Magic of the Moon

What is the Magic of the Moon?

Since time began, we have been using the Moon to live our lives by – to tune into the Earth’s natural rhythms – to use the magic of the moon phases for living, growing crops, magic rituals, health and so much more.

Moon Basics

The Moon completes a full orbit around the Earth every 29.5 days. The phases of the Moon are:

• New Moon
• Waxing Moon (when the Moon gets bigger in the sky, a narrow crescent growing from right to left)
• Waning Moon (when the Full Moon is decreasing in size, moving back towards the New Moon, gradually changing to a decreasing crescent from right to left)
• Gibbous Moon is the period beween the first quarter and Full Moon and between the Full Moon and last quarter.

During the New Moon phase the position of the moon means no light is reflected off the Sun, so it is not visible at all.

The Full Moon appears 14 to 15 days after the New Moon and appears as a glorious glowing white circle in the night sky. This phase reflects the maximum amount of light from the Sun.

Each full moon of the year has a name and the following are the dates of the Full Moons for 2009 and their names:

2009
Jan. 11th - Wolf Moon
Feb. 9th - Snow Moon (also Storm and Quickening Moon)
March 11th- Worm or Sap Moon
April 9th - Pink Moon (also Seed, Sprouting and Wind Moon)
May 9th - Flower or Hare Moon
June 7th - Strawberry Moon (also Rose or Sun Moon)
July 7th - Buck, Mead or Thunder Moon
Aug. 6th - Sturgeon or Corn Moon
Sept. 4th - Harvest or Barley Moon
Oct. 4th - Hunter’s or Blood Moon (appears red/gold in the autumn sky)
Nov. 2nd - Beaver Moon
Dec. 2nd - Cold, Oak or Long Night’s Moon
Dec. 31st - Fabulous Blue Moon - two full Moons in one month!

The Full Moon and New Moon phases can also affect people in varying degrees - from feeling happy and full of energy to being exhausted, depressed and nervous! Many people sleep quite badly (if at all) during or coming up to either of these Moon phases.

Moon Magic

The magic of the Moon is an essential and important part of the Wicca religion. Magic rituals are by and large performed by the moon phases which are known as the Maiden (waxing), the Mother (full) and the Crone (Waning) – all believed to be the faces of the Goddess.

The New Moon is excellent for spells that are related to starting new projects, increasing abundance and healing.

The Full Moon is good for healing rituals, protection spells and finishing off projects.

The Waning Moon is perfect for clearing, cleansing, banishing and divination spells.

The three nights before the New Moon are known as the Dark of the Moon. As energies are uncertain and unpredictable at this time, casting spells in this period is not advised.

Magic of the Moon Spell No. 1 (Magic Moon Water)

Leave a jug of spring water out in the light of the Full Moon. This water is excellent for washing your face to impart beauty and purity and can also be used to energetically cleanse crystals and imbue them with the magic of the Full Moon.

Magic of the Moon Spell No. 2 (Prosperity Spell)

What you need:
Silver coin
Cauldron or pot

Half fill the pot with water and drop a silver coin into it. Position the pot or cauldron so the light of the Full Moon shines onto the water. Gently sweep your hands above the surface, symbolically gathering up the Moon's silver.

While you are gathering the Moon’s silver, say:

La Luna, beautiful Lady of the Moon, bring to me your wealth right soon. Fill my hands with silver and gold. All you give, my hands can hold.

Repeat this chant three times. When you are finished, pour the water upon the Earth. This is most effective done during the Full Moon.

Magic of the Moon Spell No. 3 (Moon Wish Spell)

To ask for your heart's desire, draw the symbol of the Waxing Moon in a pure beeswax candle with a rose thorn. Light the candle, and with your eyes fixed upon the flame, concentrate on your heart's desire being granted by the Goddess Moon. When this thought is firmly in your mind, whisper softly: "Goddess Luna, mother of all love and light, grant me my heart's desire (say exactly what you wish for). Grant my wishes, fulfill my heart's desire. Shine on me tonight." Blow out the candle flame, but hold the image of it in your mind's eye for as long as possible. As you think of the candle's flame, know for sure that your wish has been heard. Within the space of one lunar cycle, your heart's desire should be granted.