Many Wiccans observe the cycles of the Moon, often meeting on Full Moons (Esbats) and working with the different phases of the Moon when undertaking magical workings. The Moon can also provide a source of beauty and inspiration, as well as a focus for meditation and reflection.
Whilst Wiccans often associate the God with the Sun, the Moon is associated with the Goddess. In some Wiccan traditions, the Goddess is understood through the different stages of the lunar cycle, represented as Maiden, Mother and Crone. Some women also make a connection between the lunar cycle and their own menstrual cycle.
There are many specific Moon Goddesses, such as Luna and Diana from the Roman pantheon, and Selene and Artemis from the Greek pantheon. Wiccans may choose to work with individual Moon Goddesses depending on their own tradition, beliefs or personal practice.
Why does the Moon appear to change shape?
The Moon does not actually change shape during the lunar cycle. What changes is how much of the Moon’s sunlit side we can see from Earth. As the Moon travels around the Earth, the Sun illuminates different parts, creating the different phases we see in the night sky.
When the Moon is between the Earth and the Sun, the side facing us is largely unlit and we have a New Moon. As the Moon moves around the Earth, more of its illuminated side becomes visible and it begins to wax, eventually reaching the Full Moon when we can see almost the whole of the sunlit side. The Moon then begins to wane as the amount of illuminated Moon we can see decreases, returning once again to the New Moon.
This complete cycle takes around 29.5 days and is known as a lunar or synodic month. For many Wiccans, this repeating cycle provides a natural rhythm for magical work, reflection, growth and release.
The Dark Moon
The Dark Moon is the period just before the New Moon, when the Moon is not visible in the night sky. In some Wiccan traditions, this is considered a time for rest, turning inwards and slowing down. You may naturally find that your energy levels are lower and that you feel more inclined to reflect and retreat before the New Moon that follows.
The term “Dark Moon” is not used in exactly the same way by all traditions, and some people use it to describe the New Moon itself.
The New Moon
The New Moon is a time for setting intentions, starting a new project or undertaking magic to attract, manifest or support new plans. It can be a good time for spell work connected with new beginnings. There is often a sense of potential and purpose building as the Moon begins to wax.
The Waxing Moon
As the Moon grows towards fullness, this is the proactive part of the cycle: a time for action, energy and doing. Any work connected with goals set or magic begun under the New Moon can be developed and built upon during this phase.
The waxing Moon is often associated with growth, attraction, increase and bringing things towards you.
The Full Moon
The Full Moon is the stage of the lunar cycle when Wiccans typically meet for their Esbats (see also Understanding Esbats).
You may have seen that Full Moons have traditional names such as ‘Buck Moon’ or ‘Strawberry Moon’. These names are often connected with what is happening in nature or the seasons. For example, the Flower Moon is traditionally associated with May and the abundance of spring flowers.
The Moon will be in a particular zodiac sign at the time of a Full Moon, so you may hear people discussing a Full Moon in Capricorn or Leo, for example. In astrology, these signs can be used to add another layer of meaning to magical work. A Full Moon in Capricorn, for instance, might be associated with themes such as career, ambition, responsibility and long-term goals.
Magically, the Full Moon is often associated with completion, culmination and abundance, making it a time to celebrate achievements and recognise how far you have come. As the Moon moves into its waning phase, magic connected with releasing, banishing or letting go may be considered particularly appropriate.
Some Wiccans cleanse their crystals, magical tools and/or divination equipment in the light of the Full Moon. Some also collect ‘Moon water’ to use in spell work, ritual or other magical practices.
The Waning Moon
The waning Moon is a time for letting go, releasing and removing things that are no longer needed. Any magic of this nature begun at the Full Moon can continue through the waning phase.
The waning Moon is often associated with reducing, banishing, protection, breaking habits and creating space for something new. Energy levels may also feel lower compared with the dynamic, proactive energy associated with the waxing part of the cycle.
As with many aspects of Wicca, lunar correspondences vary between traditions and individual practitioners. You may find different associations, timings and magical practices depending on the tradition you follow or the way you personally work with the Moon.