Applying the Moon cycle

(Image: NASA, 1992)

The Moon is the ruler of water, and has a major role in the natural life we know. She has influence over the tides and plants, she stabilizes Earth’s tilt and rotation, affecting both the seasons of the year and our whole day system. She also has a say in our own organisms, by regulating our sleep and other functions. Nowadays, we live in a Sun-ruled world. Our calendars are based around the Sun, and we’re expected to work like the Sun: stable and non-changing, but we’re not only affected by the Sun, are we? This is a guide to incorporate the Moon’s energy in our lives by learning how to flow with her.

     The main indicator to work with the Moon is its phases, which I’m sure we’re all aware of. We begin our cycle with the New Moon or the Dark Moon, which is surprisingly well documented in the witch world, and magically we say it lasts three days (the day before, the day of the New Moon and the day after). Then we head to the Waxing Moon, a period of growth and accumulation of energy, leading up to the Full Moon, where the Moon’s energy is at its maximum potential. Lastly, we have the Waning Moon, a period of shedding and rest. We can pair these phases with the seasons as well, with the New Moon being Winter, the Waxing phase being Spring, the Full Moon as Summer, and the Waning Moon as Fall. These periods are sometimes referred to as tides, as the energy ebb and flow in our lives, making changes while they move. Working with these tides gives us a chance to respect our own rhythms and the pace of nature herself, as well as making our lives easier since we’re not forcing Earth to give us anything when she doesn’t want to, which is crucial for being a witch, as a nature-based practice.

     Flowing with the tides of the Moon is a form of respect, both to ourselves and nature. By following a Sun-paced calendar and rhythm, we’re ignoring very important aspects that make us human, because we’re not meant to be productive 100% of the time. When ancient peoples were living in an agricultural-based society, we were following these rhythms. We didn’t need to work on the fields the whole year eight hours a day, because we depended on the Earth cycles, which are also not that constant. We worked hard in the Spring and Summer, we had our harvests in the Fall, and in Winter we rested. Some days would have more work to do, others would be slower, our sleep cycles respected our own needs, even our diet was adapted to what we felt like eating that day, and this is living in a Moon-based society, it’s a respect to the natural cycles, which is what the Moon is all about. In the modern world, we have everything we want to eat in the palm of our hands, no matter what season. We need to work our 9 to 5’s and not miss a single day without paying for it, while having our sleep regulated with the capital world and not even knowing how to keep a cactus alive. We call this a huge progress, but considering how tired and poorly nourished we are, how the Earth is suffering and responding with a climate crisis and how out of tune we are with our own bodies and our surroundings, is this really the life we should be living? So this is where this guide enters, and while we can’t really follow a full agricultural and moon calendar, this is an adaptation to our world in a practical way for you to find some peace in the chaos.

New Moon

     The New Moon marks a period of darkness, and it’s the beginning of the cycle. Plantwise, it’s when the energy of the plant is on its roots, making a good moment to harvest what it’s under the soil or to plant seedlings, while our own energy runs a bit lower in these three days (and you may even feel sleepy, or notice this on animals). Think of a seed who’s under the ground, waiting to sprout, this is the energy we’re talking about. Some witches will affirm that during this period it’s not wise to do spellwork since we don’t have the protection of the moon, while others will say that it’s useful to start new projects, and some love this phase for baneful workings or protection since you’ll be working in complete darkness, not to be perceived. Personally, I find the New Moon a great moment to stay quiet with my own mind to plan the next cycle, and if needed, this is when I do my unbinding workings, as well as protection and grounding. New Moons are very powerful no matter how you’ll use them or how you personally process this energy, since as many may not know, the New Moon also rises the ocean tides. It's not up to me to decide that for you, but I advise you to take at least the first day of the New Moon to really rest and protect your energy, and the following two days to do your workings and planning.

Waxing Moon

     While the Moon is growing, you may slowly feel your personal energy increasing. The plants are beginning to move their energy to their leaves, and animals may slowly become more active. If you don’t have a moon calendar on hand, you can check the phase by its shape. If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, the Moon will take a D shape, while in the Southern Hemisphere it will look like a C (the classic crescent moon shape). Generally speaking, the first half of the Waxing Moon (up to the first quarter) is to build momentum, to set your manifestations in the universe and begin new projects, new love, or anything you’ll want to start in this cycle that you previously set on the New Moon. After the first quarter, it’s advisable to take care of your projects and tackle any obstacles in your way, while still a great place to set your constructive spells (such as bringing in things or encouraging success).

Full Moon

     The Full Moon is the peak of the Moon’s energy, the moment of fulfillment, wholeness and completion. The plants have its energy stored in the leaves, flowers and fruits, being a good time to harvest those. You may feel a bit insomniac at this moment, and animals may seem very agitated. The Full Moon can be used for several purposes, such as charging things (or yourself) with the Moon’s energy, lighter cleansings, manifestations, fertility, or even illusionary spells such as glamour magic. Full Moons, like the New Moons, are very powerful, but in their own way, and it’s the moment where we have the Moon’s full potential.

Waning Moon

     Finally as the moon wanes, you’re slowly letting go of all the accumulations built up during the Moon cycle, as our personal energy is waning as well. After the completion of the Full Moon, this is the period that feels like sitting on your sofa after a deep cleaning of your whole house. This is when we take our rest, which is the key aspect we miss in our current world and it’s also the biggest act of resistance we can make. Take this moment to be a little quieter, to take it slow, so you can evaluate what needs to go and what stays in the next cycle. It’s a period of reflection, and magic-wise it’s a good period for destructive magic (not necessarily baneful, it just means they release instead of attracting). Do your cord-cuttings, banishings, your unbindings or protection at this moment, as it’s the period of reclusion.

     With this guide in hands I hope it makes it easier for you to incorporate the Moon in your life, as she teaches us about the ebb and flow, of going with the current instead of swimming against it, and she will be glad to see you respecting that as well. Feel free to adapt it as you may.