LUNAR PHASES AND MAGICKAL WORK
Moon Myths
When people lived with Nature, the changing seasons had a great impact on religious ceremonies.
The Moon was seen as a symbol of the Goddess. Because of this, the light of the Moon was
considered magical, and a source of energy. Wiccans often practice magic at a Full Moon to
tap into this energy thought to exist at this time.
Plutarch once said "Egyptian priests called the Moon the "Mother of the Universe," because
the moon, "having the light which makes moist and pregnant, is promotive of the generation
of living beings.." The Gnostic sect of Naassians believed in a primordial being known as
"the heavenly horn of the moon." The Moon was the Great Mother.
Menos meant "Moon" and "power" to the Greeks. To the Romans, the morality of the Moon
Goddess was above that of the Sun God.
In many cultures the Moon Goddess and the Creatress were the same. Polynesians called the
Creatress Hina, "Moon." She was the first woman, and every woman is a wahine, made in the
image of Hina. Scandinavians sometimes called the Creatress Mardoll, "Moon Shining Over the Sea."
Ashanti people had a generic term used for all their deities, Boshun, meaning Moon.
Sioux Native Americans call the moon The Old Woman Who Never Dies. Iroquois call her
"Eternal One." Rulers in the Eritrean zone of South Africa held the Goddesses name "Moon."
The Gaelic name of the Moon, gealach, came form Gala or Galata, the original Moon-Mother of
Gaelic and Gaulish tribes. Britain used to be called Albion, the milk-white Moon-Goddess. The
Moon was called Metra, which means Mother , "whose love penetrated everywhere."
In the Basque language, the words for deity and moon are the same.
The root word for both "moon" and "mind" was the Indo-European manas, mana, or men,
representing the Great Mother's "wise blood" in women, governed by the Moon. The derivative
mania used to mean ecstatic revelation, like lunacy used to mean possession by spirit of Luna,
the Moon. To be Moon-Touched or Moon-Struck meant to be chosen by the Goddess.
When patriarchal thinkers belittled the Goddess, these words came to mean craziness.
Orphic and Pythagorean sect viewed the Moon as the home of the dead, a female gate known
as Yoni. Souls passed through on the way to the paradise fields of the stars. Greeks often located
the Elysian Fields, home of the blessed dead, in the moon. The shoes of Toman senators were
decorated with ivory crescents to show that after death they would inhabit the Moon. Roman
religion taught that "the souls of the just are purified in the Moon." Wearing the crescent was
"visual worship" of the Goddess. That was why the prophet Isaiah denounced the women of
Zion for wearing lunar amulets.
Because the moon was the holder of souls between reincarnations, it sheltered both the dead
and unborn, who were one in the same. If a man dreams of his own image in the Moon, he would
become the father of a son. If a woman dreamed of her own image in the Moon, she would have
a daughter.
The Moon Goddess created time, with all its cycles of creation, growth, decline, and destruction.
This is why ancient calendars were based on phases of the moon and menstrual cycles.
The Moon still determines agricultural work in some parts of India. Indonesian moon priestesses
were responsible for finding the right phase of the moon for every undertaking.
The Moon was to have been the receptacle of menstrual blood by which each mother formed
the life of her child. This sacer, taboo moon-fluid kept even the Gods alive. The moon was "the
cup of the fluid of life immortal, quickening the vegetable realm and whatsoever grows in the
sub-lunar sphere, quickening also the immortals on high."
The Moon was supposed to rule life and death as well as the tides. People living on the shores
were convinced that a baby could only be born on an incoming tide and a person could not die
until the tide went out. It was often said birth at a full tide or a full moon means a lucky life.
Girls in Scotland refused to wed on anything but a Full Moon.
Witches invoked their Goddess by "drawing down the Moon." It is said to be a rite dating back
to moon worship in Thessaly, centuries before the Christian era.
Esbats
Lunar holidays are also known as Esbats, but any Wiccan ritual held at any time other than
a Sabbat is an Esbat. Due to the rotation of the earth, the Wiccan calendar contains 13 Full
Moons and 8 Sabatts, also known as Days of Power. A full moon happens every 28 1/4 days.
Full Moon energy is used for banishing unwanted influences, protection and divination.
A Full Moon is also a good time for planning, releasing and working backwards in time.
Full Moon Magic can be done for seven days, three days before the full moon and three
days after the full moon.
There are thirteen Full Moons. Each has a traditional name.
Wolf Moon January
Storm Moon February
Chaste Moon March
Seed Moon April
Hare Moon May
Dyad Moon June
Mead Moon July
Wyrt Moon August
Barly Moon September
Blood Moon October
Snow Moon November
Oak Moon December
Blue Moon variable
The New Moon is used for personal growth, healing, the blessing of a new project etc.
Between the New Moon and Full Moon is the phase called Waxing Moon.
Magic for this phase includes attraction magic, increasing, growth, and gain.
Between the Full Moon and New Moon is the phase called the Waning Moon.
Magic for this phase includes banishing magic, such a loosing negative emotions, bad habits etc.
Three days before the New Moon is known as the Dark Moon, as it is not visible in the sky.
Traditionally, no magic is performed at this time. It is a time for rest.
MEANINGS OF THE LUNAR PHASES
Every time the Moon enters a new phase -- lasting for about 3-1/2 days each --
there's a shift in the electro-magnetic field of Earth. Learn the characteristics of each
phase and you'll be guided into taking appropriate action, whether in personal or business relationships.
The power and consciousness behind each lunar phase is awesome. Let the Moon support you. It will
show you how to stay emotionally and physically balanced and also put money in your pocket.
The Moon governs the general public, sales, and business in general.
The overall cycle of the phases governs the acceleration or deceleration of growth and
momentum. Ideally, start projects and build them when the Moon is increasing in light --
"waxing" -- from New Moon to Full Moon. From the Full Moon to the oncoming New Moon,
the Moon is decreasing in light -- "waning" -- and this is when you want to bring whatever
activities you can to a completion. Keep this ebb and flow of energy in mind and you'll have
an invaluable tool to help you flow with the tide of events, rather than against them.
Each phase represents a segment of time within the monthly lunation cycle as a whole. With
practice you will begin to see how each phase is not an isolated period within itself, but rather a
consequence of the previous phase and a preparation for the following one. In other words
"Space is Curved." Whatever you send out will come back to you at the appropriate time, and
it's a good idea to know where you stand in the overall cycle. Understanding the lunar rhythms
will also save on panic and worry, as you realize that everything in life unfolds in exactly the right moment.
New Moon - "Beginnings." Subjective-Inner awareness starts to open; new seed-ideas
begins to unfold in the inner consciousness. Expand into the world of ideas, allow the
outrageous wanderings of the mind, open to unlimited possibilities, watch the birthing of
the idea into thought. Let it unfold in the quiet.
Crescent - "Growth." The research phase. Ask the big questions - the why? Shape,
mold, dance with the newly realized seed-idea. Ask yourself: How can I bring my vision into
the material world? Gathering knowledge prepares you to take future action.
First Quarter - "Action." Take action in the outer world. Pick up hammer and nails and
build new structures. There's an urgency about facing the challenge of the moment. Move
forward, or be buried in the past. Stand up or sit down, but don't wobble.
Gibbous - "Analysis." Make adjustments to clarify your sense of direction. Without
expecting absolute perfection, continue to move toward self-improvement. Be comfortable
with yourself. Assess and analyze projects. You have a better idea where you're headed.
Full Moon - "Illumination." The outer structure is complete and ready to be filled
with content. The completion is the culmination of the seed-idea of the New Moon. Sense
where you fit into the overall scheme of life. These 3-1/2 days represent the beginning of
maximum fruitfulness. Favors public exposure and events.
Disseminating - "Networking." Give something back to the community. You are now
ready to make a contribution. What you know has value even if you may have doubts about
its worth. Find common ground through discussions. You can make a powerful mental
impression on others because of your ideals and vision.
Last Quarter - "Results." Enjoy the harvest of your labors. This can be the most
productive time for completions and gaining results. Success in business and personal affairs.
The next question is: "Now that I've achieved what I want, what do I do with it?" Begin to let it go.
Balsamic - "Releasing the Past." Turn away from thought and drop into the quiet.
Emptiness is the fertile ground that recognizes and encourages the presence of the new seed.
Regeneration. A time of cleansing. Inner time and reflection bring you back into emotional,
physical and spiritual balance.
LUNAR PHASES
The lunar phase is important in determining the best time for magick. There are basically
two lunar phases: waxing moon (ideal time for positive magick) and waning moon (ideal time
for banishing/negative magick, study, and meditation).
In between you'll have the dark moon (the time of greatest power for banishing and negative magick)
and the full moon (the time of greatest power for positive magick).
Most witches and pagans work around these lunar phases.
However, others suggest a much more complicated subdivision of the moon phases.
New Moon Magic (from the day of the New Moon to 3 1/2 days after)
Timing: The magic should be performed between dawn and sunset for the best use of this magic.
Conjuring: beauty, health, and self-improvement; farms and gardens; job hunting; love and romance; networking
Crescent Moon Magic (from 3 1/2 days after the new moon through the 7th. day)
Timing: The moon rises at mid-morning and sets after sunset.
Conjuring: animals, business, change, emotions, matriarchal strength
First Quarter (Waxing Moon) Magick ( from 7 to 10 days after the new moon)
Timing: Sunset is the prime time for waxing moon magic.
Conjuring: courage, elemental magic, friends, luck, motivation
Gibbous Moon Magick (from 10 to 13 days after the new moon)
Timing: It's a wonderful time for working around 10:00 to 11:00 p.m.
Conjuring: patience
Full Moon Magick (14 days after the new moon)
Timing: Midnight is the best hour to work.
Conjuring: artistic endeavors; beauty, health, and fitness; change and decisions; children;
competition; dreams; families; health and healing; knowledge; legal undertakings;
love and romance; money; motivation; protection; psychism; self-improvement
Disseminating Moon Magick (3 to 7 days after the full moon)
Timing: The time of souls is at 3:00 a.m.
Conjuring: addictions, decisions, divorce, emotions, stress, protection
Last Quarter (Waning Moon) Magick (7 to 10 days after the full moon)
Timing: The moon rises at midnight and sets at noon.
Conjuring: addictions. divorce, health and healing (banishing disease), stress, protection
Dark Moon Magick (from 11 to 14 days after the full moon)
Timing: As odd as this may sound, the strongest pull of the dark moon is around 10:00 a.m.
Conjuring: addictions, change, divorce, enemies, justice, obstacles, quarrels, removal, separation,
stopping stalkers and theft.
Lunar Eclipses
Eclipses represent the perfect union of sun and moon. Any type of magick is acceptable.
There are 2 types of lunar eclipse:
1.Partial eclipse 2.Penumbral eclipse of the moon
Moon Void of Course
It's said that the moon is void of course before it enters a new moon sign (Cancer, Leo,
Virgo...). There is a sort of dead space when this is happening. The rule here is to avoid
doing any important magick work while the moon is avoid of course. Don't do any major
magick work. Don't complete any magick work.
MOON WOBBLES
A Moon Wobble is generally an unsettling time of sudden ups and downs, increased accidents
and violence, unusual or extreme weather, greater incidence of earth activity, e.g. earthquakes,
volcanic eruptions, and intense, often volatile emotional behavior. People feel more restless and
are more likely to over-react to problems. Anything begun during a Moon Wobble is usually
short-lived because of the unstable energy--on average lasting 3 months to one year.
Moon Wobbles have benefits, too. They can be very stimulating times, bringing new contacts,
innovative ideas, heightened creativity, and unexpected opportunities. Use them to gather
information and consider different options, but wait until they are over to make final agreements
and actually begin new ventures. This powerful cycle was first recognized, then researched
and named by noted American mathematician and astrologer Carl Payne Tobey. He found that
these cycles of intensified energies occur when the transiting Sun makes contact with the
Lunar Nodes (the Lunar Nodes are where the orbit of the Moon intersects the orbit of the Earth
around the Sun). There are usually 3.5 to 4 Moon Wobbles a year; however, occasionally there
are 5, as in 1996. The focus for Moon Wobble phenomena varies according to the sign the
Moon Wobble is occurring in; however, there are some general "rules of thumb" that apply to
all Moon Wobbles. Try to AVOID:
Buying a home or moving
Starting a new job or project
Having important medical work done
Having major car or home repairs done
Taking long-distance trips: If you do travel, BE FLEXIBLE!
Having arguments or confrontations with the closest people in your life. They can easily escalate
out of proportion and be very difficult to resolve.
REMEMBER to:
Remind yourself it is a Moon Wobble when difficulties arise.
Try to ACT not REACT in dealing with problems.
Be flexible and roll with the punches.
Drive with extra care.
Expect the unexpected!
MOON PHASE MAGICK
New Moon workings can be done from the day of the new moon to three-and-a-half days after.
The new moon is for starting new ventures, new beginnings. Also love and romance, health or job hunting.
Waxing Moon Magick:
From seven to fourteen days after the new moon.
The waxing moon is for constructive magick, such as love, wealth, success, courage, friendship, luck or health.
Full Moon Magick:
From fourteen to seventeen-and-a-half days after the new moon.
Prime time for rituals for prophecy, protection, divination.
Any working that needs extra power, such as help finding a new job or healings for serious conditions,
can be done now. Also, love, knowledge, legal undertakings, money and dreams.
Waning Moon Magick:
From three-and-a-half to ten-and-a-half days after the full moon.
The waning moon is used for banishing magick, for ridding oneself of addictions, illness or negativity.
Dark Moon Magick:
From ten-and-a-half to fourteen days after the full moon.
The dark moon is a time for dealing with attackers, for exploring our darkest recesses and
understanding our angers and passions. Also bringing justice to bear.
Plants That Come Especially under the Dominion of the Moon
The whole plant world is especially subject to the moon.
Especially strongly lunar are:
Acanthus mollis: acanthus
Agnus castus: monk's pepper
Atriplex silvestris: atriplex, orache, all-seed, notchweed
Bellis perennis: daisy
Brassicae: all kinds of cabbage, brassicaceous plants
Cardamine pratense: lady's smock, cuckoo flower
Carica papaya: papaya
Cheiranthus cheiri: wallflower
Cucumis sativus: cucumber
Cucurbita Pepo: pumpkin, gourd
Curcuma longa: turmeric
Galium aparine: galium, cleavers, goose grass
Hieracium pilosella: hawkweed, mouse-ear
Hyssopus officinalis: hyssop
Iris florentina: Florentine iris (with Saturn)
Iris germanica: German iris (with Saturn), dark blue flowers
Iris pallida: pale iris (with Saturn), pale blue flowers
Lactuca sativa: cabbage-lettuce
Lenticula palustris: duckweed
Ligustrum vulgare: privet
Lilium album: white lily
Lysimachia nummularia: moneywort
Myristica fragrans: nutmeg
Nasturtium officinale: watercress
Nymphaea alba: water lily
Papa ver rhoeas: corn poppy (with Saturn)
Papaver somnifrruni: opium poppy (with Saturn)
Ruta lunaria: moonwort
Salices: all kinds of willows
Saxifraga: saxifrage
Sedum acre: sharp stonecrop, wall-pepper
Sedum telephium: orpine
Stellaria media: chickweed
Telephium vulgare: sedum
Tilia: lime-tree (with Venus)
Trapa natans: water chestnut
Veronica officinalis: speedwell
Vinca minor: myrtle, periwinkle
Therapeutic effect of the lunar plants: many food plants, alternative,
cooling, moisturizing, enzymic, and promoting fermentation.
