Phases of the Moon

One of the simplest ways to access your magical self is to develop a connection with the Moon. The moon is a symbol of the Goddess and represents the inner world of our emotions and how we understand ourselves. It can also link to psychic abilities and divination. It is beneficial to create a routine with the phases of the moon: the dark moon, the new moon, the waxing moon, the full moon, and the waning moon. You can find many resources online reporting a moon calendar that will help you determine when each phase occurs throughout the year.

            The Dark Moon: You cannot see the Dark Moon in the sky. It is a time for rest and deep inner reflection. Taking a break from magical workings is perfectly on during this time. It might be a great time for meditating or taking a ritual bath. The Dark Goddesses like Hecate and The Morrigan can be powerful during this phase.

            The New Moon: In the night sky, you will see the thin sliver of the moon. Just like its name, it is a time to renew and set intentions for the next cycle. It is a great time to plan your magical workings for the next couple weeks and work out of it will need to be completed along with the phases of the moon. It can also be beneficial to do a New Moon card spread with Tarot and/or Oracles if you are unsure what your intention could be. On the New Moon I like to prepare any items or other materials I might need for later in the cycle.

            The Waxing Moon: There are actually three phases that make up the Waxing Moon. During this time, the moon is growing but not Full yet. This is a time for magic focusing on growth in various areas of life. Maybe it is a small boost to your New Moon intention. Building confidence and trust in yourself and your magic is important during this phase. Creating a vision board could potentially help build energy towards your goals.

            The Full Moon: The moon is FULL! She is at her highest strength. So, thinking back to the post on the virtue of strength, it is time to fully bolster the potency of your magic towards your intention. This can be done in various types of spells and workings. Each Full Moon will also be influenced by the Zodiac sign it is. It might be beneficial to take this into consideration as well. If you are not planning to do any spells, try out a full moon ritual. Sometimes I just meditate with the moon. I connect with my guides and do card readings. Sometimes I just imagine soaking up all the light and power the Full Moon has to share. Another way to do this is creating moon water. Find a clear container, fill with water, and sit it out in the moonlight. It will absorb moon energy. You can then use this water in other rituals or spells. You can also set out crystals or other tools you would like to charge with the full moon energy.

            The Waning Moon: Like the waxing moon, there is technically three phases of the Waning moon. During this time, the Moon shrinks back down into the Dark Moon. Many people suggest that you “let go of what is not serving you” during the Full Moon, but “letting go” is more appropriate for the Waning Moon. It is time to release and remove anything that is holding you back. Think about your upcoming New Moon Intention and remove any blockages that might be in the way before you start working your magic. Or consider what you were working towards at the Full moon and focus on removing obstacles that might still be an issue.

            For all phases, you can create your own music playlists, take time to journal experiences, meditate, and delve into divination. Below are some Oracle and Tarot Decks I work with to connect with the Moon:

Oracle Decks

• Moonology by Yasmin Boland and Artwork by Nyx Rowan

  • Has spreads for all phases

• Queen of the Moon Oracle by Stacey Demarco and Artwork by Kinga Britschgi

  • Has a full lunar cycle spread

• Spirit Animal Oracle by Colette Baron-Reid

  • Has a great New Moon Spread

• Heavenly Bodies Astrology by Lily Ashwell

  • Focused on astrology in general, but helpful in identifying intentions and actions to take

    
    

Tarot Decks

• Guardian of the Night Tarot by MJ Cullinane

• The Intuitive Night Goddess Tarot by Linzi Silverman/Eye of Astro

I find working with the phases of the moon one of the easiest ways to maintain my practice. When I am unsure of what I "should be doing" as a witch, I check which phase of the moon we are in and craft a simple spell, do divination, create art, or read on a related topic depending on the correspondences of that phase.

How do you honor the moon?

Do you have a moon inspired divination practice?

What would be the song blasting if you danced under the moon?