The new moon in October 2026 falls on Saturday, 10 October, at exactly 17:50 Central European Summer Time (15:50 UTC). For many people it is the most natural moment in the lunar month for a quiet pause: the sky is dark and the cycle begins again, an ideal time to decide what to leave behind and to write down fresh intentions.
Below you will find verified details about the October new moon, a simple six-step ritual for complete beginners, intention ideas and answers to common questions. All you need is half an hour of calm, a candle and a notebook.
When is the new moon in October 2026?
- Date and time: Saturday, 10 October 2026, at 17:50 CEST (Ljubljana time) (15:50 UTC).
- Zodiac sign: the Sun and Moon meet in Libra, a sign astrology associates with balance, relationships and harmony.
- No eclipse: at the moment of the new moon the Moon sits slightly south of the ecliptic, so there is no solar eclipse this time.
- When you will see the Moon: the Moon is not visible at the new moon itself. A thin crescent appears low in the western sky after sunset a few days later.
If you follow a lunar calendar for 2026, note two more dates in this cycle: the first quarter on 18 October and the full moon (the Hunter's Moon) in the early hours of 26 October. The full moon is a good moment to check in on how your intentions are developing. To learn how to work with each lunar phase, read our guide to moon rituals.
Why the new moon is a good time for new intentions
The new moon symbolises a beginning. Just as autumn sowing does not bring a harvest overnight, an intention set at the new moon is not a magic formula but a seed. A ritual helps you pause and name where you want to direct your attention over the next four weeks.
Libra colours this new moon with questions of balance: between work and rest, between giving and receiving, between what we do for others and what we do for ourselves. If you feel stretched too thin this autumn, it is a lovely moment to write down what brings you back to calm.
What you need for a new moon ritual
- 30 to 40 minutes when nobody will disturb you,
- a candle (a battery-powered one is fine),
- a notebook or journal and a pen,
- a glass of water or a cup of herbal tea,
- a comfortable seat, cushion or blanket.
You can do the ritual on the evening of the new moon or during the following two to three days. Your presence matters more than the exact hour.
A simple six-step intention-setting ritual
1. Prepare your space
Switch off the main lights, put your phone away and light the candle. Look into the flame and say to yourself: "Now I am taking time for me."
2. Settle with your breath (5 minutes)
Sit upright but relaxed and place one hand on your belly. Breathe in through your nose for a count of four, then breathe out slowly for a count of six. A longer exhale helps the body settle and the mind slow down. Repeat for ten rounds. You will find more simple techniques in our article on breathing exercises for stress.
3. Release the old
In your journal, write down three things you do not want to carry into the new lunar month: a habit, a worry, a thought about yourself or a commitment that drains your energy. Do not judge, just write. Then read each line with a long exhale.
4. Write your new intentions
On a fresh page, write one to three intentions. Phrase them in the present tense and positively, as if they are already happening. Instead of "I don't want to be tired any more", write "I dedicate my evenings to rest and go to bed before 11 pm". Keep each intention small enough to live every day.
5. Connect your intention with your body's energy
Close your eyes and place your palms over your heart. As you breathe in, imagine the warmth of your hands filling your chest; as you breathe out, imagine it spreading through your whole body. Silently repeat your main intention and notice where you feel it: as warmth, lightness or perhaps a slight tension. Stay here for two to three minutes. Many people find that feeling an intention makes it easier to hold on to.
6. Close and choose a first step
Sip some water, thank yourself and blow out the candle. Then note one small, concrete step for tomorrow. Keep the page with your intentions somewhere visible until the full moon.
New moon in Libra: intention ideas
- "I take ten minutes of silence every day."
- "In my relationships I say clearly and kindly what I need."
- "I create balance between work and rest."
- "I listen to my body and give it what it needs."
If you would like to link your intentions to everyday actions, have a look at manifestation for beginners. Manifesting at the new moon makes most sense when you support it with small, regular steps.
Common mistakes in new moon rituals for beginners
- Too many intentions at once: one clear intention is stronger than ten vague ones.
- Expecting instant results: the new moon is a time for sowing, not harvesting.
- Rushing: a short, calm ritual beats a long, hurried one.
- Forgetting your intentions: reread them at the full moon and adjust them if needed.
Going deeper: support with breath and energy
A home ritual is a beautiful start. If you would like more support to relax, let go of tension and begin the new cycle with more inner calm, a guided session can help.
- Breath and energy work:Astralni Dotik – AEH energy therapy is a one-to-one session in Ljubljana that begins with a guided relaxation process and breathing, followed by gentle energy work for greater inner balance. It is a natural extension of steps 2 and 5 of the ritual above, with a therapist guiding you through the process. Prices start at €75 and available slots are shown on the profile.
- Deep rest in a frequency space: at the EES Harmonija telesa in srca centre in Ljubljana you rest quietly in a room equipped with EES frequency technology. If you would like to spend the new moon night differently, there is a 12-hour overnight EES session on Saturday, 10 October, at 21:00 (€150).
- Sound for relaxation: if sound helps you unwind, read what to expect at a sound bath.
Rituals and energy sessions are intended for relaxation and personal growth and do not replace medical or psychological care.
New moon October 2026: frequently asked questions
What time is the new moon on 10 October 2026?
The new moon is on Saturday, 10 October 2026, at 17:50 CEST (15:50 UTC), in Libra.
Do I have to do the ritual at the exact time of the new moon?
No. The evening of the new moon or the following two to three days work just as well. What matters is taking the time calmly.
What if I cannot concentrate during the ritual?
A ritual cannot "fail". If your thoughts wander, gently return to your breath.
How often should I do new moon rituals?
The simplest rhythm is once a month, at every new moon: intentions at the new moon, a review at the full moon and a fresh start four weeks later.
The October new moon is an invitation to pause, light a candle and write down what you want to nurture. A small intention lived daily can change more in one lunar month than you might expect.