries help place Synodic Month inside a wider reference cluster instead of leaving it as a standalone keyword.
