Moon Phases and Magick

Learn About the Phases of the Moon and What They Mean

Dec 30, 2008

The moon is very important in occult practice. Knowing the phase of the moon is important in the working of various spells. Part 1 of 3 in the Lunar Lore series.

Throughout history, the motions of the moon and other astronomical bodies have been important to occultists. The moon is certainly important in astrology, and many witches say that the moon represents the Mother Goddess.

The moon does two basic things: waxing and waning. Waxing is when the crescent is to the left side, and waning is when it is to the right side. Waxing is when the moon grows bigger, from new moon to full moon. Waning is when the moon grows smaller, from full moon to new moon. The waxing moon symbolizes positive growth, drawing toward something, invocation, increase. It is good for spells to draw things toward you, such as money, love, luck, etc. The waning moon is about decrease, negative growth, getting rid of things you want out of your life. Banishing, binding, and anything to do with removing negativity is best done during the waning moon. Now let's learn a bit more about the various phases.

New Moon

The new moon, when the moon is completely dark, is a time of creative manifestation. This is the second most powerful time of the month. Here, the energies are turned within, and there is full potential for one to grow. It is traditional to make a wish at the exact time of the new moon. As the moon grows, so does the new moon wish. Bless ritual tools, begin new ventures, new romances, and plan things for the future by the darkness of the new moon.

Waxing Crescent

This is the most familiar shape of the moon. It shows that things have started to happen, but that there is a long way to go for them to completely come to fruition. Perform small rituals of increase, such as spells to get a small bit of money, or to heal mild bumps in a relationship.

First Quarter

First quarter, also known as the half moon, is a powerful time for probability-tipping spells. If there is something that has a chance of happening, but you want to manifest it fully, then use the power of the half moon to summon it forth! Also good for spells of increase in general.

Waxing Gibbous

The moon is almost full now, and it's shining with full force. Major spells of increase can be performed now.

Things to do: Major spells of increase, things that you didn't have enough lunar energy to do during the waxing crescent.

Full Moon

The moon is now at its peak, and this is the strongest, most powerful time of the month for everything occult. Witches celebrate their monthly rituals, called esbats, on the full moon, where they perform a rite called Drawing Down The Moon, in which the Moon Goddess is invoked. The Full Moon occurs on 3 consecutive nights, however, the full moon proper is of course the most powerful. It is a time for creativity, for effusion, for celebration, for liberation, and for very powerful magick. Perform your most powerful castings, whether positive or negative, by the full moon's light. This is the best time for spells of protection, for warding.

Waning Gibbous

Minor banishings are best performed during this time, for the moon has begun to decrease in potency. Weight loss spells and other gradual rites of decrease are best initiated at this time.

Last Quarter

This is another time for probability magick, only this time for spells of decrease.

Waning Crescent

The waning crescent, being the phase closest to the next new moon, is the strongest of all the decreasing phases for banishings and other spells necessitating negative energies.

The copyright of the article Moon Phases and Magick in Pagan/Wiccan Practice is owned by Linda Yu. Permission to republish Moon Phases and Magick in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.