The Moon's Phases       The moon is considered to have three faces: the Crescent, the Full and the Waning/Dark. These three faces are embodied in the Maiden, Mother and Crone of the Triple Goddess. The New Moon Associated with Artemis, the new moon is the beginning of a new cycle, and is the time in magic when new opportunities can be called for. The new moon is the Maiden, the innocent, the conception, and this is a good time to work on health and personal growth, and to put plans into action for the month ahead. The new moon~time lasts approximately three days of the first quarter. The first quarter is a time of expansion, development and growth, and can still be used for the same purposes as the new moon. The way to recognise a new moon is to check that her "horns" are facing to the left. The Full Moon The Full moon is the moon at her fullest and ripest. This moon is represented by Selene, Diana, Isis, amongst others. She is the embodiment of fertility, abundance and illumination, she is the moon at her most powerfully feminine and so she is the fruit~bearer, the one who can encourage any seeds to grow. The full moon can be called upon to give fertility in the fields as well as fertility of the body, and also for safe journeys across water. The most potent time for Full~Moon magic occurs in the three days prior to a full moon and at the actual time of the full moon. The Waning/Dark Moon The Waning moon is the time when things can be cast away, let go of and released. This moon is ruled by Hecate, Cybele and Ceridwen, goddesses of magic, sorcery and wisdom.      Goddesses of the Moon Artemis  -Greek, carrying a quiver filled with arrows and a bow, accompanied by lionesses, deer and birds: childbirth. Selene -Greek, wearing wings and a headband, ridind in a chariot drawn by white horses: magic. Diana -Roman, carrying a bow and arrow, with a hound and stag: fertility and nature. Hecate -Greek, a goddess who has three heads, usually standing back-to-back with horse, hound and lioness: magic, sorcery, death and the underworld. Arianrhod -Celtic, wearing silver robes and holding a silver wheel: divination. Ceridwen -Celtic dark moon goddess, with cauldron, and white sow: herbs and grains, divination, spells, death. Isis -Egyption, wearing a crescent head-dress supporting a full moon: magic, fertility, regeneration. Cybele -Phrygian, the dark moon goddess, wearing a crescent moon head-dress, with pomegranates and bees, carrying finger bones: nature, wild beasts and dark magic.     Moon Crystals       Celestite-this comes in blue or white varietes and can help link you to your spirit guides.     Moonstone-This can be used to balance the hormonal cycle, calm any unsettled emotions and induce lucid dreaming.    Aquamarine-This makes an idealdream crystal, turning you into the rhythms of the sea.    Azurite- This can help attune your mind to the psychic world.    Pearl-These represent purity, clarity and grace and can be used to help enhance those qualities.    Clear Quartz-This has a strong affinity with the moon and can be used in healing.     Animal Totems Of The Moon  New Moon- hare, cow, and frog. Full Moon- bear, dove, hare, cow, cat, wolf and stag. Waning and Dark Moon- owl, serpent, hound, bat, fox and toad.

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