How to Work Magic with the Phases of the Moon

A quick guide to the unique energetic properties of each moon phase for spells, rituals, and all your magical work.

The following excerpt was adapted from my book, You Are Magical.

A worker of magic seeks to be a masterful captain of a ship on the sea of time, watching the sky, the water, and the wind in order to safely steer to her destination while enjoying every second of the ride. Naturally, you can enhance the effectiveness of your spells and rituals by choosing an auspicious time to perform them.

If time is like a drumbeat, then the phases of the moon are like a melody: a repetitive, mellifluous sequence of notes that cyclically rise and fall. To get in the habit of being aware of the current moon phase in order to align the moon’s timing with your magical work, I highly recommend getting an almanac that provides each day’s moon phase and sign. Llewellyn’s Magical Almanac and Llewellyn’s Witches’ Calendar are good choices, or you can also find comprehensive moon information online, for example on the site lunarium.co.uk.

The energies associated with each phase of the moon are as follows.

The New Moon

The new moon is the dawn of a fresh cycle. It’s perfect for setting new intentions and beginning new projects. It’s an appropriate time to work magic for fresh beginnings and the expansion of new conditions.

For example, at the new moon, attract a new love, manifest a new job, discover a new career path, or bless a new home with these 4 Spells for New Beginnings.

The Waxing Moon Phase

The waxing moon is a time when energy is expanding and momentum is building. It’s a time for magic related to increasing and attracting desired conditions.

For example, while the moon is waxing, draw wealth with one of these 9 money charms, or perform a simple candle spell to attract something you desire.

The Full Moon

The full moon holds great power because the lunar cycle has reached its climax. Any magic performed during this time will be supercharged with heightened energy. The full moon is perfect for magic related to blessing, empowering, and summoning conditions you desire.

For example, at the full moon, perform a thorough home blessing or do this full moon ritual to attract all wonderful things.

The Waning Moon Phase

The waning moon lends power to banish, reduce, diminish, and cleanse. The lunar cycle’s energy is dissipating and unwinding, so it’s powerful for magic related to letting go of conditions you no longer desire.

For example, while the moon is waning, clear negativity out of your life or reduce challenges related to another person with one of these 5 karma-friendly alternatives to curses or hexes.

The Dark Moon

The dark moon – the day before the new moon – is the silence between the notes, or the moment after you exhale but before you inhale. It’s a time of profound stillness and rest. Its magical energies can be channeled toward deep inner work, healing, cleansing, and releasing.

For example, on the dark moon, cleanse your aura with one of these 10 techniques, break a hex or a curse, or clear negativity out of your life for good with one of these 7 techniques.

Align with the rhythm of the moon, own your power, and work your magic with mastery.

Did you use the information in this post to time your magic with the phases of the moon? How did it go?

You may also like this post about How to Attune to the Energy of the Day.