moon magick by Rev. Carol A. Ingle (Raven)

[Dept of PMM Artists & things]

moon magick

The Moon has been worshiped for centuries. Its powerful pull on the world is seen as proof of its magickal powers. The moon is more than light in the night sky. It affects weather,create tides and will influence earthquakes. Traditions across the world links the moon with maddness. Since the human body is made up of 80% of water, then we are under her spell as well, as the earth.

The Moon is the most important heavenly body to witches. We draw on her power for lunar magic. We cast our spells in accord with her cycles. She inspires and illuminates us. There are moon gods, but the Moon has always been perceived as female. The Moon is cyclical, like women. We menstruate with her. She mirrors the stages of our lives: "Maiden", "Mother" and "Crone". She is Changing Woman, as are we.

As the Wheel of the Moon continues on its never ending course, the moon also travels through the different astrological signs, just as the sun does, only more rapidly. When the moon resides within the various signs, that sign influences the magical aspect of the moon.

How the moon works

by Psychic Marin

Most of my "Psychic Workouts" are designed to access the powers of your mind, but equally important are the powers drawn from energy in nature. One of the most powerful and beautiful aspects of nature is found in the night sky -- the moon. The sheer beauty observed in a clear night sky is astounding. For thousands of years, the moon, stars, and planets had significant influence over Earth and our livelihood.

Most traditional magick took place by the light of the moon, drawing upon the different energies that the moon radiates depending upon the phase of the moon's cycle. You too can reconnect with your shadow side and learn to coincide with the moon's energies to assist you in your undertakings.
In order to begin working with the energies of the moon, you need to understand her cycles. For starters, the moon travels through its cycle every 28 days, making approximately 13 moon (or lunar) cycles in a calendar year. There are four primary phases of the moon. New Moon (Dark Moon), Waxing Moon (Waxing Gibbous, First Quarter), Full Moon, and Waning Moon (Waning Crescent, Third Quarter).

New Moon

The appearance of the absence of the moon in the sky is referred to as the phase, New Moon, or Dark Moon. As this phase marks the period of "new," this is the time to begin new projects, begin seeking a new job, or launch a new business. This phase is the onset of growth for the moon, and your ideas and endeavors will begin to grow as well.

Waxing Moon

Three days following the new moon, the waxing moon unfolds, and you will begin to see a thin sliver form in the sky. (Round, on the right side of the crescent.) As the moon continues to grow, it will reveal the familiar crescent moon shape that is often associated with celestial graphics and artistic renderings of the moon. When you become consciously attuned to this phase, focus on goals to expand and increase aspects of your life like the romance in your relationship, the money in your bank account, or increasing health awareness.

Full Moon

You may have heard that more babies are born on a Full Moon, an increase in injuries occur, and crime rates soar. Statistically there is truth to this, but the belief behind the explanation lies in the moon's gravitational pull and the energetic effects that it has on us. As the moon reaches the point of its fullest, you may experience a feeling of restlessness, overwhelm, and increased tension. Projects appear to be stacking up and in immediate need of completion. Use this full moon energy to tackle projects that have been sitting on the back-burner, or those dreaded projects which you can no longer procrastinate. The extra push behind the Full Moon's energy will aid in successful or "full" completion. The roundness of the full moon is also associated with the divine feminine womb and the corresponding phase for fertility and conception.

Waning Moon

After the moon has achieved its full phase, (approximately 14 days after the New Moon), the cycle reverses and the moon begins decreasing in size. Once again, the sliver begins forming in the sky, however the direction is reversed, as the waning moon now appears round on the left side. The crescent slowly begins to grow darker, until completing the cycle. This is a time of clearing and preparation of a new foundation, to which seeds of desire can be planted in the following new moon phase. Is it time to end a relationship, remove negativity in the workplace, or shed a few pounds? Use the waning phase of the moon to gracefully dissolve unwanted aspects of your life just as the moon gracefully dissolves in the night's sky.

The moon's energy can be compared to the idea "as above, so below." That events occurring in the heavens, affect occurrences here on Earth. What do you want to increase or remove in your life? Let the moon be your guide.

Moon Lore

There are lots of old sayings and legends about the moon but I wanted to share this section with you in a way that you can actually plan the things you normally do so here you'll find the best times to do various things:

Auto repair....New Moon to Waxing Moon

Baking...Dough rises higher and bread is lighter during New Moon to Waxing Moon

Clip Nails during full or waning moon to increase growth

Brewing {beer} full moon to waning moon

Excavate, lay foundations, pour cement ...full moon

canning and preserves ....full moon to waning moon

Dental care....

pull teethe only during new moon to waxing moon avoid full moon
Fillings .... full moon to waning moon

Start diet to loose weight.... full moon to waning moon

Eyes tested or getting glasses....new moon to waxing moon

fence post and poles....full moon to waning moon

Habits....best date to end....full moon to waning moon

Hair care....

cutting hair.... encourage growth Full moon/ discourage New moon
Perms and hair color.... new moon

Buy a new home....new moon
look for lost items....new moon

Cutting grass/ hay.... new moon to waxing moon to increase growth
full moon to waning moon to discourage growth
painting buildings/ homes..... full moon to waning moon
Shingling roofs.... full moon to waning moon

advertising.... new moon to waxing moon
Buying a business.... waning moon
buying clothing.... new moon to waxing moon
start a law suit....new moon to waxing moon, if seeking a court date to avoid payment, full moon to waning moon

Loans....

new moon to waxing favors the lender
full moon to waning moon favors the borrower
signing contracts... . waxing moon

employees....

hire.... new moon to waxing moon
fire....waning moon avoid full moon

Animals....

easiest to handle during new moon or waxing moon avoid full moon buy....during new moon to waxing moon
bring home new pets.... new moon
slaughter for food....full moon til 3 days after
eggs should be set, and animals breed so that young hatch or are born...new moon to waxing moon
composting.. .. start during waning moon
cultivating. ... waning moon
cutting timber.... full moon to waning moon
drying crops.... waning moon

fertilizing....

organic {always prefer} Full moon to waning moon
chemical {please use with caution} new moon to waxing moon
grafting plants.... new moon to waxing moon

Harvesting....

root crops.... full moon to waning moon
Grains.... just after full moon
Fruits.... full moon to waning moon
Mushrooms... . full moon

Pruning....

to retard growth.... full moon to waning moon
to encourage growth.... new moon to waxing moon
Spraying for pests.... waning moon
transplanting .... new moon to waning moon
planting crops.... to make this easy try and remember
above ground... new moon to waxing moon
underground. ... full moon to waning moon

And that brings us to one of my favorites!!

FISHING!!

Of course everyone who fishes knows the best times are sunrise to three hours after and two hours before and about one hour after sundown best moon time to fish when the moon is changing quarters, the days / nights of new moon, waxing moon, full moon, and waning moon.

Did you know that all lunar Holy-days are called Esbats, but any Wiccan ritual held at any time other than a Sabbat may be called an Esbat? I didn't, and I think most Witches call rituals performed on or around a lunar holy-day an esbat, while other rituals are simply, rituals.

Due to the rotation of the earth, the Wiccan calendar contains 13 Full Moons, which means a full moon happens every 28 1/4 days. Full Moon energy is used for banishing unwanted influences, protection and divination.

A Full Moon is also a good time for planning, releasing and working backwards in time. Full Moon Magic can be done for seven days, three days before, the day of, and three days after the full moon.

The New Moon is used for personal growth, healing, the blessing of a new project etc.

Between the New Moon and Full Moon is the phase called Waxing Moon. Magick for this phase includes attraction magick, increasing, growth, and gain. Make statements on how your life should be.

Between the Full Moon and New Moon is the phase called the Waning Moon. Magic for this phase includes banishing magick, such a loosing negative emotions, bad habits etc.

Three days before the New Moon is known as the Dark Moon, as it is not visible in the sky. Traditionally, no magick is performed at this time. It is a time for rest.

Due to the rotation of the earth there are thirteen Full Moons, each carrying a traditional name.

January - Wolf Moon
February - Storm Moon
March - Chaste Moon
April - Seed Moon
May - Hare Moon
June - Dyad (pair) Moon
July - Mead Moon
August - Wyrt (green plant) Moon
September - Barley Moon
October - Blood Moon
November - Snow Moon
December - Oak Moon