Wicca and the Moon Phases

The moon is a very important and heavenly body to Wiccans. It is not just a shiny ball in the sky that we enjoy looking at on our nightly walks!

Many Wiccans consider the moon as the embodiment of the Goddess, which is very important to the Wiccan religion. The moon is a very great source of natural energy that is necessary in magic, and many spells and rituals that you perform may be affected by the lunar phase in which you do them.

The moon cycle lasts 28.5 days and it is referred to as waxing when it is approaching the full moon and waning when it is approaching the new moon. Waxing means the moon is appearing larger and more revealing in the sky. During a waxing moon is when you want to do the majority of your positive rituals that have to do with love, healing and growth. The waxing moon period lasts about 14 days (or half the time of the moon cycle) and is a very positive time.

The full moon is described as the period when the moon is entirely full as a sphere in the sky. The full moon period is a time to perform spells and rituals which have to do with psychic ability and strength, fertility and power. The full moon is said to represent the Goddess and this period lasts about six days around the actual full moon (3 days before and 3 after).

On the other hand, the waning moon is the term for the moon when it is going from full to new moon. In the sky the waning moon appears as if it is decreasing in size and becoming covered by clouds. The time of waning moon is a time for spells that reverse and banish. This is a time when you can get rid of bad habits and relationships with people who are not exerting a positive sphere of influence on your life. The waning moon period lasts about 14 days as well and is a very divine time.

The various stages of the moon and stars are important for the effect your magic will have. There is a general accepted list of when each type of spell should be performed based on the position of the moon in one of the astrological signs. Earth spells should be performed when the moon is in the position of Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn. Air spells should be performed when it is at Gemini, Libra and Aquarius. Fire spells should be performed when it is at Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. Water spells should be performed when it is at Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces.