The Meaning of Moon Phases in Magic, the Occult and Daily Life

To the careful observer it is clear that both the Sun and Moon actually do have a powerful effect on a great many things down here on Terra Firma. The shifting gravity created by the orbit of the Moon around the Earth is the primary cause of ocean tides. Some have made the claim that the fertility cycle of women is also governed by the Moon. Perhaps it is just a coincidence, but the average female cycle takes about 29 days, the same amount of time it takes for the Moon to rotate once on it's axis and to complete one orbit around the Earth.

Some have even made the claim that the lunar cycles have subtle effects on the psyche. There is a lot of circumstantial evidence to back up this claim. Several newspaper articles have been written (often during the Hallowe'en season) explaining that criminals and "lunatics" tend to exhibit more erratic behavior around the time of the full moon. All of this combined has convinced me that it's worthwhile to put in the minimal effort it takes to check out the current phase of the Moon when I happen to see it in the sky. You don't have to be involved in wicca or paganism to get in touch with the natural cycles we are all a part of. See below for the traditional wisdom concerning the occult use of the lunar phases.

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New Moon

The few days when the Moon is not visible in the clear sky is called the New Moon. It represents the force of death and decay. Activities and magic related to cleansing and destruction are appropriate for this time.

Waxing (Increasing) Moon

First and second quarter are the phases during which the visible portion of the Moon is increasing towards full. This represents a gradual ramping up of the psychic energy bathing the Earth. It is suggested that new endeavors are best started during this time. The lunar increase is supposed to help carry the project forward.

Full Moon

The point of maximum psychic energy occurs When the full face of the Moon is visible in the clear sky. Many people perform sacred rites and rituals during this time. Sometimes for worship, sometimes for magic and sometimes for both. Healing, divination, dreamwork and practically every other form of magick seems to get a boost if performed during the full Moon.

Waning (Decreasing) Moon

Third and fourth quarter are the phases during which the visible portion of the moon is decreasing towards the new Moon. This indicates a gradual reduction of psychic energy that we are receiving from the Moon. The ending of projects can be accomplished faster and more smoothly by being aligned with this natural decrease in energy. This is also a time of introspection and meditation.

Is This All A Bunch of Lunacy?

How you wish to use this information is completely up to you. Personally, I'm not going to turn my life upside down to bring all of my activities in line with the lunar cycles. However, I honestly do find it helpful to have an idea of the current phase at any given time. At the very least, being more aware of changes in your environment and the universe around you can only be of benefit.