Rose Ariadne's Chitchcraft Blog

Dear friends,

We talk a lot about the moon and even plan rituals and spells on certain nights, depending on the face of the moon. But what does it mean and why do we do it?

The full and new moons are very powerful times when it comes to magick. They are also times for both beginnings and for endings. Although the world used to pay a lot more attention to the moon at one time, today witches still use the moon and its phases to help create balance.

The full moon is a time for illuminating and celebrating. It’s also a time for revelations. During the time of the full moon, the sun is opposite of the moon which symbolizes a division of energy. Many people find that the past comes back during this phase so it’s a good time to reflect on things that might not be bringing you the peace that you wish to find.

Moonlight is considered to be the most magickal light of all and when you have a full moon, the light is at its brightest. Moonlight has been said to be able to heal and soothe. Full moons are the most powerful when they happen within 2 degrees of any planet that you have in your natal chart. I know some witches who like to sleep outside and bathe in the moonlight, but this isn’t possible for me-unless I go camping. Not that I am opposed to the idea, however.

The dark moon is a phase of the moon that is often misunderstood. Some people fear it and think that it brings negative energies and power. Maybe it’s the word “dark” in it…More than likely, it’s because the dark moon represents sexuality, fertility, and the occult which makes a lot of people squirm. Traditionally, women started menstruating at this time of the moon, beginning their course.

The dark moon is a good time for binding spells, as well as a good time to release yourself from your own binds. If you want to bury the hatchet, get rid of any unhealthy ties, and free yourself from compulsions or habits then this is also a good time to do this in.

Then, of course, we have the new moon. The new moon happens when the sun and moon are in the same position. Since the sun blocks the moon from view, it’s not visible. When it comes to witchcraft, the new moon is the time when many rituals are performed.

Some people believe that whatever you are doing when you first sight the new mono is the right thing to do. The new moon often signifies hope, new beginnings, and even new projects. It’s a good time to start things. From this point until the full moon, it’s a great time to put things into action and to cultivate movement.

To really understand the phases of the moon, it helps to know about the astrological sign that the moon is in. This can really help you harness the energy and use it to your advantage. There are essentially 4 types of moons and these all correspond with the different elements: earth, fire, air, and water.

The earth moons are those that fall under Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn. Earth moons concern security, stability, structure, organization, and pragmatism. They’re more about solid, tangible things than with thoughts, feelings, and ideas.

The fire moons; Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius, are optimistic, enthusiastic, and love change. Since they have lots of energy, they can also be tempestuous and impulsive. It’s been said, too, that they are a little on the self-centered side.

Gemini, Libra, and Aquarius are the air moons. These signs like to analyze feelings and thoughts and they are very connected to communication, talking, movement, expression, and objectivity.

Water moons include Pisces, Scorpio, and Cancer. The water moons are often considered to be the most magickal of the moons, but they can be disorienting as well. Flighty, sometimes fickle, and emotional, this is a time of sensitivity and awareness. Fertility spells and love rituals are usually very productive when performed under a water moon.

Understanding the different phases of the moon, as well as the astrological signs that it can fall under, can really help you when performing spells and rituals. Just remember that everything works together as one and that you shouldn’t take any aspect of the natural world for granted. By performing a ritual at the right time, you have a better chance of achieving the outcome that you wish for. Of course, it’s not always possible to wait for the “right time” and in that case, we do what we can, when we can.

You might have heard that it’s better to be in the country than in the city-that the city lights can moot the power of the moon. Well, there might be a little truth to that in that sometimes the moon can be hard to see for the smog and the glare, but remember that it’s always there-whether you can see it or not. There is some comfort in that.

Brightest blessings,

Rose Ariadne
Your Warm and Caring “Resident Witch In Charge”