Moon Phases and Magick

The moon is a very sacred object in Wicca. It is a link to the Goddess and the ever-changing wheel of life. The moon holds a special power and its phases can make or break a spell.

Before we get into the energy of the moon, let's go over some basic science regarding the moon for background.

The moon is our planet's only natural satellite and its size is about a quarter of the Earth's diameter. The Moon is 238,857 miles (384,403 kilometers) from the Earth. Both the rotation of the Moon and its revolution around Earth take 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes. This is the Lunar Month. During this phase the Moon appears to wax and wan in a never-ending cycle of birth and death.

The average length of a lunar day is 29.5 hours. The Moon moves 13.2 degrees each day. It is the changing of this degree that dictates which astrological sign the Moon is in aspect to (more of on that next week).
The Moon rise takes place about 51 minutes (varying 30 to 70 minutes) later each day than the day before. A rough guide for moonrises is that:

· The New Moon rises at sunrise.
· And the first quarter at noon.
· The Full Moon rises at sunset.
· And the last quarter at midnight.

Okay, enough science. Onto magick.

There are two magickal stages in each cycle of the moon: waxing (the first 13 days leading up to the Full Moon when the Moon appears to be growing) and waning (the 13 days after the Full Moon when the Moon appears to be shrinking).

The waxing Moon is a time of growth and rebirth. The magick you work during this time should focus on increase and gain. Now this does not mean just money but gain in anything such as finding love, increasing psychic ability, etc. This is the time where you want to do spell work that will draw things to you.

The waning Moon is the opposite. This is the time when you want to work on decrease and banishing. This is when you might tackle things like stopping bad habits, decreasing debt or cleansing of negativity.

If you are doing serious magick, the best thing to do is work the problem from both sides. For example, say you want to increase your money. You might consider doing prosperity or money-drawing spells during the waxing moon and then debt decrease during the waning moon.

The cycle of the moon is marked by three points: The New Moon, The Full Moon and The Dark Moon.

There is some debate as to when the New Moon begins. Some go by astrology and mark it by the time that appears on many calendars. Some say the New Moon (for magickal purposes) begins when you can first see the tiny sliver of silver in the sky. This is a decision you will need to make for yourself.

The New Moon is a time for new beginnings, fresh starts. This is the time to do magickal workings that deal with gains, starts and increases. It's a great time to repeat dedications and for consecrations. As a general guideline, most magickal workings undertaken on this day come into fruition by the Full moon.

Workings done between New Moon and Full Moon (the waxing Moon) follow suit. Use this time for spells that bring gains or to start new projects (money spells, good health, knowledge, etc.)

Exercise 1

Make a list of spell work you might consider doing during the next New Moon. Consider how you will work it to make it fit this timeframe.

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The Full Moon is a Witch's best friend. It marks the most powerful time of the month for spell work. The moon is pregnant with power waiting for us to tap into it. This is the time to work your serious magick. Any type of magick can be preformed on the Full Moon. It is also a great time to do magickal "chores" like make holy water, charging tools, blessing tarot cards, etc. Magickal work begun on the Full Moon usually begins to manifest within one Lunar cycle.

There are seven days of power associated with the Full moon: The day itself, three days before and three days after. Any magickal efforts, especially difficult ones, can benefit greatly from the potency of this time. You will even find 7-day candles for this specific purpose (although it is not necessary to use one).

In Wicca, the Full Moon ritual is referred to as an Esbat. Wiccans celebrate 13 Esbats a year. Esbats are working rituals that also pay tribute to the Goddess in all her glory. (For examples of Esbat rituals, click here.)
Each Full Moon has a name and an association. However, that name may vary depending on whom you ask. Click here for a general chart on the commonly accepted names and associations.

The Celts associate their moons with sacred trees in what is known as the Celtic Tree Calendar. ( For more information on that, click here.)

On the subject of naming Moons, we come to the Blue Moon debate. Welcome to Wicca where not everyone can agree on something. But this particular debate isn't just limited to Wicca. Many in the scientific community also debate on the exact meaning. Here are the sides: A Blue Moon happens when two Full Moons occur in the same month. The second moon of the month is the Blue Moon. Another definition of the blue moon is the third full moon that occurs in a season of the year which has four full moons (usually each season has only three full moons.)

For some interesting reading on the subject you might want to check out the following articles:

What's a Blue Moon? The trendy definition of "blue Moon" as the second full Moon in a month is a mistake.

Once in a Blue Moon. Fact and fantasy about blue Moons.

Exercise 2

Pick one of the spells from Exercises 1. Write (or find) a seven-day spell for it. Be sure to work the right moon phases.

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The Dark Moon represents another debate within the Wiccan community. The Dark moon happens when there is no Moon visible in the sky. This happens right before the New Moon (or New Moon night depending on your view).

Because there is no Moon in the sky (therefore there is no energy to draw upon), some believe this is "time off" for the witch. This is not a time for magick, but a time to relax, kick back and do nothing.

While it is true that the Dark Moon is not the best time for magick, it is however the time of secrets and hidden truths. That makes it perfect for activities centered around meditation, divination, improving psychic abilities, past life work and shadow working.

For me personally, the Dark Moon is the second most-powerful day of the month. I usually do a meditation or tarot reading at this time as well as some past-life work. I have my most powerfully vivid visions at this time.

Exercise 3

Give some thought to the concept of the Dark Moon and write one paragraph on the meaning it has for you. Is this a time you feel comfortable working or taking off? Why? There is no right or wrong answer to this. It is a prompt to help you think about your personal magickal philosophy.
Okay, you are now an expert on the cycle of the Moon and the magicks associated with it. New Moon - Waxing - Full Moon - Waning - Dark Moon
It is now time to put that knowledge into practice.

Exercise 4

Grab your calendars. Mark the Moon phases for the next two months. When is the Full Moon, New Moon and Dark Moon? Think of the spell you wrote for the Full Moon. How could you tackle that issue throughout the month? Mark the days to work your spell on your calendar (and of course, don't forget to work your magick when the time comes!)

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For more information:

Find out what phase the moon is in right now.

Click here to watch a fun yet very informative cartoon that tells you more about the moon. Take the quiz and see how well you know your moon facts.

For more information on moon phases and to see the cycle of the moon, visit the U.S. Navy.

Sources: N. Apythia Morges, Dorothy Morrison, PaganGathering