Old Grandmother Moon has always been tied to magick, manifestation, and the incredible pull of feminine energy.
Witches know that when you sync your intentions with her cycles, you can tap into that power and bring your desires into reality. And each phase of the Moon offers a different opportunity to cast spells and manifest (or release).
If you’re new to moon magick, it might feel a little overwhelming, but trust me, with a little practice, you’ll soon be harnessing her energy like a pro!
Once you get into a rhythm, aligning your spells with the lunar cycles is easy.
From love and romance to abundance and success, the Moon is a mighty ally when casting the most effective spells you can.
You may also like: How the Moon Phases Affect Your Magic
What are Moon phases?
Moon phases, or lunar phases, are the different ways the Moon shows up in the sky as she orbits the Earth. It takes her about 29.5 days to make the full circle, and during that time, she goes through eight distinct phases — plus an invisible phase most people forget about!
These phases are:
New Moon witchery
The New Moon is when witches sow seeds and set the stage for manifesting spells and rituals. As the Moon fades from total darkness into a thin crescent, it’s a time for fresh starts and new beginnings, and ideal for casting spells to call in your desires.
Now’s the time to get clear on what you want and why you want it. Write it down, feel the excitement of already having it, and let your intention flow (becasue as all good witches know, intention is the basis of everything else)
Here are some examples of how to set an intention:
- Be specific: Instead of “I want to be happy,” try “I intend to find joy and peace every day.”
- Focus on the outcome: Instead of “I want to lose weight,” try “I intend to feel healthy and strong in my body.”
- Use positive language: Instead of “I don’t want stress,” try “I intend to feel calm and centred in all I do.”
- Align with your values: Instead of “I need more money,” try “I intend to attract wealth through work that aligns with my heart’s calling.”
Also, show gratitude! Be thankful for what you already have, and Life will send more your way.
Also read: How to Set Super-Effective Intentions
Magick Misfiring?
Your spells should be working – here’s what’s stopping them!
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Waxing crescent Moon witchery
The waxing crescent phase is when the Moon starts to grow. If you didn’t get your intention set on the New Moon, don’t worry, you can still sow seeds of intent here!
This phase is all about momentum. It’s time to get moving, make plans, and take small action steps toward your goal. Begin weaving your intention into your daily life with micro spells and rituals, and the energy of the waxing Moon will fuel your forward movement.
Read these posts for rituals to perform during this motivational phase:
And if you really want to supercharge your witchcraft, you might want to consider calling in one of the maiden Moon goddesses to oversee and support your work.
First quarter Moon manifesting
The First Quarter Moon is when things get real!
It’s a time of growth, but also tension. You might face some challenges or feel like you have to adjust your approach… but don’t back down! This phase is all about expansion and overcoming obstacles.
Use witchcraft to move through blocks and summon courage. Strengthening spells and motivation magick are ideal at this time.
Waxing gibbous Moon witchery
The waxing gibbous phase is where lunar energy really ramps up.
At this point, the Moon’s power is almost at its peak, and you’ll likely feel like things are falling into place.
This is the perfect time to manifest something big, with bold spells and ambitious magick. Go all in on your goals and don’t be afraid to dream big.
If things aren’t aligning perfectly, don’t give up – it may be a sign you need to tweak your plans, and trust that Life is working alongside you. Try divination, as a way to figure out exactly what’s needed next.
Full Moon witchery
The Full Moon is the apex of manifestation and creativity.
This is when the Moon’s energy is at its strongest, and it’s a powerful time for you to cast spells that bring abundance and illumination into your life.
Reflect on everything you’re grateful for, and visualise even more coming your way.
This phase is all about attraction, so keep your magick focused on gratitude and magnetism!
Also, any blocks or limiting beliefs that have been holding you back may show up now, and it’s important not to be afraid to face them head-on and release them.
Perform a full moon manifesting ritual to help you connect with the Moon’s energy in a more profound way.
Love the full Moon? Also check out these related articles…
Waning gibbous Moon witchery
As the Moon’s light begins to wane, the waning gibbous phase is a time for reflection.
Witches use this time to look back over the past few weeks and what manifested, and what didn’t… and why. It’s not a time to beat yourself up, though, be gentle with yourself as you explore what might have blocked your desires.
Use this phase for self-discovery and gentle course correction.
Also read: 10 Transformative Tips for Connecting with Waning Gibbous Moon Astrology
Magick Misfiring?
Your spells should be working – here’s what’s stopping them!
Get your free copy of 10 Reasons Your Spell Isn’t Working and learn how to fine-tune your craft.
Last quarter Moon witchery
The last quarter moon brings more tension and introspection, but this time, it’s calling you to let go. It’s time toaddress any hard truths, then clear the way and make space.
You need deep honesty with yourself, because without it, the waters will be muddy and your spells and rituals are unlikely to yield clean results. Ask:
- What do I need to release?
- What negative habits or beliefs are holding me back?
- What do I need to stop blaming others for and take responsibility for myself?
Journaling can help you gain clarity and release what no longer serves you, making space for new magic to unfold.
If you want to perform rituals, as a way to be held through these waning phases and invite a little spiritual spark into your reflection and release, read these posts:
Waning crescent Moon witchery
The Waning Crescent is a quiet, introspective time.
FOr witches, it’s the perfect for shadow work that leads to clarity and focus.
This phase invites you to do the inner work needed to release old patterns, wounds, and limitations that are keeping you from creating and aligning with the life you really want.
Connect with your deeper self and take time for intuitive insights. As the Moon prepares to start her new cycle, you’ll find that the clarity you gain now will fuel your next round of creativity.
Want to know how? Get this guide today – the Moon and the Shadow
Dark Moon witchery
I had to include this phase of the Moon cycle, yet the truth is I don’t recommend intentionally trying to manifest OR release at this phase.
The dark Moon represents the void, the liminal, and the betwixt and between when all and nothing is possible. It is the mysterious time in the entire Moon cycle, best suited for dropping deep into the arms of the great dark Mother.
At this final phase, let go of your need to try, to push, to know.
Rest back.
Surrender.
You may also like: 13 Ways to Tap into Dark Feminine Energy
Moon manifestation using the zodiac signs
Each Moon phase happens under a specific zodiac sign, and each sign brings its own energy to your spells.
You can align your witchcraft with the sign’s qualities to boost your intentions:
Aries Moon spells
When the Moon is in Aries, focus on starting things. Set intentions around initiation, motivation, self and self image
Taurus Moon spells
When the Moon is in Taurus, focus on manifesting money, wealth, abundance, and pleasure. Also set intentions involving the body
Gemini Moon spells
When the Moon moves through the sign of Gemini, focus your manifestation on making connections. Also on communication, ideas, socialising, and making things happen at speed
Cancer Moon spells
A new or full Moon in Cancer pulls focus towards the emotiona reslms. You may feel more sensitive, so be gentle with yourself. Set intentions around mothering, your family, and the home.
Leo Moon spells
A Leo Moon tends to amplify issues and desires around self esteem, self expression, confidence, creativity.
Virgo Moon spells
When the Moon transits detail oriented Virgo, your daily habits, and health will take the limelight. Skills of organization, efficiency and problem solving also tend to get a boost.
Libra Moon spells
A Libra Moon calls our attention to balance, beauty and order, as well as justice, fairness and equality. Focus intentions on any areas of you life where you feel these are lacking.
Scorpio Moon spells
A Scorpio Moon will circle around sex, money, power, shadow, and taboos. Usually this Moon holds a lot of weight, and can activate high emotions, so take care.
Sagittarius Moon spells
Sagittarius new and Full Moons bring the focus to travel and adventure, making this a gret time to plan a getaway! Also the stories we tell ourselves, as well as issues of justice law and order.
Capricorn Moon spells
A Capricorn Moon transit is a great time to focus your intentions on structure, strategy, your career path, and legacy you want to leave. Also ancestral work can be beneficial.
Aquarius Moon spells
As an air sign, Aquarius Moons are good for new ideas and concepts, especially those focusing on community and the greater good. Also technology and visions for the future.
Pisces Moon spells
As the last sign in the zodiac, Pisces can feel all encompasing, and often offers a wonderful opportunity to look back on the entire lunar year. Also use this lunar month to set spiritual goals around the unconscious, oneness, intuition, and your connection to the divine.
Magick Misfiring?
Your spells should be working – here’s what’s stopping them!
Get your free copy of 10 Reasons Your Spell Isn’t Working and learn how to fine-tune your craft.
Is it okay to cast spells during a lunar eclipse?
Is it okay to practice any kind of witchcraft under a lunar eclipse? The short answer is NO!
The energy of eclipses tends to be too erratic to direct cleanly and effectively, making witchcraft risky.
WIthout realising it, your intentions can be skewed, and your willpower scattered. PLUS, there are so many unknowns being revealed under eclipse energy that it’s usually much wiser to let the dust settle before anchoring yourself onto one single desired outcome.
Read more: Exactly Why You Shouldn’t Try to Manifest During a Lunar Eclipse
Is it okay to cast spells during a blue Moon?
Yes, you can cast spells under a blue Moon because its energy is really just the same as any other Full Moon.
A blue Moon is the second Full Moon in a single calendar month. So the only thing that makes it different is how it sits within the Gregorian calendar.
As you continue to practice lunar witchcraft, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things. You may find that certain rituals resonate more with you than others, or that your practice evolves over time.
The key is to stay open, stay curious, and stay connected to the magic of the Moon… she’ll guide you if ever you get lost.
Now dive deeper with one of these related articles…
