The Moon has been associated with Magic and mysticism since the very beginning of time, across various cultures and traditions. While the Sun, whose importance is unquestionable, is related to logos (the rational) and left-brain functions, the Moon is connected to intuition, change, fluidity, reflection - all that is feminine - and it is related to the element of water.
Wicca tradition approaches magic and rituals according to the principle of ‘sympathy’, otherwise known as ‘sympathetic magic’, which means that like-attracts-like. The timing of rituals should be in tune with the energies of the Earth and its shifts - when possible, of course.
The power of the Moon’s energies is undeniable, and we witness it in changing tides, dreams and our bodily cycles. Syncing our lives with its phases can aid us in living a life that is in greater harmony with Nature and its ever-changing seasons.
Here is the overview of the 8 phases of the Moon and how can you use the energies of each of them to enhance the power of your rituals and spells.
Phases of the Moon and How to Use Them
New Moon Magic
The New Moon is the first phase of the lunar cycle, starting when the Moon reappears in the night sky after 2-3 days of absence known as the ‘Dark Moon’. It is a period of new beginnings; therefore, ideal for setting intentions and planting seeds for the future. Allow your imagination to run free and dream a new reality into being. This time is perfect for taking those initial steps towards manifesting your desires.
Waxing Crescent Moon Magic
The Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase of the lunar cycle in which the Moon grows. Energies are highly magnetic, making it a good time to perform ‘constructive’ magic - calling in what you want from life and reality, whether those are projects, plans or emotional states and behaviours, like more self-love, compassion, a positive attitude, courage, etc. The energy of the Waxing Crescent is all about going within and ‘pulling’ out what you want more of before you start thinking and envisioning what you want to bring forth from the external world.
First Quarter Moon Magic
While the New Moon is about going within and bringing out, the First Quarter Moon is all about attraction from the external world. It is the optimal time for performing magic that aims to draw things in, whether it is a person (partner, friend, client) or success, money, etc. Also, this is a very conducive time to call back lost objects.
Waxing Gibbous Moon Magic
Still in the ‘constructive’ magic phase, the energies of the Waxing Gibbous Moon are great for giving that extra push to something you’ve been working on but may have been stagnating. If you are struggling with lack of motivation to finish a project or stick to a routine, make use of these energies to give you a push and help you overcome temptations and resistance.
Full Moon Magic
The phase of the Full Moon is the most powerful of the cycle, and therefore the most conducive to addressing major issues or challenges you may be facing. Focus your spells and rituals on things that are of the utmost importance to your life. Also, this time is great for magic and meditations revolving around psychic development, spirituality and divination.
Waning Gibbous Moon Magic
After the Full Moon, we enter the ‘waning phase’ in which energies are conducive to repelling, banishing and destroying that which is unwanted. Use this phase to perform spells and rituals aimed at minor banishings and cleansings, whether in physical terms or bringing closure to something that hasn’t been working for a while. To realise what those are, this is a wonderful time for introspection and gaining clarity on what is no longer in alignment with your goals.
Third Quarter Moon Magic
If you’ve encountered an obstacle or ‘bump in the road’ as you work towards your goals, this is the perfect time to overcome it. Use spells that aim to boost you over hurdles that may tempt you to give up. The same goes for any transitions that you might be in midst of - make the best of these energies to smooth out any wrinkles and make the process flow with more ease.
Waning Crescent Moon Magic
As we get closer to the Dark Moon phase, energies are more suitable for performing bigger banishings, such as getting rid of anything that has been absorbing joy from your life and draining your energy. If there’s anything you wish to just cut out from your life, work with the energies of this period to do so. Whether it is dropping a dead-end project or ending a relationship or friendship that is harmful - focus your spells and rituals on the deliberate dropping of anything that you no longer desire.
Impact of Zodiac Signs on Magical Activities
To further enhance your magical activities you should check the zodiac sign, as well as the phase, that the Moon is in when you perform a ritual. Each zodiac sign is connected to one Earth element and has specific qualities that can be used to your advantage.
Here is the list of signs and their energy imprints that you can apply to your practices.
Aries
Aries is a fire sign ruled by Mars, governing initiative, action and impulses. It is the perfect time to perform protection rituals or rituals for control, power, strength, lust and sex.
Taurus
Taurus is an earth sign ruled by Venus – the optimal time for performing rituals around relationships and money. Thanks to Taurus’ quality of stubbornness, rituals performed at this time may result in high-effectiveness and positive long-term results.
Gemini
Gemini is an air sign which, due to its dualistic nature, may present difficulty with controlling the direction of your spells and magic. However, it presents a good opportunity for rituals surrounding creativity, fresh ideas and travel. Just stay cautious and be aware of its shifting qualities.
Cancer
A water sign related to feelings, Cancer provides a good time for rituals concerning family, domestic life, and fertility.
Leo
Leo is a fire sign whose energy is great for performing spells and magic aimed at your career, courage and leadership.
Virgo
An earth sign ruled by Mercury, Virgo has a high degree of mental influence; therefore, this time is perfect for performing rituals involving a great deal of detail. Use the energies of the Moon in Virgo to cast spells revolving around health, healing and education.
Libra
Libra’s energies are conducive to balancing any extremes in your life. Rituals involving relationships, partnerships and romance can be extremely fruitful if performed under the Libra Moon.
Scorpio
When the Moon is in the sign of Scorpio, it is the perfect time to work with psychic powers, divination and the most advanced rituals. Due to its potent sexual energy, the sign of Scorpio is also conducive to performing spells regarding fertility.
Sagittarius
Fire sign Sagittarius carries a particularly strong intellectual influence, which may be beneficial when performing spells and rituals aimed at legal issues, truth, education and protection.
Capricorn
Although not as stubborn as Taurus, the stable earth energies of Capricorn are suitable for performing magic concerning organisation, stability and ambition.
Aquarius
The energies of the Moon in Aquarius are great for casting spells revolving around friendships, overcoming addiction and creating psychic abilities.
Pisces
When the Moon enters the sign of Pisces, it is optimal time to perform Mental Magick, such as telepathy, clairvoyance, lucid dreaming, divination, communication with spirits, etc.
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