Phases of the Moon

​The moon and her many phases are an important part of many people’s practices. Many spells, rituals, and celebrations are centered around particular moon phases. That said, while moon phases can certainly play a part in whatever we are planning, we should remember that some circumstances may not allow us to do things with perfect lunar timing. This is ok, and we should not beat ourselves up about it or drop our plans all together because of it.
The moon has 8 phases, and each phase corresponds to certain concepts that we can integrate into our lives and into our magic. We begin our lunar journey with the New or Dark Moon.
 
The *New/Dark Moon is the beginning of a new cycle, and as such it is a good time to initiate new undertaking. It is also a time of renewal and rejuvenation, allowing us to take time to align ourselves with our life path and our deepest desires.
 
Next she shifts into the Waxing Crescent phase. As the moon begins to uncover herself once more, we should take time to set new intentions and start the foundations needed to attain those goals and desires we want to work towards.
 
The third phase is the First Quarter. This phase is about gaining the momentum needed to get us where we want to go, pushing forward with our intentions, and removing obstacles that may prevent us from achieving them.
 
This leads us into the Waxing Gibbous phase. Now that we have a plan in motion, it is time to reassess, refine, and adjust it accordingly.
 
Mid cycle now, we come to the Full Moon. At this time the moon has the most effect on water and its tides, and since we are more than half water, some believe it has the most effect on us.** There are many who believe it has a great effect on our mental emotional states. The full moon may have more lore surrounding it than any other phase, as it is the focal point or cause of many legends and myths. This phase is also a time of heightened intuition, completion, and can be a time for banishing or releasing what no longer serves us. However, it can also be used as a time of manifestation. Each full moon also has its own name, and purpose in the greater yearly cycle, depending on one’s cultural or spiritual beliefs.
 
After the moon’s culmination of her full self she begins to veil herself once more; starting with the Waning Gibbous phase. This is a time for self-reflection and introspection. Looking within to see what no longer serves us in our life and on our journey and releasing it.
 
The 7th phase is called the Last Quarter. As we near the end of the cycle, and the New/Dark Moon, we continue reassessing our path/plan, releasing what we no longer need, cleansing ourselves of these burdens/negativities, and preparing ourselves for a new cycle.
 
The Waning Crescent is the last slivers we see before the moon is veiled in darkness again. This is the time to rest from all the work, inner and outer, we have been doing the rest of the cycle. It is time to regenerate our self and our energy, reconnect with ourselves, practice self-care and surrender any final remnants of unwanted energies, emotions, and thoughts that are beyond our control.
 
And a new cycle begins again….
 
This is by no means an exhaustive list of meaning and uses for the phases of the moon, but I do hope that it was helpful to you on your journey. It is always recommended in books (at least the ones I have read) to keep track of the moon phases when conducting ceremonies/rituals, doing spell work, and when journaling about meditation, journeys, and dreams. One never knows what patterns or other insight one might find if they do. Do you keep track of the phases of the moon for your work? Do you note them when you journal your mental or spiritual practices? Have you noticed any trends? Do you have phases when you feel more powerful or affective? Do the phases phase you at all? I would love to know.
 
 
* The New Moon is sometimes referred to as this phase where the moon is fully unseen, and sometimes as when the first sliver of the moon can once again be seen. How you view it is up to you.
**It should be noted that the New Moon also has a significant effect on the tides. Some may feel emotional turmoil or stronger emotions at this time as well.