Phases of the Moon
While the sabbats are a big part of the Wheel of the Year, so too are the moon cycles. By following the moon's orbit we can live in closer harmony with it and use its influences to empower ourselves and our craft.
[Image credit: Nasa, 2023.]
🌑 🌒 🌓 🌔 🌕 🌖 🌗 🌘 🌑
The moon is intrinsically tied to the Earth and us--it is observable in tides, seasons, and bodily processes. It may have an impact on us psychologically or physiologically in ways not yet fully understood. One aspect of living in harmony with the world is living in harmony with the moon and its cycles and phases.
There are 9 distinct phases of the moon: the new moon, dark moon, full moon, first and third quarters, and the waxing and waning crescent and gibbous moons.
New Moon
The first lunar phase, new moons occur following the moon’s absence during the dark moon. In this stage, the moon is directly between the earth and the sun. They represent new beginnings and provide space for growth. New moons are an excellent time to set intentions, plant seeds (metaphorically and literally), be creative, and to manifest desires.
Waxing Crescent
The waxing crescent is the second lunar phase and represents the first stage of growth. The moon begins its orbit around earth here. They possess high magnetic energies, which are constructive, and empower invocation magic. It is a good time for planning, envisioning, and divination.
First Quarter
The first quarter is the third lunar phase and is associated with attraction and growth. Magic surrounding summoning and seeking is effectively powerful during this time, especially when trying to draw in lost objects, emotions, and memories.
Waxing Gibbous
The fourth lunar phase, the waxing gibbous resists stagnation, and aids in endurance and motivation. This is the final push before the apex of the moon's orbit. A provider of willpower, the waxing gibbous can help in overcoming trials and tribulations.
Full Moon
Full moons are the most notorious of the lunar phases, as the moon is at its full strength and exerts its influence with abandon. The entire face of the moon is visible at this time and the moon shines at its brightest. During this peak, the moon lends witches its strength, its sense of action, and its proclivity for development. It is also a time slated for clear-sighted divination.
In Celtic and Old English tradition, full moons have names and meanings depending on the time of year during which they are present. Put simply, there is a full moon for each month, plus the occasional extra one per year. See my forthcoming post about the full moons and their names.
Waning Gibbous
The waning gibbous is the sixth lunar phase and represents the period in which the moon begins to fade. It is a powerful period in which to practice magics that repel, banish, or destroy, as well as those that cleanse and heal. It is also wise to practice self-care in the wake of the full moon. This is an excellent period in which to root out and dispel unwanted energies as the moon’s light fades and darkness rises.
Third Quarter
The seventh lunar phase involves the overcoming of obstacles as one nears completion. The moon's visibility begins to rapidly fall. It aids in withstanding transitions.
Waning Crescent
The eighth lunar phase sees the last fragment of the moon as it nears depletion. This period aids in greater banishing and dissolution magic. Energy is drained in this period, both positive and negative, and is a good time to re-focus on important things; for prioritization. Self-care is needed to balance lower energy levels. Protection also warrants attention during this time, as one prepares for the moon’s absence during the dark moon.
Dark Moon
The ninth and final lunar phase is represented by the absence of the moon entirely. It can last 2 to 3 days, and witches may experience low energy and power. This mundane period may be used for reflection, introspection, and gratitude for the world around one. Shadow work may be particularly meaningful and fruitful during this period.
[image credit: Nasa, 2023.]
Conclusion
The moon has power, and it's crucial to live in harmony with its cycles. By following its comings and goings, its waxings and wanings, we can learn to address our needs more meaningfully and use our power to its fullest potential.
Thanks for reading! Bb
see my Year of the Wheel masterpost for more!
References
SpacePlace. (2023, June 12). What Are the Moon’s Phases? Nasa. https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/moon-phases/en/
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For people who understand astrology and are attuned with the moon - do you notice a difference in the full moon in different signs?
And, if you do, do you enjoy the energy more when the full moon is in the signs that you are more partial to?
Or is that something not even on your radar?
Curious Minx is Curious.
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i know last year we all got a treat with having a full moon for Mina's August 11th entry and that made me curious
since we don't officially know when Dracula was set, i looked up past full moons in August for the 1890's
1890 - August 30th ❌
1891 - August 19th ❌
1892 - August 8th ❌
1893 - August 27th ❌
1894 - August 16th ❌
1895 - August 5th ❌
1896 - August 23rd ❌
1897 - August 12th ✔️
1898 - August 2nd ❌, August 31st ❌
1899 - August 21st ❌
BONUS:
1889 - August 11th ✔️
1900 - August 10th ✔️
sources used: X, X
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I was at work tonight and outside, doing the worky type things, staring up at the big, bright moon and thinking as I do and...
Werewolves make no sense, guys. Like the way they're structured in fiction. Who decided these rules? Who first created the idea of the werewolf, because I'd like to have some words?
The notion that a transformation comes with the rise of the moon and reverses as it sinks is problematic BECAUSE full moons are barely a thing. A true full moon lasts for an instant and then they're gone again. Also, they can happen at any point of the day. It's not a specific night time thing. A full moon is not a full moon just because it can be seen with the naked eye. Werewolf transformations should, logically (yes, i know werewolves aren't real, thank you, stick with me here), no only occur at night. Alternatively, the moon can appear full for 2-3 days. So where are the rules set in this?
Here's my thinking: Remus Lupin. Werewolf. Transforms as the moon rises. Stupid.
Has anyone ever done something where these 'hard and fast' rules don't apply? Say that he turns at a random point during the day and it lasts for [some future determined time span]. OR there are all day transformations instead of nightly. He's a werewolf for a full 24 hours or however long. Or possibly the transformations last for days until the moon is no longer full to the naked eye.
Has anyone ever done this? Asking for a friend.
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Full Moons 2023
* * * *
Marcus Aurelius, 'Meditations'.Poetic translation of #47:
“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.”
More literal translation:
"Watch the stars in their courses as though you were accompanying them, and reflect constantly on the changing of the elements into one another. A mind that is impressed in these ways is cleansed of the filth of life on earth."
[thanks Ian Sanders]
[via “alive on all channels”]
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