Understanding the magical energies that abound during the different phases of the moon can greatly enhance your magical workings.  This section has been written by Ravenia.  There are eight different phases recognized:
 

  New Moon

At the beginning of the Moon's cycle, she slowly emerges from under the Sun,
where she has been resting and gathering energy for the coming cycle.  From
0 degrees to 44 degrees in her zodiac cycle, the New Moon celebrates the
rebirth of light, just as we celebrate the same at the Sabbat of Yule.

  Cresent Moon

In the Crescent Moon phase (45-89 degrees), she appears in the sky like a
slim harvest sickle.  Her curve mimics the round belly of the capital letter
D.  WIth the faintest of light in the sky, this Moon is "poised for action",
energizing new projects with fresh power, and offering new challenges.  This
phase is related to the Sabbat of Imbolc.

  First Quarter Moon

Seven days after the New Moon, the First Quarter Moon (90 degrees to 134
degrees) can add balance and considerable magick to projects that burgeon
with life.  This waxing position is the time to plant seeds, (whether they
be actual seeds or metaphors for seeds).  You'll feel the drive to get a
move on, to let go fo the past, and be aggressive in working new spells.
Half of the Moon is light, and half is dark, just like the Spring Equinox
which divides the solar day into equal parts of light and dark.

  Gibbous Moon

As the Moon moves from maiden to mother (135-179 degrees), it is time to
evaluate the new growth, eliminating what doesn't work and finding more
successful ways of doing things. Refine goals and prepare for the work of
the Full Moon.  The Gibbous Moon indicates that the most powerful time for
magick is about to peak.  This phase is related to the Sabbat of Beltane.

  Full Moon

The Full Moon (180-224 degrees) reflects the glowing glory of the Sun,
lighting the night for ritual and other tasks.  Crystals, herbs, and oils
bathed and blessed in this Moon's light will be energized and ready to
dedicate for Craft work.  Consolidate efforts to move toward completion in
short-term projects.  This is the last of the big energy in this cycle
available for growth, but major undertakings can still aggressively be set
in motion.  This Moon corresponds with the Sabbat of Midsummer (or Summer
Solstice).

  Disseminating  Moon

The Disseminating Moon (225-269 degrees) indicates that it's time to start
drawing in; the project set in motion at the New Moon is maturing.  Diets
and other work of "letting go" can properly be started now with the waning
Moon.  As the Moon starts to shrink, the side with the rounded curve of the
letter D loses light and the visible curve now faces the other way, shaped
like a C. This phase relates to the Sabbat of Lammas.

  Third Quarter Moon

The Third Quarter Moon (270-314 degrees) is symbolic of the crone- wise and
still very powerful, but no longer round and fertile for new growth.    This
Mabon Moon ideal for banishing work, expelling illness, negative thoughts
and bad habits.  Now is the time to weed and prune in your life and in the
garden.  As the work started at the New Moon crystallizes in it's completion
you are already able to feel the approach of a new cycle.

  Balsamic Moon

The Balsamic Moon (315-360 degrees) provides the three and a half days when
you can best go inside yourself to search out what drives your passions and
dislikes, so that you can understand them and let go.  This is a powerful
Moon for divination work, this is the phase that relates directly to the
Sabbat of Samhain.

  Dark Moon

The Dark Moon is not considered an actual phase of the Moon, as she isn't
visible at this time.  Howver, it must be mentioned here as it is a part of
the lunar cycle.  For three and a half days the sky is black while the Moon
gathers strength and lays the foundation to implement new ideas.  It occurs
just before the beginning of the next Lunar cycle.  Then it all begins again
with the New Moon phase!
 
 
 
 

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