What is the orientation of the moons orbit angle ,away from or towards the ecliptic?
The Moon’s orbit is tilted 5° from the ecliptic. The Moon’s orbit crosses the ecliptic twice per orbit at two “nodes” called the ascending node and the descending node. The location of these nodes rotates around the ecliptic (from east to west) over a period of 18 years. Twice per year, these nodes are positioned in such a way that the Moon reaches New or Full phase when near the node. When this happens, an eclipse (either lunar or solar) will occur. At other times of the year, eclipses are not possible.
