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Moon Phases and Correspondences

The moon has been captivating people since the beginning of time. It’s guided our way on the darkest of nights and pulls at the tides as well as our emotions. There are myths and stories about the moon from every ancient culture, and it is still a central part of many pagan religions and spiritual paths. Here we break down the basics of lunar magick into easy-to-digest chunks including the moon’s phases, magical properties, correspondences, and more.

The Magical Basics

The moon seems to grow and then fade over the period of one lunar cycle (one month). This growing, reaching its full potential, and then diminishing is referred to as moon phases. Each moon phase has magical qualities that aid the individual in his or her magic and healing.

Our Connection with the Moon

Why is the moon so important when it comes to magick and spirituality? The moon pulls at the ocean’s tides, and since we’re made up of at least 60% water, it has a profound effect on our lives too. Ever notice how certain people get a little loony on the Full Moon? The terms loony and lunatic stem from the word lunar which means moon. There’s a reason people act differently on the Full Moon, and when we tune into the moon’s phases, we start to notice just how much the moon affects us and our surroundings. It’s also thought to increase paranormal activity, which you can read about here.

The Female Body & The Moon

Just as the moon is reborn, grows, reaches its fullest potential, then wanes again, so do our bodies. For thousands of years, women have noticed their moon cycles (menstruation – the syllable men meaning moon/month) syncing up with the moon’s phases. This is lunar magick at its core. Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so too does the womb. This is why the moon is often associated with the Goddess in forms of neopaganism and Wicca.

Lunar Magick Correspondences

The moon corresponds to certain elements, plants, animals, and gods/goddesses. Feel free to adapt and change to fit your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. Here are some magical correspondences for lunar magick:

Herbal/Plant Moon Correspondences: vervain, moonflower, jasmine, lemon balm, cabbage, camellia, camphor, chickweed, moonwort, gardenia, grape, lemon, passionflower, turnip, potato, pea, cucumber, pear, peach, willow, poppy, mountain ash, mango, wallflower, rowan, cactus

Animal Moon Correspondences: owls, rabbits, wolves, deer, cats, moths, bats, spiders, raccoons, opossum, cows, frogs, dogs, crabs

Deities Moon Correspondences: Selene, Sophia, Thoth, Artemis, Diana, Luna, Blodeuwedd, Man in the Moon, Rabbit in the Moon, Khonsu, Inanna, Hecate, Cerridwen,

Crystal/Stone Moon Correspondences: moonstone, selenite, obsidian, silver, mother-of-pearl, aquamarine, gold beryl, topaz, emerald, clear quartz, coral, pearls

Where to Start with Lunar Magick

Many people don’t know where to start with lunar magick. My first suggestion is to go outside at night and identify the moon’s phase. Do this time and time again until you instinctively know what phase the moon is in. If you can’t see the moon or can’t get outside, you can also use a moon phase app on your phone.

Simple Moon Rituals

Next, start with a simple moon ritual like a cleansing bath on the waning or new moon. Add a few herbs to the water that correspond to the moon (make sure they are safe topically before bathing in them). On the Full Moon, perform a simple candle spell for protection or love, etc. The next time you want to cast a spell or perform a ritual, look up what moon phase is best and perform it then. Lunar magick isn’t complicated and doesn’t take long to learn. After a little while, you’ll notice your emotions and your life corresponds with the moon’s cycles.

Blue Moon

When two moons fall in one calendar month the second is called the blue Moon, and this is the month that we will use for our wishes. It falls in a different month each year, but it is a very powerful moon. The blue moon is always the second of the full moons in the corresponding month. We need to write down aims and goals for the up and coming year. Place them in an envelope and don’t look at them until the next blue moon. Dress your blue moon altar in the colors that correspond to the month it falls into, and place flowers and fruits from that month, also place pictures of things you would like in your life. Stay real here and keep it down to earth.

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January: Wolf Moon

Also known as: Quiet Moon, Snow Moon, Cold Moon, Chaste Moon, Disting Moon, Moon of Little Winter

Plan a ritual of protection around your home and family.

Nature Spirits: gnomes, brownies

Herbs: marjoram, holy thistle, nuts, cones

Colors: brilliant white, blue-violet, black

Flowers: snowdrop, crocus

Scents: musk, mimosa

Stones: garnet, onyx, jet, chrysoprase

Trees: birch

Animals: fox, coyote

Birds: pheasant, blue jay

Deities: Freyja, Inanna, Sarasvati, Hera, Ch’ang-O, Sinn

Power Flow: sluggish, below the surface; beginning and conceiving.

Protection, reversing spells.

Conserving energy by working on personal problems that involve no one else.

Getting your various bodies to work smoothly together for the same goals.

February: Ice Moon

Also known as: Storm Moon, Horning Moon, Hunger Moon, Wild Moon, Red & Cleansing Moon, Quickening Moon, Solmonath (Sun Month), Big Winter Moon

Plan a ritual to ask the Old Ones for help in planning your future.

Nature Spirits: house faeries, both of the home itself and of house plants

Herbs: balm of Gilead, hyssop, myrrh, sage, spikenard

Colors: light blue, violet

Flowers: primrose

Scents: wisteria, heliotrope

Stones: amethyst, jasper, rock crystal

Trees: rowan, laurel, cedar

Animals: otter, unicorn

Birds: eagle, chickadee

Deities: Brigit, Juno, Kuan Yin, Diana, Demeter, Persephone, Aphrodite

Power Flow: energy working toward the surface; purification, growth, healing.

Loving the self.

Accepting responsibility for past errors, forgiving yourself, and making future plans.

March: Storm Moon

Also known as: Seed Moon, Moon of Winds, Plow Moon, Worm Moon, Hrethmonath (Hertha’s Month), Lentzinmanoth (Renewal Month), Lenting Moon, Sap Moon, Crow Moon, Moon of the Snowblind

Plan a ritual to plant your desires.

Nature Spirits: Mer-people, Air and Water beings who are connected with spring rains and storms

Herbs: broom, High John root, yellow dock, wood betony, Irish moss

Colors: pale green, red violet

Flowers: jonquil, daffodil, violet

Scents: honeysuckle, apple blossom

Stones: aquamarine, bloodstone

Trees: alder, dogwood

Animals: cougar, hedgehog, boar

Birds: sea crow, sea eagle

Deities: Black Isis, the Morrigan, Hecate, Cybele, Astarte, Athene, Minerva, Artemis, Luna

Power Flow: energy breaks into the open; growing, prospering, exploring.

New beginnings; balance of Light and Dark.

Breaking illusions.

Seeing the truth in your life however much it may hurt.

April: Growing Moon

Also known as: Hare Moon, Seed or Planting Moon, Planter’s Moon, Budding Trees Moon, Eastermonath (Eostre Month), Ostarmanoth, Pink Moon, Green Grass Moon

Plan a ritual to physically plant your seeds of desire in Mother Earth.

Nature Spirits: plant faeries

Herbs: basil, chives, dragon’s blood, geranium, thistle

Colors: crimson red, gold

Flowers: daisy, sweetpea

Scents: pine, bay, bergamot, patchouli

Stones: ruby, garnet, sard

Trees: pine, bay, hazel

Animals: bear, wolf

Birds: hawk, magpie

Deities: Kali, Hathor, Anahita, Ceres, Ishtar, Venus, Bast

Power Flow: energy into creating and producing; return balance to the nerves.

Change, self-confidence, self-reliance, take advantage of opportunities.

Work on temper and emotional flare-ups and selfishness.

May: Hare Moon

Also known as: Merry or Dyad Moon, Bright Moon, Flower Moon, Frogs Return Moon, Thrimilcmonath (Thrice-Milk Month), Sproutkale, Winnemanoth (Joy Month), Planting Moon, Moon When the Ponies Shed

Plan a ritual to reaffirm your goals.

Nature Spirits: faeries, elves

Herbs: dittany of Crete, elder, mint, rose, mug wort, thyme, yarrow

Colors: green, brown, pink

Flowers: lily of the valley, foxglove, rose, broom

Scents: rose, sandalwood

Stones: emerald, malachite, amber, carnelian

Trees: hawthorn

Animals: cats, lynx, leopard

Birds: swallow, dove, swan

Deities: Bast, Venus, Aphrodite, Maia, Diana, Artemis, Pan, Horned God

Power Flow: full creating energy; propagation.

Intuition contact with faeries and other supernatural beings.

Strengthen connection with supernatural protectors and beings around you.

Power flowing from the Greenwood Gods and trees.

June: Mead Moon

Also known as: Moon of Horses, Lovers’ Moon, Strong Sun Moon, Honeymoon, Aerra Litha (Before Lithia), Brachmanoth (Break Month), Strawberry Moon, Rose Moon, Moon of Making Fat

Plan a ritual to balance your spiritual and physical desires.

Nature Spirits: sylphs, zephyrs

Herbs: skullcap, meadowsweet, vervain, tansy, dog grass, parsley, mosses

Colors: orange, golden-green

Flowers: lavender, orchid, yarrow

Scents: lily of the valley, lavender

Stones: topaz, agate, alexandrite, fluorite

Trees: oak

Animals: monkey, butterfly, frog, toad

Birds: wren, peacock

Deities: Aine of Knockaine, Isis, Neith, Green Man, Cerridwen, Bendis, Ishtar

Power Flow: full but restful energy; protect, strengthen, and prevent.

A time of Light; Earth tides are turning.

Decision-making, taking responsibility for present happenings.

Work on personal inconsistencies.

Strengthen and reward yourself for your positive traits.

July: Hay Moon

Also known as: Wort Moon, Moon of Claiming, Moon of Blood (because of mosquitoes), BlessingMoon, Maedmonat (Meadow Month), Hewimanoth (Hay Month), Fallow Moon, Buck Moon, Thunder Moon

Plan a ritual to decide what you will do once your goals have been met.

Nature Spirits: hobgoblins (small, grotesque but friendly brownie-type creatures), faeries of harvested crops

Herbs: honeysuckle, agrimony, lemon balm, hyssop

Colors: silver, blue gray

Flowers: lotus, water lily, jasmine

Scents: orris, frankincense

Stones: pearl, moonstone, white agate

Trees: oak, acacia, ash

Animals: crab, turtle, dolphin, whale

Birds: starling, ibis, swallow

Deities: Khepera, Athene, Juno, Hel, Holda, Cerridwen, Nephthys, Venus

Power Flow: relaxed energy; preparing; succeeding.

Dream-work, divination, and meditation on goals and plans, especially spiritual ones.

August: Corn Moon

Also known as: Barley Moon, Dispute Moon, Weodmonath (Vegetation Month), Harvest Moon, Moon When Cherries Turn Black

Plan a ritual to preserve what you already have.

Nature Spirits: dryads

Herbs: chamomile, St. John’s wort, bay, angelica, fennel, rue, orange

Colors: yellow, gold

Flowers: sunflower, marigold

Scents: frankincense, heliotrope

Stones: cat’s eye, carnelian, jasper, fire agate

Trees: hazel, alder, cedar

Animals: lion, phoenix, sphinx, dragon

Birds: crane, falcon, eagle

Deities: Ganesha, Thoth, Hathor, Diana, Hecate, Nemesis

Power Flow: energy into harvesting; gathering, appreciating.

Vitality, health. Friendships.

September: Harvest Moon

Also known as: Wine Moon, Singing Moon, Sturgeon Moon, Haligmonath (Holy Month), Witumanoth (Wood Month), Moon When Deer Paw the Earth

Plan a ritual of Thanksgiving for all the Old.

Nature Spirits: trooping faeries

Herbs: copal, fennel, rye, wheat, valerian, skullcap

Colors: brown, yellow-green, yellow

Flowers: narcissus, lily

Scents: storax, mastic, gardenia, bergamot

Stones: peridot, olivine, chrysolite, citrine

Trees: hazel, larch, bay

Animals: snake, jackal

Birds: ibis, sparrow

Deities: Demeter, Ceres, Isis, Nephthys, Freyja, Ch’ang-O, Thoth

Power Flow: rest after labor; balance of Light and Dark.

Organize. Clean and straighten up physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual clutter.

October: Blood Moon

Also known as: Harvest Moon, Shedding Moon, Winterfelleth (Winter Coming), Windermanoth (Vintage Month), Falling Leaf Moon, Ten Colds Moon, Moon of the Changing Season

Plan another ritual of Thanksgiving.

Nature Spirits: frost faeries, plant faeries

Herbs: pennyroyal, thyme, catnip, uva ursi, angelica, burdock

Colors: dark blue green

Flowers: calendula, marigold, cosmos

Scents: strawberry, apple blossom, cherry

Stones: opal, tourmaline, beryl, turquoise

Trees: yew, cypress, acacia

Animals: stag, jackal, elephant, ram, scorpion

Birds: heron, crow, robin

Deities: Ishtar, Astarte, Demeter, Kore, Lakshmi, Horned God, Belili, Hathor

Power Flow: to let go; inner cleansing.

Karma and reincarnation.

Justice and balance.

Inner harmony.

November: Snow Moon

Also known as: Dark Moon, Fog Moon, Beaver Moon, Mourning Moon, Blotmonath (Sacrifice Month), Herbistmanoth (Harvest Month), Mad Moon, Moon of Storms, Moon When Deer Shed Antlers

Plan for a ritual to work on ridding yourself of negative thoughts and vibrations.

Nature Spirits: subterranean faeries

Herbs: grains of paradise, verbena, betony, borage, cinquefoil, blessed thistle

Colors: gray, sea-green

Flowers: blooming cacti, chrysanthemum

Scents: cedar, cherry blossoms, hyacinth, narcissus, peppermint, lemon

Stones: topaz, hyacinth, lapis lazuli

Trees: alder, cypress

Animals: unicorn, scorpion, crocodile, jackal

Birds: owl, goose, sparrow

Deities: Kali, Black Isis, Nicnevin, Hecate, Bast, Osiris, Sarasvati, Lakshmi, Skadi, Mawu

Power Flow: take root, prepare.

Transformation.

Strengthen communication with the god or goddess who seems closest to you.

December: Cold Moon

Also known as: Oak Moon, Wolf Moon, Moon of Long Nights, Long Night’s Moon, Aerra Geola (Month Before Yule), Wintermonat (Winter Month), Heilagmanoth (Holy Month), Big Winter Moon, Moon of Popping Trees

Plan for a ritual to help you remain steadfast in your convictions.

Nature Spirits: snow faeries, storm faeries, winter tree faeries

Herbs: holly, English ivy, fir, mistletoe

Colors: blood red, white and black

Flowers: holly, poinsettia, Christmas cactus

Scents: violet, patchouli, rose geranium, frankincense, myrrh, lilac

Stones: serpentine, jacinth, peridot

Trees: pine, fir, holly

Animals: mouse, deer, horse, bear

Birds: rook, robin, snowy owl

Deities: Hathor, Hecate, Neith, Athene, Minerva, Ixchel, Osiris, Norns, Fates

Power Flow: to endure, die, be reborn;

Earth tides turning.

Darkness.

Personal alchemy.

Spiritual paths.

Reach out to friends and family, the lonely and needy.

Zodiac Full Moon Magick

The Moon spends a day or two each month in each of the twelve signs of the zodiac. The sign the moon is transiting through can be used to good advantage during spellwork.

Full Moon in Aries

A good time to perform spells related to job ventures and all new projects related to money. Also, a good time to develop strength and courage, and lust spells. This is not a good moon for performing divination.

Full Moon in Taurus

This moon is excellent for spellwork related to love, creativity, and inner peace. Spells done at this time take the longest to manifest, but the results will be very long lasting and be stable.

Full Moon in Gemini

The perfect time for spells dealing with communications, healing, and uncrossing spells. Be careful- the moon in Gemini can be unpredictable and unstable.

Full Moon in Cancer

Excellent for any spell involving the home, fertility, children, or divination.

Full Moon in Leo

Spells involving leadership, prosperity, fame and career are best done in Leo, but do not perform any spells involving love, or any other emotion, as Leo may actually counteract it.

Full Moon in Virgo

This moon ensures a spell which involves meticulous detail, especially spells involving education, healing, and stability.

Full Moon in Libra

Excellent for working a spell with a partner, and for magick involving marriage, couples, partnership, peace, and fairness.

Full Moon in Scorpio

Use this energy for mysteries, the occult, divination, and sex magick.

Full Moon in Sagittarius

This is an excellent time to experiment with new techniques or magick spells, but it is not a good time for psychic work or divination.

Full Moon in Capricorn

Perfect for spells to manifest life’s basic needs and for stability.

Full Moon in Aquarius

The best time to work on behalf of others, but consciously stay focused on your heart to maintain a higher consciousness with others, and to avoid selfish motives.

Full Moon in Pisces

Perfect for divination and psychic work, past life regressions, and communication with spirits.

New Moon

The new moon is a time of initiation and new beginnings. It is the time to plant a seed of what you want to grow in your life. Making a wish, an intention, a promise, or a vow is a common custom. It is believed that as the moon grows, that your intention or goal will too usually by the time the moon completes its cycle and returns full circle to new again.

The new Moon offers us its energy of intention, to rid ourselves of the negative habits in our life. The energy of the new moon aids us in ridding our minds and bodies of toxic thought patterns as well as eliminating toxic substances like excess alcohol, processed foods, caffeine & tobacco usage. Starting a new project, or discipline should be substantially less difficult to stick to when started during the new moon. it's important to come up with a ritual that has meaning for you, instead of trying to follow any set guidelines (unless your part of an established ritual group). Astrology expert Molly Hall has some wonderful insights as to creating a personalized New Moon Ritual.

Creating a New Moon Ritual

Gather Sacred Supplies: Your altar is where you collect your sacred objects -- pictures, found objects and the like. Using herbs with healing or symbolic properties adds to your ritual. Stones and crystals are another powerful ally. Candles are magical, and in its form contains all four of the elements. A small journal on hand allows you to keep a record of your intentions.

Preparing for the Ritual: This is the most important part of ritual, since your commitment is the key. Take a ritual bath with sea salt to clear your field of any negative energies. Sage is an herb used to clear a space and make it sacred for ritual.

Light the end of the sage wand and blow on it until there is a smoldering glow. Use it around your own body, and in the space of your ritual. Clear your mind with meditation, using music or just quieting down in your cleared, sacred area.

Grounding: This is something that's important anytime, for staying connected to earth energy. Signs that you're not grounded are mania, nervousness, racing thoughts and the like. Too often we forget to feel the earth under our feet. I've mentioned Starhawk's Grounding Meditation a few times on the site, and her tree grounding exercise is one of my own daily rituals. In a nutshell, it's visualizing the roots going down into the Earth, through the layers, into the core, and then drawing that energy back up through your feet again. It moves through each chakra, coming out the top and down around you. Try this or another variation of grounding before you set new Moon intentions.

Your New Moon Wishes: After you've cleared a sacred space and settled your energy, you're ready to set your intentions. Make a list of what you'd like to draw into your life and Dream Big! The new Moon is a moment to conjure what seems out of reach, and creating the vision is the first step to making it a reality. But these are not just words on paper. As you write them down as intentions, you are committing to doing your part to make them real. Some call it is co-creating, since you're opening to universal energies to set dreams in motion.

Dreams of the Soul: Your intentions come from the longings that keep coming up. In the days leading up to the new Moon, give some thought to those longings, and see what images, dreams and streams of thought come up. Use symbolic associations to go along with your intentions. Weave in the element for the new Moon and think about the houses and planets that are affected by it. For an earth new Moon, for example, you might plant seeds that represent your intention. Rituals are a way to work with universal energies, and draw attention to the particular life lessons, or arena (house, planet, etc.) that it illuminates for you.

Symbolic Acts: Here's where you get to be creative. If your intentions are to write a book, or broadcast your ideas out to the world, tie them to a helium balloon and send them off. Write them on a stick and offer it to the fire. To open to love, put lavender and a rose quartz in a small pouch, along with the qualities you're seeking. If you're inspired, add a symbolic act to your intention-setting ritual.

Keep them Alive: A big part of success with new Moon intentions is what comes after. Find ways to keep them in the front of your awareness. Put them in a visible spot or keep them in your wallet. Make notes in your journal about your progress. At the full Moon, find ways to take action on those intentions, and celebrate any signs of change.

Waxing Crescent Moon

During the days that follow a new moon, it’s time to anchor into your intentions. Focus on one thing you want to bring into existence during this lunar cycle. To that end, practice visualizations and affirmations at this time. Write your new moon intention out clearly and succinctly and read it daily.

When the moon is "waxing" it appears to be growing, the period from the dark to full moon phases. It's magnetic energy assists with bringing things to out. This entire waxing period is the best time to work with constructive magic, or magic that builds things/brings things to us.

The waxing crescent is the best time for magic on yourself (or on the subject) pertaining to new beginnings, such as starting a new project or making plans for the future. If you're looking to conjure energies into your life such as a more positive attitude, more patience, more understanding in your relationship, this is the perfect timing for such goals. When you want to cast spells for self-improvement, such as if you want to improve your psychic abilities, to absorb the information in a new class, or bring out your inner beauty, this is the time to do it. Artists or anyone artistic/creative will find this the best time to cast spells or perform meditations that will bring inspiration and passion into your work.

Set an Intention and Tell the Moon

Many people will tell you to set your intention during the new moon, but I think the first days of the waxing phase are excellent for goal setting. I’ll use the restful introspective energy of the new moon to let my ideas marinate. Then when the powerhouse energy of the waxing moon comes thundering in, I’m ready to commit to my intention.

Once I have a goal in mind, I’ll perform a waxing moon spell around it. Your ritual can include anything you want, but if you need ideas, here’s what I do.

Waxing Moon Intention Spell

Go outside or near a window on the first day of the waxing moon. (This happens about three nights after the new moon phase.)

Write an intention (or a word that represents your intention) on a bay leaf and hold it between your palms.

Thank the waxing moon for being present for your ritual. I do this by holding my hands up towards the moon (with the bay leaf still pressed between my palms).

When you start to feel the current of energy from the waxing moon, bring your hands to your heart (still holding the bay leaf).

Spend a few minutes thinking about something that will bring up the feelings you associate with your intention. For example, you want to call in romantic love, so you visualize yourself getting asked out while you’re sipping a cold brew at your favorite coffee shop.

Next, open your eyes and light the bay leaf on fire. Do this in a fireproof container so you stay safe. Wait for the bay leaf to burn completely.

Watch that intention float up to the moon carried by the smoke.

Trust that the moon has received your intention and that it’s already helping you manifest it.

Thank the moon, and your spell is complete.

Come Up with a Manifesting Plan

After you’ve shared your intention with the moon, start planning how you’ll create opportunities for your intention to manifest. If you’ve decided to manifest a new job with this waxing moon, brainstorm some actions you can take to align your energy with that of a new job. You could apply for jobs online, ask friends for leads, carve out time every day to visualize your job or look for internship opportunities.

After you have some ideas, get out your calendar and mark the last day of the waxing moon. (This will be the night before the full moon.) Plan what days you’re going to do each action. Shoot for one action a day towards your goal—even if it’s just a quick spell before you go to bed.

Finally, decide on how you’ll celebrate the full moon. This can be dinner and a movie, tickets to a concert, or a relaxing bath with some wine. Pick something special that you wouldn’t normally give yourself. Whether or not you stick to your waxing moon plan, enjoy your celebration. You and the moon deserve it!

Let’s say your intention is something huge like writing a novel. You’re probably not going to accomplish that during the fourteen days of the waxing moon. It will likely take you at least a few moons to bang out the first draft. If that’s your goal, plan the action you’ll take during this current waxing moon. You could commit to outlining a chapter a day for fourteen days. Or maybe you’ll choose to wake up an hour early to write. After the waxing phase is over, you can think up some ways to use the waning moon energy for your writing project.

(By the way, if your goal IS to write a novel, put your laptop or writing notebook by your window so the moon can shine on it. The waxing moon is great for cultivating creativity.)

If You Need Clarity, Ask the Moon

The moon has been around almost as long as the earth has. It knows things. It can help you if you don’t know exactly what to manifest. You can access the moon’s ancient wisdom by simply asking.

Take a moment each night during this moon phase to close your eyes and send a question up to the moon. Something like, “What should I focus on tomorrow?” or “What should I create tomorrow?” will work just fine.

Imagine your words flying out of your mind towards the moon like a comet. Then open your journal and spend five- or ten-minutes writing whatever comes to mind. You’ll likely get your answer.

Ask for an Unexpected Gift

I do this every night during the waxing moon and it’s brought me so many crazy wonderful things—a new project, an idea for a story, a random check in the mail, a flirty text from someone cute. It makes me smile just thinking about all my moon gifts.

Try it for yourself. You’ll notice quickly that when you work with the moon’s abundant energy, magic happens in the most surprising ways with very little effort. There are two reasons for this. The first is the moon is already putting off a strong manifesting energy. It wants to send blessings your way. The second reason is the moon knows what you want. It’s been shining down on you all your life night after night. You can trust the moon to send some love your way.

Let the Waxing Moon Charge Your Magical Tools

The moon will charge anything its light touches with whatever energy it’s holding. For fourteen days, the waxing moon’s light will be sending out lots of joyful manifesting energy. Set out whatever you’ll need for your manifesting magic, and let the moon do its thing while you sleep.

These tools can include water, magical oils, herbs, crystals, incense, written incantations, journal entries, candles, magical card decks, or your cauldron. The moon won’t discriminate. Whatever you chose to leave out overnight, the moon will make sure it’s already to go!

You don’t have to make a big deal about doing this. For me, it’s like plugging in my cell phone before bed. It just takes a minute, and I go to bed knowing my tools will be fully charged in the morning.

Take a Moon Bath

In addition to charging your magical tools, you can charge yourself by taking a moon bath. To do this, take a blanket or a lawn chair, and sit outside in a place where you get a nice view of the moon. Hold out your arms and let the moon’s light wash over you. Feel its manifesting power as it lands on your skin and seeps into your body. Breathe in the light of the moon. Smell it. Open your mouth and allow the light to enter your body that way. What does it taste like? Can you feel its power?

While you’re soaking in moonbeams, take a moment to admire the moon’s beauty. Notice the light and dark spots from the way the sun’s light hits the moon’s surface. Look for shapes or figures in the moon. Observe any feelings that come up as you’re doing this.

Also, you don’t have to sit. You can dance, jump around, or lay down. Let yourself be wild under the moon if you want. I feel a juicy sort of energy when I do this like I’m connected to all other witches from the past, present, and future.

Maybe you want to go camping and sleep under the moon. Maybe you’d like to cuddle with your lover, your cat or your family under the moon. Experiment with everything you can do in the moonlight. There’s no limit.

My favorite thing to do when I’m taking a moon bath is to revel in the abundance of the universe. I’m reminded that there are more than enough stars, more than enough sky and more than enough moonlight for everyone in the world. What a great energy to bring to manifesting spells!

Invite the Moon to Make Magic with You

Go outside (or by a window if the weather’s bad) and actually perform your magic in the light of the moon. This could be a meditation, a spell or a tarot card reading. It’s a beautiful way for you and the moon to co-create together.

Be curious about this. Notice any unusual feelings that come up during your magic and journal about them. Keep track of the magical results you see. Are you manifesting faster? Did you feel a burst of energy when you lit your candle? Do money spells work better under the moon? What about love spells? Once you get familiar with the waxing moon energy, you’ll start to know what spells are especially potent when you team up with the moon.

1st Quarter Moon

The Moon is waxing (increasing in light), and 50% to 75% illuminated. This phase usually begins the 7th day after New Moon and continues until the 10th or 11th. It will be about 7.5 days until Full Moon (from the beginning of this phase). This is the 3rd in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The First Quarter Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 90º and continues until the angle reaches 135º (when the Gibbous Phase will begin). This phase is the first half of the 1st Quarter (when the cycle is divided into 4 quarters rather than 8 phases). First Quarter Moon rises around mid-day and sets around midnight. She is brightly visible the first half of the night and can often be spotted during daylight hours in the afternoon. The name First (or 1st) Quarter is used in both astrology/magick and astronomy.

The First Quarter, or Waxing Half Moon, is the time when energies are most conducive to attraction. Unlike the Waxing Crescent, which is best for going within and bringing things out, this is the best time for magic that attempts to draw things outside of yourself to you.

Use this time for spells and meditations meant to attract things you want in your life, such as money, protection or success. It's also an ideal time for attracting people into your life, such as friends, lovers and clients. If you're looking for an animal companion or have one that you want to bond with, this is a good time to perform the workings.

If you're looking for a lost object, or house hunting, etc., this is a good time to perform spells for success in that area to help you bring that which you most desire into manifestation.

How it effects your life

The deceptive imagery of fragility and hesitancy in the waxing Moon are long gone. She is brilliantly lit, growing rapidly, and visible not only a good portion of the night, but in day as well. Strong and prominent, she victoriously casts her light, and casts her spell of confidence and success. Yet she has not reached Full Moon, we are only halfway through the waxing cycle. She has achieved brilliant light, high visibility, and solid form - but far from reaching the goal. She has simply passed the milestone of uncertainty; strength and momentum abound.

Our visions and inspirations, mere vague yet exciting notions at New Moon have taken shape and gained momentum along with the Moon. Plans are becoming solid and real; our inner visions are coming to the attention of others. Excitement and enthusiasm are returning - things are happening, the vision is manifesting. We are shining brightly now, but, like the Moon, we still have a long way to go. Past the details and glitches of the Crescent Phase, we may be facing more real challenges. However, these challenges have a way of exciting and stimulating, because we are also beginning to see some real effects of our efforts; there is something solid to fight for.

How to make the most of this phase

The First Quarter Phase is often referred to as 'crisis of action' because now is the time to move forward. The vision was born during New Moon, it faced the stresses of development during Crescent Moon, and now it's ready to be put into action. Move forward, build momentum, and take action. The question is how? We've defined our goal and developed our resources. Now we need to refine the plan and act on it. We are beginning to see progress, take it and run with it. But don't run blindly, things are propelled forward with great momentum, and the key is to know where you're going, and how you'll get there, so you can make the most of this momentum.

There is a feeling of success, and a sense of accomplishment in the air. Yet the goal has not yet been reached, success has not been achieved. Many people will feel a surge in confidence (or ego) during the First Quarter Phase. It's all too easy to think things are going well, you are working hard, the goal is within reach. However, if you don't pay attention, and make sure all is going well, and that you are working hard in the right direction, that goal which felt so close could slip away before you even realize it. This is a time it's important to be sure of yourself (not only your actions) deep down. Confident and successful feelings based on the beginnings of accomplishments can be great. But they can be fragile. On some level we know it's pre-mature to think we've won the battle before it's over. But things are progressing so fast we feel it anyway - until someone or something points out how far we still have to go. That's why it's important to be aware of how far we've come, and how far we have left. Be realistic, make a plan, tell yourself you can do it – and do it. Don't set yourself up for a fall.

The Moon is in solid form and shining brightly. The energy level is high; so is the level of activity. The First Quarter Moon Phase is what we make of it. In the Crescent Phase, we encountered problems to be solved and things to be done. In this phase we take deliberate action. This is an excellent time for planning, structuring, making decisions and striving for efficiency and productivity. It's usually easier to develop confidence during First Quarter, so if you have confidence and self-esteem issues, actively work on them. This also makes it a good time for taking on difficult or challenging projects. This is a good time to begin a health or exercise program, organize, remodel, change routines - whatever will get things on track and moving in the right direction.

Take a decisive and assertive approach. This isn't the time to 'decide not to decide'. Things are happening, probably faster than you realize, and you want to shape the way they develop. Push for progress and be quick to take action. There is a lot of energy and forward momentum, tap into it and get things done. Remember, that others are feeling the same lunar energy you are. There is an active, confident, and assertive quality to the mood of most people. It's probably best to avoid conflicts, when possible, unless you want a confrontation. When you find yourself at odds with others, try for compromise, but remember the saying "If you act like a doormat, people will walk all over you". This is truer now than during any other lunar phase. Independence and individuality are important elements during this phase. Do your own thing, and do it well? Don't interfere in the progress of others, but don't let them interfere in yours either.

When planning important projects, you need to begin then within the growing portion of the cycle. Any phase during the waxing cycle is appropriate, but each brings a different mood and energies to your project. The First Quarter Phase is good for fast paced and highly active projects. Things began now tending to be more demanding, and perhaps a bit more challenging, than things began during the earlier phases, but also more structured and dynamic. Planning, structuring, direction and decisiveness will be necessary - this isn't the time for beginning passive or casual undertakings. This is the time for dynamic, active projects - for example, the most recent incorporation of Microsoft, as well as the initial release of the Windows platform were during First Quarter Phases.

In ongoing plans and projects, remember this is the time for action and decisions. If you have things that have been in the 'planning stages' for too long, this is the time to get them off the ground. In projects that seem to be at a standstill, give them an active boost. Look over the situation, and see what changes need to be made. Make decisions and take action. Look for ways you can manage your projects better, take control of your life - anything that falls within the realm of structured, assertive, or active progress.

Waxing Gibbous Moon

The Waxing Gibbous is still a time for constructive magic, best used towards 'reeling in' that which you've been working for already. If you started a project and it's floundering, stalled, if you're at the point when the thing you're working for is coming into the home stretch and you need some extra energy to bring it home, the Waxing Gibbous will give it a boost.

This phase is a great energy for renewing your strength, will and determination to see your efforts through. If you are giving in to temptation on your diet, working hard toward something and feeling burnt out or are at the point where you're getting lazy and distracted from completing your tasks, give yourself a power boost during the Waxing Gibbous.

The Moon is waxing (increasing in light) and 75% to 100% illuminated. This phase begins the 10th or 11th day after New Moon and continues until Full Moon. It is about 3.5 days until Full Moon (at the beginning of this phase). This is the 4th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Gibbous Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 135º and continues until the angle reaches 180º (when the Full Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the second half of the 1st Quarter (when the cycle is divided into 4 quarters rather than 8 phases). The Gibbous Moon rises in the afternoon and sets in the early pre-dawn hours of the morning. She is visible from Moonrise until Moonset. This is the phase when it's easiest to spot her in daylight hours. One thing that can be confusing, is you will see reference to both waxing and waning Gibbous Moon. This is typically an astronomical reference, in astrology and magick usually only waxing is called gibbous. What astronomers call waning gibbous, astrologers call disseminating.

How it effects your life

The Moon is so nearly full, you may have to look twice, or even consult an astrological calendar as we approach the end of the Gibbous Phase. She is brilliant, nearly round, illuminating the darkness of night. Truly a breathtaking sight. Her energy is so strong you can feel it as you gaze at the silvery disc overhead. She is nearly full. Nearly, but not quite. It almost seems as if she is poised, yet hesitating, taking a deep breath before her big night. With time and patience, she proceeds along her path. It will come. It will be soon.

If we bring our lives into rhythm with the natural cycles, we find ourselves following the path of the Moon. We are poised and ready, the goal is so near we can almost touch it, almost reach it. Almost, yet something is stopping us. We just don't feel prepared, or it isn't exactly coming together as it should. There is one more detail, or one missing element. We encounter a last-minute glitch. Something isn't quite right; something isn't quite ready. So very close, but not quite, not yet. Do we give up, after working this long and hard, after pouring so much energy into it in the First Quarter Phase? Not if we are following the Moon's path; not if we are following her example and flowing with her energy. We continue, certain that it will happen, it will come, and it will be soon.

How to make the most of this phase

Look at the Moon and feel the Moon. Draw from, join in her strength and certainty. The Gibbous Phase holds a great deal of power and potential. It may take some patience and determination to tap into it. We find ourselves at the precarious point of being very close to a goal. The vision born at New moon is nearly materialized. We may think we've made it. Then something comes up, but don't look at it as a bad thing. This phase is about refining, fine-tuning, and tuning in. What you have begun may seem ready, but it can be better. Challenges, really, are always opportunities in disguise. But this is truer than ever during the Gibbous Phase. When you find yourself encountering glitches in your plans, realize that it is fortunate they were discovered at this stage, and most likely the result will be improving and enriching your endeavors.

Impatience is so strong you can feel it in the air during Gibbous Phase. Yet patience is one of your best allies. However, this isn't the sit quietly and wait type patience. This phase call for having the patience to do things right, analyze, refine, strengthen, perfect… There is far too much to do for idly waiting, or for rushing it too fast. Be careful, be certain, take criticism as constructive (even if it's not intended that way). Just watch the Moon, taking her time, developing the perfect form to create a spectacular display when the moment has come, and not before. Follow her lead, and as always, you won't go wrong.

The vision was born at New Moon. It has developed, strengthened through the phases and made great leaps forward during First Quarter Moon. Now it is on the brink of manifestation. If there was ever a bad time to give up, this is it! Work on solidifying your plans, and double check everything. Take advantage of the analytical and refining tendencies of this phase for anything that you need to revise. This is a good time for any kind of precision work or reviewing and fine-tuning.

The Gibbous Phase is a good time for reviving what has been let slide. If you have (good) habits and routines you've strayed from, this is the time to work on getting them back. Skills and knowledge can get foggy too. If you have things you’ve learned, but haven't studied in a while, or skills you haven't practiced in some time, use this phase to 'brush-up'. You will find it comes back more easily than you think. This can also be a good time for developing natural talents. If you have flair for art (as an example), but have never tried to fine-tune your skills, this is a good time for it.

Though we have nearly reached Full Moon, the light is still increasing, we are still in the waxing, growing portion of the cycle. It is still an appropriate time to start a project or launch something new. Unless you want to encounter the resistance of trying to promote growth in something with ingrained diminishing tendencies, this is your last chance (or wait a couple weeks before the next cycle). Therefore, most often, the kinds of things we begin during this phase ore those we have been procrastinating on, rather than things that were planned and targeted for launching in this phase. If you don't want new beginnings during waning Moon, and haven't got around to starting it yet, it's now or never. Not really never, but you'll have to wait a couple of weeks.

We have a tendency (it's human nature) to easily avoid and procrastinate, but if we're running out of time, we suddenly become ready and impatient. You can call it synchronicity; you didn't plan it this way, yet this kind of energy fits well with the gibbous phase. As Full Moon is so very near, there is a feeling of impatience in the air. As so many things are almost complete, but not quite ready, there is a natural "mad rush' of sorts. So, if you find yourself frantically scrambling to launch something that you hadn't got around to, yet suddenly can't wait for, don't feel that you've gotten out of tune. However, do inject some logic before you get carried away. Ask yourself a few questions. Can it wait until the next cycle? If so, are you actually ready; how much could it benefit from more preparation time?

Like the other phases the Gibbous Phase will bring its own, unique energy and inclination to thing began now (whether this is when you planned the launch, or it was a last-minute impulse). Things began during the Gibbous Phase are likely to need refining, and fine-tuning. There is a tendency to perpetually seek improvement. This is a good time for launching things that are really a rough idea, the refining, perfecting, and tweaking will come quite naturally. It's also a good time for beginning generally analytical, or highly detail-oriented projects.

Full Moon

When the Earth is caught between the moon and the sun, the result is the Full Moon bearing the most powerful energies of the lunar cycle. The Full Moon is often seen by people as 'all purpose'—its energies are prismatic in that it flows into all areas and needs, be it constructive or destructive.

Even more so than the Dark Moon, the Full Moon is a time you would utilize for extra power when you're facing very difficult challenges. This is not just for minor mundane tasks, such as looking for the energy to reorganize your closet or trying to clear negativity out of the house after an argument; this is a time to reserve for those important things in your life that need major changes or major boosts.

While you can plan spells for anything, utilize this energy for your priorities that really matter in your life, like if you need to win a court case, or find a new job with better pay to prevent you from losing your home.

Magics and meditations revolving around spirituality, psychic development, dreams and divination are particularly well times for the Full Moon.

The Moon is now waning (decreasing in light), and 100% to 75% illuminated. This phase lasts about 3.5 days following Full Moon. It will be about 14.75 days until the next New Moon (from the beginning of this phase). This is the 5th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Full Moon Phase begins at Full Moon, when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 180º, and continues until the angle reaches 225º (when the Disseminating Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the first half of the Full Moon Quarter. The Full Moon rises at Sunset and sets at Sunrise. She is visible throughout the night. The name Full Moon is used in both astrology/magick and astronomy.

How it effects your life

Half the Lunar cycle has been spent striving for this point. The Full Moon, in all her splendid glory shines brilliantly in the night sky, the earth glows with her divine silver light. The shadows seem vibrant and alive. It is a breathtaking sight, enlightening and mysterious. The darkness of night is illuminated, yet there is much we sense and cannot see. The light of the Moon, along with her power, has reached a peak. We see it, we feel it. The level of energy is higher on Full Moon than any other time of the month.

The Sun illuminates the Moon; she transforms and reflects his light upon the Earth. The illuminated Earth transforms and reflects her light, producing a mystical, silvery glow. These energies of illumination and reflection are ingrained into the phase of Full Moon. We reflect upon our lives and selves, we see more deeply into our own souls, as well as others. We are drawn to the illusive and mysterious.

The power of the Moon is unmistakable, tangible. We see it, feel it, and sense it. We feel our own power, and the power of the world around us. The moon is the natural astrological ruler of emotions. When she is riding high, so are our emotions. We aren't happy, we're elated; we aren't mad, we're furious; we aren't interested, we're excited; we aren't sad, we're depressed. This is a powerful time, of excess and extremes, which can manifest in a positive or negative way.

How to make the most of this phase

Full Moon is one of the most powerful and influential times in the natural cycle, and probably the most widely accepted (even by many skeptics) proof of astrological influence on our lives. Everyone has seen and felt the effects, firsthand. There is an out-of-control tendency that can make it difficult to harness this energy. The first step is awareness. Don't enter this phase unaware of and out of touch with your emotions, or you likely won't know what to do when the emotional high tide comes. Make sure you have used the waxing phases to learn, grow, build and structure. If you approach Full Moon feeling like your life is spinning out of control, it just might.

Although we are only halfway through the entire Lunar Cycle, there is a feeling of culmination. A goal has been reached. The building, evolving, waxing light of the past couple of weeks has manifested. And what a spectacular manifestation it is! You will find things you have worked on and built coming together at this time. Remember the vague visions of New Moon? Now illuminated, we can see them clearly. If they have survived, and you have put the effort into them, they are now a manifestation. Realistically, few goals are reached, or projects completed in a couple of weeks’ times. However, there is a sense of completion and manifestation in some form. Perhaps the idea is just becoming a solid plan, or one phase of a project is completed. Whatever the case, even if it seems to be only in your own perspective, things are more real and solid. Something has been achieved. If you have been going in the wrong directions, you will see the results of that be manifested into solid form as well. Preparation and the right mind frame are key in successful, productive use of this notorious Moon Phase.

The Moon has reached her peak; from the moment of Full Moon the light will begin decreasing. The period of growth and time for beginnings is past. This is the most active period of change. This time can be useful for changing or breaking habits and routines. Bring things to an end, where needed. This is also a highly creative time, with endless poems, songs, and works of art using Full Moon as a subject, demonstrating the point. Make use of the creative influence for artistic endeavors, or creative thinking. Just be careful of coming to firm decisions fight now (especially on the day of Full Moon), as logic isn't necessarily a strong point right now.

There are many dark corners in our lives, and ourselves, both small and large scale. In 'dark corners' I don't necessarily mean negative things, these are (at least partially) hidden or unnoticed things. With Full Moon, comes light, allowing us to see in those normally invisible, dark corners - just as the brilliant Moonlight allows us to see in the normally dark night. Use this time to take a closer look at things, see hidden potential, look for mistakes, and find opportunities. You can also get a clear insight into yourself, as your emotions are much stronger than usual.

As energy and emotions run high, arguments and conflicts are more likely at Full Moon. Although often difficult, compromise is important. In astrological terms, this is an opposition; the Sun is in the opposite position of the Moon. We often find ourselves completely at odds with someone else. It's important to remember, that this can be quite valuable, useful or informative. Opposite can manifest in different ways. When you look in a mirror, the image you see reflected is opposite the actual image yet reflects it accurately. When you encounter opposition, ask yourself if, in some way, it reflects aspects of yourself or your situations you have not been seeing. Other times, these conflicts can provide valuable insight or information. True, absolute opposites each have elements the other is missing. When you encounter opposition ask yourself if this person or event is giving you information and understanding that you have overlooked and could make your approach completer and more balanced.

It is no longer a good time for beginnings, the flow of energy is shifting. Full Moon is the balance point, or imbalance as it may be, in between waxing and waning. She is neither growing nor shrinking, she is full 100% illuminated. For an instant, a fleeting moment, there is total fulfillment, completion, achievement, and illumination. After that moment, the light is waning, slowly and gradually. This phase carries the energy of the moment of Full Moon, as well as the first gradual steps into the waning portion of the cycle. This is a good time for completing long-term projects or completing a phase of them.

This can be a good time for public displays, drawing attention, or presentations. There is a high energy, and highly emotional quality to Full Moon, so don't draw attention to potentially controversial things, unless you want a controversy. This is a time for putting on a show and getting a dramatic response.

The other, quite obvious factor in the influences this phase brings is, of course, light. It's a good time for evaluation, as things are illuminated figuratively, as well as literally. As we enter the waning phase, there is necessary decreasing and endings. Take a good look at your important projects and plans. Where are you stretching yourself, or your resources too thin? This is the time to begin 'weeding out' the unnecessary. There is a focus on excesses right now, and if you can step back and be objective (so that you aren't inclined to go to excesses) it is a good time for spotting excesses.

Waning Gibbous Moon

After the Full Moon peaks, we enter the waning half of the lunar cycle. Waning energies repel rather than attract, so it's a good time to begin working on spells to get rid of things.

Minor banishing’s can begin with the Waning Gibbous. This is a good time for general cleansings to upkeep your home, office, garden or any of your personal spaces, etc., to keep things from mounting up. This is also a good time to cleanse any personal objects you may have, such as your jewelry or magical tools. Think of this more like routine dusting-- there's no major build-up, you're just trying to keep things clear to prevent problems.

If you have something for which you need closure, or if you're ready to end something in your life (such as an unfulfilling relationship or unsatisfying business venture), this is a good time for spells to bring things to their fruition.

As for meditations and divination, rather than looking to the future or on to new things, it's a good time for introspection. Where have your previous attitudes and actions brought you? What things in your life have been affecting you most? Are you happy with where you are? Do you need to make any attitude or behavior adjustments?

The Moon is waning (decreasing in light), and 75% to 50% illuminated. It begins the 3rd or 4th day after Full Moon and lasts into the 7th day. It is about 11 days until New Moon (from the beginning of this phase). This is the 6th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Disseminating Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 225º and continues until the angle reaches 270º (when the Third Quarter Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the second half of the Full Moon Quarter. The Disseminating Moon rises in late evening, a couple of hours after Sunset, and sets in late midmorning, a couple of hours after Sunrise. She is easily visible from Moonrise until Moonset. In astrology and magick this phase is called disseminating; however, astronomers typically use the name Waning Gibbous.

How it effects your life

The Full Moon has passed, though just barely. She still lights up the night sky, and the darkness of earth, although she is visibly waning. The waning phase is primarily about endings and letting go, in contrast to the beginnings and growth of the waxing phase. It's time to begin letting go, to realize that a transformation is needed before there can be further growth.

We have made the transition from waxing to waning, like stepping through a doorway, and now it's time to see what awaits us. In fact, throughout the busy cycle this is the first time we have really stopped to look around. We begin to see where we stand and notice our surroundings and our place in them. The disseminating phase is integrative. Our awareness of others, their needs and goals, their effect on us is heightened. We begin to see where our knowledge may be useful to others, and their knowledge may be useful to us. The visions began at New Moon, the fulfillment gained at Full Moon, the experiences in-between have begun transforming into wisdom and understanding. We are compelled to share it. We absorb what others have to share. Communication is vital.

How to make the most of this phase

Following the natural path of the Moon, it is time to take a step back. Not a step backwards in progress, but step back from situations you are too close to, look at them objectively. From the darkness of New Moon, she has progressed, grown, increased to the peak of Full Moon. Now she is gracefully and slowly slipping into the shadows. She is re-visiting the darkness. Dark does not mean evil or bad. Knowledge, wisdom, understanding, and subconscious all reside in the quiet depths of the shadows. Begin turning your attention to things of this nature.

This is only the beginning of the waning portion of the Lunar Cycle. We begin by seeking understanding. At Full Moon, things are illuminated, accomplished, goals are reached, ideas are solidified. Now we know. But do we understand? The mind is busy, sharing and gathering information, racing with thoughts. This is the time to process those thoughts, bits of information, memories of experiences into wisdom - a valuable tool you can utilize for the rest of this cycle, and all that follow it.

The sharing of information is one of the critical elements of and uses for the Disseminating Phase. If you have a message to get out, now is the time. If others are talking (about something relevant) listen to what they have to say. Study, learn, and absorb ideas and information. The tendency for sharing and interaction is not limited to information, although that is its primary influence. This can be an excellent time for socializing, teaching children to share, charity work. It's perfect for attending (or teaching) classes and workshops, making friends whom you connect to on an intellectual level, or exploring other cultures. Learn and diversify, keep an open mind.

This phase is usually a busy time (at least mentally), but in the rush to share, gain, and digest ideas don't forget that the general tendency of the waning phase is decreasing and letting go. This is a good time for breaking habits, changing routines, and weeding out ideas which aren't useful. Be open to change, as this phase is a beginning of a transformation. Ask yourself what you need to transform.

Now that we are in the waning phase it is no longer favorable to begin projects for growth and increase, because the natural tendency is decreasing. The disseminating phase has a strong focus on information. If you want to get a message out, 'spread the word' this is a perfect time. It's also a good time for gathering information. Think ahead to what you have planned for the next waxing moon and do your research. If you are in the middle of a big project or a difficult/confusing situation or point in your life, ask yourself what you need to know. Information is a powerful tool, and if you don't have all the facts, or don’t fully understand them use this time to remedy the situation. By the same merit if your side of the story hasn't been heard - tell it.

The Disseminating Phase also marks the beginning of transformation. Think change. Even in things we want to progress and grow, the balance of waning is essential. Do you have a stalled project, or feel stuck in a rut? Then something has to change, opening new doors, giving new options. Something has to end making room for new growth or allowing it to be 'reborn' in a different and better way.

3rd Quarter Moon

The Third Quarter, or the Waning Half-Moon, is the perfect timing for dealing with obstacles or leaping over hurtles that might cause you to stumble on your way. Whenever you've been working toward something, and there's a roadblock in your path, the timing of this moon phase offers appropriate energies for helping you burst through it.

Temptations are the number one thing I like to deal with during the Third Quarter. If I'm finding that I often want to cheat on my diet or lay in bed rather than get up and do my exercise or watch TV and fool around on the internet rather than working, I banish that temptation with a spell.

Another good use of this moon phase's energy is in aiding with transitions, whether these are transitions that you have to make or simply want to make in your life. It can help smooth out any wrinkles that might cause snags as you go on your way.

The Moon is waning (decreasing in light), and 50% to 25% illuminated. This phase usually begins the 7th day after Full Moon and continues until the 10th or 11th. It will be about 7.5 days until New Moon (from the beginning of this phase). This is the 6th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Last Quarter Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 270º and continues until the angle reaches 315º (when the Disseminating Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the first half of the 3rd Quarter (when the cycle is divided into 4 quarters rather than 8 phases). The Last Quarter Moon rises around midnight and sets mid-day. She is visible from Moonrise, until Moonset. Both astrology/magick and astronomy may use either Last Quarter, Waning Last Quarter, or Third Quarter for this phase. Third Quarter is used more often in astronomy than in astrology/magick.

How it effects your life

Once again, we have reached the balance of light. The Moon begins this phase exactly half illuminated, but waning. She is slipping into the darkness, slowly but surely. Each night we see another sliver of light gone. She still illuminates the night, but gradually the shadows grow stronger and the light grows weaker. It is a time of transition, transformation, and evolution. There is a restless, sometimes uneasy feeling. Instinctively we feel that something is happening, something is changing.

In the First Quarter Phase we feel the energy of waxing and growing become quite potent at the light overtakes the dark. We have now reached the opposite point, as the dark overtakes the light and we feel the energy of waning and decreasing with equal potency. However, the darkness is the quiet, the internal, the letting go, the understanding - it is a more subtle energy. The mysteries of the shadows are now more alluring than the discoveries of the light. The energy is deep and powerful, but not so easy to decipher as the extroverted and illuminating energy we felt in the First Quarter.

How to make the most of this phase

Half-light, half dark. We are looking back and looking ahead. Often, we find ourselves at cross-roads during the Last Quarter Phase, sometimes trying to (or needing to) take both roads at once. Things began early in the phase are coming to fruition. There are things that still need to be done, perhaps another big push to finish up. Maybe they should be continued or revived. It's decision time. Then, there is the question of where to from here. What will replace things that have been finished? What will be started in the next phase? Again, decision time.

Look back: where have you been, and what have you done? Look ahead: where are you going, and what will you do? This is a time of change, as we are beginning to form plans for the future, realizing the repercussions of the past, and deciding what we will (or must) continue, and bring with us. This isn't a time to dodge responsibility and avoid decisions. We often find ourselves facing mistakes we have made and receiving credit for what we have archived. We become aware of what is finished or needs to be. We've been gathering wisdom, contemplating change. Now we begin to figure out what to do with what we have, and don't have.

The Quarter Moon Phases, both first and last, are times of balance followed by direction. This one is vastly different from the First Quarter, however. This is a good time to break bad habits and change routines. Sometimes the more stubborn habits are easier to break now than in the Disseminating Phase. There is sometimes a vague feeling of chaos in our lives around this time. Be careful not to let things spin out of control, but don't be too concerned. It's natural, this is a turning point and there are probably many things going on simultaneously. Don't let yourself slip into bad habits, and not do what has to be done. However, don't push yourself too hard either. Rest and contemplation are integral to the entire waning phase.

The Last Quarter Phase is a good time for taking care of details. Do things you've been putting off. Clean out the closet, finish up some paperwork. Work on wrapping things up, and deal with those 'odds and ends' you've been neglecting. It's a good time to organize, prioritize, streamline, and weed out. Clean up clutter, throw away things you don't need and make room for those 'homeless' things laying around.

This can be an important point in long-term projects and goals. This is a time for making the hard decisions and implementing serious change. What needs to be eliminated? If you are have come to a point where you must choose one of two (or more) directions, this is a good time to make your choice. Now is the time for re-structuring and re-considering plans. Take a hard look at what has and hasn't worked, make use of information you've gathered. This is a time of endings, but not always eliminating things.

This is a good time for finishing or beginning the final stage of something. If you have a project near completion, it can be a good time to take the necessary steps to finish it; make time and room for something new.

Mistakes made along the way may, and problems you've encountered be catching up with you. Don't ignore them or give up on what you've been trying to do. See what there is to be learned, and how they may be avoided in the future. Implement change where needed or use this time to figure out what change is needed. Take an honest look at projects, or things in your life that seem to be going downhill. Decide if it's worth pursuing or not. There is a difference in giving up, depressed, frustrated, and illogical or thinking it through and deciding that it's not worth continuing with. Decide whether you're ending the goal or the plan. If you're ending the plan, but the goal is still worth striving for, consider a new start, a different approach, in the coming Lunar Cycle. If you're ending the goal, do what is needed to wrap it up, and start thinking ahead. Consider the possibilities opened by the time and resources you're freeing up.

Waning Crescent Moon

If you need to clear your life and home of negativity, stress, strife, chaos, etc., now is the time to do it. The Waning Crescent, as it approaches the Dark Moon phase, it suitable for stronger banishing than at any other time of the waning moon phases. Get rid of whatever has been plaguing you—anything you find to be seriously annoying, frustrating or concerning (save things that are serious threats for that Dark Moon).

If you need things to end—not just to finish up and end, but things that no longer serve you that you need to just stop in their tracks-- this moon phase is a good time to do it. Dropping a hopeless project, relationship, friendship, etc. is best done at this time. This is a good time to cast a spell for anything for which you wish to bring about a swift and benign ending.

The Moon is waning (decreasing in light) and 75% to 0% illuminated. This phase begins the 10th or 11th day after Full Moon and continues until New Moon. It is about 3.5 days until New Moon (at the beginning of this phase). This is the 7th in the 8 phases of the Lunar month. The Balsamic Phase begins when the Sun/Moon angle reaches 315º and continues until the angle reaches 0º (when the New Moon Phase will begin). This phase is the second half of the 3rd Quarter (when the cycle is divided into 4 quarters rather than 8 phases). The Balsamic Moon rises is early morning, before dawn and sets in late afternoon. Early in this phase is visible in pre-dawn twilight; a thin silver crescent softly growing in the eastern sky. By the end of this phase she has disappeared, as we approach the next lunar cycle. This phase is called Balsamic, Dark Moon, and Waning Crescent. In astrology/magick the term waning crescent is rarely used; it is by far the most common astronomical name. Dark Moon and Balsamic are commonly used in astrology/magick.

How it effects your life

The darkness is nearly complete. We begin the Balsamic Phase with just a thin sliver of light - you may catch a glimpse in early morning - and by the end of the phase, darkness is complete. We are approaching New Moon; this is the last waning phase. She has withdrawn into the darkness, leaving the night wrapped in shadows. Disappearing, she is resting, preparing for the next Lunar Cycle. As we follow her example, follow her path, we do the same.

This is a time of quiet contemplation. We withdraw into the shadowy depths of thought and emotion, resting, reflecting, thinking, feeling, dreaming, and preparing. To a great degree we exist in the 'invisible worlds' of subconscious, spiritual realms, daydreaming, and our own inner depths. We are often consciously unaware - much is happening, yet it seems that nothing is happening. The past slips away, quietly into the night as the future slips in. While the Moon releases her current cycle, extinguishing the light and preparing for the next cycle, we to are releasing extinguishing and preparing; even if we don't know it on a conscious level.

How to make the most of this phase

This is a time to notice the subtle, especially within yourself. It's not a time of dramatic changes and hectic action. Yet it's a time of chaos, in its own way. There is often an uneasy, restlessness about the Balsamic Phase. This isn't (typically) chaos in the external sense, of noticeable disorder and confusion. This is a deeper, more subtle more meaningful type of chaos. The Lunar cycle is ending, with it our cycle of progress and action is ending. Yet a new cycle has not begun. There is a sense of void, but it's not a void. It's filled with the past, the future, hopes and fears. Externally this should be a calm, quiet time. Allow yourself opportunity to think, feel and experience.

The Balsamic Moon Phase is a time of release. The growing and building of the waxing phase have passes. The actively analyzing, correcting, and changing of the waning phase up to this point has passes. Now is the time for acceptance and release. What has gone too far to be repairable, we must let go of. Perhaps it will be re-started in the next, or a future Lunar Cycle. Maybe it won't. But if its time has come, we must now let go. We must have faith in ourselves, and the natural cycle, knowing what we let go of now will be reborn, the resources will be reused, we are making way for something new, releasing emotions and beginning healing…

Balsamic Moon is also a time of preparation. New Moon is approaching; we are on the verge of the next Lunar Cycle. We are on the verge, but not there yet. Gather your strength and resources; let your mind and body relax. Let your spirit and soul play. Let your imagination run wild. We are following the natural cycle. The Moon is now retreating into the shadows, withdrawing into herself, resting and preparing to come back strong and vibrant in the next cycle. This is the time we should be preparing ourselves to be refreshed and ready for great momentum and new growth to come.

One of the best uses for the Balsamic Phase is rest. If you've been pushing yourself too hard, feeling used up and burnt out, the most important thing to do right now is give yourself a break. It's also a time to get in touch either yourself or nature. This is the time to stop and smell the roses, enjoy the moment. It's also a good time for mundane, routine tasks - the kind of thing you do automatically without having to give it much though. Try to avoid strenuous activities, especially mentally strenuous. This is the time for your mind to relax, and let your subconscious, your soul, and your imagination flow. Don't fill your head with a bunch of fact and figures, that won't let the subtle flow through.

In terms of more 'practical' activities, remember we are in the final days of the waning moon. It won't be favorable time for breaking habits, endings, or eliminating until the next phase. If you have things of this nature you need to do, now is the time. This phase of the waning Moon is particularly good for final endings. Anything you don't want to return or want it to at least be slower than typical - now is the time. For example, if you pull weeds they don't grow back as quickly, if you clean out the junk drawer, it will fill up slower, if you plug a leak it's more likely to hold and so on.

This is not the time to begin anything. It is an excellent time for endings. If you need to end a difficult relationship, break a contract, stop a tough habit, etc. this is your best time. In difficult situations, see if anything needs to be ended and if not, this isn't the time to address the problem. In long-term projects, the Balsamic Phase usually seems to be a time of stalled progress. Don't push for something to happen, wait until New Moon. However, this phase can be an excellent time of inspiration and creativity. The logical and forward moving part of things may be stalled, but often what we really need is a break from the activity and some objective, unusual thoughts on the matter.

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