The Moon and its influence is felt in all things. You, me, the animals, the tides, the sap in the trees, and the
juices in plants. It can and does cause fluctuations on the psychic energies within each of us. So, it would only make sense that the Moon would have a direct influence on any magick that you perform.
It is Man's oldest calendar. Evidence of ancient cultures keeping time with the phases of the Moon can be found etched in caves and carved in rock the world over. Many legends and beliefs are associated with the Moon. In the Celtic beliefs, the Moon had its own sacred Tree associated with it, each tree having either Feminine or Masculine energies, along with a name for each moon phase or month (there were thirteen months in the Celtic calendar depending on the phases of the Moon.) Also, the Crescent Moon, for example, is a sacred symbol of the Goddess and also a symbol of magick, fertility, and the secret powers of Nature. Moon-shaped amulets are said to be extremely lucky for those born under the astrological sign of Cancer. Some women and their cycles attune or become attuned with the moon and its phases and is considered sacred and good. Too, the Farmers Almanac even references the Moon and the astrological signs which correspond in regards to the best planting and harvesting times. The Moon and its energies have been shown to be very powerful indeed!
The phases of the Moon influence the potency and efficiency of the magick work. The Moons phase is important to what type of Magick you will be performing. Simply, there are two cycles and three phases during each cycle. These are the times used when working magick. Below are descriptions of the phases and some of what magick is performed when. Please remember that the Moon is known by many names and many old tales, myths, legends and even some groups all have different interpretations and aspects set accordingly to their own beliefs. This is just a general view.
It is the most important heavenly body for witches. We draw on her power for lunar magick, we cast our spells in accord with her cycles. She inspires and illuminates us. There are moon gods, but the Moon has always mainly 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.
One way to honor the Moon is with a full moon dinner: set the table with white, silver and gold. Dress formally, in the same colors. Put night blooming flowers in a vase, or wear their perfume. Serve moon-food: pale, creamy dishes and crisp green salad, with a good white wine. A full moon dinner is an excellent prelude to lunar magick or for replenishing after rituals.
The phases within the cycles are used too in the development of the desires and wishes. The Full Moon is best for the strongest psychic energies and can be used in any magick spells. The New Moon or No Moon or Black Moon is a time for rest and attainment of desires are in a pause. This is the best time to prepare for the new wishes and to form your requests very seriously. You may also find that your own energies are running a little low at this point and some may have trouble concentrating. Take a break during this period and give yourself a rest. You will find when working with the moon and her phases not only helps with the attainment of your desires but your body will start to get itself in a cycle and you can learn to implement the stages in your life and avoid doing things at certain times instead of feeling like you are knocking your head against the wall.
Telling the Difference
The way to see which phase the Moon is in without a handy-dandy chart or calendar with you at all times, is pretty easy once you do it once or twice. The New Moon appears to be totally dark or that there is no moon out there this night. A waxing crescent is a light colored crescent on the right side of the Moon. Now, the First Quarter can be seen as the right half of the moon is lit. The Waxing Gibbous is three-fourths of the light of the Moon can be seen and this brings us to the Full Moon which of course is she shining in all her glory!
Crescent, half, and gibbous moons, on the other hand, are merely termed waxing or waning, not named for anything in particular. But even in a month with that many moon monikers, only the first full moon gets a formal name. All second comers are hailed simply as the Blue Moon.
Here are just a few Full Moon Titles:
January...Wolf Moon...Old Moon...Wolf Moon...Ice Moon
February...Snow Moon...Hunger Moon...Opening Buds Moon...Storm Moon...Coyote Frighten Moon
March...Maple Sugar Moon...Worm Moon...Sap Moon...Crow Moon...Crust Moon...Chaste Moon...Death Moon...Lizard Moon
April...Frog Moon...Pink Moon...Planter's Moon...Grass Moon...Moon of the Red Grass Appearing...Seed Moon...Awakening Moon...Leaf Split Moon
May...Flower Moon...Budding Moon...Milk Moon...Hare Moon...Grass Moon...Leaf Tender Moon
June...Strawberry Moon...Rose Moon...Dyan Moon...Planting Moon...Leaf Darken Moon
July...Blood Moon...Buck Moon...Thunder Moon...Mead Moon...Ripe Moon
August...Moon of the Green Corn...Sturgeon Moon...Moon When Cherries Turn Black...Dog Days Moon...Corn Moon...Dispute Moon...Lightening Moon...Wheat Cut Moon
September...Harvest Moon...Fruit Moon...Barley Moon...Harvest Moon...All Ripe Moon
October...Hunter's Moon...Moon of Falling Leaves...Blood Moon...Blood Moon...Leaf Fall Moon
November...Beaver Moon...Frost Moon...Snow Moon...Tree Moon...All Gathered Moon
December...Cold Moon...Long Night Moon...Old Moon...Oak Moon...Ashes Fire Moon
