New moon
The new moon is the phase when the Sun and Moon are aligned on the same side of Earth (in conjunction). The Moon’s lit face then turns away from us, so its disc stays dark and is almost invisible in the sky. This is the dark moon, the start of the cycle. Many traditions treat it as a threshold for beginnings and for setting intentions.
Why you can barely see it
At the new moon, the Moon rises and sets at nearly the same time as the Sun, lost in its glare. Its lit face points out into space, away from you, leaving only a dark disc. Two or three evenings later you can catch a thin crescent low on the horizon, just after sunset.
What the tradition invites you to do
This dark moment is often felt as a blank page. You might set an intention, name what you would like to see grow in the coming weeks, or simply rest in the quiet before things start moving again. Nothing is required: treat it as a small starting ritual, on your own scale, with no need to force anything.