Throughout time and history, people have drawn a connection between the moon and spiritual themes of love, psychic perception, intuition, our wild animal natures, death, and rebirth.
The Power of the Moon
Getting in touch with the power of the moon is one of the best ways to develop your intuition and skill as a magick practitioner. (That’s magic with a “k,” the witchy spelling.) The moon has an essentially perceiving feminine nature, in contrast to the activating masculine force of the Sun. It presides over the intuitive wisdom in each of us. Because intuition is the foundation of magick, to practice as a Wiccan, or a magickal worker of any kind, is to claim lunar energy as an ally!
Moon Magick for Wiccans
Wicca is a nature-based religion that draws on pre-Christian paganism and Western Occultism. Most Wiccans honor the divine feminine and divine masculine in the moon and sun, earth and sky. They celebrate each full moon as a time to connect with the Goddess – the divine feminine. A moon based ritual is called an Esbat, creating a balance for the yearly calendar of Sabbats, which follow solar energy.
Wiccans and pagans who draw from mythology have no end of moon goddesses to choose from, but the most popular of the lunar goddesses is the Triple Goddess. She manifests as a feminine trinity. Her three aspects, Maiden, Mother, and Crone, reflect the life cycle of nature. She is seen in the waxing moon as the Maiden Goddess, the full moon as the Mother Goddess, and the dark moon as the Crone.
Spellcasting with the Power of the Moon
Wiccan or not, at the center of lunar magick is the lunar cycle — from new moon to full and back again. The first step in harnessing moon power for your own witchy business, is to begin to understand the unique mystical qualities of each of her phases. When the intention of spells and meditations are aligned with the lunar cycle, their results are amplified.
This spell shows the qualities of each lunar phase through the symbolism of a growing plant. It can be used over and over again, in any lunar cycle. It can also easily be broken up, and made into stand-alone rituals for the new or the full moons. The magick in “the magick words” comes from you and the energy coming through you. Don’t be afraid to change things up and make it your own!
New Moon – Release to Renew
The new moon brings us the opportunity to let go. Like a snake that sheds its skin, we change because we have grown out of what is useful – even if it served us in the past. The new moon carries the energy of the crone – of wisdom, surrender to change, and perspective.
- Step outside on the dark moon and take a few minutes to feel the night air. Simply soak in her energy, letting the darkness feel peaceful and familiar.
- What part of your life are you ready to move on from? What do you want to change, ready or not? Write it down on a slip of tissue paper.
- Place the paper in a glass of spring water and leave it out overnight. In the morning, pour the contents onto the earth and say, “This is my sacrifice to wise Mother Crone. I am a sleeping seed. Guide me through the darkest night as I grow towards the light.”
- Mark the spot with a stone so you can find it again.
Waxing Moon – Plant and Tend
The waxing moon is a time of gentle growth. It’s time to make your dream into a goal by setting intentions and giving them time to take root. The waxing moon carries the energy of the maiden – hope, inspiration, and being present in the now. Do this part of the ritual in the first week after the new moon.
- Hold three small stones or crystals under the waxing moon. Open your palms to the sky and allow the sheer light to bless them, like a spring rain slaking the thirst of a seedling.
- Make your dream into a goal and say it out loud. For example: Write and publish a book.
- Think of three steps forward towards your goal. It can be specific (stick to my schedule, practice self-care, take a course) or general ( focus, compassion, and confidence.) Say them aloud, and touch each stone in turn, naming them.
- Bury the seeds in the same place as your new moon offering. Say: “Bless these seeds and bring their fruit into my world, Maiden Moon. I am a growing seedling. Grant me hope and inspiration as I grow towards the light.”
Full Moon – Dream Harvest
The full moon is the most active and powerful part of the cycle. It’s time to take big steps and bring that dream into reality. Full moons are also when we “get real.” Under the light of the moon, we take stock and feel grateful, for what’s working and what’s not.
- Step outside and soak up some of those full lunar rays. Take a few minutes to gaze at the moon and notice any shifts in your emotions and in the way your body feels.
- Take a moment to acknowledge the support you’ve received from the universe and your own courage in stepping up to meet it. Give thanks.
- Scoop the earth with the stones in it into a large bowl. You are committing to yourself and your work on the next level. At the same time, you are committing to receive support and abundance from the universe. Say, “Mother Luna, fierce protector, be my chariot as I ride out to meet the world. I am an open blossom, ready to receive your blessings.”
- Toss the contents of the bowl into some woods, weeds, or running water. Toss it as far as you can, and say, “For the benefit of all beings, as I will it, so mote it be!”
Waning Moon – Create and Reset
Rest from ritual during the waning moon, but don’t rest from your efforts! The week after the full moon is a fruitful time to be your own taskmaster. The week before the new moon you’ll begin to take stock of what needs to be released to keep growing and thriving.
Raven Hinojosa
