The Phases of The Moon

The phases of the Moon, or the different shapes of the Moon, are caused by the different angles from which we see the illuminated part of its surface. Half of the Moon is always illuminated, it is just that we cannot always see all of the illuminated part of the Moon.

When the Earth, Sun, and Moon are nearly in a straight line, with the Earth in the middle, we have a Full Moon. When the Earth, Sun, and Moon are nearly in a straight line, with the Moon in the middle, we have a New Moon. Just after and before a New Moon, the dark portion of the Moon is slightly illuminated by earthshine. Earthshine is caused by sunlight reflected from the Earth to the Moon and back to the Earth.

New Moon

When the moon first appears at the start of its cycle, it has the form of a crescent on the right side. In Magick, the New Moon is used for new beginnings, it can be used for personal growth, healing, and blessings of new projects. This is the time to focus on your needs and do some serious thinking about your goals and objectives.

Waxing Moon

As it grows bigger it is said to be waxing. Technically the term "waxing" refers to the two week period between the new moon and full moon. It is used for attraction and growth magick, particularly between the New Moon and the First Quarter, it is the process of building up so now is the time to push things forward to manifestation. This is seen as a period of growth, a time to act and be strong .

The waxing moon is an excellent time to perform rituals that add to your blessings such as, prosperity, protection, health, etc. Use the moon's influence at this time to make constructive changes.

Full Moon

When the moon reaches the second quarter of its orbit, the entire daylight side is visible and appears to us as a circle.  This isgood for all types of magick and power raising, but it is generally used for protection, divination, planning and releasing. The best results can be achieved the night prior to the full moon, the night of the full moon, and the following night.

The full moon is an emotional time. Feelings are more intense and powerful. One may also be more prone to accidents and anger. Don’t allow your emotions to control you. Be aware that what you think creates how you feel and how you feel creates your emotional state. To use the power of the full moon to your advantage, remain in control. This is a time of fertility, creativity, sensitivity and psychic awareness.

Waning Moon

The waning moon is the time period from the full moon to the dark of moon. The visible portion of the moon dwindles to a crescent and we get ready to start the cycle all over again.

The Waning Moon is used for banishing things that are no longer needed or wanted in our lives, such as bad habits, negative energy, and ailments. It is a time to make plans to eliminate old negative habits, ideas and attitudes that no longer serve your highest good. This is also the time to banish illness, bad relationships, and "bad luck". Get ready to clear obstacles and get rid of unwanted things. It may also be a time of introspection and inner healing.

Dark Of Moon

The Moon lies between the earth and the sun. Because the sunlit side is away from the earth, the moon is invisible to us.

The dark moon is not normally used for ritual although it can sometimes be used for very heavy banishing work.

Once In a Blue Moon

This is an expression we use in everyday speech to mean "not very often", but what exactly is a Blue Moon?

It is the second Full Moon to occur in a single calendar month. The average interval between Full Moons is about 29.5 days, whilst the length of an average month is roughly 30.5 days. This makes it very unlikely that any given month will contain two Full Moons, though it does sometimes happen. On average, there will be 41 months that have two Full Moons in every century, so you could say that once in a Blue Moon actually means once every two-and-a-half years.

Alternative Names for the Moon

January -- Storm Moon
A storm is said to rage most fiercely just before it ends, and the year usually follows suit.

February -- Chaste Moon
The antiquated word for pure reflects the custom of greeting the new year with a clear soul.

March -- Seed Moon
Sowing season and symbol of the start of the new year.

April -- Hare Moon
The sacred animal was associated in Roman legends with springtime and fertility.

May -- Dyad Moon
The Latin word for a pair refers to the twin stars of the constellation of Castor and Pollux.

June -- Mead Moon
During late June and most of July the meadows, or meads, were mowed for hay.

July -- Wort Moon
When the sun was in Leo, the worts (from the Anglo-Saxon wyrt plant) were gathered to be dried and stored.

August -- Barley Moon
Persephone, virgin Goddess of rebirth, carries a sheaf of barley as a symbol of the harvest.

September -- Blood Moon
Marking the season when domestic animals were sacrificed for winter provisions. Libra's full moon occasionally became the Wine Moon when a grape harvest was expected to produce a superior vintage.

October -- Snow Moon
Scorpio heralds the dark season when the sun is at its lowest and the first snows fly.

November -- Oak Moon
The sacred tree of the Druids and the Roman God Jupiter is most noble as it withstands winter storms.

December -- Wolf Moon
The fearsome nocturnal animal represents the "night" of the year.

The Blue Moon -- Variable
A Blue Moon occurs when the moon with its 29.5 day cycle appears twice within the same calendar month, due to that month's 31 day duration. Many consider the Blue Moon to be a goal moon where you set specific goals for yourself.

The Black Moon -- Variable
A Black Moon occurs when there are two dark cycles of the moon in any given calendar month. It is believed that the second dark moon of a time of great power within the spiritual world and any magick worked during this time is especially powerful.

Alternative Moon Names.

This list of moon names is something I have been working on, basing my ideas on the changes in the seasons and emphasising the most dominant aspect of that moon or month.

Fall Moon - October
Marks the end of summer, nature has slowed down, the last of the harvest's have been brought in, and the first hints of winter are showing. The trees, once crowned in golden leaves, start to shed their golden canopy. Nature's final explosion of activity, as plants and trees spread their seeds. It is a time for looking back, at the year gone by, for putting things no longer needed behind you and for preparing for the coming year. A time for finishing projects, cleaning out the debris of the past year, whether emotional or physical, and contemplating the personal targets and goals you have achieved.

Frost Moon - November.
The beginning of winter, when days grow shorter, and the nights longer. The time when the hints of winter to come are showing, chill winds blow and frost forms, while the pale golden sun's presence wanes. Nature is in regression, the summers visitors have left, squirrels have gathered their winter stores and the first of winters visitors are arriving. A time of inner reflection and growth, for divination and developing psychic talents.

Long Nights Moon - December.
This is the time of the long nights of winter, for until the Winter Solstice, the hours of daylight grow shorter. It is also a time of celebration, at Yule, one of the fire festivals of old. Unlike the Summer Solstice, Yule is a time of quiet celebration of the home and hearth and of friends and families. Although winter is upon us, the evergreen of holly symbolises rebirth and new beginnings. It is a good time to start new projects.

Storm Moon - January.
This is the time of the year when the worst of winter's storms take place. A storm is said to rage most fiercely just before it ends, and the year usually follows suit. It is a time to appreciate the warmth and contentment of the hearth. It is a time to explore yourself and plan the changes you will make in the spring.

Dead Moon - February.
The worst of winter has passed, here nature appears dead, grey, lifeless and beaten. Yet this is an illusion, beneath the ground new life lies buried, waiting to burst forth. Just as nature is awaiting the warmth of the sun to return, ready to burst forth, so now is a time to put into action things conceived during winter.

Moon of Transformation - March.
The seasons are fickle, one moment warm, the next cold, but nature is slowly transforming, renewing itself. Winter is fading and the hopes for the future months grew expectantly. New shoots, on springs early risers, can be seen, the first of springs flowers show themselves. The tingle of life, is growing, all is growing anew, with all this feverish activity, now is an excellent time for spring cleaning, for getting out and experiencing this zest for life.

Growing Moon - April.
The days are growing longer, sunny warm days, provide a welcome relief from the previous months cold and harshness. All of nature is constantly growing, each day hold new surprises. On each tree and flower, insects are starting to appear, hidden during the long months of winter, already some plants have seeded spreading next years life to the winds. It is a good time for planning ahead, things planted now will bear fruition in the months ahead.

Adapted from http://www.thewhitegoddess.co.uk