This page is for describing the differences between the phases and possibly a sample ritual posted eventually. Please be patient, I will post material as I write / type it.

The Esbat

There are four moon phases that are well know and referred to. These four are the New Moon / First Quarter, Waxing Moon / Second Quarter, Full Moon / Third Quarter, and the Waning Moon / Last Quarter. The Fifth moon phase is the Dark / Void Moon. Although it is not used as frequently as the other phases, it is no less useful when it is understood, and utilized.

Although the Full moon is considered to be the most popular, each of the five phases have a unique energy, and can be used towards enhancing specific goals. By understanding these energies, you can use them to the most benefit at any time, for any purpose, when ever you need to use them. A slight difference in the wordings or actions will change one moon phase to a complete different one.

New Moon / First Quarter: The New moon is a time for endings or new beginnings. It is symbolic of death and rebirth. It can also be symbolic of a woman who is menstruating. It normally represents a Maiden aspect. The New moon is also considered to represent the Crone aspect by some due to the fact that the Dark Moon is included in this phase when it is not specifically observed.
Waxing Moon / Second Quarter: The Waxing moon is a time for growth, and also to petition for love. It is the time to bring things into your life, or enhance what is already there. It is considered by some to be the time that the maiden becomes impregnated, and begins the change to motherhood
Full Moon / Third Quarter: The Full moon is a time for completion of projects and beginning new ones. The Key word during this time is "fulfillment". It is also the favored time for love spells and workings that seek the hearts fulfillment. Also, it is considered to be a favored time for health and success related workings. The Full moon is a time of thanksgiving, healing and honors childbirth. It is representative of the Mother aspect at her fullest point before childbirth. By some, the Full moon is considered to be the strongest or most focused time for lunar energies. It may also be considered to be representative of a woman during ovulation (if not impregnated) at the height of fertility.
Waning Moon / Last Quarter: The Waning moon is a time of endings, to remove or lessen things. This is a common time to work towards the more desirable traits by removing the undesirable ones or blocks in your path to a goal. To some, it will represent the goddess changing from the Mother aspect to that of Crone. To others, it is the time of birth and maturity / growing whether stronger as a child, or weaker as an adult, into a wizened form It is representative of old age.
Dark / Void Moon: The Dark moon is also a time of endings, but also change. When utilized, it is commonly seen as the first couple days before the New moon, or by others the first day and a half. It is a time of wisdom and mystery, but most importantly the time of Crone until Death and Rebirth. The Goddess may also be portrayed as a "vixen" or "Temptress". It is a more chaotic time, and can be emotionally charged. This is a time of reflection and meditation as well as divination.