Moon Phase Magic

Each phase of the moon has its own special correspondences.
From the Cold Moon of January through the warmth of summer's

Blessing Moon, to the final Long Nights Moon in December,
each month has distinct characteristics -- herbs, elements,

December's cold brings us the Long Nights Moon, which is a

gemstones and even trees associated with each phase of the
moon.

good time to evaluate the ordeals and trials in our lives.
If you're already made it through the darkness, share your

Every full moon is surrounded by legends and lore of its

good fortune with others.

own. Learn about the monthly full moons that emerge each
year, and the magical correspondences for each.

For many Pagans and Wiccans, the cycles of the moon are
important to magical workings. It's believed in some

traditions that the waxing moon, the full moon, the waning
moon and the new moon all have their own special magical

If you live in the southern hemisphere, your moon phases

properties, and so workings should be planned accordingly.
If your tradition follows these guidelines -- or if you

will be different from the ones on traditional neo-Pagan
calendars. Here's how you can calculate the name of the moon

think you'd like to time your magic based upon the phase of
the moon -- here are some tips on what sort of magic to

cycle if you live south of the Equator.

perform during the various lunar stages:

The chill of January brings us the Cold Moon, which reminds
us that winter still has a few more months to go. Also

The waxing moon is the period during which the moon grows
from dark to full. It takes approximately fourteen days for

called the Wolf Moon, this is a time when our bodies are a
bit sluggish, and we need to put some effort into magical

this to happen. In many magical traditions, people use this
time of the moon to perform "positive" magic -- in other

workings.

words, magic that draws things to you, or increases things.
Some examples would include:

* A money spell

February's Quickening Moon brings us a time reflection and
quiet, and we can use this phase to make plans for our

* A working to get a new job or home
* Bringing love into one's life

future, knowing that spring will soon be coming.

* Any magic related to increasing material items

March rolls in like a lion, and brings with it the Storm
Moon. Despite the chill in the air, by the end of the month,

The full moon is the point at which we can see an entire
side of the moon. For magical purposes, most Wiccans and

the signs of spring and new life are on their way.
Wind Moon -- April's Magical Seed Moon April starts off wild

Pagans consider the full moon to include the day before and
the day after a full moon, for a total of three days. If

and wet, and by the time it's over, the air has been reduced
to gentle breezes that carry seeds around the earth. Learn

your tradition requires you to follow the phases of the moon
for your magical workings, this is a good time to do rituals

about April's Wind Moon, and the magic that goes along with
it.

focused on personal growth and spiritual development. Some
examples would include:

* Spells related to increasing your intuitive awareness

In the merry month of May, the soil warms up enough that we

* Healing magic
* Rituals that connect you closely with deity, such as

can begin planting. In addition to our garden, we can work
on nourishing our souls and hearts. Learn about May's Flower

Drawing Down the Moon
* Any magic related to developing your magical skills

Moon and its fiery magical associations.

For many Wiccans and Pagans, this is also a time to

celebrate with an Esbat ritual.

Summer is when we see the longest days of the year, so it's
no surprise that June's lunar phase is called the Strong Sun

Moon. Learn about the earthy magical connections of this
moon cycle.

The new moon is sometimes tricky to work with because you
can't always see it during this phase - it will appear as a

very faint crescent of silver low on the horizon, if you can
see it at all. For approximately three days during each

July's full moon is known as the blessing moon, and is

lunar cycle, after the moon has waned, it goes dark before
waxing again. In many magical traditions, this is considered

associated with certain herbs, trees, and deities.

a fallow time, in which one rests and rejuvenates before
beginning more intense magical workings again. In other

traditions, it's a time to do magic related to wish
fulfillment. Some examples might include:

August's Corn Moon brings about a time of harvesting and
preparation for the coming winter.

* Cleansing and purifying of the body and mind

* Rituals that designate sacred space
* Any magic related to inner harmony and peace

In September, we celebrate the Harvest Moon. It's a time of

hearth and home, as we prepare for the coming cold months of
winter.

The waning moon is the period during which the moon goes

from full to dark once again. Like the waxing moon phase, it
lasts approximately two weeks. In many traditions of Wicca

October's Blood Moon brings with it cool, clear nights and

and Paganism, this time of the month is used to do "baneful"
magic -- that which sends away, gets rid of or destroys

the knowledge that winter is around the corner. It's also a
time for spiritual growth, because it's when the veil

things you no longer wish to be burdened by. Some examples
would include:

between this world and the next is at its thinnest.

* Magic to eliminate negative or toxic people from your

life
* Workings to smoothly end a relationship or job

In November, the Mourning Moon is upon us, and we can use
the energy of this moon phase to shed last year's baggage

* Rituals that banish bad habits
* Any magic related to reducing things, such as debt,