It’s no secret that witches love the moon, knowing exactly how to harness the energy of each phase will help you to amplify your powers and make for some powerful spell work.
The phases of the moon affect so many different aspects of our lives so of course magick is no exception. Most, especially beginners follow the four main phases (new, first quarter, full, and last quarter), however this can easily be expanded into all eight phases which include the new moon, crescent, first quarter, gibbous, full, disseminating, last quarter, and dark moon.
Most of the time the phase of the moon will signify what type of magick should be performed. For example new beginnings and projects are best started at the new moon allowing your project and goals to get closer to completion each day as the moon grows full.
Phase 1: The New Moon
The new moon is a time for fresh beginnings. In this phase the moon is hardly visible as it rises with the sun at dawn and sets at sunset combining both sun and moon energies (masculine and feminine), giving those new projects and goals added strength and energy. New moons are great for starting new ventures, and symbolically represent fertility or the conception of a child. It is considered a good time to give thanks for the many things that have come to fruition with the faith that only more will follow. We personally really like to make new moon/sun water and use it to water our plants and herbs.
Note: New moon energy is the most powerful day of, but can be felt for 3 days following as well.
Phase 2: Crescent Moon
Crescent moons rise mid-morning and the moon set is just after sunset. This time is meant for gathering information and ideas. Personally around this time we do a lot of research and brainstorm ideas for the apothecary and the blog.
Note: This phase starts after day 3 and lasts through the 7th day of the moon cycle.
Phase 3: First Quarter Moon (Waxing)
This moon marks the halfway point with the moon being at 50% visible and visually getting bigger and brighter; getting closer and closer to completion or fullness. First quarter moons are ideal for growth and building things up. If any of the aspects of your life could use extra focus or energy this is the best time to put in some effort and easily watch it begin to flourish.
Personally we like to take the time to meditate on whatever new projects we
started at the new moon and be grateful for the progress we have made thus far, visualizing the completion, success, and victory of our ventures.
Note: This phase lasts from day 7 to day 10 of the moon cycle and rises at noon then sets at midnight.
Phase 4: Gibbous
At this phase the moon looks almost pregnant, the energy here is very nurturing to your hopes and goals, wishes and magick that are soon to be born at the time of the full moon. We personally use this time to rest and prepare our working for the full moon.
Note: Moon rise is mid-afternoon and moon set is around 3am, this phase begins on day 10 ½ and ends on day 14.
Phase 5: Full Moon
The full moon is a very powerful and potent time for all-purpose magick. Naturally emotions run high during full moons and everything has added intensity. This is a very popular time to charge any ritual items; whether it be crystals or water, wands or tarot cards, runes or simply spell ingredients you would like to give an extra kick of power to. Personally we truly do love taking the time to put out moon water and to recharge ourselves for the upcoming work; whether that is through meditation, yoga, self care time, or just simply spending time with the family we do whatever we feel is necessary to remain productive as the moon starts to fade.
Note: The moon rises at sunset and sets at dawn, this phase lasts from day 14 to day 17.
Phase 6: Disseminating
This is the time to start banishing work. Cleanse your mind, body and space and prepare to cleanse away negativity and illness. Personally this is the time we smoke cleanse our house and work on detoxifying our bodies.
Note: The moon will rise at mid evening and set mid morning, this phase lasts from day 17 to day 21.
Phase 7: Last Quarter Moon (Waning)
The moon once again returns to 50% visible and progressingly will fade smaller and smaller until it reaches the time of the next new moon. This is still a wonderful time for banishing work and ensuring you get rid of anything that will weigh you down or block you from achieving your desires. This is a really popular time for cord cutting rituals and spells that banish negativity, ill health, or remove obstacles as the moons light and size decrease.
Note: The moon rises at midnight and sets at noon, this phase runs from day 21 to day 24.
Phase 8: The Dark Moon
Cursing and hexing rituals are often performed during this time as the moon is at its darkest time before returning to a time of fertility and growth. It is also a powerful time for shadow work and dealing with the parts of your lower self that can sometimes cause problems and emotional upset especially during heightened times such as full moons. Personally this is another time of rest for us as we meditate on mindfulness and truly focus on simply being at peace with ourselves and the world around us.
Note: The moon will rise around early morning or pre-dawn and set just before dusk, this phase lasts from day 24 until day 28, the last day of the moon cycle.
We hope this helped to give you some insight on the full eight phases of the moon and their energetic correspondences. Feel free to check out our astrology section; on the first of each month we release the months astrology forecast giving you greater insight to the energy at work.
If you do any rituals or have any pictures of the moon during any phase, feel free to leave them in the comments below or tag us on Instagram!
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