“The moon does not fight. It attacks no one. It does not worry. It does not try to crush others. It keeps to its course, but by its very nature, it gently influences. What other body could pull an entire ocean from shore to shore? The moon is faithful to its nature and its power is never diminished.”
― Deng Ming-Dao Everyday Tao: Living with Balance and Harmony
Hi, lovelies and welcome to WiccaNow. Recently I’ve been sharing some of my favourite crystals and herbs, like these posts on amethyst, emerald, rose quartz and cinnamon. Today I thought we’d talk about something a little different, namely the magickal moon phases.
If you’ve started working with magick and are interested in enriching your practice, the moon and her phases make a wonderful place to start. Understanding the phases of the moon and how to work with these to enhance our spellwork is incredibly empowering. Below you’ll find a description of each of the 8 magickal phases of the moon as well as suggestions on how you might incorporate these into your magickal practice.
Table of Contents
The 8 Moon Phases
1 – New Moon
Sometimes called the crescent moon you’ll see this moon phase as a faint silver sliver in the night sky. The new moon phase promotes new beginnings and fresh endeavours. Use this phase as you would a blank piece of paper, write down your goals and intentions, look for career and relationship improvements and plant the seed of inspiration which will be harvested later.
2 – Waxing Crescent
In this phase the moon appears to be growing in size, shifting from a thin sliver to a more substantial shape. This is a time of growth and fresh energy. Use this moon phase to consider the growth of things important to you. Perhaps your relationship is in need of strength and growth? Or you would like to increase your bank balance? Use the waxing crescent phase of the moon to bring power to these areas of your life. This is also a phase of healing- Use this moon phase to focus energy on improving the health of yourself or of loved ones.
3 – First Quarter
The first quarter moon phase is a powerful time for making decisions. The momentum and energy you have gathered during the waxing crescent has begun to manifest in the form of inspired action. This is the time to be decisive and face your challenges head-on knowing that you are riding a wave of powerful energy
4 – Waxing Gibbous
The waxing gibbous phase is a time for refinement and nurturing. You have moved forward with decisive action during the first quarter phase and now is a time for patient gestation. Use this phase to reflect on your actions and decisions thus far. What’s working? What isn’t working? Which areas of your life need are in need of care and attention? Refine, reflect and edit.
5 – Full Moon
This is the moons most powerful phase. We see her fully illuminated, radiant in her power. The full moon phase is a time of peak energy. Use this phase to celebrate your achievements thus far, to form new commitments or to complete special projects. The full moon phase is the most powerful time for magick and the best time for spells of any kind.
6 – Waning Gibbous
The waning gibbous phase is a time of gratitude. Use this time to reflect on what you have. Nurture those around you with kindness. Release any negative emotions and bath in the joy of the present moment.
7 – Last Quarter
The last quarter signifies a time of forgiveness, transition and readjustment. In which areas of your life are you carrying secret resentments towards yourself or others? Take this time to reflect and realign yourself with your highest purpose.
8 – Waning Crescent
The waning crescent is a time of surrender. This is a wonderful time for rest and rejuvenation. Use the waning energy of the moon to release negative emotions, end unhealthy relationships and break off bad habits. Let go and release the things that no longer serve you. Surrender to the wisdom of the moon who allows herself to vanish completely before returning refreshed and renewed, ready to begin a new cycle.
Moon Phases For Charging Your Crystals
Charging crystals with the energy of the moon is a powerful practice. Cleanse your crystal by gently washing it with cool water. Next, use the moon to charge your crystal. Place your crystal overnight in view of one of the moon phases listed below:
New Moon – A crystal charged in this phase will embody the energy of the new moon. It will help to bring fresh energy, inspiration and an increased hopefulness and joy to your magickal work. Use a crystal charged with the energy of the new moon when you are working with abundance, manifestation, fertility magic or love magick.
Full Moon – A crystal charged in this phase will bring maximum power to your spellwork. Charging your crystals with the peak energy of the full moon brings an incredible energetic boost to any magickal activities and is the best all-round phase to use.
Once you have cleansed and charged your crystal the next thing you will want to do it programme it. Do so by holding your freshly charged crystal in your hands and focusing on the vibrational energy of the goal you are seeking to accomplish. Visualize your final goal and move this energy into the crystal. The crystal is now ready to be used for specific spell work.
My loves, I hope this post was helpful and that you feel a little more empowered about working in harmony with the moon phases. Next up, I’ll be adding some special spells and rituals specific to moon magick so check back in soon if this a topic that interest you.
As always, with love and gratitude, BLESSED BE!
xoxo Amythest