If you’ve read any of my other articles, you know I like to keep things simple. I mean, modern witches don’t have time for long, drawn-out rituals—not when all we need is a fast spell to enable a safe, queue-free drive to work the next day. But, some spells are special and deserve a bit more thought and effort. One way you can do this is by making use of the moon cycles. Performing moon magick in alignment with the cycles will give them extra power, as well as a little more pizazz and potency.
Moon Cycles
The Moon, of course, doesn’t change. What does change is the amount of reflected light that falls on her face. We call these changing appearances moon cycles or phases.
The Moon has eight principal and intermediate phases:
- Dark/new moon
- Waxing crescent (increasing)
- First quarter (increasing)
- Waxing gibbous (increasing)
- Full moon
- Waning gibbous (decreasing)
- Last quarter (decreasing)
- Waning crescent (decreasing)
All you need to be aware of, for now, is whether the portion of the Moon we can see is growing or shrinking, plus when the Moon is dark and when it is full.
As you can see from the phases above, the first half of the lunar cycle is when the Moon is increasing, and during the latter half, after the full moon, it decreases.
How to Track the Moon Cycles
The simplest way is by eye. Looking at the Moon, if she is visible, is the best way to become intimate with her phases. If you are unsure whether the Moon is increasing or decreasing, check which letter she looks like. If she looks like a lower case ‘a,’ and you are in the northern hemisphere, the Moon is waning/decreasing. If you are in the southern hemisphere, the Moon is waxing/increasing.
If the Moon looks like an upper case ‘D’ in the northern hemisphere, she is waxing/increasing. In the southern hemisphere, she is waning/decreasing.
The problem is that the Moon is not always visible. That’s when apps come into their own. There are many available, both for laptops, tablets, and phones. The one I use is called Lunar Phases. As a bonus, most apps provide tons of extra information so if you want to study more ‘moonology,’ it’s a good place to start.
Magickal Power of Moon Phases
Starting with the very first visible ‘sliver’ of the waxing crescent (often misnamed the new moon), up till the full moon, this is the time for spells which are for ‘increase.’ For example, if you want to attract money, love, beauty, or start new projects, then this extended phase is the best time. After the full moon and until the last visible crescent of the waning moon is the best time for ‘decrease.’ For ending relationships, toxic friendships, gaining closure, weight loss, banishing, etc.
Full Moon Magick
The full moon is a good time for working all kinds of spells. It’s especially good for gratitude rituals and acknowledging all the good in your life. It tells the universe that you love your life and you want more.
Planning a party? Why not have it at the full moon? If the Moon is visible and, even better, if you can go outside, you can draw on the energy of the full moon to make your party rock. You don’t even have to mention it to anyone. Simply acknowledge it and call it down with your mind.
In fact, there is a Wiccan ritual known as “
,” popularized in the book of the same name by Margaret Adler. During this ritual, the High Priestess of the coven calls on the Goddess to speak through her. “Drawing Down the Moon” is so much more than just the ritual, and should be in every witch’s library. It’s full of witch history and includes Margaret Adler’s own journey into paganism.
Witches hold ‘esbats’ during the full moon. Gatherings which often involve celebration and partying. The word ‘esbat’ comes from the French s’esbattre ‘to frolic joyfully.’ It’s a time for fun and friendships.
If you are a solitary witch, you can still celebrate the full moon. You can set up a full moon altar and create your own ritual. I used to cast a circle, call for blessings on my family and do my own version of “Calling Down the Moon.” Add in half a bottle of wine, some heady incense, and they were very pleasant evenings. I had to let them go as my family grew. Even these days, I make a point of acknowledging the Moon and giving thanks for my blessings. In the summer, there is nothing nicer than standing in the yard, seeing the beautiful incomparable Moon, and bathing in her energy. Try it.
Continue working spells for increase right up till the 15th day of the moon cycle. This is where your app will prove really useful. Thereafter, you can switch to your decreasing spells.
It was full moon, and the Moon was shining right through the glass windows of the church. I looked out and felt something very special was happening, but it didn’t seem to be happening inside the church. Alison Harlow — Margaret Adler.
Dark Moon Magick
The last few days of the old moon are a time for withdrawal, introspection, and release. These will be days 27/28 of the cycle. Then we enter the four-day-long dark moon phase. This phase is also called the new moon, but we can’t see it, so a good time to rest and recuperate, if needs be.
I like to journal in-depth at this time. To reflect upon the past lunar cycle. If you have problems or issues, it’s permissible to rant and rage (in private, please). Shed the negative energy; slough it off. Visualize yourself shedding the old negative skin and getting ready to face the world anew along with the new moon: days 1/2 of the new cycle.
Personally, I usually avoid working spells during the dark moon, but if you have to get rid of a stalker, an abusive relationship, or release some bad juju, do it now.
Combining Moon Magick With Days of the Week
Super-supercharge your spells by performing on the best day of the week that suits your purpose. Each day has its own magical mood and energy.
- Sunday: Cast spells on this day that focus on your desired achievements. Use items related to the sun. Place a sunflower or an orange candle on your altar—or even an actual orange.
- Monday: This is ‘Moonday,’ so anything connected to cycles, such as female health, fertility, intuition. Place silver on your altar. A piece of jewellery is perfect. If you have a quartz sphere, all the better.
- Tuesday: Good day to work spells to build up your personal courage and resilience.
- Wednesday: This is the best day to work out any communication issues – whether by casting spells or by actually talking to someone. If you want to mend a relationship, do it on a Wednesday.
- Thursday: A powerful day and good for money issues, spells for that new job or promotion. Spells for healing also work well. If you are unable to cast other kinds of spells on their ‘special day,’ opt for Thursday instead.
- Friday: Connected to Venus, so work your love spells on this day. Deepen current relationships and improve your social life. Focus on any emotional issues.
- Saturday: The decluttering day. Need to banish something or someone? Do it today. Want to end a friendship, choose Saturday. Excellent for weight loss spells, but choose Thursday to promote fitness.
I hope this has given you some ideas of how to harness that delicious Moon energy in your magickal work.
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