.png)
When timing is everything
A full moon represents complete manifestation
Moon phases can make or break a spell. But it doesn't have to be complicated
Moon Phases Simplified
Moon phases can be simplified into four stages. New Moon (absent from view), Waxing (growing bigger), Full Moon (full bright circle) and Waning (growing smaller). While many spell crafters and witches may work with specific calendar dates and degrees of illumination, most would agree that these four basic phases are all you need to know to make the most of lunar energy and cast powerful, successful spells.
New Moon
New moon is often a quiet time. Some witches and spell crafters won't cast during the new moon, usually because it has negative connotations for them or because they take it as a cue from nature to rest. Many use the time to take stock, reflect and take care of minor "house keeping" such as organising their stock and cleaning their tools. Others are happy to practice throughout the entire moon cycle and are comfortable working during a new moon, usually focussing on cleansing and releasing spells. Bath rituals can be popular at this time.
Waxing
As the illumination of the moon becomes bigger and brighter, it is providing an energy of growth and abundance. This is the time to cast spells in which you want to attract more of something. More happiness, peace, love, money. Whatever it is that you want to bring into fruition, the growing (waxing) moon will help you and as the moon continues to grow, it will move your intention towards fulfilment. With the exception of our Breakup Spell, all of Earthern Woman spells can be performed during a waxing moon.
All spells can be cast on a full moon when the power is greatest
Full Moon
The completion of the waxing stage is of course, the full moon. This is the most active time for witches, a stage of intense power and manifestation. Any spell can be cast on a full moon in order to take advantage of the giant beaming globe in its most super charged state. It is a particularly popular time for protection spells. The light of the full moon is also used to cleanse crystals and altar tools and charge rain water. The water can be drunk directly to take in the lunar energy or can be stored for use in future spells and rituals.
Waning
As the moon's illumination shrinks, its energy shifts to that of letting go and diminishing. Now is the time to cleanse and farewell what you no longer need in your life. Spells to release people, habits and emotions are performed during the waning moon. Breakup spells are usually performed on a waning moon. It can be a very cathartic time, some of our greatest spiritual growth can come from shedding what doesn't serve us.
Modern Moon Tracking
Modern life doesn't really lend itself to time spent bathing in moonlight but it can be greatly beneficial to our health and spiritual practices to take the time to gaze at it regularly, ideally every night. But we're all only human and when life, time and bad weather get in our way, apps can be a way of at least keeping track and staying aware of what phase the moon is in (in-built calendars can also be great for planning ahead). An app that includes a large, realistic image of the moon is best so that our brain can still make that primal connection.
Use the moon for more than just spells
Life Changing Lunar Cycles
It's worth noting that even without a spell craft practice, it can be helpful to work with the moon's phases and shifts of energy. The more are aware of where you are in a lunar cycle, the more you may notice how it effects your moods and life rhythms. For instance, we sometimes find ourselves filled with creativity and drive during a waxing moon. High on our own power and momentum, we can feel inspired and in control, on top of the world. A week later, as the sense of motivation lessens, we can feel disheartened and perhaps get down on ourselves for not maintaining the higher pace and accomplishing all that we had planned. But if we've been consciously noting the lunar cycles, we might view this change of attitude differently. We can recognise that the waning moon is simply working towards regeneration and inspiring us to clean out and let go in preparation for the next stage of manifestation. Tapping into this cycle of drive and rest, growth and cleanse and going with it instead of fighting it can improve our life and mental health. It can teach us how to live a balanced life without become overwhelmed and exhausted. Most importantly, it can give us a deeper connection and understanding of our spiritual self and the earth we live on.
*Earthern Woman uses the app, 'Moon Phase Calendar' by probadoSoft to track moon cycles.
Written by Julie Welsh
Comments