Moon Magic
A Little Information About Using the Phases of the Moon...
The Moon provides us with one of the oldest forms of working magickally, she is the mother of all - giving birth to a New Moon every 28.5 days. Her three main lunar phases have produced the Triple Goddess (represented by the turning symbol above) and these have been discovered in caves, giving us the knowledge that our ancestors were observant of her different energies.
The Maiden, Mother & Crone who represent the three major aspects of the Moon
There are many Goddesses associated with the Moon, I use Persephone, Demeter & Hecate respectively for the three phases
Magic generally focuses on only four of the eight widely recognised astronomical phases of the Moon, however it is possible to use them all. Another important factor to consider is the astrological sign that the Moon is in, as this can make your magic very much more effective.
Follow this link to find out more about magical astrology
It is important to familiarise yourself with the different phases of the Moon and discover the best way you can use these particular energies for your magical work. Although the Full Moon is extremely powerful, it is not always possible to wait for this phase, perhaps someone is unwell or you have your driving test, an exam or job interview and time does not permit you to wait. Or you may decide that your magic may be better worked when She is in a favourable sign of the Zodiac. See my chart on the New & Full Moons through the Zodiac on the magical astrology page.
The only time I do not work magic is when the Moon is void of course. This holds an important key for all of us who work with the natural energies of the Universe and can be determined by using a Witches' Almanac. There are also specific magical major and minor power days, which occur from time to time and are worked out using astrological information. These are also listed in comprehensive magic planner diaries - a worthwhile investment for the dedicated Witch.
NB: Not all magic planners have Moon void of course notes, so choose carefully. + If you buy an Almanac that is printed in America, do take into consideration the time difference!
Below is a very basic guide to the major aspects of the Moon and how to apply your magical uses to these phases. Our workshop The Moon and Magic studies the Moon and Her phases in detail to help give you complete confidence.
The New Moon
The Moon turns New in the middle of her Dark phase and so is invisible to our eye, but around the second day of her New phase we can see the thin silver scythe that appears in the sky with the 'horns' pointing to the left in the Northern Hemisphere. This phase is when the Sun and Moon are on the same side of the Earth and are in the same sign of the zodiac. It provides us with an excellent phase for magical work for anything new, such as new ventures and beginnings, a new business project, taking up a new hobby or sport and making new friends to name a few.
The New Moon represents the Goddess in her maiden aspect and ceremonies such as a Naming of a new baby or Wiccanning would be held at this time. It also represents the season of Spring, a time that is also full of potential, preparation and growth.
Use this time for new beginnings and fresh starts or changes of direction. It is also a favourable time for education, new jobs and putting new ideas into practice. A time of great optimism and bringing resolutions to fruition. Planting seeds by the light of the New Moon is said to bring a good harvest, especially herbs.
The Waxing Moon
Appearing to spread from the right to the left the Moon is now said to be waxing and this is the best time for magic to increase abundance, for growth and to attract good fortune. This phase lasts from the New Moon to the Full.
The foundations laid during the New Moon, this phase builds upon those ideas and is the best time for getting things underway. It is the optimum time for learning, as knowledge will be readily absorbed, so be busy and get chores that are tiresome finished, feed plants and harvest vegetables and fruits that you will eat immediately.
The Full Moon
At Full Moon, the Sun and Moon are on either side of the Earth and are in opposite signs of the zodiac. Now the whole of the Moon's face is visible as she is reflecting the maximum light from the Sun and so this is the most potent time for magic as the Moon is at her strongest. Although this phase only lasts a mere 24 hours it is common for Witches to use the night before and the night after, as well as the night of the Full Moon, thereby using her all the Full Moon energy. The Full Moon is a traditional time when a coven would meet to work magic and is known as the Esbat. This phase is associated with Summer, all types divination and is a particularly powerful time for spells connected with healing, fertility and protection.
The Full Moon represents the Goddess in her mother aspect and ceremonies that are traditionally held during this phase are Handfastings (Wiccan weddings) and Coming of Age Rites.
Celebration is generally featured with the Full Moon as the full force of her energy is tangible, you may observe that others appear to be 'hyper' now so use that dynamic feeling and bring your hopes and dreams to reality, especially where love is concerned. The sense of completeness caused by her full light is a time for abundance with parties, and events such as big gatherings, being fortuitous now. Plant trees, flowers and root vegetables.
The Waning Moon
When the light starts to fade from the Full face of the Moon (this happens seconds following the 24 hours of the full) she is said to be waning. She decreases in size from the right to the left and her energies fade with her. This phase is associated with Autumn - a time of acceptance - and is the time for cleansing magic, that is to say ridding yourself of old habits and unwanted feelings. As the Waning Moon decreases, use its cleansing powers to banish something or somebody from your life. As she shrinks all negativity can be released and washed away, so release bad feelings and wounds of the soul at this time too. The Waning Moon is then followed by the Dark of the Moon, a period of rest, until the New Moon is born once more.
The Waning Moon represents the Goddess in her wise age, known as the Crone (wise one), and is chosen for ceremonial Rites of Withdrawal or Croning, until once more this changes and blends with the Dark to New Moon.
Use this time of declining energies to abandon ways that are not working for you, clean and tidy your house, office and garden and generally have a really good sort out. This can also be 'mental' - in other words 'detox' your life and mind! Store bulbs, cut back weeds and dead wood from your garden, prune trees and tend to your compost heap, so that you can return to the soil the fruits of the Earth.
The Dark of the Moon
Hecate
When no Moon is visible in the sky she is said to be in her Dark phase. At this time when the Moon is hiding her face from us the energies can be confusing, causing spells to 'misfire'. Some Witches never work magic on the Dark of the Moon as it can be a little like 'swimming against the tide' with the added possibility of getting out of your depth quickly and with unpredictable results.
I believe we can still use her energy in its retreated form, just like the season of Winter this phase represents and correct any imbalances in our lives during this mysterious time. Ruled by Hecate the Dark of the Moon is a time for reflection and rest as with the New Moon only days away there is a new beginning in sight... ... ...
During this reflective time take the opportunity to think deeply about your life and aim to correct its more negative aspects. Your dreams may take on a 'dark' feel but hold important messages about what is hidden and may bring greater understanding of any problems or 'dark' areas of mystery in your life. Think about the coming month but take a couple of days to be soul still.
Look at the Moon Wisdom page to get to know our Lady of Magic a little better!
May the light embrace of the Moon bring you healing & wisdom...
Celtic Moon X
Teachings are Copyright of Celtic Moon - All Rights Reserved 2004
