Working with the Moon's Energies

Whether doing a full moon esbat, a dark moon meditation, or a spell casting, one should know and understand the moon's influences in each of its particular phases. Working with the moon's energies instead of against them only helps to ensure the best results for your efforts.

However, emergencies often arise that can't be postponed until the proper moon cycle. The question then becomes how to work with the current moon's energy to bring about that which we need to have happen. The essence of the answer to this question lies in the basics of magick.

Essentially, all magick can be broken down into two types, drawing and banishing. During the waxing moon cycle, our work should be concentrated on drawing what we want towards us. During the waning moon, our work should be pivoted primarily towards banishing that which we want out of our lives.

Therefore, if a sudden illness strikes during the time of the waxing moon, work to draw health rather than banish illness. If an emergency situation calls for a heavy prosperity spell during the time of the waning moon, work towards banishing poverty and need. As you can see in these situations, the immediate need is accomplished by working with its opposite. In this way, you utilize the energies from the current moon cycle (either drawing or banishing) to ultimately realize your goal.

There are, of course, other lunar energies beyond simple waning and waxing moons. These include each of the phases of the moon within the cycle, as well as special moons, such as the Blue Moon or the Harvest Moon. It's also a good idea to craft your working towards the correct astrological placement of the moon.

None of this is absolutely necessary. By sheer will and personal energy alone, especially if you live in constant awareness of the sacred in everything, you can set events in motion. I liken it to going through a locked door, though. You can ram the door enough times with your body that eventually it will open. However, opening the door is much simpler (and less harmful to the body) if you have a key. The lunar energies we work with are simply keys that we can use to craft our workings for the best assurance of success.

Listed below are the influences of the lunar cycles, as well as each of the moon phases, the "special moons," and the lunar/astrological correspondences. Use these to craft and time your workings for the best possible outcome.

Moon Cycles

This cycle of the Moon refers to the period of time from the New Moon to the Full Moon. The energy from this cycle should be used in "drawing" that which you want towards you. It's a good time to begin new projects and expand any current efforts. It's also a time to craft workings that concern love, harmony, balance, and peace, as well as protection and healing.

New Moon
Sun and Moon are in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.

Waxing Crescent
Light crescent on right side of Moon.

First Quarter
The right half of the Moon is lit (ninety degrees from sun, end of first quarter, beginning of second quarter).

Waxing Gibbous
Three-fourths of the Moon is now lit.

Full Moon
Moon and Sun in Opposition. The entire Moon is lit.

The waning cycle of the Moon is the period from the Full Moon to the New Moon. This is the cycle to use for banishing and rejecting baneful aspects, such as disease and negativity, as well as dissolving destructive energies of all types.

Full Moon
Moon and Sun in Opposition. The entire Moon is lit. I usually wait until three days following the Full Moon before working with the waning cycle.

Waning Crescent
Dark crescent on right side of Moon.

Third Quarter
The right half of the Moon is now dark (ninety degrees from sun, end of third quarter, beginning of fourth quarter).

Waning Gibbous
Three-fourths of the Moon is now dark.

New Moon
Sun and Moon in conjunction. The entire Moon appears dark.

The Full Moon
The Full Moon actually covers three days, including the night of the Full Moon, itself. This is a time for action, for harvesting the fruits of our labors, for realizing that which we began at the last cycle, and of giving thanks.

The Dark Moon
The Dark Moon is the three day period from the last sliver of moonlight to the first sliver of moon light. This is the time of introspection; of looking within and meditating on the shadow self.

Moon Void of Course
As the moon orbits the Earth, it passes in and out of the 12 signs of the zodiac. A void-of-course moon is the time period when the moon makes no major aspect with other planets before entering another sign. The duration of this period can be as little as a few seconds or it can be longer than a day. The Moon rules the emotions, so one can expect to experience feelings of "disconnectedness," as well as emotional upsets, turnarounds, and variability. Therefore, it's a good rule of thumb not to sign contracts, start rituals, cast spells, or begin anything that would require any degree of emotional commitment until the Moon is aspected once again.

Blue Moon
A Blue Moon is that wonderful occurence when the Full Moon shows us her face twice in one month. Also known as a Goal Moon, it's an excellent time to set new goals for yourself.

Eclipses
As Lunar Eclipses represent the perfect union of the Sun and Moon, any type of magick worked or energy sent out during this time will be amplified.

The moon circles the Zodiac every 28 days, merging the influences of each of the astrological signs with its own lunar nature. It manifests those influences in subtle ways through an individual's emotional nature, and through the general vibratory level present in daily life. In order to assure the best chance of success, one should work with these vibratory influences when planning a ritual or a magickal working.