dark moon january thru december

Dark Quiet Moon Esbat Ritual
January - Understanding the value of silence and contemplation
During January, the young Sun God begins to increase in strength. The Goddess, who was a Crone at Samhain and a new Mother at Yule, is now resting, to return as a Maiden at Imbolc.
January is named after the Roman God Janus, the two-headed God of beginnings and endings. Janus' wife, Jana is the guardian of the turn of the Wheel of the Year.
In his discussion of "The World" card of the Pythagorean Tarot, John Ops states that "by the laws of phonetic variation, Diana, Jana, and Iana are all equivalent," that "Jana = Diana Triformis, as lunar goddess, is equivalent to Hecate Triformis," and:
We have seen that Diana Trivia, who looks three ways, is the female counterpart of Janus [who looks two ways], and that Hecate Triformis [equivalent to Jana, as above] shows us the third face without which we cannot know our true destiny.
The Full Quiet Moon gives us an opportunity to receive messages from Spirit by removing ourselves from the noise and bustle of everyday life. By recognizing the value of silence and taking the time to meditate and commune with Spirit, we open ourselves to guidance and healing.
The times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies. In this ritual, we temporarily banish our involvement with the din of daily life in order to engage with the wisdom of quiet. Dark Quiet Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To banish the noise of the "outside" world so we can hear Spirit.
Tools
A horn, bells, or some other object that makes noise.
An object to meditate upon, if desired. A clear quartz crystal or white candle may be helpful for connecting with the wisdom available to through the Soul Star chakra.
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Quiet Moon, you represent the value of silence and contemplation.
I ask you now to silence the noise of the outside world and the noise of my own non-productive thoughts so that I may listen to Spirit.
Make the sign of the banishing pentagram over the horn or bell.
Sit in silent meditation of the crystal, candle, or other object you have selected as your focus. Listen to the voice of Spirit speak to you until you feel a sense of completion. When you do, make the sign of the invoking pentagram over the horn or bell.
May my awareness of the sounds of the world return to me, and yet may I carry the sound of your voice in my heart, and mind, and spirit forever.
Blessed be.
Sending the Energy
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Imagine goal fulfilled, stand in Goddess position and "let go."
After the Ritual
Make a commitment to meditate in silence, with Spirit - if only for a few minutes - every day.
Dark Quiet Moon Esbat Ritual

Dark Hunger Moon Esbat Ritual
February - Extending gratitude for what we have and the Earth's providence to all beings
It's hard to be grateful for much of anything in February. The weather tends to be raw and dreary, and cabin fever has set in with a vengeance. Remembering the symbolism of Imbolc and paying attention to the increasing light and the stirrings of new life can help, but we can also embrace February as a very real opportunity to practice our faith.
The Dark Hunger Moon is so named because it was at this time of year that our ancestors might have begun to run low on food, having depended on the stores from the harvest for several months now. If they, threatened with death by starvation, could remember to be grateful and use that gratitude to help sustain them, how much easier must it be for us to do the same?
This is a good time to remember that, despite what it might look like, God, Goddess, and Spirit are with us at all times. When we pray that they grant us what we need, it is important to remember that, at that very moment of prayer, they are already doing so. Right now we have what we need.
The times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies. Use this ritual to banish the February "blahs" so you can feel the very real presence of God, Goddess, and Spirit.
Dark Hunger Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To express gratitude for all the gifts that Goddess, God, and Spirit has bestowed upon you, your loved ones, and all beings.
Tools: Three offerings
One that represents you
One that represents your loved ones, and
One that represents all beings
An offering plate
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Hunger Moon, I come to you with a full heart.
Even as the Earth appears barren and sterile, I know that the increasing warmth of the Sun and the nurturing of Mother Earth are encouraging the invisible unfolding of that which will blossom in the Spring.
And, even as I feel gloomy and lethargic, I know that my Spirit is unfolding also, preparing itself to express the learning it has acquired during the dark season.
Goddess, I am grateful for all that I have and, most especially, for those gifts you have given me of which I am not even aware.
Great Goddess, in your wisdom and love you provide for me, my loved ones, and all beings.
Put the offering that represents you on the offering plate.
Please accept this offering in honor of the gifts of [name things for which you are especially grateful] that you bestow upon me.
Put the offering that represents your loved ones on the offering plate.
Please accept this offering in honor of the gifts of [name gifts that loved ones have received] that you bestow upon my loved ones.
Place the offering that represents all beings on the offering plate.
And, finally, please accept this offering in honor of the gifts of [name gifts given to all beings] that you bestow upon all beings.
May these offerings strengthen my bonds with you.
With harm to none, so mote it be.
Sending the Energy
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Imagine goal fulfilled, stand in Goddess position and "let go."
After the Ritual
After the ceremony, take the offerings outside.
Earth Mother, please accept these offerings in honor of your gifts to me, my loved ones, and all beings.
Blessed be!
Bury the offerings in the Earth. Keep in mind that you are returning to the Earth some of the positive energies that she has given you.

Dark Seed Moon Esbat Ritual
March - Planting the attributes necessary for a growing soul
If we want to plant an earthly garden, we have to choose the sorts of plants we want to grow, buy the seeds, and prepare the soil. Once the seeds are planted, we then have to devote our time and attention to them to help them grow. If we don't water, fertilize, or weed them, they may begin to grow and then deteriorate from lack of attention.
Likewise, if we want our souls to grow, we have to select the attributes we want to develop, collect the information or materials we need to develop those attributes, prepare ourselves to make the changes that we want to make, and then change our behavior to support our new goals.
Many of us want our lives to be different. Maybe I want to lose weight. I check out diet plans and buy a book or shop for special food. I'm very strict about following my new regimen for a while, and then my old behaviors begin to creep back in. The next thing I know I am back to my old habits, and my weight loss stops for lack of attention.
Times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies. This ritual is designed to help us prepare for the changes we want to make by recognizing and banishing those things that may block our efforts to change. By removing the blocks to our own progress, we effectively "make room" for the new behaviors we will need to practice to maintain our growth processes.
Dark Seed Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To remove the blocks to the changes our soul needs to make in order to grow.
Tools
If you have a plan for a new project or a personal development goal, put it in writing, and have your plan with your during your ritual.
A candle in a holder. Select a candle color that represents your goal, or use a white candle to represent the guidance of Spirit.
A divination tool that can give you a yes/no answer, such as a pendulum or a coin that you can flip.
A divination tool that can give you more information than just a yes/no answer.
A cup or bowl filled with water.
A small container of salt to represent energetic blocks.
Select a talisman of some sort that represents your goal. It should be something you can carry with you or place in your environment in such a way that it will remind you of your dedication to your goal.
An offering that represents your goal.
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Seed Moon, you provide us with energies for banishment and protection. In this phase of the Wheel of the Year, your energies can help us to banish those characteristics in ourselves and our environments that are blocks to our future growth.
Place your written plan for growth on the altar. Put the candle that represents your goal on top of your plan, and light the candle.
Dark Crone, I place before you my desires and goals.
I ask now for your guidance....
Ask any questions you have about the advisability or direction of your plan or goal. Use the divinatory tool that will best answer your question.
Your first questions might be: "Is this a good time to ask about...?" (If it's not, then don't ask.) or "Is pursuing this project at this time for my Highest Good?" (If it's not, you might want to reconsider what you're planning or ask for additional guidance.)
Ask any questions you have about implementing your plan.
Finally, ask what roadblocks you might encounter in achieving your goal, whether they would be internal or external, and how you can overcome them.
If you decide to continue with your project, name a block to your success. Put a pinch of salt into the bowl of water and stir the water with your forefinger. Say:
_____, which blocked my progress, is now dissolved.
Repeat for each block.
If you decide not to continue with your plan, use the above process to remove your attachment to the current project so you will be open to divine guidance in choosing the next one.
If you are continuing with your project, hold the talisman you chose to represent it in your left hand and the offering you are going to make for its success in your right. Hold these above the candle that represents your project.
Crone Goddess, I have received your guidance even in your darkness.
Thank you for sharing your wisdom with me, and for removing the blocks that would otherwise have stood in the way of my success in this endeavor.
Please accept this offering, that the energies from these blocks may be returned to you to be cleansed and reused
Place the offering on the altar or offering plate.
And please bless this amulet, that it may attract the energies I will need to continue on my chosen path.
Place amulet on altar.
If you have decided not to proceed with your project, you may give the offering in thanks for the Crone's guidance, and dedicate the amulet to providing you with the insight to know what you should do next.
With harm to none, so mote it be.
Sending the Energy
Snuff candle.
May the smoke from this candle carry my prayers to you.
Blessed be.
After the Ritual
Bury your offering in the earth. As you do so, visualize your blocks being cleansed and returned as positive energy.
Mother Earth, please accept this offering I place here in your care.
May these energies be cleansed and recycled to benefit all.
With harm to none, so mote it be.
Carry your talisman with you or place it in your environment to encourage you as you pursue your goal.

Dark Planting Moon Esbat Ritual
April - Sowing the seeds for the soul's growth
April is the time when seeds are planted so that crops may be harvested in the summer and fall. In the same way, if we want our souls to grow, we must plant the seeds for that growth. Planting seeds for soul development is different physically from planting crops, but it is no less necessary.
Although the times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies, the Dark Moon is also associated with the mysterious energies of Spirit. This ritual is used to offer the seeds of our growth to Spirit. Once we release these seeds we can continue our work, knowing that its outworking will be guided for our Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned
Dark Planting Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To sow seeds for our soul's growth.
Tools
A crystal that represents your goal
A houseplant
The Working
Hold crystal.
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Planting Moon, you represent banishment, protection, and the mysteries.
I ask you now to aid me in becoming the person I was born to be.
This crystal represents my desire for growth in [name the area in which you wish to grow].
This plant represents the fertility of the Earth, the life force of the Air, the power of the warmth of the Sun and of Fire, the nourishing qualities of Water, and the combination of these forces in the lives of all beings, overseen by Akasha.
As I place this crystal in the earth with this plant, I bestow the seeds of my growth into your keeping. In so doing, I trust that you will support my soul's growth - in the direction I have chosen, or something better, for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Bury the crystal in the soil around the plant.
Sending the Energy
Point the athame at the Earth surrounding the plant.
The element of Earth empowers my growth and the growth of all living things.
Draw a circle deosil around the plant with the athame and say:
The element of Air empowers my growth and the growth of all living things.
Point the wand at the plant and say:
The element of Fire empowers my growth and the growth of all living things.
Pour water from the chalice onto the soil surrounding the plant and say:
The element of Water empowers my growth and the growth of all living things.
Imagine your goal fulfilled, stand in the Goddess position and "let go."
After the Ritual
After the ceremony, put the plant in a place with the right type of light. Tend it regularly, remembering each time that you do of the goal that you are working towards for your soul's growth

Dark Ninth Moon Esbat Ritual
May - Receiving fulfillment
During May, the Wheel of the Year has turned toward expressing the results of the Earth's fertility. In terms of personal development, the seeds of growth that we planted in the spring are starting to blossom - we are starting to see the effects of those things we have done in working toward our personal development, even though we won't "reap the harvest" of our efforts for several more months.
As the times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing, rather than attracting, energies, this ritual is designed to banish those energies which block our fulfillment.
Ninth Dark Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To release the characteristics and behaviors that block fulfillment of my spiritual potential, and banish them from my energy field. Once free of them, I have room to accept those characteristics with which Spirit would fill me.
Tools
Cauldron or other fireproof container in which to burn paper
Nine slips of paper on which to write the characteristics and behaviors that block fulfillment
Pen or pencil with which to write during ritual
If you don't usually have one on your altar, a red candle to represent Spirit, lit at the same time as the God, Goddess, and/or quarter candles
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, now in the Wheel of the Year at the Ninth Dark Moon, you represent fulfillment. I ask you now to aid me in banishing the behaviors and characteristics that I possess which stand in the way of my achieving fulfillment of my spiritual potential as a creation of Spirit.
Please guide me in writing down those behaviors and characteristics that I most need to banish at this time.
Write down the behaviors and characteristics which the Goddess guides you to write, one on each sheet of paper. Leave one piece of paper blank. Hold all in the left hand, lighter or matches in the right.
Goddess, as I banish each of these into the fire of transformation in this cauldron representing the Creative Void, I ask for your aid. Please help me to release these blocks and grant me your assistance in accepting the replacements, more in line with my achieving fulfillment, which Spirit will provide for me.
Read each sheet of paper, light it from the red candle on the altar, and put the burning paper into the cauldron, and say:
I hereby release and banish ___ from my life, and pray to the Lord and Lady to help me accept that which Spirit will provide for me to replace it, for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned
For the blank sheet:
I do not know everything that I need to release in order to achieve fulfillment. This blank sheet represents those things that Spirit knows I need to release and banish, which I do not have the wisdom to see. May Spirit flow freely through this working, and act for me in ways beyond my understanding or awareness, for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Sending the Energy
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Imagine goal fulfilled, stand in Goddess position and "let go."
After the Ritual
After the ceremony, take the ashes from the cauldron and prepare a hole in which to bury them in the Earth.
Earth Mother, please cleanse and consecrate the energies I offer you, for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Place the ashes into the hole and cover it. Visualize yourself free of these energies

Dark Strawberry Moon Esbat Ritual
June - Receiving abundance
By June, the Wheel of the Year has turned toward the direction of the Sun God's greatest strength. We receive the abundance of the Earth, which supports our spiritual growth, and have now received all that we need in order to support our current phase of growth.
Although the times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies, this ritual is used to offer, rather than banish, our energies of gratitude to the Earth.
Dark Strawberry Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To affirm the abundance that has been bestowed upon us.
Tools
Pieces of paper on which to write things for which I am grateful
Pen or pencil with which to write during ritual
Cauldron
Offering
If you don't usually have one on your altar, a red candle to represent Spirit, lit at the same time as the God, Goddess, and/or quarter candles
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Strawberry Moon, you represent banishment and protection.
I ask you now to aid me in becoming aware of the abundance that I experience every day of my life.
As I write down each of the things for which I am grateful, please aid me in banishing the feeling of scarcity that plagues me on the dark days and nights of my soul.
Please guide me in writing down those things for which I am grateful.
May Spirit flow freely through this working, and act for me in ways that I cannot foresee.
Write down, one on each sheet of paper, with pen, the things for which I am grateful. Leave one blank.
Goddess, please accept, in this cauldron representing your womb and the eternal void of creation, these expressions of those things for which I am grateful. As I read and burn each, may my gratitude by carried to you, the God, and the Holy Spirit, by the element of Air, for all of the abundance that you have given to me in my life.
Light each piece of paper from the red Spirit candle, and say:
Holy Spirit, Goddess, God, please accept my gratitude for.... May the smoke from this fire carry my gratitude to you.
For the blank sheet, done last:
Goddess, I am not aware of everything that you, the God, and the Holy Spirit have given to me. Holy Spirit, Goddess, God, please accept this blank sheet as an expression of gratitude for those things that I do not yet recognize as part of the abundance of my life. May the smoke from this fire carry my gratitude to you.
Holy Spirit, Goddess, God, please accept this [offering], representative of wealth, faith, hope, and love, as an offering in appreciation of all those things for which I am grateful now, and in the future.
Sending the Energy
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Imagine goal fulfilled, stand in Goddess position and "let go."
After the Ritual
After the ceremony, take the [offering] and the ashes from the cauldron and prepare a hole in which to bury them in the Earth.
Earth Mother, please accept the energies I offer you, for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned
Place the [offering] and ashes into the hole and cover it. Visualize yourself conferring your gratitude into the care of the Earth.

Dark Blessing Moon Esbat Ritual
July - Receiving divine favor
By July, the waning power of the Sun God has become apparent. While we have by now received all that we need in order to mature in our current cycle, we are still "ripening" - much as the grain and the other crops are.
Although the times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies, this ritual is used to turn our attention toward receptivity. Our maturity is not granted only by our efforts, but also by the grace of the Lord, Lady, and Spirit. During this ritual, we affirm our acceptance of Divine favor in our lives. In order for us to mature, we need not only our efforts, but the assistance of Spirit.

Dark Blessing Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To ask for the Moon's blessings on us, our loved ones, and all beings.
Tools
Apache tear
Herb garden oil (or something that smells "green")
Two pieces of aventurine or another green stone - one to be used as an offering, one to be carried as a reminder of the presence of the Divine
Green candle
If you don't usually have one on your altar, a red candle to represent Spirit, lit at the same time as the God, Goddess, and/or quarter candles
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Blessing Moon, you represent protection and banishment of old energies. The Dark Blessing Moon represents Divine Favor, and during this ceremony I ask you to bless me, my loved ones, and all beings as we mature in our current cycles of growth.
hear my faith-cry, for them who are more thine than mine. Give to each what is best for each. I cannot tell what it is. But Thou knowest.
Please bless this stone as an offering to the Earth.
Anoint one of the stones with the herb oil. Hold this in the hand.
Please cleanse, consecrate, and bless this stone, that it may be an acceptable offering to you, in gratitude for the Divine favor that you grant me, my loved ones, and all beings as we strive to grow in Spirit.
Put the first stone down on the offering plate, and pick up the other. Anoint this stone with the oil.
Please cleanse, consecrate, and bless this stone, that it may be a reminder to me of your presence and influence in my life.
Anoint the green candle with the herb oil.
Please bless this candle, that as it burns it my carry my need, and the need of my loved ones and all beings, to you, oh Dark Mother.
Blessed be.
Sending the Energy
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Light the green candle. Stand in Goddess position and "let go." Visualize the energy traveling to the Light.
After the Ritual
Do not extinguish the candle. Complete the ritual and place the candle in a safe place where it can burn itself out.
After the candle has burned out, take the stone offering and any wax that remains from the candle and prepare a hole in which to bury them in the Earth.
Earth Mother, please accept the energies I offer you, for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Place the stone offering and the ashes into the hole and cover it. Visualize yourself conferring your needs, and the needs of all, into the care of the Earth.

Dark Harvest Moon Esbat Ritual
August - Receiving rewards
At the beginning of August is Lughnasa, the Sabbat of the first harvest. The harvest is a manifestation of Divine power and a reward for our efforts, which we celebrate at the August Dark Moon Esbat.
Why do we celebrate the harvest during the Dark Moon in August, rather than at the Full Moon? The Full Moon is the Moon phase of attraction and fruition, while the Dark Moon energies are more often associated with banishing energies. It seems contradictory to celebrate the harvest at the Dark Moon until one remembers the cycles of the Wheel of the Year.

At the very moment of fruition, decline begins, just as birth is the beginning of the process of death. Fruition contains the beginning of decline; death contains the beginning of new life. The Dark Harvest Moon is a reminder to us that every stage in the cycle of life contains the seeds of the next stage and that after the harvest, growth energies decline. The fact that the Dark Moon is celebrated three days before the New Moon further reminds us that the Wheel of the Year cycles through the same stages of birth, death, and rebirth that all beings do.
Dark Harvest Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To honor and give thanks to the Dark Harvest Moon, the moon of reaping rewards.
Tools
Apache tear, to represent the Dark Moon
An offering that represents harvest or rewards received, such as kernels of corn.
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Harvest Moon, you represent the rewards that we reap at this time of year. In the spring we sow our seeds; in the fall we harvest what we have planted and tended.
I wish to express my gratitude to God, Goddess, and Spirit for the rewards I am receiving. These rewards not only reflect my efforts, but also the grace of God, Goddess, and Spirit, which has blessed my efforts throughout the year.
Some of my rewards are those toward which I worked. Others are unexpected - lessons with which I have been presented, things that turned out better than I had hoped.
I am grateful...
List the things for which I am grateful.
Place offering on offering plate.
Goddess, God, please accept this offering as a token of my gratitude for all of the rewards you have granted me.
May I always live by the rule of three, as all that I give returns to me.
Sending the Energy
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
After the Ritual
After the candle has burned out, take the offering outside and prepare a hole in which to bury it in the Earth.
Earth Mother, please accept the energies I offer you, for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned
Place the offering into the hole and cover it.

Dark Singing Moon Esbat Ritual
September - Being aware of sounds and silences
The Mabon sabbat comes towards the end of the month of September. At this time of year, the energies of Light and Dark, Life and Death, God and Goddess are coming into balance.
Often we are more aware of or attentive to one particular polarity, while paying little attention to the other. The Dark Singing Moon provides us an opportunity to balance ourselves and attune with the balance of the universe by attending to both the projective energy of sound and the receptive, Goddess-like energy of silence.

The times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies. This ritual allows us to banish the attentive focus of Summer, which tends to be mainly projective, and transition to the more receptive energies of Fall.
Dark Singing Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To honor balance through awareness of both sound and silence.
Tools
Musical instruments, rattles, drums
The Working
I call on you, Oh Crone so wise - one who rules the darkest skies,
Come and be my treasured guest, and aid me on this magical quest
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Singing Moon, you represent sounds and silences.
May I know when to keep silent.
May I know when to speak, and what to say.
May you guide me so that my words, my deeds, and my silence all honor you, and further the Highest Good of all concerned.
Whisper, sing, chant, drum, rattle. Make lots of noise, and then sit in silence until the echoes of all the noise disappear.
Sending the Energy[ii]
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.[iii]
Stand in Goddess position and "let go." Visualize the energy traveling to the Light.

Dark Falling Leaf Moon Esbat Ritual
October - Honoring the cycles of life
In the Celtic Tradition, the Old Year ends and the New Year begins at Samhain. Likewise, at this time of year, Wiccans celebrate the cycles of life. Symbolized by the three-part Celtic triskelion (also called a triskele), the cycles of life parallel the cycles of the Earth as it moves through the seasons: birth, death, and rebirth.

During the Fall season, the cycle of death is most apparent. At the Dark Falling Leaf Moon we recognize in the apparent "death" of trees the cycle of life which precedes their rebirth in the Spring.
The times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies. In this ritual we turn our attention to the apparent waning, or withdrawing, of life's energies that occurs at this time of year, and at the same time remember that this is not the end, but a continuation of the cycle of life.
Dark Falling Leaf Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To honor the cycles of life.
Tools
Cauldron, to represent the Divine Feminine Void
Some dead leaves from the ground outside
A black marker, with which to write on the leaves
A lighter
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Falling Leaf Moon, you represent the cycles of life. At this time of year, when I am surrounded by signs of death, I ask you to help me be ever-mindful that what is left behind in death allows for future rebirth.
Jana, guardian of the Wheel of the Year, Goddess of beginnings and endings, please bless these proceedings that I might become attuned to your cycles and blessed by the wisdom and guidance that awareness of these cycles brings.
Oh, Jana, please bless this cauldron as a symbol of the crucible of change.
Dark Crone Moon, please bless these leaves as symbols of what I need to release so that I may be reborn.
On each leaf, write down a characteristic or situation that you believe it is time to release so that you may move on to your next stage of growth. Leave one leaf blank.
Light each leaf on fire, one at a time. Say the following as you drop each burning leaf into the cauldron.
I release _____ to the element of Fire and the crucible of transformation. As this part of me dies, the seeds of rebirth and growth are planted. Blessed be.
As you burn the last leaf, say:
Goddess, Crone Moon, I acknowledge the incompleteness of my knowledge of myself. May this blank leaf symbolize that which you know I should release, of which I am not aware.
Blessed be!
Sending the Energy[i]
Place your hands around the cauldron.
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.[ii]
Stand in Goddess position and "let go." Visualize the energy traveling to the Light.
After the Ritual
Take the ashes from the cauldron and prepare a hole in which to bury them in the Earth.
Earth Mother, please accept the energies I release to you, for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned. May their release plant the seeds for my rebirth.
Place the ashes into the hole and cover it. Feel yourself free of all of the characteristics and/or situations that you wrote of the leaves, ready to prepare for a new rebirth.

Dark Dead Moon Esbat Ritual
November - Banishing those things that are no longer good for us
In November, death and dying are omnipresent. Life appears to be withdrawing. Daylight is shorter, and the light from the Sun is cooler. The leaves have fallen from the trees. At this time, the idea of rebirth in the Spring seems very far away. This is a time of withdrawal - turning inward - just as the bear hibernates in the Winter.
The times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies. In this ritual we turn our will to the purposeful withdrawing of our energies from those things which are harmful to us. In this way, we prepare for the renewal of the Light at Yule.
Dark Dead Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To banish those things which are no longer good for us.
Tools
A plastic zip loc bag
Enough water to fill the bag
A sheet of paper on which to write those things that need to be banished - or a symbol of those things which can be used as an offering
A pen
A black candle
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Dead Moon, you represent the cycles of life. At this time of year, when I am surrounded by signs of death, I am reminded that it is time to clean my spiritual house.
Jana, guardian of the Wheel of the Year, Goddess of beginnings and endings, please guide me to banish those things from my life which no longer good for me.
The Wheel of the Year is not a circle, but a spiral. No cycle is the same as the last, even though the pattern remains the same.
Everything passes in its season. Some things are useful and stay with us for many years. Others stay with us for just a while, and then leave. Some things pass before we are ready to let them go. Others we happily banish from our lives. This is a time of banishment. Please guide me as I define those things which I want to banish from my life.
Write on the paper everything that needs to be banished from my life for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned, or hold the offerings and speak statements of release to them.
goddess I call upon you and Nature's Winter energies of cold and ice to banish these things from my life.
Put the paper (or offerings) in the baggie. Pour the water into the bag and seal it.
Blessed be!
Sending the Energy[i]
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
As I light this candle, my will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.[ii]
Light the black candle. Stand in the Goddess position and "let go." Visualize the energy traveling to the Light.
After the Ritual
Put the black candle in a safe place and allow it to burn out. Bury any remaining wax in the Earth.
Put the sealed baggie containing the water and paper (or offerings) into the freezer. Leave them there for a cycle of your choosing - a Moon cycle, a Sabbat cycle, a season, or a year - enough time to be sure that those energies are banished.
When the baggie is removed from the freezer, the contents should be buried in the Earth off your property or burned, with the ashes distributed off your property.

Dark Snow Moon Esbat Ritual
December - Resting
In December, we begin to prepare for the return of the Light at Yule. Even after the days begin to increase in length, the Earth still appears to be asleep.
This period of sleep is not death - even though the world appears to be gray and black and devoid of life except for the evergreens - it is the Earth resting in preparation for the return of the growing season. Like the Earth, people need a period of rest before their "rebirth" in the Spring. It's not that nothing is happening; rather, the work is being done "underground" - in the unconscious mind. This Dark Snow Moon Ritual, while extremely simple, is very effective in attuning the practitioner with this process, allowing him or her to rest in a state of being and attune with these unconscious energies.
The times of the Waning and Dark Moon are most commonly used for banishing energies. In this ritual we turn our will to the purposeful withdrawing of our energies from the outer, active world; and in so doing be remember to be human "beings," rather than human "doings."
Dark Snow Moon Esbat.
Purpose: To rest.
Tools
White candle
An offering
The Working
Oh Wise Crone, represented now in the Wheel of the Year by the Dark Snow Moon, you represent rest and our preparation for rebirth. At this time of year, when the weather is cold and the Earth is bleak and we are so often rushing around in a flurry of activity, I come before you to ask you to help me detach from all that I have to do.
Please help me to rest, to be, and allow my unconscious mind the time and space it needs to prepare for the coming Spring.
Light the white candle. Use this as a focus for meditation, and meditate as long as you can in the quiet of your mind. When thoughts come up, refocus your attention on the candle, and let those thoughts go.
When you feel a sense of completion and communion with the inner quiet, gradually return your awareness to the surrounding area.
goddess , please help me to return to this awareness of my being frequently in preparation for the month named in your honor and the beginning of the calendar year.
I ask for your help with the endings and beginnings that are part of this time of the year, and I offer you this ___, that it may strengthen my relationship with you and this phase of the Wheel of the Year.
Blessed be!
Sending the Energy
She changes everything she touches; everything she touches changes.
My will be done - this or something better - for my Highest Good and the Highest Good of all concerned.
Release the energy into the Light of the white candle.
After the Ritual
Bury the offering in the Earth.
Extinguish the white candle, and re-light it and meditate on it as often as possible through the rest of December and January.
When it is spent, bury the remaining wax in the Earth.

Dark Moon Rituals January - December

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