The waxing crescent is a phase of the lunar cycle that occurs after the new moon and before the first quarter. During this phase, a small sliver of the moon becomes visible as it begins to reflect sunlight. The illuminated portion grows larger each night, hence the term "waxing," which means increasing. This phase typically lasts for about a week, with the moon appearing as a crescent shape in the sky. The waxing crescent is best observed shortly after sunset, when it is low on the horizon. It is an important phase for astronomy enthusiasts and is often associated with new beginnings.