The Moon has been associated with Magic and mysticism since the very beginning of time, across various cultures and traditions. While the Sun, whose importance is unquestionable, the Moon is connected to intuition, change, fluidity, reflection – all that is feminine – and it is related to the element of water.

Witchcraft tradition approaches magic and rituals according to the principle of sympathetic magic, which means that like-attracts-like. The timing of rituals should be in tune with the energies of the Earth and its shifts – when possible, of course.

The power of the Moon’s energies is undeniable, and we witness it in changing tides, dreams and our bodily cycles. Syncing our lives with its phases can aid us in living a life that is in greater harmony with Nature and its ever-changing seasons.

Moon Phases

New Moon Magic

The New Moon is the first phase of the lunar cycle, starting when the Moon reappears in the night sky after 2-3 days of absence known as the ‘Dark Moon’. It is a period of new beginnings; therefore, ideal for setting intentions and planting seeds for the future. This time is perfect for taking those initial steps towards manifesting your desires.

Waxing Crescent Moon Magic

The Waxing Crescent Moon is the phase of the lunar cycle in which the Moon grows. Energies are highly magnetic, making it a good time to perform ‘constructive’ magic – calling in what you want from life and reality, whether those are projects, plans or emotional states and behaviours, like more self-love, compassion, a positive attitude, courage, etc.

The energy of the Waxing Crescent is all about going within and pulling out what you want more of before you start thinking and envisioning what you want to bring forth from the external world.

First Quarter Moon Magic

While the New Moon is about going within and bringing out, the First Quarter Moon is all about attraction from the external world. It is the optimal time for performing magic that aims to draw things in, whether it is a person (partner, friend) or success, money, etc. Also, this is a very conducive time to call back lost objects.

Waxing Gibbous Moon Magic

Still in the constructive magic phase, the energies of the Waxing Gibbous Moon are great for giving that extra push to something you’ve been working on but may have been stagnating. If you are struggling with lack of motivation to finish a project or stick to a routine, make use of these energies to give you a push and help you overcome temptations and resistance.

Full Moon Magic

The phase of the Full Moon is the most powerful of the cycle, and therefore the most conducive to addressing major issues or challenges you may be facing. Focus your spells and rituals on things that are of the utmost importance to your life. Also, this time is great for magic and meditations revolving around psychic development, and divination

After the Full Moon, we enter the waning phase in which energies are conducive to repelling, banishing and destroying that which is unwanted. Use this phase to perform spells and rituals aimed at minor banishings and cleansings, whether in physical terms or bringing closure to something that hasn’t been working for a while. To realise what those are, this is a wonderful time for introspection and gaining clarity on what is no longer in alignment with your goals.

Third Quarter Moon Magic

If you’ve encountered an obstacle as you work towards your goals, this is the perfect time to overcome it. Use spells that aim to boost you over hurdles that may tempt you to give up. The same goes for any transitions that you might be in midst of, make the best of these energies to smooth out any wrinkles and make the process flow with more ease.

Waning Crescent Moon Magic

As we get closer to the Dark Moon phase, energies are more suitable for performing bigger banishings, such as getting rid of anything that has been absorbing joy from your life and draining your energy. If there’s anything you wish to just cut out from your life, work with the energies of this period to do so. Whether it is dropping a dead-end project or ending a relationship or friendship that is harmful. Focus your spells and rituals on the deliberate dropping of anything that you no longer desire.