Since the first stirrings of human civilization, the Moon has played an important role in the myths and practices of cultures around the world. For eons, it served as both a source of light and a way of measuring time. Like its counterpart, the Sun, it has been linked with many gods and goddesses around the globe. In both myth and magic, this celestial body has been universally associated with many central concerns of human existence, such as love, passion, fertility, mystery, death and rebirth, and the afterlife. Today, the Moon is still a vital presence in Wicca and other forms of modern Witchcraft and Paganism.Traditionally, Wiccan covens meet for Full Moon rituals to honor the Goddess on the Esbats , a practice adopted by solitaries as well.
THE POWER OF THE MOON
Scientists know that the Earth has its own energy, which is independent from the energy it receives from the Sun. The Moon also emits an energy that is subtle, yet distinctive. Unlike the Sun’s masculine, projective energy, lunar energy is feminine and receptive. This is the energy of the Goddess. This power has often been described as magnetic, which makes sense to anyone who has literally felt “pulled” in some way by the Moon. Some particularly sensitive people actually feel a physical tug in their bodies at the Full or New Moon, while others just notice a heightened sense of awareness to everything in their environment.
Lunar energy is tailor-made for interacting with our the energy of own intuition, which is also feminine, receptive, and magnetic in nature. Also known as our sixth sense, this is the most crucial mode of perception when it comes to magic. So when we consciously connect with the energy of the Moon, we are opening up a pathway, or channel, for that energy to help manifest desired changes in our lives. And when we do this in conscious harmony with the energetic rhythms of the Moon’s cycle, we can truly amplify the power of our magical work. This is because each phase of the lunar cycle offers particular energies that can be harnessed for specific magical goals.
WORKING WITH THE LUNAR CYCLE
The relationship between magic and the Moon can be broadly described as a cycle of waxing and waning. As the Moon grows, we work magic for increase; as it wanes, we work magic for decrease. So when you’re seeking to bring something into your life, you work with the waxing Moon, and when you want to banish or release some unwanted element of your life, you work during the waning phase.
The transitional point between these two opposites is the Full Moon, a time of “harvest” as we celebrate what we have manifested over the first half of the cycle. We then essentially “clean up” afterward, identifying and releasing what is no longer needed throughout the second half of the cycle. At the New Moon, we set new intentions for the next round of manifestation, and on and on it goes. The rhythm of this cycle can be visualized as the rhythm of the tides, which the Moon, of course, is causing.
Here are some general suggestions for timing your magic with the phases of the Moon:
New Moon: This is the very beginning of the lunar cycle, and a good time for dreaming of what you wish to create in your life. Traditionally, magic aimed at initiating new projects and ventures is favored at this time, but anything involving attracting or increasing what you desire is appropriate.
Waxing Moon: This phase is the ideal time for taking action in the direction of our goals—actually beginning, on the physical plane, the projects we’ve intended for on the spiritual plane. The energy here is one of action and projecting our intentions outward into the Universe. Magical work may be related to gaining or strengthening partnerships with others (whether they be friends, romantic interests, or business associates) and improving physical health and general well-being.
Full Moon: This is the most powerful phase of the entire lunar cycle. Many Witches find that the day of the Full Moon is the most magically potent day of the month, and may save spellwork related to particularly important goals for this occasion. Any and all magical purposes are favored during a Full Moon ritual.
Waning Moon: This is the time to release the energy of outward action, and align with the energy of inward reflection. Eliminating negative energies and experiences is the predominant magical goal now, so spellwork aimed at overcoming obstacles, resolving conflicts, and removing causes of illness is appropriate.
Dark Moon: In the days just before the New Moon, many Witches refrain from actively working magic, choosing instead to refresh their energy for the next waxing phase. However, many others find the Dark Moon to be the best time for magic related to closure, or bringing things full circle. There is a destructive potential to the energy now that can be harnessed for releasing any karmic patterns that crop up again and again in your life, such as those related to lack, abandonment, betrayal, etc.
TUNE IN TO THE MOON FOR ENHANCED MAGIC
Not many people who are new to magic have been in the habit of paying daily attention to the rhythms of the Moon’s orbit around the Earth. If this includes you, consider adopting a practice of connecting with the Moon each day, whether through a formal ritual or just a brief, silent greeting.
Find out where the Moon is in its cycle and acknowledge this as part of your daily practice—you can find out the Full Moon schedule online. This will help you attune to the subtle differences in lunar energy from phase to phase. From New to Full, to Dark and back to New again, the never-ending cycle of the Moon presents many opportunities to tune into the energies of the natural world and enhance your spellwork.
Why are Moon Cycles Important when Casting Spells?
The Moon is Earth’s only natural satellite. She accompanies and influences us in many ways, even if we can’t always perceive it. Most Witches are extremely sensitive to the lunar cycles and can sense the effect that the Moon and its phases are having on them. This can be used to make better decisions and expect better results in turn.
It has been proven that the phases of the moon have different effects and influences on the Earth and all living beings. The lunar phases can alter the ocean tides, the weather, our sleep patterns, our moods and many other things including rates of fertility, caused by the extra light that the full moon provides ¹.
Throughout history, Witches were well aware of the power of the Moon and her changing phases, and developed spells and rituals that adjust to take as much advantage of this energy as possible.
1. New Moon
This is the first phase of the lunar cycle. It starts when the moon is invisible (this state lasts for one day and is also known as a Dark Moon) because it rests between the Sun and the Earth. On the following days, the moon slowly begins to appear in the sky. The energy of the New Moon is associated with introspection, self-analysis and reflection on ourselves. An opportunity for a fresh start and a New You.
What to do during the New Moon
The energies of this Moon phase aren’t really going to increase your powers of Manifestation. Instead of casting a spell in the New Moon use this time to establish a general intention for the lunar cycle that begins today. Work on your personal space: clean your ritual area, start or decorate your Book of Shadows, look up spells online, or take a cleansing bath. Meditate on your wishes and desires, but also on your doubts and fears. Plan and think about everything you want to conceive and achieve during the next 28 days!
Some of the best spells to try during the New Moon are:
2. Waxing Crescent
This phase of the moon starts 3 days after the New Moon, when you can begin to see a small portion of the moon in the dark sky. The crescent moon is the symbol and representation of the Wiccan Goddess, embodying Manifestation and Abundance.
What to do during the Waxing Crescent Moon
Cast a spell that will help you grow your business or your career. This is a good time for long-term or material-gain spells, such as a money-drawing spell or a ritual for finding a new job. Focus on your work and your education. Avoid thinking of your goals as something that is in the future but rather as something that is already starting to happen. Also, charge your Moon Water on the Waxing Crescent Moon.
Harness the power of this lunar phase by working with these type of spells:
3. First Quarter
This phase begins around 7 days after the new moon. This is an excellent time to take action regarding your deepest wishes and to address your biggest blockages. It is a great time for growth and self-healing. As a continuation of the previous phase, the energies present at this time can help you feel more lucid and aware of how your intuition and second natures are developing.
What to do during the First Quarter Moon
Use the energies of this phase to heal on both spiritual and emotional levels. As the moon is growing in shape, you can focus on self-growth. It’s a time of abundance so use it creatively, allow the right things and people come to you and attract the important things that you wish to see more of. Carry out health and beauty treatments, focus on personal growth such as increasing self-esteem and self-love, family and fertility, and work on developing your Powers of Manifestation. Cast these spells during a First Quarter moon:
- Good Luck Spells for Everyone
- Love Spells for Every Occasion
- Please remember that you should NEVER affect a person’s free will with any spell, including a love spell. Do spells that attract the right person into your life or spells that help you see love, not spells that will make someone love you.
4. Waxing Gibbous
This is the fourth moon phase. It starts on the 10th day after the New Moon and lasts until the 13th day after it. It is a time to be patient. Recognize the power of the Universe and let it take control. Pause your actions and instead observe the state in which your projects are. Relax, analyze, and plan your next move.
What to do during the Waxing Gibbous Moon
Wait and develop patience. If you have started casting a spell during the previous moon phases, this is the time to sit tight and let the Universe do its job. This is a gestation period in which we don’t really have to do anything in particular. Use this time to get ready for the next phase: The Full Moon. Organize your tools, gather your materials and add new spells to your Book of Shadows. Also try:
- Bath Spells
- Google bath spells are there are ones for love, money, success, etc.
- Spiritual Cleanses
5. Full Moon
It occurs 14 days after the New Moon and it’s easy to identify because the night sky is suddenly glowing all around you. Look up and you’ll find a big pearl shining brightly as it reflects sunlight upon the Earth. It represents the culmination and success of everything you started during the Waxing moon phase. Now everything is in its fullness. During this phase, people are more receptive and social relationships become more favorable.
What to do during the Full Moon
The full moon favors communication and social interaction. This phase is very favorable to deal with romantic issues, as it can be a true aphrodisiac. If you have been working on a love spell, this is when you will see the best results. Act on your desires and take chances!
As this moon enhances communication with the spiritual world, any kind of ritual that is performed under the Full Moon will experience a boost of Power. Divination rituals are especially strengthened by this moon, like any personal spellwork that could use a major boost, including rituals for abundance, protection, love or wisdom. Your chances of success are greater than during any other lunar phase. Use the power of the full moon to cast any type of spell with confidence.
6. Waning Gibbous
It starts on the 3rd day after the Full Moon until the 7th day afterwards. It brings an opportunity to remove and eliminate negative energies. Use this moon phase to free yourself from burdens that are holding you back.
What to do during the Waning Gibbous Moon
Banishing rituals and any spells to get rid of negative things and situations are favored by this moon phase. For example, those related to divorce, separation, removal of problems, addictions, stress and other negative feelings. Best types of spells for this phase:
- Protection Spells
- Bath Spells
- Spiritual Cleanses
- Banishing Spells
7. Last Quarter
This phase starts on the 7th day after the Full Moon and lasts until the 10th day afterwards. Let the energy of this moon quietly finish your removal processes and cleanses. Close any pending issues and quietly renew your inner energies.
What to do during the Last Quarter Moon
It is time to be cautious and use this lunar phase to rest. You can also use this opportunity to remove yourself from destructive relationships, negative behavior patterns or anything harmful in your life. Overcome melancholy and depression. Some Witches use this moon phase to cast spells for justice or against enemies (i.e. Black Magic).
Best spell for the Last Quarter Moon Phase:
8. Waning Crescent
This is the last phase of the Moon cycle. It spans from the 10th day after the Full Moon until the night before the New Moon. It’s a moment of closure and reflection, do not use it to make any big decisions or start a new project.
What to do during the Waning Crescent Moon
Give thanks for a cycle that ends, allowing a new one to begin. Look back to what you have accomplished during the past month, what mistakes you made and how you can improve and keep growing. Perform rituals of gratitude and relaxation, which indicate conclusion.
Best spell for this moon phase:
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