Moon Lore

Magick in the Moon
I am the daughter of Earth and Water
and the nursling of the sky;
I pass through the pores of the ocean and shores
I change, but I cannot die.

---Percy Bysshe Shelley

The ancients believed that Witches received power from the moon. This idea may have started in Greece, where Hecate (the goddess of the Underworld and the moon) was the patroness of Witches. Whatever the reason, while the Wiccan Wheel commemorates the movement of the sun, and the seasons of Earth, the moon also figures predominently into magickal rites.

For one thing, may spells and charms include lunar timing as part of their instructions, according to either the moon's phase or its placement among the stars. Second, Esbats, which come between the Sabbats, are rituals that honour the moon's cycles and symbolism. The most frequently observed Esbats are those of the Full Moon and Dark Moon.

As the moon waxes, it represents the Maiden brimming with potential. Wiccans use this phase of the moon to accent spells and rituals for growth, opportunity, cultivating skills or attributes, and improved productivity. As it reaches fullness, it is the Mother--the giver of life and creative power. This phase is suitd to magick for accomplishment, completing projects, personal development, and both literal and figurative fertility.

In waning, the moon becomes the Crone, an astute guide to the great mysteries. Throughout this phase the moon slowly shrinks to darkness--a symbolic three-day death--only to be reborn again. Magick during this phase focuses on banishing our shadows, protection, and manifesting wisdom and maturity.

Besides this basic symbolism, each month's moons--both full and dark--were named by the ancients. These names can give your lunar observations throughout the year a unique focus, if you so choose. Beginning in January, the full Wof Moon's theme is how to tenaciously search out what we need. The dark Quiet Moon reveals the value of silence and contemplation.

Come February, the Storm Moon turns our attention onto the light around that helps guide us through difficult times. The dark Hunger Moon gives us pause to be grateful for what we have, and for Earth's providence. In March, the full Plow Moon gives us illumination with which to cultivate our spirits, and the dark Seed Moon provides the time to plant the attributes necessary to a growing soul. Other names to consider for focal points in your lunar observation include:

April...Full Moon...Budding Moon (growth)...Dark Moon...Planting Moon (sowing)

May...Full Moon...Mother's Moon (Goddess)...Dark Moon...Ninth Moon (fulfillment)

June...Full Moon...Mead Moon (grace)...Dark Moon...Strawberry Moon (abundance)

July...Full Moon...Claiming Moon (affirmation)...Dark Moon...Blessing Moon (Divine favour)

August...Full Moon...Dispute Moon (ending anger)...Dark Moon...Harvest Moon (reaping rewards)

September...Full Moon...Wine Moon (celebration)...Dark Moon...Singing Moon (sounds and silences)

October...Full Moon...Blood Moon (life's energy)...Dark Moon...Falling Leaf Moon (cycles)

November...Full Moon...Morning Moon (beginnings)...Dark Moon...Dead Moon (banishing)

December...Full Moon...Oak Moon (Nature's lessons)...Snow Moon...(rest)