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In
many religions in early times, the moon became a symbol, and even the
home of the many gods and goddesses that dwelt in the otherworlds.
Today,
based on many centuries of practice and understanding of the divine, the
pagan religion maintain a strong side with the moon and all her phases.
Each phase of the moon has its own individual designation of the triple
goddess.
The waxing
moon. The growth into a full moon is termed as the maiden.
The full
moon is designated as the mother because of its fullness, power and it
is representative of fertility.
The waxing
moon is known as the crone or wise woman, she is represented as the aged
mature being, rich with knowledge and experience.
The mother.... the
maiden.... the crone
 Not
all pagan beliefs see the moon in the same light. There are some
who look upon the Moon is a bad omen, or say that no magic will be
performed on the dark or waning moon. They are of the opinion that
the new Moon is a sign of changes, and even of bad luck.
But as the
moon has her light and dark side so do we all! To tap into both
sides and to achieve a balance, one must embrace all aspects of the
goddess or moon phases.
Many
Goddesses were associated with the moon in ancient beliefs, and for some
still are!
Diana,
Isis and others were most known for the fall or waxing phase of the
moon.
Cerridwen,
Hecate and the Hag were known as symbols of the dark Moon or waning
phase of the moon.
In some
beliefs and traditions the waxing to the full moon was ideal for magical
activities, the waning phase was ideal for banishing meditation and
divination. The new Moon was not to be used for anything.. a time
of rest and reflection.
The Moon is a powerful symbol in
the sacred tarot also. The moon stands for deceit, occult forces
or psychic ability, and can also indicate secrets or hidden facts which
are coming forward or overcoming one's own problems by using one's own
innate psychic abilities.
In astrology, the moon also has
a strong impact on the other signs in which one was born.
In some societies the stages of
the moon are taken into account during planting and harvesting of crops,
In our own western society this was so up to perhaps 60 years ago!
Perhaps something that we should consider exploring again.
Although we usually
know generally speaking what phase the moon is in at any particular
time, what we don't always realise is how much we are influenced by the
powers of lunar energies and how they affect our lives.
In the pagan calendar (which
is both Wiccan and Celtic) not only are the eights Sabbats and holy days
of worship acknowledged but also with the Wheel of the Seasons and 13
full moon phases, one every 28 1/4 days.
Moon Cycle Stages
| Moon stage |
Uses |
Explanation |
| waxing moon |
fertility magic, health magic,
planting herbs, new beginnings. |
the waxing moon goes from black
(new) to full. As the moon grows, she will have a magnetic
pull on all things, and will strengthen their energies. |
| waning moon |
undoing magic, ongoing
magic, banishing, backing away, separations and
eliminations, reconstructions. Best time to gather herbs and
flowers |
the waning moon is
from full to black (new) this is the time for ending
relationships with unwanted partners or situations. This is
the time for the inward journey of self and preparing for
rebirth |
| Full moon |
high tide of psychic powers and
abilities, perception and divinations. Helpful time in all
types of magic and where power is needed most. |
this is a powerful time where
energy is in abundance. Magical rites are amplified as
energy is in its zenith. Formal magic works best in a
seven-day cycle Around the full moon, three days before the
night of the full moon, and three days afterwards. |
| Black (new) moon |
no magic should be performed on a
new moon. This is the time of rest. |
this is a powerful and still time,
we respect the moon's cycle and the power she instilled by
resting on the black moon |
Each full moon has a
traditional title in both the Wiccan and the Celtic calendar.
| Month |
Celtic moon |
Wiccan moon |
phase |
| January |
quiet moon |
Wolf moon |
dark half Moon |
| February |
moon of ice |
storm moon |
dark half Moon |
| March |
moon of winds |
chaste moon |
dark half Moon |
| April |
growing moon |
seed moon |
light half Moon |
| May |
bright moon |
hare moon |
light half Moon |
| June |
moon of horses |
dyad moon |
light half Moon |
| July |
moon of claiming |
mead moon |
light half Moon |
| August |
moon of dispute |
wyrt moon |
light half Moon |
| September |
singing Moon |
barley moon |
light half Moon |
| October |
harvest Moon |
blue moon |
dark half Moon |
| November |
dark moon |
snow moon |
dark half Moon |
| December |
cold moon |
oak moon |
dark half Moon |
When two full moons occur in the same
month, the second moon is called a ' blue Moon'
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