The Moon is regarded as the most important heavenly body in magick. This is because over hundreds of years witches have developed a special relationship with the moon. Witchcraft had to be hidden because of persecution, so it was done under the cover of darkness. The moon was the largest body in the sky and the place where the witches of old drew their power. This is why so much of magick involves the moon.
The Moon is representative of women’s health, the home, children, reincarnation, sleep and emotional healing. Because of the phases of the moon, the heavenly body is associated with the triple goddess. The maiden, mother and crone phases of the Goddess are represented in the Moon. For the most part, when you are honoring the Moon you are honoring the Goddess herself.
The Moon is involved in ritual in a variety of ways. One of the most prominent that you’ll notice as you being to explore this path is the timing of rituals with the phases of the moon. When the moon is waxing (building up toward a full moon) you should do rituals that have to do with gaining power, growing wealth or focusing energy outward. This can include love, wealth, success, friendship, courage and health. The waning moon phase is perfect for magick that is focused inward, involves removing something from your life or deals with the depths of your soul. This is the perfect time to do banishing work and ridding yourself of negativity.
The full moon also has it’s own special brand of magic. The full moon is a time of power and lasts approximately three days. This is an excellent time for divination and protection magick. If you need some extra power to a particular form of magick, like if you’re trying to find a new job, this is also a good time to do it. The new moon is another important magickal period of time. The new moon is a good time for doing new ventures and magick dealing with new beginnings, as well as love, romance and health.
You can begin to honor the Moon by getting in touch with the moon’s phases. A great way to do this is to start a moon journal. This will help you track the phases of the moon, as well as how they are effecting you. Write down the phase of the moon and how you are feeling. As you begin to track the moon’s cycle, you may being to notice patterns in the way that you react to the phases. This can help you plan future rituals, as well as develop a deeper understanding of yourself.
The following ritual is perfect for the full moon, and can be used to get in touch with the power of the Goddess.
You’ll need a white candle, a red candle and a black candle, as well as your regular ritual elements. If you want, you can include reminders of a moon Goddess on your altar. The moon goddess has been represented through time and cultures by Diana, Innana, Artemis and Heng O.
Ground and center yourself, and then cast your circle. Invite the elements as you normally do and then prepare yourself for your Moon ritual. Start out by calling the Triple Goddess with the following chant (lighting the respective candles as you go).
Three Candles do I Light
In Honor of Thee, O Goddess this sacred Night
White for Maiden pure as Snow
Red for the Mother full within, and
Black for the Crone, old and wise
Next, you need to complete the charge of the Goddess. This invites the Moon Goddess into your space and fills you with her power. Repeat the following while concentrating on the Moon, or if you are inside concentrate on the triple Goddess candles.
I am the Goddess of three Moons,
I am mistress of the Night
I am the richness of the Earth
I am the Moon and the Seas
I am all that way and is and ever shall be
Nor has any mortal ever seen that which lies beyond my veil
for I am indeed mistress of mysteries and the keeper of the keys
I am Queen of all living things, for I am Goddess of Nature
I smile and the radiance of the Moon is everywhere
Gather in secret if you must
by do not tarry too long behind closed doors,
for it is in the richness of the earth and the boundlessness
of the sky that my true temple is to be found;
And the Moon, the sun and stars will keep your secrets.
I am all these things and more.
Hear my words my children and worship and be glad
Look for me within these things but above all,
within your own soul, for it is there I am.
I have been with you in the beginning
and I shall be with you at the end;
I am the womb of new beginnings,
as yet unimagined and unknown.
At this time it is appropriate to complete any spells you have that need the power of the full moon. Or you can simply meditate on the moon’s power for as long as you feel comfortable doing so. End the ritual and close the circle as you normally would.
Keep in mind that when it comes to the Moon, any magick that you do is in worship and honor of it and the Goddess. If you’d prefer to create your own ritual to honor the moon, make sure to use white or silver on your altar in the form of an altar cloth or candle. You can also use mirrored surfaces or water on your altar to honor the moon. Above all, you should try to get outdoors and get under the moon so you can honor it in person.
Brightest Blessings,
Rose Ariadne, Your Warm And Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”
As always good article