The magickal moon

Most Wiccan's use various methods to work and time their magic some use the planets, the sun, the moon and the stars and some work magic on the Wiccan Sabbats these are our holy days and they are the solstices, equinoxes and the cross-quarter days. The Sabbats are based on the solar (the sun) cycle. However most Wiccan's use these times for celebration rituals more so than magic.

More commonly we times our magic to the phases of the moon, traditionally we work magic on the Full Moon and sometimes the New Moon, however you decide to perform magic knowing the different moon phases will help.
celebrations and magical work based on the lunar cycles are called the esbats traditionally when wiccans refer to the esbats we are talking about the Full Moon and again maybe the New Moon.

The moon and its phases

There are four main phases of the moon but sometimes they are broken down even further, the New Moon, Waxing Moon, Full Moon and the Wanning Moon each of these phases has a 7 day period for doing all your magical workings. There are also seasonal moons too but we will discuss those further down so for now we will move to the New Moon.

  

New Moon or Dark Moon

The first phase in the lunar cycle is the new moon it occurs when the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, its dark side towards the Earth. This Moon phase symbolises the time bewtween death and rebirth. New moon workings can be done from the day of the new moon to three and a half days after. Magick should be performed between dawn and sunset. New beginings, starting a new project or starting a new adventure, the New Moon is appropriate for working magic associated with change, secrets and solitude and also a good time for banishing sending away or removing undesired energy. 

 

Waxing Moon

The Moon is waxing at any time after the New Moon and before the Full Moon, it is called waxing because the illuminated area is increasing. Power increases as the Moon waxes and this Moon is best for magic involving
new beginnings, protection, positive magick for growth, magick to bring things to you. The waxing Moon is associated with invoking, calling in or summoning desired energy.

Full Moon

During the Full Moon the Moon is on the opposite side of Earth from the Sun, the whole disk of the Moon is illuminated. When the Moon is full its power is at its maximum so appropriate for magic associated with achievement, completion, conclusion, fulfllment and love. This is also a good time for healing. The Full Moon is associated with invoking calling in or summoning desired energy.
Any magick can be done during the full moon because magickal energies have reached their peek. This is the ideal time to do any magick.

Waning Moon

The Moon is waning anytime after the Full Moon and before the New Moon it is called waning because the illiminated area is decreasing. The time of the waning Moon is best for endings, secrets and wisdom, the death of ideas or projects. The Waning Moon is associated with banishing so sending away or removing undesired energy. Banishments, bindings, removing yourself from negative influences, negative magick ONLY to protect yourself.

 





January - Wolf Moon also known as the Cold Moon, Snow Moon or Winter Moon
Plan a ritual of protection around your home and family.

February - Storm Moon also known as the Death Moon or Quickening Moon
Plan a ritual to ask the Old Ones for help in planning your future.

March - Chaste Moon also known as the Seed Moon or Worm Moon
Plan a ritual to help fulfill your wishes is appropriate.

April - Seed Moon also known as Egg Moon, Grass Moon or Wind Moon
Plan a ritual to physically plant your seeds of desire in Mother Earth.

May - Hare Moon also known as the Flower or planting Moon
Plan a ritual to reaffirm your goals.

June - Lover's Moon also known as the Strawberry Moon or Rose Moon
Plan a ritual to balance your spiritual and physical desires.

July - Mead Moon also known as the Blessing Moon, Lightening or Thunder Moon
Plan a ritual to decide what you will do once your goals have been met.

August - Wyrt Moon alson known as the Wort Moon, Barley Moon, orn Moon or Red Moon
Plan a ritual to preserve what you already have.

September - Harvest Moon also known as Barley Moon or Hunters Moon
Plan a ritual of Thanksgiving for all the Old Ones have given you.

October - Blood Moon Also known as Falling Leaf Moon or Hunter's Moon
Plan a ritual to remember those who have passed from this world, and be sure to make an offering to them.

November - Snow Moon also known as Beaver Moon, Mourning Moon or Tree Moon
Plan for a ritual to work on ridding yourself of negative thoughts and vibrations.

December - Oak Moon Also known as Cold Moon or Long Night Moon
Plan for a ritual to help you remain steadfast in your convictions.

A Blue Moon is variable and occurs when the Moon with it's 28 day cycle appears twice within the same calendar month, due to that month's 31 day duration.


Other Moon related articles

Tonic waters containing the energies of the moon embody very powerful healing benefits that bring about integral balance and wholeness throughout the body, mind and soul. Clear quartz crystal catalyses the absorption of lunar energies as well as amplifies the healing benefits.

To Prepare Moon Water

1. Wait for a clear night, preferably on or right before the full moon. put your crystal in a clear glass and cover with one cup of purified water.

2. Check an almanac for the exact time of sundown on the day you have chosen. At sundown, place the glass out of doors in a moonlit place (cover the glass with clear plastic wrap).

3. Remove the glass at dawn. The water is now filled with lunar potency. Drink the moon water every morning to prepare your body, mind and spirit for the stress of the day.

1997 by Marguerite Elsbeth