What is waxes and wanes?

Waxing and waning are terms used to describe the phases of the moon, but they can also be applied to other natural phenomena. In general, waxing is when something is increasing or growing, while waning is when something is decreasing or diminishing.

When it comes to the moon, waxing refers to the period when the moon is increasing in illumination from a new moon to a full moon. Waning refers to the period when the moon is decreasing in illumination from a full moon to a new moon.

In other contexts, waxing and waning can describe any cyclical pattern of growth and decline. For example, the fertility of crops may wax and wane with the seasons, or the popularity of a trend may wax and wane over time.

Waxing and waning can also be used metaphorically to describe the ups and downs of life. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, our fortunes may rise and fall, and our moods may fluctuate from high to low.