Magick in Each Phase of the Moon

As Witches, we all know there is power in the moon. The phases of the moon are often used as symbols of the Triple Goddess, we charge spell materials in moonlight, and we measure the calendar through moon cycles. And while the moon can be used at all times when moonlight is required for a spell, each phase of the moon has its own special energies and powers, so certain rituals and spells have more potency when done during certain moon phases.

We are going to cover each phase of the moon and the special magickal properties each has.

NEW MOON

Both the beginning and the end, the new moon is when the moon is dark in the sky, not reflecting sunlight down to the Earth. Though the fully dark moon only occurs at a precise time when the sun, Earth, and moon are aligned, for magickal purposes, the new moon phase lasts around three days. A second new moon in the same month is a Black Moon and has more power than the first.

You’ll be shocked to learn that the new moon is a time for new beginnings. Who would have thought, right? This is your monthly opportunity for a fresh start. Whether a project, relationship, personal goal, or a full life reset. Isn’t it wonderful knowing that if things seem down, you have the opportunity to start each month anew?

Spells and rituals focused on rebirth, beginnings, and finding direction are particularly potent during the new moon. But don’t forget, it is the end of the cycle too! On the first day of the new moon’s energy, spells and rituals tied to endings and goodbyes are also very potent.

Each month, take the time to set your intentions for the next four weeks and use the new moon’s energy to strengthen your intentions in a ritual. At the end of the new moon and into the waxing moon, the Triple Goddess is in her maiden form.

WAXING MOON

The waxing moon is the roughly two-week period between the new moon and the full moon, where the moon grows from a sliver into a full circle. There are actually 3 mini-phases within the waxing moon phase: waxing crescent, first quarter, and waxing gibbous. The waxing crescent is the first part when the moon is a sliver and looks like a crescent. The first quarter moon is when the moon is half-lit and half in darkness. The waxing gibbous is when the moon grows from half-lit to full.

As the moon grows and expands, those energies are particularly strong during this phase. This phase is a time to take action. You set your intentions during the new moon. The waxing moon is the time to manifest those intentions through direct action. Rituals focused on growth (whether tangible growth like for a new business or less tangible, such as knowledge or growing your divination skills) have extra potency during this phase. The Triple Goddess is in her maiden form during the waxing moon.

FULL MOON

The full moon is when the moon is fully lit by reflecting the sun and appears as a complete circle in the sky. It is when the moon is at its strongest and most powerful. Some might call it the most magickal phase of the moon, but we would argue that it is just a different type of magick than the other phases.

As with the new moon, the full moon happens at a precise time regarding the alignment of the sun, Earth, and moon, but for magickal purposes, the full moon lasts around three days.

The full moon is the most traditional time of the cycle to perform rituals, especially those that rely on moonlight or other aspects of the moon’s power. Each month’s full moon has its own name and energies (you can read about the moons of January through June in this issue and July through December in an upcoming issue). Crystals and other tools of the Craft should be charged during the full moon. Any moon cleansing should be done during the full moon when its light is the strongest.

This phase of the moon is for healing, love, celebration, and reassessment. With the new moon, we set intentions. With the waxing moon, we take action on those intentions. The full moon is a time to reflect on our progress, express gratitude, reassess the path, and make changes if needed. Celebrate wins small and large here.

Just as the moon fully reflects the sun’s light, we can use this time to truly reflect on ourselves, our projects, our relationships, and more. Rituals focused on self-reflection, insight, and gratitude are potent during the full moon. Rituals invoking lunar deities or the Moon Goddess are more powerful during the full moon. The Triple Goddess is in her mother form during the full moon.

WANING MOON

The waning moon is the roughly two-week period between the full moon and the new moon, where the moon begins to grow smaller in the sky. Like the waxing moon, the waning moon has three mini-phases—waxing gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. They are the min-phases of the waxing moon in reverse, completed on the opposite side of the moon.

This is a time to let go. Let go of negativity, of stress, of anger, of pain. To rid yourself of behaviors and patterns that aren’t healthy. Remove relationships and paths that no longer align with your intentions and goals. The Triple Goddess is transforming into her crone form during the waning moon and is in crone form until the end of the new moon.

Rituals and spells focused on cleansing and release are potent during this phase of the moon. Paths and journeys coming to an end should be acknowledged during this time. The waning moon is also a time to celebrate the beauty of aging and entering new phases in your life.