As a practicing witch, the moon has always played a central role in my craft. From setting intentions during the New Moon, to releasing during the Full Moon, the lunar cycle is something I actively work with in my practice. If you’re new to lunar witchcraft, or just looking to dive deeper into this aspect of your craft, then this post is for you. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about moon magic, including the different phases of the moon, how to work with them, and some simple spells and rituals you can try out for yourself.

The Different Phases of the Moon

One of the first things to understand when it comes to moon magic is the different phases of the moon. The moon goes through a cycle of phases each month, starting with the New Moon and ending with the Full Moon.

Here’s a quick rundown of each phase:

New Moon

The New Moon marks the beginning of the lunar cycle. It’s the time when the moon is not visible in the sky, as it’s positioned between the Earth and the Sun. The New Moon is a time for setting intentions, making plans, and planting seeds for the future. This is a great time to start new projects, set goals, and make positive changes in your life.

Waxing Moon

The Waxing Moon is the phase that follows the New Moon. During this time, the moon is gradually increasing in size, and it’s visible in the sky as a thin crescent. The Waxing Moon is a time of growth and expansion. It’s a good time to work on projects requiring effort and focus, as the moon’s energies are supportive of this type of work.

Full Moon

The Full Moon is the peak of the lunar cycle. It’s the time when the moon is fully visible in the sky, and it’s often associated with heightened emotions and increased psychic abilities. The Full Moon is a time of release and letting go. It’s a good time to let go of anything that’s no longer serving you and to make space for new things to come into your life.

Waning Moon

The Waning Moon is the phase that follows the Full Moon. During this time, the moon is gradually decreasing in size, and it’s visible in the sky as a thin crescent. The Waning Moon is a time of reflection and introspection. It’s a good time to take stock of your life and make any necessary changes.

Working with the Moon Phases

Now that you understand the moon’s different phases, let’s talk about how you can work with them in your practice. One of the most common ways to work with the moon is to perform rituals and spells that are specific to each phase. Here are some ideas for rituals and spells you can try out during each phase:

New Moon

• Set intentions for the coming lunar cycle. Write down your goals and what you want to manifest, and then bury the list in the ground or burn it as an offering to the moon.
• Perform a self-care ritual. Take some time to pamper yourself and set the stage for the rest of the lunar cycle.
• Plant seeds, both literally and metaphorically. This is a great time to start new projects, set goals, and make positive changes in your life.

Waxing Moon

• Work on projects that require effort and focus. The energies of the moon during this phase are supportive of this type of work, so it’s a good time to put in the effort and make progress on your goals.
• Perform a prosperity ritual. This could be something as simple as setting aside time to focus on your financial goals and creating a budget, or it could be something more elaborate like creating a prosperity altar or performing a spell to attract abundance.
• Take care of your physical body. The energies of the Waxing Moon are supportive of growth and expansion, so it’s a good time to focus on your health and well-being. This could be something as simple as eating nourishing meals and getting regular exercise, or it could involve more holistic practices like yoga or meditation.

Full Moon

• Release and let go. This is a good time to let go of anything that’s no longer serving you, whether it be negative thoughts, patterns, or physical possessions. Write down what you want to release and burn the list as an offering to the moon.
• Perform a divination ritual. The Full Moon is often associated with increased psychic abilities, so it’s a good time to try out divination methods like tarot reading or scrying.
• Celebrate and have fun. The Full Moon is a time of celebration and enjoyment, so don’t be afraid to let loose and have a good time.

Waning Moon

• Reflect and introspect. Take some time to sit with yourself and think about your life and what changes you want to make. This could be as simple as journaling or meditating, or it could involve more structured practices like therapy or coaching.
• Perform a banishing ritual. If there are negative energies or influences in your life that you want to get rid of, the Waning Moon is a good time to perform a banishing spell or ritual.
• Take care of mundane tasks. The energies of the Waning Moon are more introspective and reflective, so it’s a good time to focus on practical matters and take care of any outstanding tasks or responsibilities.

The Different Moon Signs

In addition to the phases of the moon, it’s also helpful to understand the different moon signs. The moon moves through the zodiac every month, and each sign it passes through has its own unique energies and associations. Here’s a quick rundown of each moon sign:

Aries Moon

The Aries Moon is associated with action, energy, and courage. This is a great time to take the initiative and start new projects.

Taurus Moon

The Taurus Moon is associated with stability, security, and sensuality. This is a good time to focus on creating a sense of comfort and security in your life.

Gemini Moon

The Gemini Moon is associated with communication, curiosity, and adaptability. This is a good time to connect with others and explore new ideas.

Cancer Moon

The Cancer Moon is associated with emotion, nurturing, and home. This is a good time to focus on your emotional well-being and create a sense of belonging.

Leo Moon

The Leo Moon is associated with creativity, self-expression, and leadership. This is a good time to tap into your creative side and take charge of your life.

Virgo Moon

The Virgo Moon is associated with analysis, efficiency, and practicality. This is a good time to focus on organization and practical matters.

Libra Moon

The Libra Moon is associated with balance, harmony, and partnership. This is a good time to focus on relationships and finding balance in your life.

Scorpio Moon

The Scorpio Moon is associated with intensity, transformation, and depth. This is a good time to delve into your shadow side and explore the deeper aspects of your being.

Sagittarius Moon

The Sagittarius Moon is associated with adventure, expansion, and philosophy. This is a good time to seek out new experiences and explore new ideas.

Capricorn Moon

The Capricorn Moon is associated with ambition, structure, and responsibility. This is a good time to focus on your career and long-term goals.

Aquarius Moon

The Aquarius Moon is associated with innovation, eccentricity, and individuality. This is a good time to think outside the box and embrace your uniqueness.

Pisces Moon

The Pisces Moon is associated with intuition, spirituality, and creativity. This is a good time to tap into your intuition and connect with your higher self.

Simple Moon Magic Spells and Rituals

Now that you understand the different phases and moon signs let’s talk about some simple spells and rituals you can try out in your own practice. Remember, the most important thing is to approach these spells and rituals with an open and receptive mindset and to let the energies of the moon guide you.

New Moon Manifestation Spell

You’ll need a piece of paper, a pen, and a candle for this spell.

1. On the piece of paper, write down your intentions and what you want to manifest during the lunar cycle. Be specific and focus on positive language.
2. Light the candle and hold the piece of paper in the flame until it catches fire. As it burns, visualize your intentions coming to fruition.
3. Once the paper has burned completely, allow the candle to burn out on its own.

Full Moon Release Spell

You’ll need a piece of paper, a pen, and a candle for this spell.

1. On the piece of paper, write down anything you want to release or let go of during the Full Moon. This
2. It could be negative thoughts, patterns, or behaviors that are no longer serving you or physical items that you no longer need or want.
3. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit and make yourself comfortable.
4. Light the candle and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to relax and focus on the present moment.
5. Hold the piece of paper in your hands and read out loud the things you want to release. As you do this, visualize yourself letting go of these things and making space for new things to come into your life.
6. When you’re finished reading, fold the paper and place it under the candle. As the paper burns, visualize the things you want to release being burned away and transformed by the flames.
7. Once the paper has burned completely, thank the moon for its guidance and allow the candle to burn out on its own. Take some time to sit in silence and reflect on the things you’ve released.

Waning Moon Reflection Spell

For this spell, you’ll need a journal or notebook, a pen, and a candle.

1. Find a quiet, comfortable place to sit and make yourself comfortable.
2. Light the candle and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to relax and focus on the present moment.
3. Open your journal and write down any thoughts or reflections that come to mind. This could be anything from things you’re grateful for, to areas of your life that you want to improve.
4. When you feel like you’ve written down everything you want to, close the journal and thank the moon for its guidance. Extinguish the candle and take some time to sit in silence and contemplate your thoughts.

Moon Water

Moon water is a simple but powerful tool for incorporating the energies of the moon into your spells and rituals. To make moon water, you’ll need a clear glass jar with a lid, distilled water, and a crystal (optional).

1. On the night of the Full Moon, fill the glass jar with distilled water and place it outside in a place where it can be exposed to the moonlight.
2. If you want to add a crystal to the water, choose one that resonates with the energies of the moon, such as selenite or moonstone.
3. Leave the jar outside for the duration of the night, allowing it to soak up the moon’s energies.
4. In the morning, bring the jar inside and seal it with the lid. Moon water can be used for everything from watering plants, to adding to spells and rituals, to drinking as a way to tap into the energies of the moon.

Conclusion

I hope this comprehensive guide to moon magic has given you a good understanding of how to work with the moon in your practice.

Remember, the most important thing is to approach the moon with respect and intention and to allow its energies to guide you in your practice.

Whether you’re a seasoned witch or just starting out on your journey, I hope you’ll find this guide helpful as you explore the magic of the moon.