Moon phases can actually play a pretty big role in our witchy practices. Whether it be for charging crystals, rituals, dedications, or just soaking up energy, the moon definitely affects us. 

The New Moon

Typically, the New Moon is seen as a time for new beginnings and optimism. A lot of people use it as a fresh start. As an example, if you want to start going on a walk every morning, the best time to implement that habit would be under the new moon. 

If you’re still kind of confused, but like Twilight, I can provide you with a half-decent example. The book New Moon (book #2) serves as a new beginning for Edward and Bella. In the end, it shows that Edward is committed to Bella and will never leave her side. 

Yes, I know this is solar eclipse, but this is the only picture that resembled a new moon I could find

The Waxing Moon

The waxing moon symbolizes the growth of energy leading up to the full moon. It is a time for creativity and working towards your goals and/or aspirations. This is also a good time for making intentions that will be released during the full moon. 

The Full Moon

The full moon is when energy is at its highest point. It’s great for charging and cleansing things such as crystals. *Just put them on the windowsill and watch the moon do its magic! (Literally!)* The full moon is also good for releasing your wishes and intentions into the universe. 

The Waning Moon

The waning moon is for letting go.  A lot of witches choose to perform banishing spells and rituals at this time. 

(A note about banishing: you don’t just have to banish people, you can banish negativity and false ideas and beliefs too! Additionally, not everyone chooses to banish and that’s perfectly fine too!)

The Moon and Wicca

Many Wiccans (but not all) like to incorporate the moon into their practices. They do this because they worship the goddess, who can be symbolized as the moon. She is typically portrayed to have three forms, the Maiden, the Mother, and the Crone, which all have their places in the lunar cycle. 

The Maiden is represented as the waxing moon, which changes to the Mother once the moon becomes full. During the waxing moon, the Crone is represented. Thus, the cycle begins again once the moon is waxing.  

How do I know which phase is which?

So, now you know the moon phases and their correspondences but you’re having a hard time identifying them. Do not fret, I will save you!

*Disclaimer– these tips are for the Northern Hemisphere. If you are from the Southern Hemisphere just reverse the tips for the waxing and waning moons.

Here are some tips on how to identify each of the phases:

New Moon: In this phase, you cannot see the moon. So, no moon=new moon

Waxing Moon: The moon appears to be growing. This lasts for several days. The light will appear to be on the right side of the moon.

Full Moon: Do I really have to explain this one??? The whole moon appears to be lit up. If you are unsure if the moon is full or waxing, just look it up or instead of asking Amazon Alexa to play Despacito, ask when the next full moon is. Also, you can even download moon phase apps!

Waning Moon: For the beginner, sometimes it can be hard to tell if the moon is waxing or waning. Here is a tip one of my science teachers taught me when the moon is waning the light will be on the left. Wane and left have the same amount of letters, so if the light is on the left, the moon is definitely waning.