The Cycle of the Moon

The changes in the appearance of the Moon are determined by the reflection of the light of the Sun and the angle between the Moon, Earth, and Sun.  We’ve learned that the Moon starts new with the first glimpse of the Crescent, then waxes to full, and wanes back to darkness.   We’ve all heard of the Crescent Moon; however, the opposite of that is the gibbous moon, one that is often unknown.  The gibbous is not to be confused with the Quarter Moon, which is when we see half of the Moon illuminated. The phases of the Moon are simplified to a 29-day cycle however the location of the Moon actually takes a precise series of equations that accounts for the many forces and aspects that influence the moon’s position. From our location on Earth it takes 29.5305882 days for the moon to travel around the Sun and complete the cycle through each phase.  

All of this the scientific approach looking at the Moon is only one side of the picture.

Just as the light changes on the Moon, so does the energy.

As we travel through the Moon phases we also travel through the energies of the goddess, of light and darkness, and growth and rejuvenation.  You can read all of the information here, plus a hundred books, and still not truly understand this energy until you stand under the moon and experience it for yourself. So our advice to you is to take the scientific understanding, plus the information provided here, and go outside and experience the Moon, her energy, and her wisdom to build a relationship with her. This is not going to happen in one night or one month but just as is with any relationship the more time you spend with it the stronger it will be.

The Dark Moon

The Crone rules at this time

           Astrologically this occurs when the Moon is directly between the Earth, and the sun; no reflected light can be seen making the moon dark against the night sky.

           This is a time for inward journeys and meditation. It is a time for planning and preparation.  Magick at this time is for gaining a better or deeper understanding, healing, and renewals.  

The Waxing Phase  

Ruled by the Maiden Goddesses and is a time for gain, and increase.

The New Moon

This is when the Crone is transformed into the Maiden. 

           The first glimpse of the crescent Moon.

           Under the light of this Moon the energy is best for magick involving something new. It adds strength to magick for health, personal growth, psychic work, rebirth, initiation, and divination for the coming month.

The Waxing Crescent

           The energy of the Waxing Crescent Moon is that of growth, attraction, good health, positive change, advancement, and is of a productive nature.

The First Quarter Moon

           The 1st Quarter Moon is ruled by the Maiden Goddess in her Warrior aspect projecting her youthful energy.

The Waxing Gibbous

           The Waxing Gibbous is the Moon between 1st Quarter and the Full Moon; the energy can be used to complete projects involving growth, and those started at the New Moon.

The Full Moon

The Moons energy is most powerful at this time. The Mother Goddess is in full strength, and her energy is most abundantly available.

           The Full moon occurs when the Sun, Earth, and Moon line up (in that order), and is seen as a complete circle.

           The energy is best for magick of discarding unwanted influences, protection, divination, dreams, creativity, beauty, blessings, communication, spiritual education, psychic powers, fertility, transformation, fulfillment, knowledge, and wisdom. It is also a good time for magick dealing with legal endeavors. The Full Moon can simply add extra power to magick in general. The Full Moon is used to ‘Draw Down the Moon’. This is a simple ritual used to bond with the Goddess and the energy of the Moon.

The Waning Phase

A time for decrease and sending away energy

The Waning Gibbous

           Waning Gibbous Moon is the Moon between the Full Moon and the Last Quarter Moon. This energy is the union of mother and crone. It projects an energy that is releasing, or banishing. It can be used for healing and cleansing when there is a need for removal. It holds the knowledge and wisdom of hind sight. It is useful in magick dealing with intuition, prophecy, divination, and deep secrets.

 The Last Quarter

           The Last Quarter Moon is ruled by the Crone or Sage energy. It is a time to seek wisdom and when the wise spirits are available for consult.

The Waning Crescent

           The Waning Crescent Moon is the last Moon seen before it fades out to the Dark Moon. This is a time to wrap up projects, and prepare for new ones.

The Blue Moon

           There has been much confusion to the true definition of the Blue Moon. Traditionally this is the third Full Moon in a season that has four full moons; contrary to the normal three full moons each season has. Currently, the common definition popularly used calls the second Full Moon in a single calendar month a Blue Moon. This became the common definition in 1946 when an amateur astronomer in Sky and Telescope did not complete the research and misinterpreted the Farmer’s Almanac consequently changing the definition.

           The older definition, of the third Full Moon in the season with four, rings much more true with cultures who did not utilize the modern calendar. They would have used the Blue Moon as a place holder moon in order to keep the remaining Full Moons in their proper place in accordance with the Sun.

           Magickally the Blue Moon has all the principles of the Full Moon, and also adds Spiritual energy to any spell. It is a good time to try something new.

The Black Moon

This is a special occurrence when there are two New Moons in one month; this is the second of them.

Super Moon

           This occurs when the Full Moon is at its closest place to Earth in its orbit, seen as approximately 17% larger.